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Welcome to Oyster Catcher
Oyster Catcher is a holiday cottage in SOUTHERNESS, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. Book Oyster Catcher online today. This page contains information about Oyster Catcher including photos, reviews and more.
Prices start at £300.00 per week.
Overview
Sleeping five people in two bedrooms, this single storey property is right on the beach in the coastal village of Southerness. All ground floor. Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x triple bunks (double below, single on top). Shower room with shower, basin and WC. Kitchen. Sitting room with dining area and gas fire.
Oyster Catcher is a charming single storey cottage in a wonderful holiday location, set overlooking the beach and the Solway Firth in Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway. There is a double bedroom, and also a room with a triple bunk, suitable for three people as it has a double bed on the bottom and a single on top. The cottage has a fitted kitchen, and a sitting room with a dining area and gas fire. Outside there is off road parking for one car, while the lawned garden is very well kept, with views to the sea and beach. The amenities of Southerness are a short walk, and with golfing, walking, cycling and wonderful nature all within easy reach, Oyster Catcher makes a charming family base. From the lush green farmlands of the Borders to the ruggedness of the Highlands, the Scots are proud of their land and identity. Scotland also has some of Britain's best beaches with glorious stretches of clean sand over which to roam.
Oyster Catcher is provided by Sykes Cottages. On this page you can find info, photo galleries, reviews and weather. To check full details, view availability and book online, please use the button below.
Photo Gallery
Facilities & Amenities
Electric heating with gas fire. Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, selection of books, games and DVDs. Fuel and power inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. Cot and highchair. Off road parking for 2 cars. Lawned garden to rear with furniture. Two well-behaved dogs welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Shop and pub 10 mins walk.
Location, Location, Location!
The location of Oyster Catcher is shown on the map below. You can get directions, zoom and different options using the tools on the map.
The location of Oyster Catcher is shown on the map to the right. You can get directions, zoom and different options using the tools on the map.
Established in the late 18th century, the village of Southerness looks out over the Solway Firth and forms part of the Colvend coast. Home to two pubs and a village store, the seaside village also boasts two miles of sandy beaches with dunes, rock pools and warm Gulf Stream waters, as well as one of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland. Built in 1748, this beacon was one of the first in the country. Nearby Criffel Hill is an impressive 569m tall and offers varied walks with wonderful views of the farmland and the sands of the Nith Estuary. The Southerness Championship Golf Course is definitely worth playing for its panoramic views of the Solway Firth, the Cumbrian Lake District and the Galloway Hills.
Reviews
"Visited this cottage with a friend and 2 dogs the week before Christmas and what a fabulous time we had. The house feels private due to the well maintained private garden despite the fact these are plenty of other houses along the shore and a large caravan park behind.Theres plenty of room for the dogs to wander around safely with steps down to the beach which can be a bit steep . There's lots of walking on the beach when the tides out and the uninterrupted views are stunning. The cottage itself was compact,warm and cosy.We took rugs for the older dog as the floors wooden in the loungs.Take everything with you in winter as the nearest shop is a few miles away and there's only one local pub open Thursday to Sunday.Theres a lot more facilities available during the summer months. We were looking for somewhere relaxed and comfortable and this wee cottage ticked all the boxes. Hope to return again."
"We really enjoyed our stay at Oyster Catcher.The directions given were not very clear but we contacted the office of Lighthouse Leisure(who own the property) they were very helpful@arranged for someone to accompany us. The bungalow is located in a small quiet residential area with fabulous views across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian coast. The accommodation is comfortable,cosy@homely with everything provided for a great holiday. The sunny garden has been well designed with plenty of sitting out areas to take advantage of the view@the sun at various times of the day. Our dogs had a great time exploring all the nooks@crannies in the safe,private enclosed garden@with direct access onto the beach it was perfect.The steps down to the beach are steep@with only a rope as a handrail,it might be difficult for young children or those less agile.There is easier access to the beach by turning right at the end of lane and walking a few yards down the road. It's been a perfect holiday sunshine everyday(at times too hot to sit out)perfect location.We're going back next year booking it tomorrow. Thank you for a great time."
