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Dumfries & Galloway
In Dumfries & Galloway we feel privileged to be living amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland, with over 200 miles of quiet, unspoilt coastline, rolling hills, vast moorlands, enormous forests and small enchanting woods, mountains, tranquil lochs and rivers. We truly live in a land of contrasting landscapes and unspoilt beauty – making a trip to enjoying the outdoors a pleasure whatever the weather.
The following is just a taster of what’s available to see, do and experience in and around Dumfries and Galloway:
Explore Galloway Forest Park
Explore the Galloway Forest Park, the largest forest park in Britain covering over 300 square miles of spectacular forest, moorland and lochs rising towards the rugged grandeur of the granite mountains. The Galloway Forest Park is teeming with wildlife. The red deer range, wild goat park, red squirrel feeding stations increase your chances of getting up close to nature. Birds of prey also make the forest their home, with buzzards a common sight, golden eagles more elusive and rare red kites, successfully introduced to the region in 2001.
Galloway Forest Park is also home to the UK’s first dark skies park, with some of the lowest levels of light pollution to be found anywhere in Europe.
Miles and miles of quiet beaches & gardens
Quiet sandy beaches, genuine warm welcomes, top class attractions and activities that make the most of the natural beauty surrounding them.
Glorious gardens that bask in the balmy air of the Gulf Stream, nature reserves, forest walks and cliff top views of swooping seabirds and castles to dream of.
Inspiring towns & villages
From getting arty in Kirkcudbright, The Artists’ Town with a fascinating artistic heritage and a thriving artists community today to food and drink shopping in the region’s Food Town of Castle Douglas – Dumfries and Galloway really has it all.
Check out the best of Scottish Painting at the Summer Exhibition – ‘Home Again’ featuring paintings by artists associated with Kirkcudbright, at the Town Hall and visit The Tolbooth for an intriguing insight. Join in the Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities, with Children’s Festival, Medieval Fayre, parade day and Scottish nights each Thursday, culminating in the fabulous Tattoo in the shadow of the castle.
Revel in a meander around Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway’s Food Town with its array of local family owned butchers, bakers and delicatessens and savour the delicious flavours!
Visit one of our many agricultural shows, or country fairs for an insight into country life, or take time out to enjoy traditional galas and festivals in our towns and villages throughout the region.
Dumfries
Dumfries is the largest town in Dumfries and Galloway. Situated on the banks of the River Nith, Dumfries plays host to a wide variety of activities and attractions.
Historically, Dumfries was at one time, home to Robert Burns who is buried at St Michaels. J.M Barrie was educated in Dumfries and Robert the Bruce killed the Red Comyn on the steps of Greyfriars Church in the town. Dumfries has a busy town centre with many well-known high street stores as well as small local shops.
Castle Douglas
Castle Douglas is a small town situated near the centre of Dumfries and Galloway, an ideal base for exploring the region.
The town has an interesting history, especially that of Threave Castle, the stronghold of the Black Douglases.
Castle Douglas has recently been launched as a Food Town and visitors can enjoy a variety of foods in Castle Douglas, whether Eating Out or merely buying quality food products.
Kirkcudbright
A beautiful ancient harbour town made famous by a group of Scottish artists called the “Glasgow boys” who made Kirkcudbright their base for retreating from Glasgow.
It is said that there is a particular quality of light that still makes Kirkcudbright a destination for artists.
It is a beautiful town just a few minutes drive from The Old Exchange that has an old high St full of artists galleries and craft shops.
Kippford
About 20 minutes drive along the Solway coast on route to New Abbey is the quaint sailing port of Kippford. This is a great place to come for lunch in one of the two pubs that overlook the bay.
There is a lovely walk along the jubilee footpath that is only one mile that takes you to the equally spectacular bay of Rockcliffe (we named two of our accommodations after these two beautiful coastal villages)
Rockcliffe
A beautiful coastal village close to Kippford, there is a small sandy beach with some rocky outcrops with rock pools and is a lovely place to walk or have a picnic on the beach. There is a really nice cafe at the side of the beach, and a Hotel for Dinner. The Hotel also has a galley.
The Ark is one of the smallest shops in the region, but true to its name – it seems to have 2 of everything.
Whithorn
A drive along the coast to the west of The Old Exchange takes you to many of the regions pettiest villages. Whithorn is one of these, it occupies the tip of the Wigtown Peninsula and is just a very pretty place to visit.
It is said St Ninian landed here on his arrival to Scotland. Make sure you have dinner at the pub called the Steam Packet Inn. A perfect place to finish touring on a warm summer evening.
New Abbey
At the heart of this spectacular village is Sweetheart Abbey, a ruin that was once the centre of Christianity in Scotland. It was where Dervogilla, wife of John Balliol King of Scotland (and founder of Balliol College Oxford) she lost her husband but kept his heart close to her at all time’s in a casket.
She was finally buried here with the casket. It is truly a romantic location and is often used for weddings. There is a lovely tearoom next door.
Wigtown
This is a charming town with a broad high street and lots of bookshops. There are bookshops that specialise in different topics alongside a selection of cafe’s and on a sunny day Wigtown is a lovely place to amble around.
I’m often founding browsing in the oldest bookshop where there are comfy armchairs and a plentiful supply of coffee. I also particularly enjoy lunch in the feminist bookshop across the road.
