Explore Dumfries and Galloway
Explore Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland’s ‘hidden’ south-west corner: a place of stunning scenery, rich in history and culture, with an abundance of places to visit and things to do – whatever your tastes and interests.
History & Heritage
From prehistoric standing stones, to medieval castles and abbeys, mansions and gardens, old lighthouses and distilleries, plus much more – Dumfries and Galloway is a veritable treasure trove for history enthusiasts, or simply people seeking an enjoyable and fascinating day out. For those exploring their ancestors, a plethora of old graveyards and dedicated family history resources combine to unearth your personal roots.
Outdoors, Nature & Wildlife
It’s no exaggeration to say that Dumfries and Galloway is a walkers’ paradise. With over a hundred walks signposted as Core Paths, these range from the modest jaunt, to more challenging treks through hills and rugged countryside, or along scenic sections of coastline. In addition to these and walks through the Galloway Forest Park, hill climbing routes and national trails may tempt the more experienced (or adventurous!). The region’s rural backroads, meanwhile, have long been favoured by cyclists – while mountain bike trails, notably the world-class 7 Stanes centres, draw enthusiasts of the sport from far and wide.
Wherever you are in Dumfries and Galloway, you’re never far from the opportunity to observe numerous kinds of wildlife in their natural environment. From red deer, to red kite, to red squirrels, not forgetting wild goats or fish and marine life, nature reserves and areas of the region’s forests serve as safe havens for particular species.
Arts & Culture
Whether you’re a devotee of Robert Burns, the Kirkcudbright artists, or interested in other aspects of our cultural past, Dumfries and Galloway boasts an extensive variety of museums and galleries. These include over twenty local museums, and others housing collections of more specific focus, such as the Dumfries Aviation Museum, ‘The Devil’s Porridge’, and the Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre specialising in early periods of the region’s (and Scotland’s) history. For bibliophiles, visit Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, with its many bookshops and celebrated annual Book Festival.
Food & Accommodation
Dumfries and Galloway offers a wide selection of accommodation options, whether self-catering homes and apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels, or camping and caravan sites. From pub lunches in historic inns to à la carte restaurants, with particular venues specialising in local produce, indulge your taste buds while sampling the wider delights of the region. The yearly Stranraer Oyster Festival, whose range of fine foodstuffs extends well beyond seafood, appeals to both the cultured palate or simply the culinary dabbler. In the centre of the region, meanwhile, Castle Douglas is designated as Galloway’s Food Town.