Things to do & places to visit in Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom

Dumfries and Galloway #61 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.56 based on 15.1k traveler reviews, of 36 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 23:24.

Dumfries and Galloway Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

56°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

32%

Chance of rain

102.0 millimeters

Amount

16.2 mph

Wind speed

82%

Humidity

16.1

Daylight length

5:08 AM

Sunrise

9:14 PM

Sunset

42%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Galloway Activity Centre (651 reviews)
- Lovely afternoon
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Kayaking & Canoeing

Excellent watersport facilities, covid I would say probably helped as it wasn't over run & busy. It was just right for the amount of people visiting. Kids loved the paddle boarding which we rented, for £30, I would recommend this over the other option as you get the whole 3 hours rather than an instructor teaching you then going out for the same amount of time for £50. Plus, as there were 6 of us we hired 3 boards & just kept swapping. Not a lot to do if you're just spectating but a lovely afternoon enjoyed by us all, and the dog. See more..
5.0 Lockerbie Garden of Remembrance (314 reviews)
- Thought-provoking reminder of the UK's worst terrorist atrocity
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

My wife and I toured several of the Lockerbie crash sites during our stay in the city. We concluded at the Garden of Remembrance set at the rear of the town cemetery. It is truly sad that 270 people should have died for no reason. You'll read up about the terrorists and their trials/convictions. An extremely moving memorial. RIP those lost. See more..
5.0 Bladnoch Distillery (306 reviews)
- Bladnoch distillery tour and tasting
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Scotland's most southerly whisky distillery. Open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday, offering distillery tours, gift shop and cafe. Bladnoch Distillery has recently undergone renovation and the brand new Visitor Centre and Cafe Melba opened in Summer 2019. Tours run from 10am until 4pm. Cafe Melba opening hours are 10am - 4pm. Come and see how we make our Single Malt Whisky and try some of our range of products. See more..
5.0 Grey Mare's Tail (280 reviews)
- Challenging walk with fine views
Waterfalls

From the car park (£3) at Tailburn Bridge there is a steep walk up a stone path to get you alongside the main waterfall. Continuing on the path there are further smaller falls. If you persist you come to Loch Skeen which was atmospheric with clouds rling over it and down the valley. Take a walking pole and good boots as the path is narrow and slippery in the rain See more..
5.0 Thai Massage Room &Spa (243 reviews)
- Worth Every Penny!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

The first and original Traditional Thai Massage in Dumfries and Galloway owned and run by the highly qualified and experienced Noi McIntyre, who trained to a high level both in her homeland of Thailand and here in the UK. The services offered include Traditional Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Oil Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Hot Stone Massage and many others. Only high quality oils, balms and Thai Herbal Compresses are used in the treatments. The peaceful ambiance of the treatment room, offers the perfect place to enhance the Thai experience whether it be just to relax or for treatment for your aches, pains, or injury. See more..
5.0 Crafty Distillery (199 reviews)
- Gem of a Gin
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Nestled on the edge of Newton Stewart our modern grain to glass distillery pumps out gallons of tasty gin, whisky & vodka and delivers panoramic views over the Galloway Hills. Here you can learn about our unique distilling approach and enjoy a taste of our award winning spirits including our flagship Hills & Harbour Gin. Enjoy a tour of our distillery, and learn how we make our very own spirit from scratch and the process for making our Gin, Vodka and very soon our Single Malt Scotch Whisky. After the tour you can then enjoy a perfect serve of our Hills & Harbour Gin and other spirits while taking in the amazing views from the distillery over the Galloway Hills. Hungry? Our take away Galloway Picnic offering brings your some of the best artisan producers of our region. Choose from local cheeses, preserves and craft beers. See more..
5.0 Kitchen Coos & Ewes (197 reviews)
- Great family experience from a family farm
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Guided tours of our farm which feature a short trip in our people carrying trailer to see our Highland Coos. Get amazing pictures to enjoy later and to share with your friends. Hear the story about the social hierarchy in the fold from the people who care for the coos (a herd of Highland coos is called a 'fold'). Discover how the matriarch coo exerts her authority and feel for the coo at the bottom of the heap. Hear the story about how past generations of farmers produced energy, food and fibre in the Luce Valley and how the present generation have become more aware of also caring for the environment. The wind is now also being harvested in the hills; see for yourself how the Luce Valley is ideal for producing clean renewable energy. After the trip in the trailer it's time for tea. Freshly baked farmhouse fare to be eaten at our kitchen table as you reflect on your time on the hill. See more..
5.0 Forrest Estate Experiences (164 reviews)
- Best Birthday present ever
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics • Shooting Ranges

