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# A day in Kirkcudbright, the Artists’ Town
- URL: https://explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io/a-day-in-kirkcudbright-the-artists-town/
- Published: 2026-09-27T09:56:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-27T09:56:59.000Z
- Author: Chris Walker

Kirkcudbright has drawn painters and makers for generations. Its light, colourful streets, working harbour and close-knit creative community helped make it one of Scotland’s best-known artists’ towns. Much of that story can be explored in a leisurely day on foot from the Selkirk Arms.

## 10.00am — The Stewartry Museum

Begin at [The Stewartry Museum](https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/the-stewartry-museum-kirkcudbright/?ref=explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io) on St Mary Street. Its collections tell the story of Kirkcudbright and the surrounding Stewartry through objects, photographs and art. Look out for work by local artists, including Jessie M King. It’s a lovely introduction to the town before you visit its galleries.

**Allow:** Around 45 minutes.

## 10.45am — Kirkcudbright Galleries

Just along St Mary Street, [Kirkcudbright Galleries](https://www.kirkcudbrightgalleries.org.uk/?ref=explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io) occupies the former town hall. Explore the Kirkcudbright Artists’ Collection for an introduction to the people who made their homes and careers here. Look out for work connected with E A Hornel, Jessie M King, Charles Oppenheimer and the Scottish Colourist Samuel Peploe, then see what temporary exhibition is showing.

**Allow:** About an hour.

## 11.45am — Follow the artists onto the High Street

Stroll along the High Street and look into **Greengate Close**, associated with illustrator and designer **Jessie M King** and her husband, artist E A Taylor. King worked across painting, illustration, ceramics and jewellery; she is a wonderful reminder that Kirkcudbright’s artistic history reaches well beyond landscape painting.

Take your time with the painted frontages, old buildings and little wynds that have attracted artists for so long.

## 12.00pm — Broughton House and Garden

At [Broughton House](https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/broughton-house-Garden/?ref=explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io), step inside the former home and studio of **E A Hornel**, one of the leading figures in Kirkcudbright’s artist colony. His studio and purpose-built gallery offer a glimpse of his working life. Leave time for the garden, which runs down towards the River Dee and has views over the harbour.

**Allow:** About an hour.

## 1.15pm — Lunch

Head back towards the Selkirk Arms for lunch, or pause at one of the cafés in town. There’s no need to rush: part of the appeal of an art day in Kirkcudbright is having time to wander between stops.

## 2.15pm — Harbour Cottage Gallery

Make your way down to [Harbour Cottage Gallery](https://www.harbourcottagegallery.org.uk/?ref=explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io) on Castle Bank. This small gallery shows a changing programme of work by local and visiting artists. It has a story of its own: local people rallied to save the old cottage from demolition, and it opened as an art gallery in 1957.

**Allow:** Around 30–45 minutes, depending on the exhibition.

## 3.00pm — The harbour and the Tolbooth

Step outside and spend a few minutes looking across the harbour and River Dee. After a day of seeing the town through artists’ eyes, this is a good place to appreciate the changing light for yourself.

Then wander back up the High Street past the historic [Tolbooth and Art Gallery](https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/tolbooth-arts-centre-kirkcudbright/?ref=explore-galloway-with-the-selkirk-arms-hotel.ghost.io). If it’s open, pop in to see what’s on; otherwise, enjoy the building and continue browsing the town’s independent galleries and makers’ shops.

## 4.00pm — Back to the Selkirk Arms

Return to the hotel for a cup of tea, a drink or a well-earned rest. You’ll have covered centuries of Kirkcudbright’s art and history without ever needing the car.

**Planning note:** Check current exhibitions and opening times before your visit. Broughton House has seasonal opening dates, and Harbour Cottage Gallery’s hours can change with each exhibition.