Dumfries & Galloway
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Smuggled away on Scotland’s south-western frontier, Dumfries and Galloway is something of a rural Shangri-La where agriculture, forestry and immaculate coastlines, are all in on one of the country’s best kept secrets. The Western Isles , the Highlands , Loch Lomond and the Trossachs ; all enjoy a degree of fame. But Dumfries and Galloway – where the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s most southerly point, can be found – is a more clandestine destination. And all the better for it. Mobile phone reception is patchy, at best. With dairy farms stretching out along both sides of almost every road, cows appear to outnumber humans. The Belted Galloways, with their characteristic white belt that divides their torso, chew the cud as the graze on impossibly green fields, hard at work in creating the area’s most cherished export. Dumfries and Galloway is famed for its dairy products; cheese, milk, cream, and (most graciously received by children of all ages) ice cream, are all transported out of the region and into fridges and freezers up and down the length of the UK. Naturally, the area’s biggest draw is the pacific fields, forestry and coastline, that can afford those sick of the concrete jungle some respite in the country. Yes, it rains a lot, but the midges are not as voracious as they are in Argyll – at least, they’ll leave some flesh on the bone. Rolling hills, carpeted in verdure, frame a picture of sylvan splendour. Birds of prey hunt in the warm air currents over fields home to plump little rabbits, mice and other rodents – all a tasty morsel for hawks and buzzards. Owls and bats take the nightshift. Deer secret themselves in dense woodland, foraging for food. And among all this, mankind treads gently. So lightly, that even the country’s imperiled amphibian community feel safe here – Natterjack toads and Great Crested newts have made the area’s nature reserves their home. Here, the RSPB maintains a strong presence, particularly at the Mull of Galloway, where it assumes the role of caretaker for the flora and fauna in the Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve. With this idyllic picture in mind, it is all the more understandable that Dumfries and Galloway should traditionally have a magnetic pull on writers and artists. Kirkcudbright , on the banks of the River Nith, is known as the Artists’ Town. It’s recent exhibition of the Face of Scotland was a magnificent collection of the nation’s finest portraits, including Alexander Nasmyth’s Robert Burns , and Hugh Douglas Hamilton’s painting of The Young Pretender, Prince Charles Edward Stewart. Kirkcudbright, along with Castle Douglas , Gatehouse Of Fleet, Newton Stewart, and Creetown have played their part in British cinema, all at one time locations for Robin Hardy’s 1973 film, ‘The Wicker Man’. Dundrennan now plays host to the Wicker Man Music Festival , gleefully independent, it has been steadily growing each year, with acts such as Gary Numan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers gracing the event. Visitors to Dumfries and Galloway’s towns can rest assured; any similarities between Dumfries and Galloway’s small towns and Summerisle are purely cosmetic. Human sacrifice is still very much frowned upon. There are, however, plenty of more wholesome activities to keep you and the family amused. Take it as read, that there is an abundance of walking opportunities, both coastal and woodland; and accommodation, too, is excellent throughout the area, with five-star rated camp and caravan sites, hotels and guest houses to meet all budgets. Dumfries and Galloway has something for everyone: Golfing, fishing, shooting, can keep the more gentrified adults happy. At Palnackie, take the shoes and socks off and take part in the Grand International Flounder Trampling – potentially someway off being an Olympic event. Petting zoos like the Mabie Animal Farm introduce the wee ones to goats, lamas, sheep, donkeys and horses, Make the kids work for their sweets and ice cream; take them to the Twynholm, where the Cocoabean Chocolate factory will set them to work in blue hair-nets and overalls as they make their own animal shaped chocolate. Oh, if the little horrors are not gracious enough to give you a bite in the car home you can of course buy some of the most divine chocolates imaginable. From crème brûlée to rum ‘n’ raisin, there is every temptation to pull into a lay-by and gorge yourself sick. Twynholm is also David Coulthard’s home town, and any fans of the generously jawed formula one star can visit the museum in his honour. Tongland with its art-deco water tower and Thomas Telford Bridge, packs a couple of architectural marvels into its small holding on the road from Dumfries to Kirkcudbright. Grander still, a number of castles stand guard in the area. Once upon a time Dumfries and Galloway was on the frontline when England’s excursions north would end in bloodshed. Caerlaverock Castle , now lovingly tended to by Historic Scotland, was once under seige from King Edward I , as the 14th Century’s first breath sounded the declaration of war. If you visit this Caerlaverock (it’s just eight miles south of Dumfries) and there’s a war a raging, fear not, it’s just the local history and drama group re-enacting the castle’s historic battles. No need to dodge the archers then. From Drummore’s sea view, with magnificent camping, the finest sea fishing in Scotland, and a rugged coastline that witnesses miles of craggy rocks eventually give way to sandy beaches; to picturesque wee towns like Dumfries, where Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns spent his final days, Dumfries and Galloway has more than enough to assuage the kids. There’s plenty for the adults to savour, too. The peace and quiet is just one of them.