"We stayed here for a week & had a lovely, relaxing time. The cottage was difficult to find at first, but the staff gave us great directions over the phone & we found it easily. The rooms were warm & cozy, nice & clean, comfy beds & right on the beach...although the steps down to the beach are steeper than they looked on the photos. We're all pretty agile, but worth considering if there are mobility issues. The dog absolutely loved it here, running around the beach all day & relaxing beside the fire afterwards...he was exhausted when we left! We had one wet & wild day weatherwise & it's like the edge of the world, very windy, but it didn't detract from the holiday. The local shop was a short walk, although it's worth knowing it has reduced hours during the winter, I think the chippy beside it closes during winter months too if you were thinking of a winter break. We wanted peace & quiet, walks on the beach & relaxation and that's exactly what we got. There is no wifi in the cottage which suited us, but if you live for Facebook, then check before booking. Cottage was well equipped & staff were helpful & friendly, garden is a good size & the dog loved looking over the fence at everyone going along the beach. I would stay here again...."
"Stayed at the Oyster Catcher for one week in Aug 17 with our two children. Cottage is lovely with beautiful private gardens and access directly onto the beach. Very quiet. Tide goes out a very long way, but this was great for the kids who wanted to go rockpooling. Sandyhills is a short drive away if you want a proper sandy beach. Kitchen is well equipped, had every thing we needed for a weeks stay. Sofas in the lounge are very comfy, provided us with lovely snug throws. Beds very comfortable. Southerness is not to everyone's taste as it's so unusual, this was our first visit there and everyone we came across so was friendly.This place is a little treasure. Local places to eat such as the steamboat inn, Paul Jones hotel are great for food. Cocoa bean choc factory is great for kids. Would recommend to friends and family."
"The pictures of the lounge in this cottage bear no resemblance to the furniture that is actually in there - unfortunately the clealiness left a lot to be desired and i would not recomend anyone to stay there at this point in time - the cottage smelled so much we had to buy bleach to clean the sinks - I have been in touch with Sykes who are one of the agent for this proporty and my case has be resolved - but if you see this property on any cottage sites with the white furniture dont expect it to be there when you arrive"
"we stayed at this property this summer ... but it was a scottish summer ..one good day . the location of the property is great right on the beach . It was very quiet no passing traffic because we were in a dead end and total privacy ,high hedges so although we had neighbours we couldn't see them . The tide is like Cleethorpes when it goes out its gone . It was great for the dog she had a ball , open the gate and away she was running about . If the weather had been better this could of been a real hotspot and sun trap. It has private steps to the beach with a private bench at the top that was great for views across the water to England . At night there was no light pollution so great for star gazing . It was a lovely well presented cottage everything you needed . BUT the beds need to be replaced , I spent all week sleeping on the settee the beds were shocking . all in all I would totally recommend this cottage , a lovely part of the country to visit ."
"Superb property, very clean, well equipped, lovely kitchen. Very private and fabulous garden which was secure and enclosed for the dogs. Fantastic views from the spacious and airy lounge . Even with good weather the beach, which could be accessed from a gate in the garden, was almost deserted and we walked for miles barely seeing a soul. Was sorry to leave and would not hesitate to return and would highly recommend. Only downside was no Wifi connection but could connect at the Paul Jones Hotel , only a short stroll away."
"Stunning accommodation with views over Solway Firth, lovely large gardens for the dogs to enjoy. Well equipped could not ask for more."
"Warm comfortable cottage with spectacular views across the Solway Firth. We sat in the garden relaxing in the sunshine."
"The house is a lovely wee place with a lovely outlook and a garden that's been well loved in the past. Everything was clean and tidy with pretty much everything I needed equipment wise. I was there at the tail end of March just as things were being made easy for the start of the season so it was still very quiet - just the way I like it! I was there on my own with my dog and there were plenty of walks along the shore and within a 5 mile drive. The beach is not particularly attractive being coarse sand and silt with a lot of broken shell - mainly ( unsurprisingly) cockles and mussels. Having said that it was a fairly interesting beach with all kinds of flotsam and jetsom washing up. Masses of gnarly driftwood and buoys - the dog thought it was a great place. Things I wish I'd known - 1 unlike every other holiday cottage I've stayed in there was nothing like loo roll or washing up liquid provided ( discovered loo roll problem after racing in after long drive in state of desperation - thank heavens for paper hankies) fortunately the wee shop had just opened for the season. 2 The bed was very very hard. I'm more of a medium to hard mattress kind of woman myself so had to abandon the bed for the very comfy sofa most nights. 3 The directions needed a tiny tweak to prevent me driving round the static caravan park having missed my turn. So here you go - at the bit where you take the right hand fork then the slip road - they do mean the hard-core track that goes up past a notice saying no through road! We had a lovely quiet week - I read five books and did cross stitch and walked the dog. It was a great place to view the solar eclipse too."
