Gateway to the Galloway Hills
Newton Stewart was founded in the 1650s by William Stewart, son of the 2nd Earl of Galloway. Originally named the 'new town' of Stewart, later compounded to Newton, this bustling and friendly town had royal charter from King Charles 11, giving permission for a market and an annual fair. A later incarnation as Newton Douglas, after a successful local industrialist, was short-lived.
The town sits on the banks of the River Cree, famed for its salmon and other wildlife. The River Cree runs into Wigtown Bay, a spectacular nature reserve, known for its wildfowl; the vistas to the north are dominated by the Galloway Hills rolling up towards Ayrshire and the Galloway Forest Park (http://www.qype.com/place/209510-Galloway-Forest-Park-Newton-Stewart) (now designated a Dark Sky Park, one of only four in the world). There, you will find walks and rugged hikes to suit all abilities.
Within the confines of the town, there is a wealth of living history, from the historic shop fronts to the 1930s Cinema (http://www.qype.com/place/198137-Newton-Stewart-Cinema-Newton-Stewart) , now a community-owned organisation, showing the latest films and live theatre, and the Newton Stewart Museum housed in the former St John's Church on York Road. The town has always been the market centre for the surrounding area, and its octagonal auction house (http://www.qype.com/place/2069812-Galloway-Dumfrie-Public-Auction-Newton-Stewart) still remains important for ram and cattle sales. read more