Attractions

See a beautifully-restored village mill in action and learn about how oatmeal, a staple of the Scottish diet, was once made. A mill was probably built here by the monks of nearby Sweetheart Abbey, but …

Looking for your ancestors in south-west Scotland? Let me help you find them.  I provide comprehensive ancestral tourism and genealogical research services.  By using resources in local archives and libraries, as well as those in the major …

As you drive along the quiet roads of Dumfries & Galloway, over its elegant bridges that span rivers and valleys, even to the land’s end lighthouse on the Mull of Galloway, you will be in …

  Welcome to Criffel Coaches.  We are a small, family run, concern, operating quality 15 seater mini coaches from our base near Dumfries. We take pride in providing a friendly, caring and professional service to all our customers, …

Tucked in a tranquil valley is one of Scotland’s best-preserved monasteries. A highlight is the magnificent chapter house, with its ornate windows and grotesque carvings. There is also a remarkable plumbing system that supplied the …

Cross the threshold of Broughton House and enter the world of wellknown Scottish artist E A Hornel, one of the ‘Glasgow Boys’. Open to the public from April 2005 after a period of conservation, this …

Threave’s spectacular gardens have been created over the years by students of the National Trust’s School of Practical Gardening. It was recently voted second in The Independent's '10 Best Gardens to Visit in the UK'. …

In the heart of the Galloway Forest Park, near Loch Trool, is a stone. It marks the place of a battle that took place in the First War of Scottish Independence in March 1307. The …

Anytime is a great time to visit The Galloway Forest Park has everything you need for a great day out, whatever the time of year. Meet red deer and wild goats, choose from two scenic Forest Drives, …

Logan Fishpond Marine Life Centre   On the South Rhins Tourist Trail on beautiful Galloway sits the UK's, if not the world's, oldest and most unique natural marine 'aquarium'. Set deep in rocks on the shore and …

St Ninian`s Cave - a journey back in time. On the shores of Luce Bay in the Machars of Galloway, slightly to the north of Burrowhead (famed for the burning of The Wickerman) lies St Ninian`s …

The epitome of the moated, medieval stronghold, Caerlaverock’s great triangular defences guard the Solway shore. This site has had a turbulent past. In 1300, its 60-strong garrison was defeated by Edward I’s vast English army …

Wigtown Festival Company runs the annual Wigtown Book Festival every autumn in Scotland's National Book Town. The 10 day festival features author talks, music, visual arts, film, and performances for the whole family. There are …

Discover Sanquhar's world famous knitting tradition and the story fo the mines and miners of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. What it was like to be a prisoner in Sanquhar jail, how did the ordinary people of …

Cross the River Dee by boat to visit this enchanting castle set on its own island. Rich with wildflowers in summer; you might see ospreys and otters hunting in the river. The castle was besieged by …

Discover Robert Burns' family home "His Domicile for Humility and Contentment", built for him in 1788 and where many of his greatest works were inspired. Tam o' Shanter, Auld Lang Syne and Ae Fond Kiss …

The John Paul Jones museum at Arbigland is situated in the grounds of Arbigland Estate near Kirkbean.  The cottage has two rooms, restored and furnished as they might have been during John Paul's childhood - …

Autumn is passing into winter, so we are reducing hours a little.  Closed Sundays as well as Tuesdays now.  Feels like hibernation is almost upon us. Come and visit BELTIE BOOKS & Café Books.  Coffee, tea, chocolate.  Cake.  …

The Mill on the Fleet is a restored 18th century cotton mill on the bank of the River Fleet in Gatehouse of Fleet.  Now an exhibition centre it is spread over three floors and houses core …

Award winning Visitor Centre telling story of connections between Robert Burns and the town of Dumfries. Situated in the town's eighteenth century watermill on the west bank of the River Nith, the Robert Burns Centre tells …

Under the wide sky, high on the moors of Dumfries & Galloway and in tombs in its ancient kirkyards lie The Covenanters. These religious people were persecuted for their beliefs by the Stuart Kings in …

Thornhill, set in the picturesque Nith Valley saw the beginning of the transition of transport from legs to wheels. As you cycle the traffic free roads of Dumfries & Galloway, remember Kirkpatrick Macmillan, the man …

Explore the impressive residence of a powerful family in the heart of Kirkcudbright and the vaulted ground floor rooms in which their servants once worked. Look for the laird’s lug, a spy hole in the …

Mull of Galloway Experience The Mull of Galloway is Scotland's most Southerly Point. At the end of a narrow peninsula with stunning views in every direction, the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Exhibition, the RSPB …

Gilnockie Tower The Esk Valley Clan Armstrong Reiver Centre The Clan Armstrong Ancestral Home History, Mystery and Discovery while exploring the far-reaching lands of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers, join us for an enthralling 500 years of Clan Armstrong …