"The view and proximity to the sea is what makes the property! it has the wow factor, the tide com es up to the bottom of your garden. The cottage/chalet has everything you need but could do with a deep clean, on first inspection it looks fine, having said this it would not stop us returning. I would advise you to take a windbreak for in the garden as it can get a bit windy. It is an awkward place to find (we had to ask at reception for directions). There is'nt a great deal in Southerness but there are plenty of attractions close by. We did the zip wire at laggan outdoor, the girls went pony trekking and there are plenty of castles. We also went cockle picking and had them for our tea...yummy. Our dog loved the walks along the beach."
"Had a lovely week here the peace and beauty is something my sister a I will not forget infact we still talk about it. The service for booking was excellent and helpful .the home was clean only problem really was the settees most uncomfortable especially for the elderly! The location was great the amenities we'll it was the end of season and every thing was closing down but everyone was so friendly and helpful"
"Delightful little property, beautifully decorated and furnished,good idea to change white sofas to a more practical dark grey patterned as pet friendly. State of the art fitted kitchen but appliances were a little difficult to fathom, especially the newly fitted induction hob. The garden was a delight and a pleasure to sit and drink in the views as we were fortunate to have temperatures soar to 30*C and have dramatic sunsets and breathtaking sunrises. Steps to the beach were a little tricky and it is a mixture of sand and silt as it is an estuary. Apart from a long lane of these holiday homes and a handful of original buildings (including the now disused lighthouse), Southerness is basically dominated by the 2 massive family orientated caravan parks, although this property was far enough away not to get disturbed."
"This cottage must rate as one of the best we have ever stayed in, not for the plushness of the place,it is clean,warm comfortable and homely, but more for the garden and location. The garden has been lovingly created and is an absolute delight, there are hidden patios all over, and the steps lead down on to the beach-a dogs paradice! Be aware the steps are made out of the rock, and are easy enough to negotiate-with care.The views are fantastic no matter what the weather. The cottage has everything you need, a decent sized freezer, which is very rare and much appreciated by the blackberry picking husband, who collected at least 4kg to bring home with us!!! Storeage heaters, which kept the chill off and a wonderful gas fire for the odd night it got just that bit too chilly. Us and our 2 dogs loved it here and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, we will definately be returning."
"A great place to take dogs as there is direct access onto the beach from the garden. The cottage itself is well equipped and very warm and comfortable."
"The cottage is set in a lovely garden with far reaching views over the Solway Firth. The beach can be easily reached directly from the garden although less able people may find the steps a little steep. Clean, comfy and warm, pets are welcome but the wooden floors are a little difficult for older dogs and we take a couple of carpet runners with us for our little dog to walk on. This is a nice little cottage with stunning views, on a clear day you can see the Lake District and if it rains you can stay in the warm and watch the sea come and go from the large picture window. We have been in December and april and it is ideal for bird watchers, Rspb reserve close by. Plenty of dog friendly walks in the area. We have visited a couple of times now and I am sure we will again."
