There are many reasons to visit and explore Newtown Stewart, from its stunning setting on the River Cree with hills, coast and forests close by; its host of independent shops, eateries, and attractions including cinema, museum, arts centre, and distillery, to its vibrant festival scene, and great community spirit which always ensures a warm welcome
Described as the ‘Gateway to the Galloway hills’, Newton Stewart is at the heart of glorious Galloway, sandwiched between the Machars and Solway Coast and the vast Galloway Forest Park.
With a rich history, dating to the mid-17th Century - when the “new town of Stewart” was founded by William Stewart, youngest son of the 2nd Earl of Galloway, and granted burgh status by charter from King Charles II - and links to Robert the Bruce, who, centuries earlier is said to have forded the river where the Cree Bridge now stands, Newton Stewart has a passionate community of can-do people at its heart, striving to make it the best the town it can be for residents, and to ensure it always remains a magnet for visitors.
Those passionate about making the most of Dumfries & Galloway’s enviable food and drink larder can learn how to create culinary masterpieces themselves at Penninghame Cooking School, while those who love live music and entertainment will be in heaven at The Vault Arts Centre, and movie-goers can enjoy big screen action in style at the town’s beautiful, community-owned art deco cinema.
The town’s packed programme of events also includes Galloway Music Festival in March, Newton Stewart Walking Festival in May, and Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival in July.
“The folk - friendly and welcoming. The scenery: ‘Gateway to The Galloway Hills’ is an accurate description of the town, nestling as it does, in the valley of the River Cree. The ambience of the town: it’s busy and bustling yet quiet and relaxed, all at the same.
“It’s a centre for sporting activities: fishing, country sports, cycling and mountain biking, hill walking, golf, football (for men, women, and youngsters with Galloway Thistle.)
“The social life: the hostelries are lively and welcoming, busy at weekends with music, darts, pool, and folk enjoying themselves.
“It’s a busy shopping tow, with three supermarkets plus various other shops offering everything from pet supplies to pullovers and toys to trinkets.
“The River Cree: flowing beneath the John Rennie constructed road bridge (1813) then over the bubbling weir. It’s home to salmon, trout and sea trout, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and occasional otters.
“It also has an efficient, enthusiastic local organisation striving to improve the wellbeing of the town - Newton Stewart Initiative.”
“Newton Stewart was in the need of a lift so every year since we have put up hanging baskets outside businesses on the main street, almost 80 this year.”
The 22-strong group also plant and maintain planters on each entrance to the town and the main street, and three local public gardens and counteract vandalism with tidy ups and more planting.
Laura is also part of the driving force, with Shirley Cronnie and Una Jolly of the Newton Stewart Christmas Lights Group, which brings festive cheer.
“Visitors like our wee town and they always comment how nice it would be to live here. Although there are some empty shops, there’s still a variety of businesses. And there’s always plenty to do here,” Laura says.
Roseanne Lowther of Inspirations came back home – she was born on the outskirts of the town – with a wealth of management experience in the clothing industry and opened Inspirations, originally selling clothes and needlecraft items on Victoria Street, later moving to bigger premises, and expanding her range over the years to meet demand. After 34 years Inspirations continues to evolve.
Roseanne says: “The two most important factors in my business are my staff, who all live locally; and customers who travel from the various towns, villages and farms in south west Scotland.
“I live above the shop, a few yards from a Post Office, supermarket, bakers, outdoor shop, estate agents etc. I enjoy pottering on my roof garden, from where I have lovely views of Cairnsmore, a prominent picturesque local hill.
“Tourists are attracted to the area because of the scenery and outdoor pursuits such as hillwalking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and golf.
On rainy days, go to the museum, where the volunteers will amaze you with their local knowledge. There’s the cinema for evening entertainment, and The Vault Arts Centre is worth a visit, not least because of the live music. I genuinely love Newton Stewart and I'm sure that when you visit our town, you will love it, too."
The team of says: “We see ourselves as not just an accountancy practice in Newton Stewart, but part of the wider community. Newton Stewart is a lovely town with lots to offer especially beautiful surrounding countryside offering great walks and many other sporting activities. The town itself is lovely to visit boasting many shops, a cinema and of course, lovely people.”
