Stair Park guide
Stair Park is a public park and football stadium in the town of Stranraer, Scotland. It is owned by Dumfries and Galloway Council and is situated next to the London Road and the railway line in the town. The park features a bandstand, all weather tennis & netball courts, skatepark, football pitch and a football stadium. The park and stadium were named after the Earl of Stair, who bequeathed the land to the local authorities.
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Stair Park has been the home of Stranraer F.C. since 1907. The stadium has a capacity of 4,178, with 1,830 seats. The record attendance at Stair Park was set in 1948, when 6,000 spectators watched Stranraer take on Rangers in a Scottish Cup tie.
Stair Park has undergone a number of improvements in recent years. In 1995, a new main stand was built, which includes 1,524 seats. The stadium also has a smaller stand known as the Coo Shed, which is located opposite the main stand. The rest of the stadium is terracing.
Stair Park is a popular venue for football matches and other events. It is also a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Here are some additional facts about Stair Park:
- The stadium is named after the Earl of Stair, who bequeathed the land to the local authorities.
- The record attendance at Stair Park was set in 1948, when 6,000 spectators watched Stranraer take on Rangers in a Scottish Cup tie.
- Stair Park has undergone a number of improvements in recent years, including the construction of a new main stand.
- The stadium is a popular venue for football matches and other events.
- It is also a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Pubs near Stair Park, home of Stranraer FC
- The Railway Inn is a traditional pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere. It serves a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits, and has a pool table and darts board. Address: 36 Dalrymple St, Stranraer DG9 7EU. Phone: 01776 700023.
- Custom House is a popular pub and restaurant with a riverside location. It has a large beer garden, and serves a menu of classic pub food and seafood dishes. Address: N Strand St, Stranraer DG9 7RB. Phone: 01776 889727.
- The Grapes is a small, independent pub with a focus on real ale. It has a cozy atmosphere, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Address: 4-6 Bridge St, Stranraer DG9 7HY. Phone: 01776 703386.
- The Ruddicott Hotel is a hotel with a bar that is open to the public. It is located opposite Stair Park, and is a popular spot for pre-match drinks before Stranraer FC games. Address: London Rd, Stranraer DG9 8AJ. Phone: 01776 706192.
- The Royal Hotel is another hotel with a bar that is open to the public. It is located a short walk from Stair Park, and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Address: 24 Hanover St, Stranraer DG9 7RZ. Phone: 01776 702426.
Hotels near Stair Park in Stranraer, Scotland
- North West Castle Hotel. This 19th-century hotel has a curling rink, a restaurant, and an indoor pool. It is located about 2.5 miles from Stair Park.
- Craignelder Hotel. This hotel offers classic Scottish dishes and guestrooms with free hot breakfast. It is located about 1.5 miles from Stair Park.
- Royal Hotel. This hotel has a bar and a restaurant. It is located in the centre of Stranraer, about 0.5 miles from Stair Park.
- Thistle Inn. This motel-style hotel offers basic rooms with free breakfast and WiFi. It is located about 1 mile from the football ground.
Here are some other hotels that are a bit further away from Stair Park, but still within a reasonable distance:
- Shawbost Hotel. This hotel is located in the village of Shawbost, about 5 miles from the football ground. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
- Craig Tara Hotel. This hotel is located in the village of Newton Stewart, about 10 miles from Stair Park. It has a golf course, a spa, and a restaurant.
- Loganlea Hotel. This hotel is located in the village of Gatehouse of Fleet, about 15 miles from Stair Park. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
How to get to Stair Park, Stranraer football ground
By car:
- From London, follow the M1, M6, M42, and A74(M) to the A75. Take the exit for Stranraer and follow the signs to the stadium.
- From Glasgow, follow the M74 to the A75. Take the exit for Stranraer and follow the signs to the stadium.
- From Edinburgh, follow the A75 to Stranraer. The stadium will be on your left.
By train:
- Stranraer Railway Station is a 15-minute walk from Stair Park.
- There are also trains from Carlisle and Ayr to Stranraer.
By bus:
- There are buses from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dumfries to Stranraer.
- The bus stop for Stair Park is on London Road, just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium.
By foot:
- If you’re staying in Stranraer town center, it’s a 20-minute walk to Stair Park.
- The walk takes you along the seafront and through the public park where the stadium is located.
Here are some additional tips for getting to Stair Park:
- If you’re coming by car, be sure to arrive early, as parking can be limited.
- There is a small car park at the stadium, but it fills up quickly on match days.
- There is also street parking available in the surrounding area.
- If you’re coming by train, the station is a short walk from the stadium.
- There is a bus stop on London Road, just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium.
Things to do near Stair Park in Stranraer, Scotland
- Visit the Stranraer Museum. The museum is housed in a former merchant’s house and tells the story of Stranraer’s history from its founding in the 12th century to the present day.
- Go for a walk or hike along the Ayrshire Coastal Path. The path runs along the coast from Girvan to Newton Stewart and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Ailsa Craig Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on Ailsa Craig, a small island off the coast of Stranraer. You can take a boat trip to the island and climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Visit the Knockcushan Gardens and Aviary. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as an aviary with over 100 birds.
- Go shopping in Stranraer’s town centre. There are a number of shops and boutiques in the town centre, selling everything from souvenirs to clothes and homewares.
- Have a picnic in Stair Park. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are a number of benches and tables in the park, as well as a playground for children.
If you are visiting Stair Park during the summer, you may also be interested in attending one of the many events that are held in the park, such as the Stranraer Highland Games or the Stair Park Beer Festival.