Top Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway
Top Hotels in Dumfries and Galloway
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom including Threave Castle, The Raiders Road Forest Drive, Drumlanrig Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, Threave Garden, Grey Mare's Tail, Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, Mossyard Beach, The Galloway Forest Park Red Deer Range.
Restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway
1. Threave Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
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
2. The Raiders Road Forest Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
This 10-mile road winds along the Black Water of Dee and through the forest.
Reviewed By 1945DJM - Montrose, United Kingdom
We would definitely recommend this road. as the scenery is breathtaking and the road is good. Plenty places to stop for picnics and to take photographs.
3. Drumlanrig Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
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.
4. Caerlaverock Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 998 reviews
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.
5. Threave Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Reviewed By JMcL62 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Pleasant walk round varied gardens despite the rain. Coffee shop adapted well for covid precautions and delicious scones served safely in plastic bag with knife butter and jam. High standards of hygiene throughout shop and cafe.
6. Grey Mare's Tail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By nigelf376 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Wonderful walk (and we did it in the pouring rain!) on paths beautifully maintained by National Trust Scotland.
7. Mabie Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Family fun farm park with lots to do for old and young. The whole family can spend hours from feeding the animals, bouncing on the jumping pillows, slides,play barn,straw barn, boating pond,donkey rides,our choochoo express,quad biking and lots of fresh air out in our park area. We have a tearoom for lunch and gift/toy shop to keep the kids happy.
Reviewed By TheFireyOne - Glasgow, United Kingdom
What an amazing find! We were down in Southerness for a long weekend and thought we would pop into “this wee farm park” for an hour or 2 to pass the time with the kids.....6 hours later and we were the last to leave at closing time! Amazingly spacious, we had no covid worries whatsoever. The animals are adorable and friendly, the indoor barn rope swing brilliant (loved that my 5 year old could play in that section, while my 10 month old could play in the adjoining tots area.....not often they can both be entertained at the same time!). The bouncy pillows were great fun (again the 5 yo was on the larger one, the 10 mo on the smaller). Because of the layout I could let the 5yo play on the big slides while I sat in the sand pit with the 10mo (again I cannot stress how rare it is to keep both my little womb gremlins happy at the same time) the peddle boats were lovely and chilled, but the winner at the end of the day was the train ride! I enjoyed it as much as the kids. The staff could not have been nicer or more helpful, going above and beyond (ie the man running the toboggan slide who dragged the sledge up the hill because my spoiled daughter couldn’t be bothered doing it herself). I can’t believe how affordable it is and how much you get for your money. I never usually post gushing reviews but I’m totally fan girl-ing over Mabie Farm and promised 5yo that I would bring her and friends down for a day trip.....it’s worth the 2 hour drive.
8. Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
The board of the museum have decided, as a precaution, to close our museum to visitors with immediate effect, due to the coronavirus. All planned events will be rescheduled once the crisis is over. This action is in line with many other organisations with the aim of helping to delay the spread of the virus and most importantly to help protect our visitors and volunteers. The current closure is for an indefinite period as it is unclear as to the timescale over which the current pandemic will run.
Reviewed By T8442FRwilliamp - Dumfries, United Kingdom
We visit often with our young family and feel at home in this museum with a great team of people. Well worth the visit and highly recommended
9. Mossyard Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By KScow
Cracking little beach off a single track road near a farm and caravan park. Park up and then a few steps you are looking at the waterfront. Explore the rockpools.
10. The Galloway Forest Park Red Deer Range
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Mary2011_11 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visited the red deer range after recently taking up photography. I googled where to photograph wildlife in my area and this popped up. I had a fantastic time. At first there didn't seem to be any deer around so I went for a short walk along the path and was thinking oh well I don't think this is my day. Back in the hide I thought one last look then I will go and nearly jumped out of my skin when I opened the window and the big stag grunted with his nose right at the window. They blend in so well with their surroundings but clearly love to come down to the feeding area in the hope of picking up a few carrots. Three of them hung around for a long time allowing plenty of photo opportunities. Would be a great place also to take kids. Don't forget your carrots !
