Scotland: Dumfries & Galloway

Town, Postcode, Attraction -- NoNights -- 1 NightDD 2 NightsDD 3 NightsDD 4 NightsDD 5 NightsDD 6 NightsDD 7 NightsDD -- Room Sleeps -- 1 person 2 people 2 + 1 child 2 + 2 children 2 + 3 children 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people

Dumfries & Galloway is a beautiful region in the south west of Scotland heavily associated with the Scottish arts. As a UK vacation destination this part of Scotland must rank amongst the most commonly overlooked areas but, when you discover more, you will quickly understand that this is something of an enigma.

The mild climate helps create wonderfully lush valleys and incredibly green gentle hills. Dotted around this beautiful scenery are numerous picturesque towns and villages which often feature fascinating old buildings, monuments and other features, little wonder why so many artists and writers have spent time in Dumfries and Galloway over the centuries. Another outstanding aspect of this part of Britain is the amazing Solway coast. Often called the "Scottish Riviera this superb coastline features numerous sandy coves and many bays.

Featuring a huge number of areas of beauty and a surprising number of quality visitor attractions, many associated with the world famous poet Robert Burns, who spent the later years of his life here, it is surprising that so few tourists spend their time here. However, this lack of visitors helps to keep the place unspoilt offering an incredible opportunity to enjoy stunning locations, such as Dundrennan Abbey without the crowds usually associated with such appealing spots.

Page Contents (Scroll down to view more)
More About Dumfries & Galloway
Places To Visit In And Around Dumfries & Galloway
Historic Buildings In Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway Hotels & Accommodation

More Hotels & Accommodation In Dumfries & Galloway >

More About Dumfries & Galloway
With many artists and writers visiting the region it is not surprising that many consider it one of the romantic places in Scotland. To further enhance this perception you need to understand the importance of Gretna Green which has a virtual industry based around marriage. In the past the Scottish marriage laws were far less stringent than those in England and many English couples eloped over the border to marry in secret, and probably against the wishes of the family. Once of the first settlements they would come upon was the small village of Gretna where the local blacksmith would, for a small fee, marry them. Today many people still choose to marry in the village and you can visit the World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre to learn more.
The Wickerman Music Festival As I have stated earlier, Dunfries & Galloway is usually a peaceful and relaxin place but, in the last weekend in July, it is possible to find yourself in heavy traffic due to the increasing popularity of this amazing, family orientated, music and arts festival. Each year thousands flock to enjoy the music and, the highlight of the event, the burning of a huge wicker man.

More Hotels & Accommodation In Dumfries & Galloway >

Places To Visit In Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Settlements In The County Of Dumfries & Galloway Stranraer Most associated with catching a ferry over to Belfast in Northern Ireland The main towns in the region are Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Stranraer. Other towns and villages in the area include; Annan, Dalbeattie, Ecclefechan, Gatehouse of Fleet, Gretna, Kirkcudbright, Lockerbie and Newton Stewart.
Museums & Art Galleries Annan Museum, Broughton House and Garden, Castle Douglas Art Gallery, Castle of St John (Stranraer), Creetown Exhibition Centre, Creetown Gem Museum, Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, Gracefield Arts Centre, Harbour Cottage Gallery, Museum of Costume, Museum of Lead Mining, Old Bridge House Museum (Dumfries), Robert Burns Centre (Dumfries), Robert Burns House (Dumfries), Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum, Stranraer Museum, The Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, The Ryan Centre Theatre (Stranraer), The Scottish Cycle Museum at Drumlanrig, The Stewartry Museum (Kirkcudbright), Tolbooth Art Centre (Kirkcudbright), Wanlockhead Beam Engine, Whithorn Trust and many more, art galleries especially in Kirkcudbright.
Heritage Railways The former G&SW Railway.
Parks & Gardens, Zoos And Places Of Natural Beauty Castle Kennedy Gardens, Drumlanrig Castle Gardens and Country Park, Dunskey Garden, Galloway House Gardens, Glentrool Visitor Centre, Glenwhan Gardens, Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, Logan Botanic Garden, Mersehead Nature Reserve, Striding Arches, Threave Estate & Garden, White Coomb and several waterfalls including Buchan Burn (shown right) and Grey Mare's Tail. If you are in a vehicle you may enjoy the scenic drive of The Raiders Road Forest Drive. Walks include the Southern Upland Way the interestin/amusing Treasure Trails in Dumfries is excellent for kids.
Historic Religious Buildings Dundrennan Abbey, Glenluce Abbey, Lincluden Collegiate Church, St Ninian's Chapel, Sweetheart Abbey and Whithorn Priory & Museum. Another religious attraction is the Samye Ling Monastery & Tibetan Centre.
Historic Houses & Stately Homes Broughton House, Old Bridge House, Rammerscales House and Shambellie House.
Castles Cardoness Castle, Caerlaverock Castle (pictured above right), Carsluith Castle, Castle of St John, Druchtag Motte, Drumlanrig Castle, Lochmaben Castle, MacLellan's Castle, Morton Castle and Threave Castle.
Other Interesting Buildings To Visit In Dumfries & Galloway Drumcoltran Tower, Gilnockie Tower, Mill on the Fleet, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, New Abbey Corn Mill, Old Buittle Tower and Orchardton Tower
Other Visitor Attractions In Dumfries & Galloway Bladnoch Distillery, Carlyle's Birthplace, Cream O' Galloway, Galloway Astronomy Centre, Galloway Hydros Visitor Centre, Logan Fish Pond Marine Life Centre, Monreith Animal World and Museum, Mossburn Animal Centre, the Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre at Gretna and The Falconry Centre in Beattock. Attractions relating to Robert Burns include the Robert Burns Centre, Burns House and Ellisland Farm. The Wickerman Music Festival is a popular family friendly music and arts festival held annually near Dundrennan Abbey.

More Hotels & Accommodation In Dumfries & Galloway >

 

 Hotels In Dumfries & Galloway

 To find Dumfries & Galloway hotels simply click on the vacation destinations below:

Castle Douglas	Dumfries	Stranraer
Annan	Ecclefechan	Gretna	Lockerbie
Dalbeattie	Gatehouse of Fleet	Kirkcudbright	Newton Stewart

 

More Hotels & Accommodation In Dumfries & Galloway >

Check Availability Of Dumfries & Galloway Hotels

 

Useful Dumfries & Galloway Links

The Wickerman Music Festival
The official site for this music & arts event

Wickerman Music Festival 2010
A selection of photographs taken at the 2010 Wickerman Festival

Return to

Scotland