Forrest Estate is a purpose built country sports activity centre in the specializing in providing access and education for a full range of country sports including clay pigeon shooting, rifle shooting and trout fishing located on a breathtaking 11,000 acre private estate in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. Everyone welcome including ladies, children and families. A.P.S.I qualified, professional and friendly instruction is provided. See more..
5.0 Bainloch Deer Park (94 reviews)
- Friendly staff and amazing views
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Visited on 22nd July. What an amazing place! Lovely, friendly staff in the café - we just had coffee and cake but the menu looked so good we'll go back to try breakfast or lunch! We didn't take the 4x4 tour but saw lots of deer from the beautiful café terrace. A lovely young male staff member, on seeing my puzzled face, took time out to explain that the strange contraption on the way in to the café is an old weighing machine - such a nice gesture! We'll definitely be back! See more..
5.0 Kirkcudbright Art Tours (68 reviews)
- Behind the scenes in Kirkcudbright.
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Private Tours

When you visit Kirkcudbright be sure to book the walking tour with Fiona around the town centre. The walk is on the level and lasts about 75 minutes. The talk is well prepared and charmingly presented. You will discover many interesting facts about the artists and their haunts and houses and be taken 'behind the scenes ' to places that you would otherwise miss. You also gain insight into the current crop of local artists and the places where their work may be viewed. The talk is modestly priced and conducted in small groups. Be sure to book ahead online and if it is wet Fiona provides brollies. See more..
4.5 Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop (1.618 reviews)
- Love is all you need ❤️
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Caerlaverock Castle (1.043 reviews)
- Pleasant, knowledgeable staff with good Covid 19 practices
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles

Temporarily closed The castle grounds, shop and toilets are open (the castle remains closed) and we are delighted to welcome you back. 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. See more..
4.5 Annandale Distillery (766 reviews)
- Annandale is AnnanGreat!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

The historic distillery has been through 3 whisky making eras and a period when it was used in farming. It was formerly a Johnnie Walker distillery which closed in 1918. Following an extensive £10.5 million restoration project. Annandale Distillery was reborn in 2014 with production starting on 3rd November. Once again Single Malt scotch whisky is being produced in Dumfries and Galloway after almost a 100 year absence. See more..
4.5 Laggan Outdoor (730 reviews)
- Beautiful Restaurant
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Segway Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We went for a meal at Gather, and it was our first visit. We were very impressed with both the service and the meal. What struck us initially was the quick response of the waiter Graeme who offered drinks and then a very varied menu. Graeme was polite, friendly and chatty without being intrusive. We had a fantastic starter to share which was delicious. This was followed by 3 burgers which were so tasty, with chips and fried sweet potatoes. It was delicious with good big servings, and sauces were plentiful. It looked brilliant, tasted fantastic, and we will go back! The restaurant is beautiful and the views (even when wet and dull) were wonderful. I highly recommend Gather for its friendly, professional and quick service. The food was fantastic and the surroundings were superb. There was plenty of parking and the toilets were super clean and beautifully designed. See more..
4.5 Drumlanrig Castle (692 reviews)
- Excellent guided tour and lunch after.
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Castles • Art Museums

