Wildlife & Farm Centres (and Stargazing)
Wild Goat Park (near Newton Stewart)
Get to know Galloway’s wild goats. These hairy, long-horned, animals are British Primitive Goats. Hardy goats like these were kept by our ancestors, who valued them for their milk, meat and skins. Several hundred live in the surrounding hills, while about 50 are based in a large enclosure. The Wild Goat Park aims to recreate a natural environment where they have plenty of space to roam. At any time, but especially in summer, they can disappear among the rocky heights to graze. If you don’t see them, head over to the nearby Red Deer Range to look for those beautiful animals and try again later: the goats move around a lot during the day. The car park for Wild Goat Park is on the north side of A712 (also known as The Queen’s Way) between Newton Stewart and New Galloway. (text and image credit: Forestry and Land Scotland).
RSPB Centres Dumfries & Galloway
There are four RSPB locations across the region: Mull of Galloway, Crook of Baldoon, Wood of Cree, and the principal reserve with information centre at Mersehead near Dumfries. All boast a wide range of different habitats and wildlife, making them ideal spots for year-round bird and wildlife-watching. The Mull of Galloway reserve features grassland and heath, surrounded by steep cliffs – home to varieties of seabirds – above rolling seas below. Crook of Baldoon also thrives with birdlife, and is a breathtaking panorama of saltmarsh, mudflats and hills – with Cairnsmore of Fleet and the Galloway Hills serving as a backdrop. An abundance of species can likewise be spotted at the ancient woodland of Wood of Cree. The extensive wetland and saltmarsh area of Mersehead meanwhile offers a wide variety of different habitats and wildlife, from Barnacle Geese in the autumn and winter to Lapwings and Natterjacks Toads in the spring and summer. (selected text and image credit: RSPB Dumfries and Galloway).
Dalscone Farm Fun (Dumfries)
Come along for a fantastic day out the whole family will love. Dalscone has a large variety of farm and exotic animals. The Exotic Animal House features many unique animals such as: porcupines, monkeys, sugar gliders, snakes, chameleons and many more. It is a must see on your visit! In the Animal Barn, you will find friendly farm animals and may even catch a live birth (as Dalscone is also a working farm)! Attractions extend to outdoor and soft play activities, and animal ‘handling’ sessions. Diner, gift & toy shop, ample parking. Check website via link below for opening hours. Booking in advance advised. No dogs allowed on site. (image of Vietnamese pot-bellied pig: credit Dalscone Farm).
Red Deer Range (near Newton Stewart)
The Red Deer Range was established in 1977 to give visitors the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close in a natural environment. Around 25 red deer live here today – watch for them from the viewing area and hide. Whatever the weather, you can enjoy spotting deer (plus feed them carrots – if you bring some!) and other wildlife from the shelter of the hide. Combine a visit here with one to nearby Wild Goat park. Car parking near the side of the A712 (‘Queen’s Way’) road. (image: inquisitive deer at hide).
Mabie Farm Park (near Dumfries)
Like Dalscone another family-friendly farm experience, here nestled beneath the magnificent Mabie Forest with views over the Solway Firth, Mabie Farm Park offers farm fun that’s delightful for all ages in all types of weather! In the Animal Barn, see calves, pot-bellied pigs and other mother animals with their offspring. Visitors can feed the ‘residents’, while out in the fields are other animals such as Shetland ponies, Belted Galloways, Welsh Cob horses, Llamas, Alpacas, goats, donkeys, etc. Indoor and outdoor play areas, animal handling sessions, café, shop, picnic area. No dogs allowed on site (except guide dogs). Open April to October, admission charge. (image credit: Mabie Farm Park).
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre (near Dumfries)
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre is a spectacular 1,400 acre wild reserve situated on the north Solway coast. The centre is deservedly famous for its vast flocks of over-wintering water birds, including around 40,000 barnacle geese from Arctic Svalbard and large numbers of pink-footed geese and whooper swans. Summer offers the opportunity to explore rolling wildflower meadows, watch ospreys hunting over the Solway, and even spot barn owls and badgers. From the top of the three-storey tower, take in the best panoramic view over the whole vast site equivalent to 900 football pitches! The largest binoculars in Scotland allow you to see what is going on all over the reserve. Look down on the Folly Pond where hundreds of whooper swans roost overnight in winter. In summer, watch house martins dart into their nests clinging onto the tower eaves. Observatory, numerous hides, walks, wildlife garden – the reserve will reopen in spring 2026 (check website and Facebook links for visiting hours), admission charge. (text and dragonfly image credit: Caerlaverock Wetland Centre).
Bainloch Deer Park (near Dalbeattie)
Bainloch Deer Park is set in scenic hills overlooking the Solway Coast and is home to Japanese Sika, Wild Roe Deer and Britain’s largest land mammal, the majestic Red Deer. Visitor centre and café (admission free), bookable ‘Escape Room’ experience and Safari Tours (charges). No dogs allowed on site. (image credit: Bainloch Deer Park).
Mossburn Community Farm (near Lockerbie)
Mossburn Community Farm was established in 1990 to provide help for misused, unwanted, and neglected horses and ponies. This original remit was later widened and the farm now cares for a range of farm and domestic animals. Admission free, but donations to support the work are welcome (plus farm charity shop on site). Open daily, 10am until 4pm. (image credit: Mossburn Community Farm).
Galloway International Dark Sky Park
An International Dark Sky Park is an area committed to protecting dark skies by controlling light pollution. In 2009, Galloway Forest Park became one of the first in the world to earn this designation. It was also awarded a Gold Tier Park for its breath-taking and rare stargazing conditions. Galloway is special in this respect due not least to its remoteness. On a clear night, over 7000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye, and the bright band of the Milky Way is usually easy to see arching across the sky. You’ll get a great view from the 16 forests that make up Galloway Forest Park. The visitor hub at Kirroughtree (near Newton Stewart) provides information to help you identify the constellations and planets you can see. (text and image credit: Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park & Forestry and Land Scotland).
