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Dumfries
Dumfries, built on the banks of the River Nith, was a prosperous seaport due to its easy access to the Solway and was thus constantly being invaded by English armies. In the 1750s, it was viewed as the 'Scottish Liverpool' as it had a flourishing tobacco trade with America and in the mid-19th century, was the main port from which Scots emigrated to America, Australia and New Zealand. It is the largest town in the region, with many red sandstone buildings and bridges, and pleasant walks along the riverbanks.
Historical Interest
It has limited tourist attractions, mainly related to the poet, Robert Burns, who, although living mainly in Ayr, spent the last years of his life in Dumfries working as an exciseman. Burns House hosts an exhibition of some of his writings and the Robert Burns Centre (in a converted water mill) offers an audiovisual presentation and further exhibits about Burns and Dumfries during the late 18th century. Burns' enthusiasts might wish to visit Burn's Mausoleum in the grounds of St. Michael's Kirk, where he is now buried, followed by a trip to Burns' 'local', the Globe Inn, a 17th century building.
The Devorgilla Bridge was built in 1431, one of the oldest surviving bridges in Scotland and attached to it is the oldest house in Dumfries, the Old Bridge House, built in 1660 in which is displayed Victorian memorabilia. There is a camera obscura on the top floor of the Dumfries Museum which provides great views across the town. The Crichton Royal Hospital Museum contains interesting information and exhibits about its pioneering psychiatric treatment during the 19th century and the gardens in the Crichton Grounds extend to 100 acres, including an arboretum created in the early 20th century. The Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum has an interesting collection of aircraft including a Spitfire Mk II recovered from the depths of Loch Doon.
Information
Hotels in Dumfries include the Fulwood Hotel, Edenbank Hotel and Redbank House (with sauna and gym), and the main restaurants are Hullabaloo (contemporary - booking required), Bruno's (Italian) and the Globe Inn (bar meals). Local buses run regularly between Dumfries to Kirkcudbright and other towns on the A75 to Stranraer. Buses also run to Edinburgh via Moffat and Biggar. Trains run from Dumfries south to Carlisle and north to Glasgow. The tourist office is on Whitesands.
Around Dumfries
Caerlaverock, about 8 miles south of Dumfries on the B725, is well worth a visit. Regular buses run from Dumfries. The ruins of the red sandstone 13th century Caerlaverock Castle occupy a beautiful setting, surrounded by a moat and lawns. Damage caused by skirmishes with other Scottish clans and the English resulted in rebuilding throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. An exhibition with video presentations, playground and walks make this an enjoyable day out. The Caerlaverock Wildlife & Wetlands Centre, a mile to the east, includes a salt marsh and mud flats bordering the Solway Firth. It is an ideal habitat for a wide range of species of birds and wildlife - particularly the barnacle geese which over-winter there and wild whooper swans - which can be viewed from the observatory and numerous 'hides'. Guided safari tours of the area are free.
Near Carrutherstown, about 8 miles south-east of Dumfries off the A75 is the seasonal West Scotland Maize Maze which consists of 3 miles of paths and a viewing tower.
Seven miles south of Dumfries on the A710, on the west side of the Nith Estuary, lies the pretty village of New Abbey where the ruins of the Sweetheart Abbey can be viewed. The 13th century Cistercian abbey was named after Devorgilla de Balliol (Lady of Galloway) who built it to commemorate her dead husband (they also founded Balliol College in Oxford). She embalmed his heart and was buried with it in the abbey when she died 22 years later. Close by is the New Abbey Corn Mill which is operated at noon and 3pm each day. Good food can be found in the village tearoom and pubs (Abbey Arms and Criffel Inn) - perhaps after a walk up the nearby 1864-foot Criffel Hill! There are two further attractions in the area: the 19th century Shambellie House with displays of costumes from the Victorian period to the 1920s; and John Paul Jones Cottage containing an exhibition and audiovisual interpretation of his life - he was originally a pirate in the 18th century but became the 'father' of the US navy.
Sleeps: 2, Bedrooms: 1
has a delightfully rural location in the Dumfriesshire hills some 5 miles north of Lockerbie, and 8 miles from The Pan-Am Memorial Chapel at Tundergarth. Snug and cosy, it is reached by about a quarter of a mile of lane from the B.723 quiet country road leading to Eskdalemuir, and sits in a mature, enclosed garden (furniture) with an open terrace just 50 metres from the Dryfe Water.
Sleeps: 2, Bedrooms: 1
Set high on a hill with fine views over the lovely countryside of 'Bonnie Galloway', the Bothy at Troston is a most comfortable conversion of an old stone Bothy where visitors can relax in peaceful surroundings and enjoy the quiet beaches, forest walks and the fascinating historical associations of this easily accessible corner of Scotland.
Sleeps: 2 (3) , Bedrooms: 1
The ultimate place to get away from it all! That is Dunploddin, situated some 12 miles up a tiny moorland road near Thornhill in lovely Dumfries and Galloway. This whitewashed byre has been most beautifully and imaginatively converted to create a really comfortable holiday home, its traditional facade belying its chic and modern interior. A unique holiday home, which offers peace and relaxation in superb surroundings.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
Is a detached south-facing cosy 200-year-old pleasingly decorated/furnished stone cottage standing in its own pretty garden above Loch Carsfad 5 miles north of St. John's town of Dalry and Loch Ken, amongst the hills of Galloway on a quiet back-road leading up to Ayr. The shallow R. Blackwater tumbles at its rear.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
Detached, secluded, surrounded by garden grounds and yet within a few minute's walk of the centre of Dumfries in South west Scotland, comfortable Laurieknowe Cottage is not only a perfect base for a family holiday, but will also find favour with the birdwatchers and sportsmen who flock to these parts to pursue their favourite pastimes.
Sleeps: 4 (6) , Bedrooms: 2
Standing quite alone in a wooded valley, between Hawick and Langholm in the beautiful Scottish Borders, a mile by private track from the nearest major road and without another house in sight, Phaup Cottage is just perfect for 'getting away from it all'. Built on the site of an old shepherd's cottage, it offers superb 21st century comfort combined with loads of character - all the ingredients, in fact, for a truly memorable holiday.
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