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The Clamshell

(Ref. 930074)

Isle of Whithorn, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Seaside

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • location (20)
  • lovely (19)
  • great (14)
  • pub (14)
  • harbour (14)
  • views (14)

44 Customer Reviews

  • "Great location right on the harbour."

    Everything we needed was there in the apartment for a lovely weeks stay. The bed was comfy. There was nothing at all to fault. Right next door to a great pub - the Steam Packet, who have a microbrewery, so an enjoyable week tasting all their brews in a really friendly environment. Food there was excellent too, so we didn’t cook much ourselves! Local cafe also a short walk away. There is no WiFi in the apartment but that let us totally disconnect for a really relaxing break. (Pub had WiFi when needed). We had our last swims of the year just round the headland in a lovely secluded cove. Thanks Janinne, we will be back x

    Reviewed by Nicola5.0Sep 2024

  • "Attention to detail is fab Only thing to make it perfect would be a mirror ..."

    Attention to detail is fab Only thing to make it perfect would be a mirror near a socket Advice from the owner about walks and things in local area was spot on Fabulous stay Thank you

    Thank you for your lovely comments, there is a plug socket in the bedroom opposite the full length mirror behind the chair Property Owner

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Sep 2024

  • "This property was exactly as advertised and fully met our expectations."

    Its location made it perfect for touring the area and provided a great place to which to return each evening, particularly as the pub is next door and serves excellent food along with a very well stocked bar. The addition of allocated off street parking was another bonus. We would have no hesitation in recommending this property and will return to it ourselves at some point.

    Thank you for your lovely comments glad you enjoyed your visit to the Isle Property Owner

    Reviewed by Peter4.7Aug 2024

  • "This holiday let is situated in a wonderful area,quiet very relaxing and welcoming."

    The flat its self has a wonderful harbor view and a pub/restaurant next door and a village cafe within walking distance. There are many activities in the harbor canoeing,paddle boarding ,sailing walking and cycling are also popular. The flat is comfortable and clean. A super holiday thank you.

    Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to the Isle Property Owner

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Jul 2024

  • "The friendly, helpful owner is on site and the location is excellent."

    Thank you for your lovely comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sheila5.0Jul 2024

  • "Property was very clean and comfortable no complaints, general area is very remote only pub is Steam packet inn which I would not recommend due to lack of competition."

    Reviewed by George4.1Jul 2024

  • "Th apartment is well sited and has a lovely view over the harbour, with its ever changing scenes as the tide comes in and out and the local swans and cows move around."

    However we didn't see a single boat enter or leave while we were there so we don't understand why it is described it as a working harbour. The headland close by was lovely. There is no Wifi, so it was impossible for us to book and pay for our onward accommodation. Poor phone signal inside the property.

    Reviewed by Steven4.1Jun 2024

  • "Great stay ."

    Beutiful location and a view over the harbour is the icing on the cake.

    Thank you for your lovely comments glad you enjoyed your stay Property Owner

    Reviewed by Caroline5.0May 2024

  • "Lovely property, brilliant location."

    Booked to go again.

    So glad you enjoyed your holiday and looking forward to seeing you again Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jerome5.0May 2024

  • "A personal welcome from the owner a lovely, and helpful touch, the Clamshell was better than the photos, and there was everything you needed, without extra clutter."

    The games, books, and maps and local information available inside the lobby door were a bonus too, and helped us make the most of the area during a short visit. We definitely hope to return.

    Thank you for your lovely comments and would love to welcome you back Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jennifer5.0Oct 2023

  • "Ideal location, clean comfortable property with good parking."

    Very good pub next door

    So glad you enjoyed your visit to the Isle Property Owner

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Jun 2023

  • "Beautiful property with stunning views."

    Accommodation was spotlessly clean. Coffee, tea, milk and biscuits on arrival are a lovely thought. DVD's, books, jigsaws and tourist information in the foyer made a lovely addition. Property owner was really helpful and very friendly. The whole experience was simply superb.