Destinations
Recommended Hotels See Map
- The Cross Keys Hotel Canonbie *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Balcary Bay Hotel Castle Douglas *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Bank Of Fleet Hotel Castle Douglas *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Douglas Arms Hotel Castle Douglas *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Clonyard House Hotel Dalbeattie *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Cairndale Hotel Dumfries *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Cavens Country House Hotel Dumfries *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Trigony Hotel Dumfries *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Cally Palace Hotel Gatehouse of Fleet *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, TennisCourt, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Gretna Hall Hotel Gretna *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Selkirk Arms Kirkcudbright *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Queens Hotel Lockerbie *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Well View Hotel Moffat *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Kirroughtree House Hotel Newton Stewart *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant - Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Knockinaam Lodge Portpatrick *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Portpatrick Hotel Portpatrick *featured*
Licensed, Restaurant - Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel Stranraer *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - North West Castle Hotel Stranraer *featured*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Parking, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities
Hotels bookable online See Map
- Powfoot Golf Hotel Annan *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV - Hetland Hall Hotel Carrutherstown *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Pool, Gym, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Urr Valley Hotel Castle Douglas *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Aston Hotel Dumfries *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Friars Carse Country House Hotel Dumfries *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Manor Country House Hotel Dumfries *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Station Hotel Dumfries *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Days Inn Gretna Green Gretna *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Restaurant - Smiths At Gretna Green Hotel Gretna *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV - The Gables Gretna *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Whitecroft Hotel Langholm *book online*
Licensed, Historic, Restaurant - Cressfield Country House Hotel Lockerbie *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Dryfesdale Country House Lockerbie *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Conference Facilities - Kirkconnel Hall Hotel Lockerbie *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Lockerbie Manor Country Hotel Lockerbie *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Auchen Castle Moffat *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Bonnington Moffat *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Moffat House Hotel Moffat *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant, Satellite TV, Conference Facilities - Moffat Lodge Moffat *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Creebridge House Hotel Newton Stewart *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant - Torrs Warren Country House Hotel Stranraer *book online*
Licensed, Parking, Historic, Restaurant
Recommended Bed and Breakfast See Map
- Cairnryan House Cairnryan *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Rhins of Galloway Cairnryan *featured*
TV in rooms - Balcary Mews B&B Castle Douglas *featured*
TV in rooms - Clearviews Bed and Breakfast Dumfries *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Ferintosh Guest House Dumfries *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Rhone Villa Gretna *featured*
TV in rooms - Surrone House Gretna *featured*
TV in rooms - Barrasgate House B&B Gretna Green *featured*
TV in rooms - Fludha Guest House Kirkcudbright *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled - Limetree House Moffat *featured*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Parking - Blackaddie House Hotel Sanquhar *featured*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Gillbank House Bed & Breakfast Thornhill *featured*
TV in rooms
Bed and Breakfast bookable online See Map
- Ailsa Cottage B&B Cairnryan *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic - Homestead Guest House Cairnryan *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Douglas House Castle Douglas *book online*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, No Smoking, Historic, Inspected, Disabled Facilities - Kerr Cottage Dalbeattie *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled Facilities - Dalston House Hotel Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic - Huntingdon House Hotel Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Moreig Hotel Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic, Parking - Rondo Guest House Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Southpark Country House Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Torbay Lodge Guest House Dumfries *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking, Disabled Facilities - Aldpallyards Gretna *book online*
TV in rooms - Anvil View Guest House Gretna *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Gables Hotel Gretna *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic, Parking - Kirkcroft Guest House Gretna *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Marchbankwood House Moffat *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Dunskey Guest House Portpatrick *book online*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, Historic, Parking - Balyett Bed and Breakfast Stranraer *book online*
TV in rooms, Children Welcome, Historic, Parking - Fernlea Guest House Stranraer *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking - Lakeview Guest House Stranraer *book online*
TV in rooms, Historic - The Manor Country House Hotel Torthorwald *book online*
TV in rooms, No Smoking, Historic, Parking
More Dumfries & Galloway B&Bs
Pubs & Inns
- Imperial Hotel Castle Douglas *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Kings Arms Hotel Castle Douglas *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Market Inn Hotel Castle Douglas *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Murray Arms Hotel Castle Douglas *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Pheasant Hotel Dalbeattie *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Queensberry Dumfries *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Ship Inn Gatehouse of Fleet *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Kings Arms Lockerbie *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Hightae Inn Lockerbie *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Annandale Arms Hotel Moffat *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Balmoral Hotel Moffat *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Stag Hotel Moffat *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Cross Keys Hotel New Galloway *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Galloway Arms Hotel Newton Stewart *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Kenmuir Arms Hotel Newton Stewart *book online*
Food, Children Welcome, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - The Swan Inn Stranraer *featured*
Food, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Tigh Na Mara Hotel Stranraer *book online*
Food, Historic, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards
Self-Catering See Map
- Whitecroft Mansion Carrutherstown *book online*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Cottages in Dumfries & Galloway Countywide *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Kirkconnell House Dumfries *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Mackays Holiday Cottages & Lodges Dumfries *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Ladyknowe Apartment Moffat *book online*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Escape to Galloway Newton Stewart *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Scotland Cottages Newton Stewart *featured*
Pub Nearby, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards - Minister's Pool Lodge Sanquhar *book online*
Pub Nearby, Garden, Pets Allowed, Open all year, Parking, Credit Cards