things to do in Dumfries and Galloway

Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway

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Use our guide to discover the best places to visit in Dumfries and Galloway

From coast to countryside, Dumfries and Galloway is a great destination for a variety of sights all year-round

Dumfries and Galloway are located in the Scottish Lowlands and offers plenty of adventures and history. However you want to spend your holiday, Dumfries and Galloway boast historic abbey ruins, ancient forests and family-friendly beaches.

Dumfries and Galloway Attractions

Explore the region’s castles such as Drumlanrig Castle and Caerlaverock Castle with a medieval moat. Step back in time at Threave Castle which dates back to 1369 and is only reachable by boat.

The natural beauty of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula is home to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse with sweeping views out to sea. A popular Dumfries and Galloway attraction is Sweetheart Abbey, home to the historic love story of the Lady of Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway Activities

If outdoor adventures are top of your list, Galloway Forest Park is a must! Fly through the expansive parkland by mountain bike or hike across the hills. Beaches and lakes scatter the region for windsurfing, yachting and fishing.

Looking for activities for the little ones? Dumfries Museum hosts prehistoric and local exhibits, whilst Mabie Farm Park offers playgrounds, trampolines and a petting zoo. The beaches are another Dumfries and Galloway attraction enticing families to its shallow shores.

Keep reading to find a host of places to visit in Dumfries and Galloway…


Images of Sweetheart Abbey and Drumlanrig Castle by Nigel Swales; 

  • Caerlaverock Castle

    Caerlaverock Castle

    Caerlaverock
    Dumfries
    DG1 4RU

    01387 770244

    This imposing 17th-century castle, with its unique and distinctive triangular shape and original moat, is surrounded by a woodland nature trail, promising endless fun for all of the family.

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  • Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire

    Drumlanrig Castle

    Thornhill
    Dumfries & Galloway
    DG3 4AQ

    01848 331555

    As well as being a majestic, 17th-century castle brimming with culture and history, Drumlanrig Castle also offers plenty to keep you occupied from salmon fishing to Landrover tours around beautiful Nithsdale.

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  • Dumfries and Galloway

    Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

    Stranraer
    DG9 9HP

    01776 840539

    Scotland’s most southerly point, the lighthouse at Mull of Galloway sits almost 100 metres above sea level and offers incredible views towards Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Cumbria.

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  • Sweetheart Abbey

    Sweetheart Abbey

    Main St
    New Abbey
    Dumfries
    DG2 8BU

    01387 850397

    This awe-inspiring 13th-century Cistercian Abbey boasts the captivating love story of the Lady of Galloway, making it an imperative and fascinating visit whist you’re in the area.

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  • Threave Castle
    Image credits: Otter - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Threave Castle

    Castle Douglas
    Dumfries
    DG7 1TJ

    07711 223101

    Threave Castle boasts the stunning remains of the island fortress built in 1369. Encompassed by the River Dee, you can access the castle by taking a short boat trip from Castle Douglas.  

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