    Thank you so much for your fabulous feedback and glad you enjoyed your stay look forward to seeing you again Property Owner

    Reviewed by Kathryn5.0Oct 2022

  • "Excellent location by the sea"

    Reviewed by Edward5.0Oct 2022

  • "An excellent, clean, modern and well maintained apartment with wonderful harbour views."

    Very well sited for local restaurants with the nearby inn and village hall facilities and for local walks. Lots to do and visit if you have a car. Travelling west via Port William, the coastal scenery is stunning and Loch Ryan (a birdwatcher's paradise), beautiful Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway are easily reached. Heading north we found the mountains of the Galloway Forest Park. Lovely views of Loch Trool from Bruce's Stone and a starting point for heading up Merrick. Many small, interesting coastal villages (e.g. Garlieston, Wigtown & harbour) when heading east as far as Kirkcudbright. We generally visit Scotland for 2 or 3 weeks every year but head straight by this area on the M74 to the Cairngorms, the Highlands or the islands. For a change we decided to give the south west a go and had a truly wonderful stay and hope to visit the region again in the future. Many thanks Jannine for providing such a lovely base for us.

    Reviewed by Patrick5.0Sep 2022

  • "Sunshine on the Isle of Whithorn."

    A glorious seven days of weather (last week in August) made even better by our harbourside apartment accommodation, The Clamshell, a compact but comfortable getaway where you could relax and watch the tide ebb and flow and the harbour itself spring into life as the water level raised. Across the water you could see the Lake District and the Isle of Mann without leaving the apartment. And there were wonderful coastal walks, a little challenging in places, in either direction - left towards Garlieston or right towards St Ninian's Cave (filmed in the 1973 British horror feature The Wicker Man). We loved watching seals, sketching the vistas and viewing fishermen clambering over rocks and perching precariously over the Solway Firth to catch pollack, wrasse, gurnard and mackerel. I knew I should have taken some gear. As well as a big thankyou to owner Janine, who gave us the local knowledge when we arrived, a mention also for the Steam Packet pub/hotel restaurant next door - yep, next door - for its cracking selection of locally brewed Five Kingdoms beer, its extremely good and well patronised restaurant and for those tables along the harbour side where you could relax and while away the afternoon and early evening over a pint.

    Reviewed by Tim4.7Aug 2022

  • "Really nice place to stay with fantastic walks around the headland and lovely views over the harbour would recomend to anyone ,the flat was very clean and jannine the owner very helpfull ,lovely comumity cafe and shop a few yards away and pub next door ,highly recomended."

    So Glad you enjoyed your visit to Ninians Landing and the isle Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michael5.0Jul 2022

  • "Very nice apartment beautifully located on the harbour and next door to an excellent Inn."

    Just one thing missing, no the weather was great for Scotland, my wife wears contact lenses and there was no were to put the toiletries needed. Will definitely be back.

    Glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your next visit Property Owner

    Reviewed by Colin5.0Jul 2022

  • "We had a great holiday, such a lovely apartment and a place to explore."

    Reviewed by Heather5.0May 2022

  • "Beautiful location, spotless accommodation, really friendly hosts, we loved it, ..."

    Beautiful location, spotless accommodation, really friendly hosts, we loved it, if u want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life & totally relax then this is the place, loads of local wildlife to see & lovely coastal walks,

    Reviewed by Mark5.0May 2022

  • "Great location & views."

    Accommodation welcoming.

    Reviewed by Dave5.0Aug 2021

  • "Love the area views are breathtaking and accommodation was excellent."

    There is no WiFi- Internet not great on Three but EE/Vodaphone works fine. Recommend take own portable router. Tv on the small side. One pub recommended, book first. One shop and coffee shop.

    Reviewed by Sharon5.0Aug 2021

  • "A bigger TV would be recommended other than that we were very happy and enjoyed our stay thoroughly"

    Reviewed by Neil4.7Jul 2021

  • "A very comfortable, equipped first floor apartment overlooking the harbour with views of amazing sunsets and a variety of birds."

    The area is quiet with many walks, gardens and beaches to explore. A return visit is planned.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Jun 2021

  • "The location is absolutely fabulous."

