The 10 Best Visitor Centers in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

CatStrand Arts & Visitor Centre is a unique venue in the historic Royal Burgh of New Galloway at the gateway to the Galloway Forest Park. Gift Shop specialising in local arts and crafts/ Licensed café serving light lunches and home baking/ Outdoor seating area/ Year round programme of cinema, music, theatre & dance events/ Art exhibitions/ Local & regional information/ Free wi-fi/ Open 7 days.

The harbour town of Kirkcudbright is situated in the centre of Dumfries & Galloway. Known as the “Artists' Town”, there are many galleries to visit including Broughton House, Tolbooth Art Centre and the Harbour Cottage Gallery. MacLellan’s Castle proudly overlooks the many local independent shops, cafés and restaurants Kirkcudbright has to offer.

Discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that's typical of this region. Stroll along the nature trails and use the viewing hides to explore at your own pace. Spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks, not to mention butterflies and wild flowers. You might also see a roe deer. And in the autumn, thousands of barnacle and pink-footed geese start to arrive for the winter, creating a not-to-be-missed spectacle. Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Dumfries iCentre is situated overlooking the River Nith at 64 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS. An out-of-the-ordinary iCentre with a series of public artworks in the building and garden patio area. Your one-stop shop for information, activities and local gifts in Dumfries and Galloway. Our friendly team of knowledgeable staff can provide you with information and advice that will help you make the most of your time during your visit. We provide an accommodation booking service throughout Scotland and are ticket agents for Citylink. We can help you with inspiring places to visit; not to be missed local events; the best places to eat; the most scenic routes; detailed maps, guidebooks and a wide range of quality gifts and souvenirs. Whatever you need, just ask, we’re here to help! We look forward to welcoming you!

Taken over by the Castle Douglas Development Forum for the community, the Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre is a visitor information centre which also sells the best of locally produced food and crafts.

Moat Brae is Scotland's National Centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling. The garden at Moat Brae was cited by none other than JM Barrie as the inspiration for his world famous play and novel about Peter Pan and Neverland. Barrie used to play there as a teenager in the 1870s while living in Dumfries and attending Dumfries Academy. Moat Brae hosts a regular programme of exciting events, tours and activities to inspire the imagination and encourage creativity. Our thing is books of course but there are interactive games, exhibitions and play areas for children. Moat Brae also boasts a fabulous free-to-access riverside cafe, book and gift shop and is open all year round. We're currently open on a reduced basis so please check before you book your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to JM Barrie's Enchanted Land!