10 Museums in Dumfries and Galloway That You Shouldn't Miss

Cloud 9 Studio Gallery is an artist led gallery in Dumfries town centre. Owned by artist Julie Hollis the gallery displays her work in 2D and 3D as well as the work of carefully selected local artists and craftspeople. A calm and reflective space, Cloud 9 is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year, and on most Tuesdays Wednesdays and with additional opening hours at Christmas.

The Museum is now Closed from the end of October for the Winter. We are staffed by volunteers and will be open for entry from 2pm to 4.30pm (close at 5pm) from 1st April 2020 until 31st October 2020. There will be extended Summer opening from 10.30am to 2pm from mid July 2020 until mid Sept.

Hear the inspirational story of Dunscore's Jane Haining who worked in Hungary in WWII and refused to leave her charges and died in Auschwitz. Learn the story of Dunscore Church stretching back to the 12th century and follow the church trail or Dunscore Detective trail. Stroll round the village on the Memory Trail and see the Hearse House and the location of the library created by Robert Burns.

Visit a working artists studio! Meet Julie, see her latest paintings, buy original art direct from the artist as well as giclee prints and other gifts. Open every Saturday between 10am and 4pm. Julie also runs painting weekends from her studio - see her website for more information.

Famous for runaway weddings since 1754 Gretna Green is a wonderful place to get married in and visit. The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is steeped in history and has been standing since 1713 making it the earliest venue in the area for weddings. The visitors attraction and shopping village is visited by over 1 million people per year and has a range of lovely shops on site which stock the best of Scottish menswear, ladieswear - including brands such as Joules, Barbour, Harris Tweed and Ness - Scottish gifts, Hampers and Homeware as well as a Foodhall selling local and traditional scottish produce.

The Stewartry Museum was founded in 1879, and first occupied part of the Kirkcudbright Town Hall. As the collection grew, the present purpose-built museum was planned and opened in 1893. The Museum has an old-world charm and exhibits a wealth of objects relating to the area known as The Stewartry of Kirkcudbrightshire.

Ellisland Farm, the rural home of Scottish National Bard Robert Burns, which he built for himself and his family in 1788. The place which inspired him to write some of his most famous poems including Auld Lang Syne and Tam O' Shanter. Visit the room in which he wrote these works and discover more about farm life in rural Dumfriesshire in the late 18th century. Along with the historic house and displays you can also explore the farmyard, farm buildings and take a walk along the river Nith with fabulous displays of flora and wildlife.

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.