"Spent a week at the cottage. First impressions you think wow what a lovely cottage in a great location. Literally at the bottom of the garden there is a gate onto the beach, you cannot get closer to the sand if you tried. The cottage has 2 nicely decorated bedrooms with a double in one and a bunk bed in the other (bottom bunk is a double). The living area has a 3 seat and 2 seat sofa with a good size flat screen tv and a dining table with 4 chairs with views out over the sea. There is also a book case with 20 books and a dozen dvd's to use while your'e there. Outside there is a lovely maintained split level garden with patio chairs and bbq. There is also a shed which is handy for storage of bikes etc. Kitchen area is very functional with a separate hob, oven and microwave . Decent size fridge freezer which would easily cater for family needs and a good washing machine with either a line outside or tumble dryer in shed to dry your clothes on.. The above said I think the detail lets the cottage down.The bathroom is the major disappointment. The shower in the cubicle is electric and due maybe to this and maybe to pressure it isn't at all powerful and i think in summer you would struggle to get all the sand off you. My next issue was the detail of the cleaning. I don't mind cleaning as long as you know up front as guests you have to leave it clean for the next people, however this cottage is supposed to be cleaned but i get the feeling they rely heavily on former guests leaving it that way. Plastic mat inside cubicle was not clean,mugs in cupboard still having coffee rings, oven door still full of debris from previous use. Blankets in cupboard still having dog hairs on them. Don't get me wrong the place is clean it's just the detail of it that lets it down. All the windows have blinds but these are no good for stopping the light entering the room in the early mornings so could disrupt your sleep. Now i'm not a lover of beds that have boards at the foot of the bed as being over 6ft means i cannot stretch out, both beds are like this so i found sleeping uncomfortable not only because of this but also because i think the mattress is of poor quality on the double in the main. The bedding and pillows are all excellent. Same with the utensils in the kitchen, there's enough for 2 but for 4/5 it might be tight. Other things that struck me as odd. 4 chairs at dining table but cottage can sleep 5? Ironing board but no iron? The cottage has parking for 1 car. If you came with 2 i think you would have to park it about 20 metres away before you turned down the slip road for the cottage. You will need to bring all your supplies with you as the mini market in southerness doesn't do much really, otherwise its back to dumfries a 20/25 min drive. The mermaid bar is probably a 3/5 min walk, the 19th hole and john paul jones hotel are probably about just over a 5 minute walk. Apart from this there's a fish and chip shop and amusement arcade in the village. There's also 2 golf courses if your into that. If you need cash the mini market do cash back at a small charge. We were also told we could access the lighthouse leisure wifi (payable) from the cottage. Could pick up no wifi signal or phone signal, saying that the john paul jones hotel has good free wifi and also shows the sky sports on a big screen. i'd also question how suitable the garden is for young kids as a lot of its paved with steps. for pets it seemed fully enclosed so dogs shouldn't escape unless there good jumpers. Thing's i'd recommend galloway activity centre who do various out door stuff up at loch ken but conduct blokarting on southerness beach, Nonalou's tea room in dumfries in the old school house in dumfries if you can find it. The loch arthur creamery at beeswing, look for the sign just after new abbey on the way back to dumfires. There are so many local food producers it really is a shame to go to the supermarket. We did enjoy our stay, the cottage is relaxing, watching the sea and walking the beach but could be so much more with a bit more attention paid to the detail"
"My daughter and I booked the cottage for a break over Christmas break for just the two of us (and our Westie!, after what had been a very difficult year. This was to be our first Christmas on our own. And a break it was. We had a fab time. The cottage is secluded, right on the beach and on the day we arrived, the tide was out, the sun was out and the sky was blue. Its the first time I have ever heard my daughter say "I could live here"! The only thing I would say is if anyone is going over the Christmas break, make sure you have enough provisions to save you travelling 20 miles to the nearest supermarket, as all the local stores are closed over the holiday period. But we managed and we had a fab time. Walking on the beach on Christmas Day was just lovely. The cottage is beautifully maintained and has all the appliances/gadets you could ever need. And even though it was December, we were never cold. Will certainly go back again."
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Weather Forecast
Arriving at Oyster Catcher soon? Make sure you're prepared, whatever the weather, by checking out the weather forecast for the week ahead at SOUTHERNESS (observations for Silloth).
| Temp. | Rainfall | Wind | Clouds | Pressure | Humidity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | Light Rain | 5°C - 9°C | 0.63mm | 14mph NNW | 99% | 1,004mb | 56% | |
| Tomorrow | Light Rain | 2°C - 8°C | 0.14mm | 15mph NNW | 15% | 1,007mb | 55% | |
| Saturday | Broken Clouds | 3°C - 11°C | 0.00mm | 14mph NNW | 77% | 1,009mb | 59% | |
| Sunday | Overcast Clouds | 4°C - 10°C | 0.00mm | 20mph NNW | 100% | 1,005mb | 70% | |
| Monday | Light Rain | 7°C - 11°C | 0.30mm | 20mph NNW | 94% | 1,012mb | 78% | |
| Tuesday | Moderate Rain | 7°C - 13°C | 4.65mm | 22mph NNW | 72% | 1,013mb | 60% | |
| Wednesday | Light Rain | 9°C - 13°C | 0.18mm | 14mph NNW | 98% | 1,010mb | 90% |