Local Dumfries and Galloway Attractions
Centrally located in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, we are only a short drive to numerous visitor attractions which will appeal to all the family. We have listed just a few worth a visit but for a more comprehensive list see:
www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk
Galloway Forest Park
Thousands of unspoiled acres of forestry to explore right on our doorstep. Miles of forest drives, mountain bike trails (home to the world famous 7stanes), horse riding trails and a labyrinth of foot paths. Discover Galloway’s wild life in their natural surroundings, start your day out from our front door with a walk in the Cally Woods.
www.7stanes.gov.uk
Cream O' Galloway
One of the most exciting attractions in the area for both adults and kids alike, the award-winning, four star visitor attraction Cream O'Galloway Visitor Centre on Rainton Farm is only minutes from the hotel! With everything from an adventure playground to a play barn with tunnels and peep holes (perfect for a rainy day!) to farm animals, and of course, some of the best ice cream in Britain, a visit to Cream O'Galloway is an absolute must.
www.creamogalloway.co.uk
Dalscone Farm
Wet or dry, this is a must-do for your children. It is the largest soft play area in the region, matched only by the size of their toy shop!
www.dalsconetoys.co.uk
Mabie Farm Park
A fun day out for all the family; animals, quad bikes, grass sledging, astroslide, paddle boat, indoor play area, party rooms and much more, along with a farm shop and a tearoom serving tasty snacks and ice-cream.
www.mabiefarm.co.uk
Shopping
Why not take a scenic drive into Castle Douglas to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of a bustling market town. Foodies will be sure to love this unique shopping experience with a large number of independent food outlets which thrive on the high street! As with most towns in the area it also boasts a surprising number of independent boutiques, craft shops and gift shops. www.cd-foodtown.org
Galloway Sailing Centre
Galloway Sailing Centre offer a range of water sports and dry activities including; sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, climbing, quad biking, mountain biking, archery and more. www.lochken.co.uk
The Gem Rock Museum
A celebration of the earth’s treasures. Fantastic crystals, gems and fossils. Interactive quizzes and activities, discover our crystal cave and professor’s study. Enjoy the unique natural gift shop and home baking in the Prospector’s Pantry.
www.gemrock.net
Experience the local arts scene
Take a tour around Kirkcudbright "the Artist's Town" where permanent galleries and seasonal high profile art exhibitions create a relaxed cultural atmosphere that could rival some bigger cities.
www.kirkcudbright.co.uk
Gardens
A visit to the area wouldn’t be complete without a garden visit. Evidence of the influence of the Gulf Stream can be seen a short drive west of Gatehouse of Fleet . Stroll around Cally Gardens formally part of the Cally Estate, or take a trip over to the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Gardens at Castle Douglas or Broughton House Gardens in Kirkcudbright, where the renowned artist E A Hornel lived.
www.callygardens.co.uk
The Wickerman Annual Festival and Film
Cult horror film enthusiasts won't want to miss the Wickerman Festival in Dundrennan. This contemporary summer music festival attracts people from all over the world and culminates in the burning of a giant willow and straw effigy.
The original 1973 cult horror film the Wickerman was filmed in and around Gatehouse of Fleet, it starred Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland. And the Cally Estate office was actually transformed into a pub for the film! Much to the dismay of fans of the Wickerman, the 2006 remake was not filmed in Scotland, but in Germany and the USA instead. Come and experience the area that gave the original film its depth and mystique! www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
GaelForce
GaelForce, held each year in August, is eight festivals and over 100 events in the Dumfries and Galloway region. With a huge range of exhibitions, activities and performances - there really is something for everyone! The eight festivals that make up GaelForce are:
Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities
Langholm and Eskdale Festival of Music and Arts
St. Ninian Festival
Portpatrick Folk Festival
Creetown Country Music Festival
The Hairth World Music Festival
Scottish Book Town Festival
Lockerbie Jazz Festival
Spring Fling
Local galleries and artists open up their studios and workshops to locals and visitors alike. Follow a trail around all the studios, workshops, galleries and the vast amounts of artists who have chosen Dumfries and Galloway to be their home.
www.spring-fling.co.uk
Wigtown - Scotland's National Book Town
Go for a drive deep into the Dumfries and Galloway countryside to Wigtown - home to almost 20 book shops and host to two annual book festivals. www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk
National Trust properties in the Area
Glenluce AbbeyBruce's Stone
Threave Castle, Garden & Estate
Venniehill
Murray Isles
Broughton House
Rockcliffe
Historic Scotland properties in the Area
Cairnholy chambered Cairns Caerlaverock Castle
Cardoness Castle
Dundrennan Abbey
Glenluce Abbey
Maclellan's Castle
New Abbey Corn Mill
Sweetheart Abbey
Local Beaches
Mossyard Shore - www.mossyard.co.uk
Cardoness Shore
Sandgreen Bay - www.sandgreencaravanpark.co.uk
Carrick Bay