    Yes, it is 30 minutes North to get anywhere significant but there is enough locally to fill 4 or 5 lazy days. Host is friendly and available on site, but only if needed, otherwise we barely saw her. Lovely friendly and reasonable pub at Garlieston, and a nice cafe/tearoom and little shop in the community centre. A fantastic holiday and highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Mike4.4May 2021

  • "Amazing location with beautiful views and sunsets."

    Lovely well set-up apartment with wonderful pub and restaurant on the harbour.

    Reviewed by Liz4.4May 2021

  • "We were pleasantly surprised by the accommodation and thought the photos did not do it full justice."

    Lovely location and given brighter weather would have stayed our extra day. Happy to recommend

    Reviewed by David5.0Oct 2020

  • "I would have no hesitation recommending this lovely flat situated in a lovely little village with amazing views plus the added bonus of having The Steam Packet Inn next door serving excellent food."

    The St Ninian Tearoom and shop selling essentials and crafts is worth a visit. We were extremely lucky with weather thus able to take advantage of the many walks enjoying the scenery to advantage. Ideal for a break during these turbulent times. A special thanks for the welcome gift.

    Reviewed by Issy4.7Oct 2020

  • "The location."

    Great walks on the doorstep and within 1 hours drive; lots of local interest; and a micro brewery and real ale next door.

    Reviewed by John5.0Oct 2020

  • "Although having received the generic email from Sykes just before our visit advising us about Covid precautions and what to expect - it was very good to speak to Janine on the phone."

    She answered our concerns and reassured us with what she does - steam cleaning throughout. Although the flat is immediately adjacent to the pub this caused no disturbance - a pleasant surprise. The kitchen is well equipped - everything we needed for cooking from scratch - saucepans were brilliant. The bed and pillows surprisingly comfortable. Lovely outlook onto the harbour and an ideal location for walking and exploring the local area. Janine caught us as we arrived welcomed us andgave us some suggestions for local walks. Sorry we didn't see her to say goodbye.

    Reviewed by Pat5.0Sep 2020

  • "Brilliant location."

    Friendly people, Janine there if needed. Fantastic views over harbour when having breakfast

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Aug 2020

  • "The owner had made sure the apartment was very clean so we felt safe in these Covid times."

    Reviewed by Colin4.4Jul 2020

  • "Beautiful location with wonderful sunsets from the living room window."

    We found the flat very suitable - nicely decorated, very clean (obviously Covid19 thought-through processes to keep everything very clean). Bed was very comfortable with good quality bed linen.

    Reviewed by Anne5.0Jul 2020

  • "It's a great location, lovely views."

    Owner Janine very helpful. Clean an comfortable. Locals very friendly an welcoming. Good atmosphere in pub with staff. Good food in pub also.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Sep 2019

  • "Lovely clean, warm and cosy flat,even without any heating on."

    We would endorse all the other positive reviews. A nice surprise was the wealth of activities and places to visit in the area. The Isle of Whithorn was charming and Jannine ,the owner of the Clamshell, made helpful suggestions for some coastal walks. Whithorn itself was also very interesting and a trip to the Story of Whithorn visitor centre was excellent. The town trail was enjoyable and the café at the visitor centre was a delight. We enjoyed the whole region, the views, the peace and quiet. A great week.

    Reviewed by Jane5.0Sep 2019

  • "Janine the host was very formative explaining everything within the clamshell ."

    Also giving us pointers on where to visit during our stay . Would definitely recommend if your looking for a place to chill out and unwind , with the local pub next door serving excellent meals what more could you ask for .

    Reviewed by Darren5.0Aug 2019

  • "A lovely apartment in a great location every thing you needed for a peaceful holiday."

    The caretaker was friendly and very helpful and would certainly recommend these apartments for a restful break.

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Aug 2019

  • "Lovely peaceful location."

    Our apartment was immaculate. Great views of the harbour from the living room. Jannine Kelly the owner, is a lovely lady. Pub next door serves great food and real ale. Local shop has few supplies, so stock up prior to arrival. (Jannine did tell us about this, so it wasn't a problem)

    Reviewed by Ingrid5.0Aug 2019

  • "Fantastic flat with everything you need."

