Barnharrow Holiday Pods

A stay at Barnharrow Holiday Pods doesn’t have to mean exclusively doing outdoorsy things – there is also plenty of culture to be discovered!

Kirkcudbright, an Art Town

Our beautiful natural environment has, perhaps not surprisingly, long been a source of artistic inspiration for painters. There was even a ‘Kirkcudbright School’ of painters that thrived between 1850-1950, artists who lived in the area or were attracted to settle in the town and become part of a like-minded community. Visit Kirkcudbright Galleries  and you can see a wonderful collection of over 600 paintings and other pieces of art. Recognised as one of Scotland’s Nationally Significant Collections, Kirkcudbright Galleries should be top of the list of places to visit for any art lover. As well as the permanent collection, there is also a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The galleries are open daily 10am – 5pm, with Sunday opening slightly later at 11.30am.

Interestingly, as well as celebrating Kirkcudbright’s artistic past, the town is again becoming known as an Art Town with a number of artists based there. If you’re staying with us at the beginning of August, do check out the Kirkcudbright Art & Crafts Trail. Now in its 21^st year, the trail gets every bigger with artists opening up their studios and homes to exhibit their work – and an opportunity for you to buy your favourite pieces! Meanwhile, the Harbour Cottage Gallery  hosts numerous exhibitions between March and December and supports both professional and amateur artists. The gallery prides itself on providing exhibition space for all kinds of styles and making art affordable.

Art Trails

Earlier in the year, even more artists exhibit during Spring Fling, an open studio event that takes place in May and is spread across Dumfries and Galloway. The online directory is a great way of finding artists in the area, from painters and printmakers to ceramicists, photographers, jewellery makers and textile artists – there is a wealth of talent to explore outside of the event itself.

Local Galleries

With Newton Stewart right on the doorstep, The Old Bakery Gallery is well worth a visit. Open Tuesday to Saturday, the gallery represents some wonderful artists – you might just find a rather lovely souvenir of your stay! And if you are looking to buy, it’s worth checking out the Professional Artists & Makers Cooperative. They run three shops – in Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Gatehouse of Fleet – where you can browse a fantastic range of art, including jewellery, textiles, wood and glass. As befits a cooperative, the artists themselves run the shops so you could find yourself having a fascinating conversation while you’re visiting.

Express yourself!

If you fancy having a go at creating something yourself, head to Dumfries and  Shambellie House. This creative centre, which encompasses art, heritage and the environment, offers a fantastic range of courses and workshops. Learning to weave using a traditional loom, collage, working with stained glass and wreath making are just a few examples of what’s coming up over the next few months. The centre also runs family-friendly events and various exhibitions are put on throughout the year.

Following a day filled with artistic adventures, take a moment to unwind and find tranquility in our cosy pods.