SW Scotland holiday, any recommendations?

[FlatPeach]

We have a holiday booked in a couple of weeks, 2 adults and 1 DC age 6, approx 20 mins from Castle Douglas staying on the coast.

I'd love to hear any suggestions of must sees or lovely quiet beaches to explore I haven't visited since I was a small child

Cocoa factory at kirkcudbright
cream o Galloway ice cream place
and the best beach is Sandyhills

After dark go up into the hills to see the amazing night sky away from any street lights etc. It's an amazing sight.

Second the cocoa bean factory

Caerlaverock castle is really interesting

We liked Threave Castle - it's on an island so you have to get on a wee boat to go over to it.

Google core paths Dumfries and Galloway for some fantastic walks.
There are some fantastic beaches along the coastline opposite kippford ..deserted . White sand..blue sea etc.
Galloway Forest Park... Glentrool is amazing .
For ice cream ..cream o galloway
Gather near mossyard for food
The beach at mossyard is nice but a complete tourist trap.
So much to explore
For kids I'd recommend looking at. Treasure trails online to download.

The dark sky park is a must at clatteringshaws loch area in the dark.
The otters pool near there off the raiders road too but tends to be v v busy.

Fantastic, thank you so much I'll check them all out.J ust what I was looking for. It has also unlocked a memory of an otter park 30ish years ago, I had totally forgotten about that

There’s Red Kite feeding near to Loch Ken that is fantastic. Something like £5 to sit on the decking and watch the Red Kites being fed.

If you go into Dumfries, your DC would love Dalscone or Mabie Farm Park

Defo Dalscone and Dinoland. You could also maybe check out the aviation museum depending on your interests!

Thanks for the recommendation for Dark Sky Park. DD loves space so I'm sure a late night picnic would be super exciting

So many ideas, thanks all

Bit of a walk - but takes you to a lovely little beach
https://www.kirkennan.co.uk/blog/white-port-beach
Kippford is lovely and you can stop for a drink at The Anchor Hotel. The walk from Kippford to Rockcliffe is lovely.
There is a nice beach at Sandyhills .

@GearChange i would like to second the kite feeding - but can I add that there are absolutely loads of them all sweeping around the field, diving in for the food; it’s an amazing spectacle!

Threave Castle is closed at present - no boat across to the island. But you can walk down across the wetland path and view it - and the ospreys - from the bird hide. Threave Gardens and House are worth a visit - great new cafe and children's play area.

Oh that's a shame! I do remember the walk through the wetlands being nice though.

The Otter park you’re thinking of is probably The Raiders Road through the Galloway forest along the A762 North of Castle Douglas. The Otter Pool is there and you can walk along the flat granite stones across the water.
Spend some time in Kirkcudbright, there is a new Planetarium and Gin distillery in the old school, as you enter the town. A short walk up the hill from the main crossroad, and you’re in the Barrhill woods, full of wild life, including red squirrels.
On the edge of CD is the new Ernespie Farm centre, great for a not too good weather day. NTS Threave House and gardens are very child friendly, with discovery trails, colouring sheets etc.
Have a lovely time, once you’re immersed in the area you’ll find loads of things to do.