Farm Holidays in Scotland by Quality Farm Holidays - South West Scotland [Return to Website Index]

[Introduction]

[Where We Are]

[Accommodation Listing]

[Useful Links]

The Attractions of South West Scotland

[Introduction] [South Ayrshire] [Mull of Galloway] [Machars]
[Galloway Forest Park] [Stewartry Coast]
[Dumfries & Galloway Golf Links] [Nature Reserves in Dumfries & Galloway]

Nithsdale and Dumfries :

Introduction :

For convenience, these are organised as follows :-
Annual Events
Ancient Monuments
Craft Centres and Sites
Museums and Historic Houses
Seaside Resorts and Beaches
Good Viewpoints
Wildlife Sites

Annual Events :

Dumfries Civic Week :

Crocketford Gala and Dalbeattie Festival Week : Two of the many local annual galas. Further details from Craigadam.

The Riding of the Marches, Langholm : A modern continuation of an ancient tradition that 'beat the bounds'.

Theatres, Cinemas and Clubs...

Robert Burns Locations :

Brow Well, nr. Ruthwell : Mineral well where Burns sought a cure from his final illness.
Robert Burns Centre, Dumfries : A historical and literary place to study Burns, but with a good audiovisual display and a cafe. Also, a rather good Film Theatre.
Telephone : 01387-264808.
Burns House, Dumfries : Sandstone house where Robert Burns lived for the last few years of his life. Displays and artefacts of the period.
Telephone : 01387-255297.
Burns Mausoleum, St. Michaels : The grave of Robert Burns in St. Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries.
Ellisland Farm : The farmhouse, built by Robert Burns, contains exhibits connected with the poet.
Telephone : 01387-740426.
The Globe Inn : Robert Burns's 'favourite howff', a 17th century working pub in the centre of Dumfries. Preserves the 'Poet's Chair'.
Telephone : 01387-252335.

The Sands Center, Carlisle :

Dumfries Cinema :

Dumfries Theatre :

Burnswark : Native hilltop earthwork flanked by two Roman siege training camps of about 2nd century AD.

Drumlanrig Castle and Country Park, Carronbridge : Family home of the Dukes of Buccleuch. Castle (staterooms open in summer), ranger-guided waymarked walks, gardens, visitor centre, giftshop and craft centre, cycle museum and hire, tearoom, adventure playground, bird of prey centre, woodland and riverside walks.
Telephone : 01848-330248. Fax : 01848-600244. E-mail : Website : Under construction.

Durisdeer Church, Durisdeer : Houses the c. 1711 'Queensbury Marbles', funeral effigies of the Second Duke and Duchess of Queensberry.

Gilnockie Tower (Clan Armstrong Centre), Canonbie : History of this notorious clan of Border reivers. Genealogy of past and current Clan members.
Telephone : 013873-71876.

Bruce Plaque, Dumfries : Plaque on wall in Castle Street recording the location of the Greyfriars Monastery where Bruce stabbed John 'The Red' Comyn in church of a Sunday.

Bruce's Cave : Bruce was hidden here for three months by Sir William Irving.
Telephone : 01461-800285.

Dumfries Museum, Dumfries Old windmill tower and associated buildings owned by the Dumfries and Galloway Council. Large 1830s 'Camera Obscura' on top floor of windmill. Excellent collection of local artefacts from prehistoric periods onwards. Ongoing exhibitions. Free entry except for camera obscura. Open Monday-Saturday 10-5, sunday 2-5. Camera Obscure 1.50 Adults, 75p Concessions/Children.
Telephone : 01387-253374. Fax : 01387-265081.
E-mail :
Website : http://dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/.
Old Bridge House Museum : Built in 1660, the oldest surviving house in Dumfries. Beside the Old or Devorgilla Bridge. Artefacts displayed in replica Victorian nursery, kitchens and dentists's surgery.
Telephone : 01387-256904.

Lincluden Collegiate Church, Lincluden, Dumfries : College of Augustinian Canons, formerly Benedictine nunnery suppressed by Archibald the Grim. Church rebuilt in early 15th century by the Duke of Touraine. Managed by Historic Scotland. Free access.
Telephone : 01387-770244 (Information). Fax : As phone.

Crichton Royal Museum, Dumfries : Very unusual and moving museum on this innovative mental hospital of the late 19th century. Various medical artefacts, and on-site attractions that include an excellent cathedral-style church and a rock garden. Free access. Ample parking, adjoining Easterbrook Hall.
Telephone : 01387-244228.
E-mail :
Website : http://freespace.virgin.net/john.williams1/index.htm

Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum, Heathall : Very impressive collection of aircraft and a unique World War II control tower fascinating displays of aviation memorabilia. Visitor centre with giftshop and tearoom. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry Fee.
Telephone : 01387-251623.
Website : http://members.xoom.com/dgamuseum/. No e-mail.

