In South West Scotland we like to have fun. And why not? We want you to feel good about, well, everything. So, whether it is high art or walking, food or jazz or books or kids or country and western or poetry or sailing or singing or Robert Burns or biking or running or rallying or mining or weaving or gardening or cycling or tree-felling or baking or growing or dancing or star-gazing or bird watching … there’s always something fun to do for everyone of any age.
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 …
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 …
Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre & Cafe The 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 The Mill on The Fleet is spread over three …
It is now Autumn, so we are reducing hours a little. Closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays Come and visit BELTIE BOOKS & Café Books. Coffee, tea, chocolate. Cake. Snacks. Art. What more could …
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 …
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate 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 and Country Estate. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Experience the Scottish Borders like never before with Armstrong Border Tours Tours of the borders for the enthusiastic traveller who wishes, to learn more about the history of borders. From stone age man right through to modern …
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 …
Welcome to Criffel Coaches. At Criffel Coaches our aim is to provide high quality mini coach travel at affordable prices without compromising on safety. We are a small, family run, concern, operating quality 16 seat Mercedes …
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 …
The Devil's Porridge Museum Discover the remarkable story of the Greatest Munitions Factory on Earth and the extraordinary lives of the Munitions Girls who helped to win the war. We have a private car park with coach …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 - …
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 …
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 …
DUNDONALD CASTLE AND VISITOR CENTRE War and romance, smuggling and heroism, tales of the supernatural and more – Royal Dundonald Castle is one of Scotland’s most unexplored and fascinating treasures. Home to Scots King Robert II, grandson of Robert …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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'. …
Welcome to Ellisland Farm, the house that was built by Robert Burns in 1788 as his home and to bring his family together for the first time. Today Ellisland is a much celebrated Museum housing one of …
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, …
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 …
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 …
Sorbie Tower is a striking ancient keep and dates back to the 16th century. The Tower and surrounding land is owned by the Clan Hannay Society and is gradually being restored. The Tower was built on …
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 …