    Lovely views over harbour and some great walks nearby

    Reviewed by Kathleen5.0Jul 2019

  • "Limited tv, no wifi at all."

    ...apart from those two things....brilliant.

    Reviewed by Bill4.4Jun 2019

  • "Facilities excellent, exceptional and welcoming host exceeded all expectations!"

    Reviewed by dsdfsdfsd4.7Sep 2018

  • "Great holiday, was the first time we have used Sykes and will definitely use again The Owner Mrs Kelly."

    was very friendly and helpful and everything was very clean in the flat Well stocked kitchen too

    Reviewed by Elizabeth Ann5.0Sep 2017

  • "Very peaceful and better weather than the rest of the country was getting"

    Reviewed by Andrew4.8Jun 2017

  • "Well presented and comfortable accommodation in a fantastic location with a very friendly and welcoming community"

    Reviewed by James5.0Mar 2017

  • "Clamshell is a cosy comfortable flat with marvellous views over the harbour."

    The landlady is efficient and friendly and provided some useful bits and pieces, tea, milk etc to get us started. Thanks also for the information about the baby sealright on the harbour wall, the highlight of our stay.

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Oct 2016

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Summary

  • All first floor
  • One double bedroom
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
  • Electric central heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, TV with FreeSat, DVD, selection of books and games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off road parking space for 1 car, plus additional parking available nearby.
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 5 mins walk, pub next door.

The property

This delightfully-presented, first floor apartment is set in a charming fishermen’s warehouse conversion, right on the harbour’s edge in the working fishing village of Isle of Whithorn.

All first floor, this coastal cottage apartment gives a modern flavour to a traditional setting.

Ideal for a couple looking for a relaxing break, this self-catering apartment has a double bedroom, bathroom and a spacious open plan living space with a dining area, sitting area and a well-equipped, fitted kitchen.

Stunning views across the harbour greet you as you relax over breakfast and plan your day.

Stroll round the harbour and take in the visitor centre, or have a meal in the Steam Packet Inn just yards from your front door.

Explore the coast by land and sea with a sea-angling boat trip or a coastal walk or cycle ride.

A lovely coastal apartment offering a relaxing break at any time of the year.

EPC Rating: Band C

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: DG-00789-F

View on map

About the location

ISLE OF WHITHORN

Whithorn 4 miles; Garlieston 7 miles, Wigtown 14 miles; Newton Stewart 22 miles.

Referred to locally as 'The Isle', the Isle of Whithorn is designated an outstanding conservation area. The graceful crescent of shore and neat houses that make up the harbour presents a perfect spectacle in any camera’s viewfinder. Already in existence 1600 years ago, the community was at the very beginning of Scotland’s Christian history when Ninian, Scotland’s first missionary and saint, founded his church at Whithorn. The Isle Church itself, a former Free Kirk, stands prominent in defiance of the highest of tides. The Isle harbour, once the host of cargoes of coal, fertiliser and timber is now busy throughout the year with local boats fishing for crabs and lobsters, as well as catches of scallops brought in by the visiting Manx fleet. However, some of the best goes straight in through the doors of the award-winning Steam Packet Inn on the waterfront! Take a walk along the Harbour and enquire about local sea-angling opportunities. At the end of the Harbour, follow the signs for St Ninian’s Chapel and shortly you’ll come to the Witness Cairn. Just a short distance away stands the 14th century ruin of St Ninian’s Chapel, once a place where pilgrims were welcomed and now in the care of Historic Scotland. It’s an easy climb up the Cairn to the distinctive white tower which has been a mariner’s landmark for close on two centuries. At the top you can behold the majestic expanse of the Solway and the Irish Sea. Across the water lie the great peaks of Cumbria’s Lake District, while due south lies the Isle of Man, its nearest point just 18 miles away. The Isle is a welcoming port for visiting leisure sailors and bowlers too. So please bring your boat and your bowls! At the Isle you will discover a tranquil place that is much more than just a view. Welcome to the Isle!

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Off-season
  • Last minute