Dominated by the ruins of Ardstinchar Castle, once home to the Kennedys of Bargany, the village offers great fishing opportunities not only in the River Stinchar at the mouth of which Ballantrae is situated, but in the many rivers and lochs nearby.
Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre has a coffee shop, gift shop, children’s play area, miniature train, farm shop and Visitor Information Point. The village also has a small supermarket and post office, a Thrift Shop, a garage with 24hr petrol pumps and two hotels, plus several B&Bs and self catering properties.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path passes through the village and there are plenty of other local walks nearby.
From April to October, on the second Sunday of each month, there is a Farmers’ Market and each year in June you can enjoy the culinary delights of the award winning Ballantrae Festival of Food & Drink which is fast becoming a 'don't miss' event in the food calendar. A giant marquee at the harbour takes full advantage of spectacular views and houses over 50 diverse food and drink stalls. Celebrity chef demonstrations and food foraging expeditions are just some of the highlights to look forward to.
The village calendar also includes the Ballantrae Smugglers’ Festival, crafts and village fairs, firework displays and other events. Visit Ballantrae's website for more information.
Galloway Forest Park which is part of the UNESCO Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is within a short distance too, affording great walking and cycling opportunities as well as the Galloway Dark Sky Park.