The Joseph Thomson Group manages the Local Heritage Centre in Sundial Cottage, Marrburn Road, Penpont, the birthplace of Joseph Thomson, Victorian African Explorer. The story of Joseph Thomson's  life and legacy is told as well as …

The Globe Inn, tucked away in a narrow close off the High Street of Dumfries, will always be associated with Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard. It is one of the country's oldest hostelries, established in …

Culzean Castle is on the Ayrshire Coast of South West Scotland between Turnberry and Ayr. This magnificent castle and country park is extremely popular with visitors staying in the towns and villages in the west …

Cardoness was built in the 1400s by the notorious McCulloch family, as a demonstration of their status. The well-preserved prison shows the kind of reception their most unwelcome guests might expect. Admission Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE Adult: £5.00 Child …

The Solway Books shop is located in the pretty harbour town of Kirkcudbright in South West Scotland, known as the Artist's town and home of many talented artists past and present. In the 20th Century …

A monument to human and divine love, Sweetheart Abbey was named for its founder, Lady Dervorgilla, who was buried here with the embalmed heart of her beloved husband. The abbey church, with a stone effigy …

The Crichton Gardens and Church Open to the public all year round, you can visit the Crichton Estate and explore the stunning scenery, enchanting rock gardens and discover the intriguing history – all within walking distance of Dumfries town centre. The Crichton …

The Gem Rock Museum is very easy to find. Located in Creetown we are 7 miles from Newton Stewart and 11 miles from Gatehouse of Fleet on the A75 Carlisle to Stranraer trunk road directly …

Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre & Cafe Whithorn Trust runs the exhibition and museum detailing the town's 1600 years of Christian history. Coffee and gift shop with locally sourced products. The Whithorn Trust manages the archaeological site associated with …

The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre is a 'living museum'.  Here unique and historically significant industrial steam and diesel locomotives are restored and can be seen working in an authentic setting. We are the only Steam Railway …

Carsphairn Heritage and Craft Centre is open daily from April until the end of September. Days of opening - to be confirmed soon NEW for 2018....the Centre is now home to a wide selection of Craftwork and …

  The restored Control Tower of the former WWII airfield at Dumfries, Scotland is the centerpiece of the Museum and is now a listed building. The Museum is run by volunteers and houses a large and …

Not much is known about Saint Ninian, his story comes from the mists of time, but he is perhaps the most influential person in Scotland’s history. A fourth century missionary saint, he was the first …

The Visitor Centre is situated in the heart of the village of Wanlockhead, which is Scotland's highest Village at 1531 ft./468.08 m. above sea level. Robert Burns had his horse shod here when it threw a …

Famous since 1754 and family run since 1885, the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. From its historical beginnings as the home of runaway weddings, Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop …

Currently probably the only working water-powered sawmill in Scotland. The Kirkdale Sawmill, near Gatehouse of Fleet is driven by an overshot water-wheel and dates from the early 1800's. It was used as an estate sawmill and …

If you like delving deep into history, soaking up the finest culture, exploring beautiful countryside – or adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking – you’ll love a day at Drumlanrig Castle. From activities for kids to salmon fishing, you’ll …

One of the most remote and isolated points on the line from Dumfries to Portpatrick, and later Stranraer, Loch Skerrow halt is accessible only via the trackbed from either Mossdale or Gatehouse Station. When the line …

Moat Brae is the Birthplace of Peter Pan. New Family Attraction set in the 'enchanted land' that inspired the story of Peter Pan. Discover a world of children's stories in the enchanted land that inspired the story …

Dunskey Castle is a spectacular ruin on the cliff tops a short distance from Portpatrick The castle can be reached by climbing a flight of steps to the cliff top above Portpatrick and following a good …

Some of the oldest early Christian memorial stones in Britan are to be found at Kirkmadrine Church just a few  miles from Sandhead on the Rhins of Galloway. While the current church was built in the …

The simple sandstone house in which Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, spent the last years of his brilliant life. It was in this simple sandstone house in a quiet Dumfries street that Robert Burns, Scotland's national …

Welcome to Doon Valley Crafters and Coffee Shop.   Weaving and spinning and all things crafty happen here. We design and weave our own tartan and have designed tartans for other organisations      This is the new Dark …

Enjoy the peace of this beautiful Gothic abbey set in tree-fringed pastures where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last hours in Scotland. This was the major abbey of the Cistercian order, which was founded on …

Full of grandeur with a historic soul, the Easterbrook Hall and Crichton Memorial Church is a hidden treasure situated on the 100 acres Crichton Estate in Dumfries, South West Scotland. The red sandstone buildings on the …

Duncan, Dr Henry (1774 - 1846), led to the founding of a great banking movement. If one were looking for a man out of Scotland's past to serve as an object lesson for her present he …