East Myroch

Explorer Tom Chipperdingan at New England Bay is a medieval chapel that might be, a farmstead from the 1800s, and a holy well that possibly exists. The rabbits there are absolutely convinced it’s a five-star resort for their knees. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Myroch Hill is basically a ditch on a hill, which sounds like a bad joke but it's actually a historic landmark, so respect is due. If Saint Patrick had seen this, he would have probably just dug another one next to it because that’s how you get things done. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom West Myroch hosted a dance where everyone forgot how to stop waltzing and ended up in the hedge. It’s a farmstead that has seen it all but refuses to tell the full story. The farmland around it looks like it’s been waiting for a tractor that never comes. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom New England Bay might be a fish trap, but a goat once ruled the whole bay. The fish were too scared to swim past its whiskers. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Logan Botanic Garden has somehow persuaded Scotland's far south-west to dress for a warmer continent. Palms, tree ferns and plants from the southern hemisphere flourish where a visitor might reasonably expect a stiff Atlantic breeze. The trick is its sheltered position and a mild maritime climate; the gardeners, of course, have done rather more work than the weather gets credit for. The garden began in 1869 and joined the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1969. Across roughly fifteen acres it gathers plants from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas. Its avenues and borders show what can grow in this unusual corner of Galloway. The Logan Conservatory shelters particularly tender South African plants behind glass, while outdoors the planting makes a walk feel like a series of small surprises. Follow a path around a bend and you may find yourself arguing with a palm tree about which country you are in. This is also a living scientific collection. The plants matter for research and conservation as well as a good photograph. Give the labels a glance: they reveal just how far some seeds travelled before settling near Port Logan. Then look beyond the beds to the local landscape and remember that the garden's setting is part of its success. The garden has seasonal opening and charges admission. Severe wind can close it at short notice; the garden has announced a closure for 24 and 25 October 2026, with reopening planned for the following Monday. Check its live notice before travelling. When the gates are open, take the slow route through the grounds. Even the hardiest Scottish visitor deserves to be surprised by a tree fern.

Explorer Tom Logan Botanic Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway is hosting a medieval tower house that seems to be having a quiet divorce from its modern garden neighbours. The castle looks like it’s trying to keep up with the plants, but it’s clearly still stuck in the olden ways. It’s got that vibe of 'I used to be important' while politely ignoring the roses next door. Best visited with a curious kid and no ti