10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway That You Shouldn't Miss

February 9, 2022 Diedre Savory

Discover the best top things to do in Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom including Dalbeattie Museum, Eskrigg Nature Reserve, Threave Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, Broughton House & Garden, Old Bridge House Museum, Grey Mare's Tail, Port Logan Fish Pond, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse.
Restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway

1. Dalbeattie Museum

81 High Street, Dalbeattie DG5 4BT Scotland +44 1556 611657 http://www.dalbeattiemuseum.co.uk/
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 107 reviews

Dalbeattie Museum

Reviewed By Richie350 - Liverpool, United Kingdom

A really fascinating museum run by very enthusiastic volunteers who were only too keen to answer our questions. Brought to life the history of the Dalbeattie area (including displays on quarrying/mining, the wars, shipping)

2. Eskrigg Nature Reserve

Eskrigg Farm road, Lockerbie DG11 1HY Scotland http://www.lockerbie-wildlife-trust.co.uk/
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 88 reviews

Eskrigg Nature Reserve

Reviewed By angelaM938 - Sheffield, United Kingdom

Easy to find , well organised and a lovely place to see nature at its best . Well worth a visit with or without children . Don't forget your camera

3. Threave Castle

Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright DG7 1TJ Scotland +44 7711 223101 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/threave-castle/
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Threave Castle

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Cross the River Dee by boat to visit this enchanting castle on its own island. Once the bustling base of its creator, Archibald the Grim, it is now an ideal spot for exploring, picnicking and perhaps, painting. The island is rich with wildflowers in summer; you might also see ospreys and otters hunting in the river. The castle was besieged by King James II for two months in 1455, and fell after the king bribed the garrison to surrender.

Reviewed By AndrewC1968 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Great visit A nice walk down to the castle from the car park very informative boards around explaining the history of the area and the boatman full of experience and knowledge

4. Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill Thornhill, Dumfries DG3 4AQ Scotland +44 1848 331555 [email protected] http://www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 662 reviews

Drumlanrig Castle

Set on the spectacular 80,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens, Drumlanrig Castle presents one of the finest examples of late 17th century Renaissance architecture in Scotland and an internationally renowned art collection. Beyond the castle are over 40 acres of enchanting gardens and a wide range of activities including walking, mountain biking, adventure playground, wildlife watching, Scottish Cycle Museum, Landrover tours, Ranger-led walks, events programme as well as shopping and catering.

Reviewed By 919tracyj - Fakenham, United Kingdom

Lovely visit to this amazing castle, although castle is closed at the moment because of Covid, the gardens are well worth a visit, also can highly recommend the walks around the castle great place to explore.

5. Caerlaverock Castle

Dumfries DG1 4RU Scotland +44 1387 770244 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/caerlaverock-castle/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 998 reviews

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, this awe-inspiring castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold and one of the finest castles in Scotland. Although ruined, Caerlaverock is still a substantial structure and you can explore many different features within its unique triangular ground plan. The castle's turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into the brutal cross-border conflicts and you can enjoy a fascinating siege warfare exhibition complete with reconstructions of medieval siege engines.

Reviewed By Quirky-Bird-Gardener - Biggar, United Kingdom

We combined visiting the castle with Ruthwell Cross making it a great day out and worth the hour and half drive. The castle though fairly small is fascinating to explore with its triangular shape and interesting facades. Being in a moat adds to it's uniqueness. We walked around the castle to the site of the original castle and back to the cafe for lunch. This was the low point of the visit sadly. Its very unusual to have a disappointing lunch where ever we visit. We ordered soup and a sandwich, the soup was lovely but the sandwich was 2 slices of cheap white bread with a sliver of ham and a dollop of mustard, no salad, crisps or anything as is the case in most places these days. It was a very poor excuse for a sandwich. Service was very very slow despite it not being that busy. I wish we'd gone elsewhere for lunch or brought a picnic but as it's out only day off in the week we like to treat ourselves to lunch.

6. Broughton House & Garden

12 High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JX Scotland +44 1557 330437 http://www.nts.org.uk/property/broughton-house-and-garden
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

Broughton House & Garden

Reviewed By H1531OIjohnt - Criccieth, United Kingdom

Visited here when in Kirkcudbright in our motorhome. Park up by the town car park and it’s a short walk up. Good Covid hygiene in operation at the garden and it’s a trust the visitor box at the unattended side gate entrance. It’s relatively small but packed with interest. There’s a one way system which guides you to all the features of the garden. It has a Japanese feel and lovely little vignette settings within it. We sat at the peaceful pool on a fern cast iron bench and admired the planting and the oriental brass heron. There are secret views of the Dee and its mariners as you walk around. Sumptuous!

7. Old Bridge House Museum

Mill Road at the far end of Devorgillas Bridge, Dumfries Scotland +44 1387 256904 http://www.dumgal.gov.uk
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Old Bridge House Museum

8. Grey Mare's Tail

Moffat Water Valley, Moffat Scotland http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Grey-Mares-Tail-Nature-Reserve
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

Grey Mare's Tail

Reviewed By nigelf376 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Wonderful walk (and we did it in the pouring rain!) on paths beautifully maintained by National Trust Scotland.

9. Port Logan Fish Pond

Fishpond Cottage, Port Logan DG9 9NF Scotland +44 1776 860606 [email protected] http://portloganfishpond.com
Excellent
79%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 265 reviews

Port Logan Fish Pond

Port Logan Fish Pond is a 200 year old sea fish larder near Port Logan on the beautiful Galloway coast in South West Scotland. This unique place is home to wide variety of local marine life and has a fascinating history. We are open every day from March to October 10 - 5.

Reviewed By Oban27 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom

We were recommended to visit the Pond by previous visitors. Weren't disappointed! The lady who led us round was very knowledgeable about the history of the rocky cove and the varied stock in the pond. An excellent and real value-for- money 'attraction'

10. Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Drummore Stranraer, DG9 9HP Scotland +44 1776 840554 [email protected] http://www.mull-of-galloway.co.uk
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 437 reviews

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

The Mull of Galloway is Scotland's most Southerly Point and an unspoiled paradise for visitors seeking peace and tranquility. We hope you will enjoy your visit and discover for yourself the beautiful countryside, beaches, splendid views and warm climate. Climb Scotland's most southerly Lighthouse, visit our Exhibition of Lighthouse History, RSPB reserve and visitor centre and Gallie Craig coffee house. Visit our website for seasonal opening times and to plan your visit. We have regular Engine and Foghorn demonstrations, check our website for details. Group bookings are welcome by arrangement. Our vintage Engines and Foghorn are now fully refurbished and are running again after 30 years. Our three former Lighthouse Keepers Cottages are available for holidays throughout the year. Pets are welcome. The cottages can be booked individually or as a group - we can accommodate up to 16 guests plus infants. The Mull of Galloway is an authorised location for weddings, see our website.

Reviewed By dalglish07 - Manchester, United Kingdom

Spent most of the day here, lovely drive from Stoneykirk. Weather was perfect as were the views. Sat and relaxed for most of the day well worth a visit, as was the on site eatery ( see separate review

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