Set on the spectacular 80,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Estate 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, Ranger-led walks, events programme as well as shopping and catering. See more..
4.5 The Devil's Porridge Museum (650 reviews)
- Great visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Discover the remarkable wartime story of the Greatest Munitions Factory on Earth and the extraordinary lives of the Munitions Girls who worked there. Built during WW1, HM Factory Gretna stretched nine miles along the Solway Coast and produced more cordite explosive than all the other factories combined. Through unique objects and interactive displays, our museum brings to life the secret wartime history of Southwest Scotland and Cumbria. Stay and enjoy our Café and free wifi. See more..
4.5 Threave Garden (593 reviews)
- Beautiful gardens
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

We thoroughly enjoyed our wander through these beautiful gardens and were really lucky that, as we arrived just after they opened, we felt we pretty much had the place to ourselves for a while. We spent over 2 hours looking around the gardens and seeing the red squirrels at the hide in the woods was well worth the entrance fee alone. Even after it became a bit busier we found the whole walk very peaceful and tranquil. See more..
4.5 Mabie Farm Park (580 reviews)
- Great day out
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

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. See more..
4.5 Logan Botanic Garden (547 reviews)
- Wonderful
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Logan Botanic Garden is open daily from 1 March - 15 November 2023 from 10am-5pm. At the south-western tip of Scotland lies Logan, the country's 'most exotic garden'. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, southern hemisphere plants flourish in this plantsman's paradise near Port Logan in Dumfries & Galloway. Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Voted 'Best Garden in the UK 2021' by Which? magazine. Winner of Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 'Tourism Champion' in 2021 & 2017. 5* rating by VisitScotland. Green Tourism 'Gold' award. Please note we have no connection or affiliation with Logan House Garden which is a separate property. Registered assistance dogs only. See more..
4.5 Dino Park (475 reviews)
- Softplay worth visiting
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

Southern Scotland's best dinosaur experience is open. Step back 150 million years and discover the giants who roamed the earth. Take a trip through the Dino Mine, hear stories and facts in the Dino Den, dig for fossils, have fun on our bouncy dinosaur and much more! A great day out for all the family! We are open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm from 28th March to 1st November 2015. See more..
4.5 Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (461 reviews)
- Majestic.
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Lighthouses

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. See more..
4.5 Castle Kennedy Gardens (403 reviews)
- Great relaxing day walking around with the dogs. went down nearly every path in the walled garden twice
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Set on 75 acres and offers something for everyone to enjoy. From stunning fauna to beautiful scenery, sculptured landforms, magnificent walks, and popular bird hides, the Gardens are a hidden treasure in South West Scotland and a perfect haven for relaxing and exploring. Family home to the 14th Earl and Countess of Stair, the Gardens were the inspiration of the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730’s and are famous for colourful displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Embothriums, many rare and exotic plants, 21 Champion Trees and a number of spectacular avenues and the romantic ruins of 16th Century Castle Kennedy. This year we continue to enhance your visit to our Gardens with a wide range of events and activities for the whole family. These include monthly guided walks which follow a theme, pop-up evening events to open-air theatre productions. The Tea Room and Shop offers a selection of seasonal, local, home-baked foods and Scottish-made items that are ideal for souvenirs or gifts See more..
4.5 Broughton House & Garden (348 reviews)
- Secluded intimate beautiful garden
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Art Museums

We only decided to visit this gem with some extra time in beautiful arty architecturally interesting town of Kirkcudbright The garden is a real haven of tranquillity divided into different sections with an wide array of flowers It was late June and it was peak bloom - it is always luck of the draw as very much weather dependent notwithstanding we are in Scotland. The images below speak for themselves As previous reviewer points out.,and in such a small space,it has herbaceous borders a knot garden, pond ,glasshouse and wild garden notwithstanding scented roses Hornel,Scottish impressionist artist, placed the historic town on thump as an artist colony and created the garden.It reminded us of Monet and his famous garden with water lilies but in different context See more..
4.5 Kirroughtree - 7stanes (347 reviews)
- Excellent day out. Avoid the visitor centre.
Biking Trails • Forests