Burns House, Dumfries : Definitely the Mecca of Burns enthusiasts. The house the poet lived in after his abortive time as a farmer and whilst he was a Customs Officer. Nearby is the pub he went to for a drink.

Maxwelton House, Moniaive : Impressively and sympathetically restored home of 'Annie Laurie'. Excellent interior, gardens, ample parking, estate chapel nearby. House, museum, tearoom and giftshop.
Telephone : 01848-200385.

Mid Steeple, Dumfries : Early 18th century common hall of Dumfries, with Registry Office on first floor. In centre of High Street.

Morton Castle, Morton : Black Douglas late 13th century hall house overlooking Morton Loch. External view only. Managed by Historic Scotland. Free access.
Telephone : 01387-770244 (Information). Fax : As phone.

Rammerscales House, Lochmaben : 18th century sandstone house, with walled garden, woodland walks and picnic areas.
Telephone : 01387-811988.

Wanlockhead Beam Engine, Wanlockhead : Near the famous Leadhills gold-panning region. Adjacent private lead-mining museum. Well worth a visit, - but wear old clothes when entering mine.

Dumfries Ice Bowl : Ice rink and indoor bowls hall. Shops and restaurant. Skates may be hired.
Telephone : 01387-251300. Fax : .

Dumfries Swimming Pool : .
Telephone : 01387-252908. Fax : .

Horseshoe Riding Centre, Cummertrees : TRSS and ABRS approved riding and trekking centre.
Telephone : 01387-870648. Fax : .

Neverland Adventure Play Centre : Themed Peter Pan indoor childrens' adventure play centre.
Telephone : 01387-249100. Fax : .

Hop, Skip and Jump Soft Play Centre : Soft play for children of 8 years and under.
Telephone : 01387-247727. Fax : .

Riks Bike Shed, Dumfries : Quality mountain bikes for sale and hire. A good choice for enjoying the many mountain bike trails in Dumfries and Galloway.
Telephone : 01387-270275.

Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries : Collection of Scottish paintings, monthly exhibitions of contemporary arts and crafts.
Telephone : 01387-262084.

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Annandale and Eskdale :

Ruthwell Cross, Ruthwell : In Ruthwell Church. Magnificent stone cross c. 680 AD with Anglian Runic inscription quoting from Ceadmon's 'Dream of the Rood'. One of only two of its kind in northern Britain. Phone for details of access to Church. Custodian has good fund of local history.
Telephone : 01387-870249.

Scots Dyke, nr. Canonbie : Trench and dyke marking the frontier (Border) between Scotland and England. Intended to reduce conflict when feuds occurred over the 'Debateable Lands'. Most visible three miles southwest of Canonbie.

Lochmaben Castle, Lochmaben : Unusual square castle with two flanking walls covering main gate. Extensive earthworks. Interpretation board. Once family home of Robert the Bruce's family. Excellent parking and picnic site beside Castle Loch. Recommended. Managed by Historic Scotland. External viewing only. Free access.
Telephone : 01387-770244 (Information). Fax : As phone.

Carlyle's Birthplace, Ecclefechan : Birthplace (1795) of the writer and historian Thomas Carlyle. Good selection of artefacts of the period. Run by National Trust for Scotland. Entry fee Adult £ 2.20, Children £ 1.60. Other concessions available. Excellent value for families.
Telephone : 01576-300666. Fax : 01576-300848.

Clan Armstrong Trust Museum, Langholm : History and culture of this notorious clan of Border reivers.
Telephone : 013873-81610.

Eastriggs and Gretna Heritage Centre : Exhibition on the history of the local World War I ordnance factories.
Telephone : 01461-40460.

Annan Swimming Pool : .
Telephone : 01461-204773. Fax : .

Farm Buggy Trails, Lockerbie : Quad bike trails with guide through wonderful hills and woodland. Go-karts and air-pistol shooting gallery. Tearoom with home baking. Parking, toilets. Protective clothing within the quad or go-kart hire prices.
Telephone : 01576-710225/610242. Fax : 01576-610236.

Annan Activities, Annan : Paint balling, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and fly-fishing ponds.
Telephone : 01461-800274.

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Dormont Lake, nr. Dalton : Fish for carp, tench and roach in the suroundings of the historic Dormont Estate. Parking adjacent, fishing stands with provision for the disabled angler.
Telephone : 01387-840222. Fax : As phone.
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Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Monastery, Eskdalemuir : The most unusual attraction in Dumfries and Galloway. A community of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. Magnificent temple and riverside grounds. Shop and tearooms. Guided tours available on request, - at 24 hours' notice.
Telephone : 013873-73232. Fax : 013873-73223.
E-mail : Website : http://www.samye.org/

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Woollen Mills and Craft Centres...

The Moffat Woollen Mill is world-famous, but there are many other possibilities to choose from. The area has attracted large numbers of artists, potters, writers and sculptors.