After 20mins waiting in line to pay (5 people in front of us), the Staff at the visitor centre were a bit rude and abrupt. Lady who served us did not chat at all just chewed gum in our faces and told us the total of what we ordered. The scones were dry and like a stone and sausage overcooked and like a rubber sword. Luckily the forest park itself is the hero and saved the experience. Amazing trails with so much to explore on foot, bike or horse. I took miss 7 on the white trail and ended up doing a wiggly 6km loop off trail as the markers aren't overly clear. Wpuls recommend for adventure but not for food. See more..
4.5 Dalscone Farm Fun (344 reviews)
- Fab place, lots to see and do
Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Farms

A Great Day Family Fun Day Out - Rain or Shine. Dalscone is a family adventure farm located in Dumfries, Scotland. Here you can also visit Scotland's largest independent toyshop! Have fun in our huge indoor soft play area that is filled with ball cannons, slides and other exciting features. Explore our outdoor attractions for children and adults alike including trampolines, pedal karts, bumper boats and crazy golf! Take a ride around our Farmari where you can encounter llamas, donkeys, goats, pigs and more! See more..
4.5 Creetown Gem Rock Museum (315 reviews)
- Amazing collection of rocks!
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Speciality Museums

Good museum to wander around (in a covid safe way) for an hour or more. Can't believe how much they have managed to pack into a comparatively small space. There were several activities that children could do. Prior booking is recommended but we were able to get in on spec (admittedly just as the museum was opening). Only disappointment for us is that the shop was almost entirely jewellery to buy - which some visitors might like. However we would have preferred a little more variety including books (for adults and children) and toys that would interest youngsters in geology and the environment. See more..
4.5 Port Logan Fish Pond (306 reviews)
- A good day out
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Aquariums

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. See more..
4.5 Museum of Lead Mining (270 reviews)
- Informative and enjoyable!
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Museum of Lead Mining, is situated in Wanlockhead Village, which is the highest village in Scotland, sitting at 1531 feet above sea level. At the museum we have our Visitor Centre with a tearoom and gift shop. The only underground tour available in Scotland of a historical Lead Mine, experience life for the miners in our 3 Period Cottages 1750, 1850 and 1910. The Museum also has the 2nd Oldest Subscription Library with the original Miners'collection of almost 3,000 books. This is a Recognised Collection and well worth a visit. If you would like to sample Gold Panning you can try one of our taster sessions. After your walkabout you can sit and relax in our Tearoom and sample the delightful treats on offer, and browse our well stocked Gift Shop . Wanlockhead is recognised as an SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest and also on the Southern Upland hiking route. So why delay - visit us today! See more..
4.5 Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura (265 reviews)
- Excellent!
Sunday: History Museums

I visited on Doors Open Day so the Camera Obscura was free, entry to the museum is normally free and the fee for the Camera Obscura is a modest £3.40/£1.70. The museum has various exhibits over a couple floors that do a grand job of telling at least a part of the story of Dumfries and the surrounding area. A real hidden highlight of the museum is the small collection of ancient carved stones in the basement. The Camera Obscura is located in the attached former windmill tower and is a wondrous marvel of Victorian technology using mirrors to project a perfect image of the surrounding town onto a tabletop. The operator/guide gave an impressive spiel and pointed out some of the highlights of the town as well as recited some of the associated history to the area. See more..
4.5 Bellymack Hill Farm - Kite Feeding Station (262 reviews)
- Red Kites in Flight - A Great Photo Opportunity
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

An excellent place to visit if you wish to photograph red kites in flight. The birds circle overhead allowing you to capture frame filling images. It was quite busy when we visited however there was ample room for everyone to easily view the birds. It would have been rather cramped to set up a tripod, a monopod would have been easier if you need to support a heavy lens. I just handheld for greater flexibility. On arrival you are made to feel very welcome and the owners are knowledgeable about the birds if you have any questions. The cafe proved to be very popular with many people sampling the delicious home made cakes. Covid measures were in place ensuring a safe visit. This is the second time we have visited Bellymack's Hill Farm and we shall certainly call in again on our next visit to Scotland. Watching the birds come into feed is an awesome spectacle - highly recommended and excellent value at £5 per person. See more..