Travel to Dumfries and Galloway and set free your inner romantic – once the home of Scotland’s best loved poet Robert Burns, this area is well versed in charming its visitors. Dumfries and Galloway is also home to Gretna Green, one of the world’s most popular runaway wedding destinations. Along with the region’s charming towns and villages, travellers can immerse themselves in The Galloway Heartland – a series of mountain landscapes, sweeping stretches of coastline, tranquil lochs and atmospheric forests. Enjoy stunning walks and adventures like off-road mountain biking and horse riding in this diverse area. Golf is also popular in Dumfries and Galloway with many fantastic links and parkland courses to choose from.
Dumfries and Galloway Landmarks
Follow the Robert the Bruce Trail and travel back through the centuries to the time when one of Scotland’s most famous monarchs ruled the land. Four fascinating routes introduce travellers to the locations and events that shaped one of Scotland’s great historical figures. Visit Ruthwell Church to see the remarkable Ruthwell Cross, an elaborately carved Anglo-Saxon monument that stands 18 feet high.
Dumfries and Galloway is also home to many impressive castles, including the UK’s only triangular castle Caerlaverock Castle. Take time to relax and get back to nature at the Mull of Galloway Nature Reserve in Stranraer. Located at the most southerly point of Scotland, this dramatic cliff-top reserve is an excellent place to see wild sea birds in their natural habitat.
Dumfries and Galloway Museums & Galleries
Learn about Scotland’s National Bard at the thought-provoking Robert Burns Centre. Featuring original manuscripts and audio-visual exhibits, the museum paints a vivid picture of this charismatic Scottish poet. Explore the region’s military past at The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs. Here you will learn the story of HM Factory Gretna, once the ‘greatest munitions factory on Earth’. For an introduction to arts and culture in Dumfries and Galloway pay a visit to Kirkcudbright. Known as ‘The Artist’s Town’ because of its popularity with 19th century painters, modern visitors can view selections of vibrant work at the Tolbooth Art Centre and Harbour Cottage Gallery.
Dumfries and Galloway Shopping, Restaurants & Nightlife
The towns and villages of Dumfries and Galloway offer visitors a chance to pick up some stylish and unique items. Browse the independent shops in the area for local arts and crafts, including knitwear and jewellery. The region also boasts a number of fantastic garden centres. For a stand-out culinary experience head to Castle Douglas, Scotland’s only designated Food Town. Try exceptional local produce from across Dumfries and Galloway in one of the town’s many distinctive eateries. There are many top restaurants in the region too, including busy town centre bistros and spectacular country house hotels venues. Enjoy your evenings in Dumfries and Galloway at a host of welcoming pubs and bars, and enjoy a night cap of Scotch whisky.
Gretna Green
This iconic village holds over 5,000 weddings every year including an estimated one in six Scottish weddings. The Gretna Hall Blacksmith’s Shop is the original precursor to the Las Vegas wedding chapel! If you’re thinking of eloping there’s no better place.
From Robert Burns' House to beautiful coastal walks and star gazing in Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway is full of activities for romantic souls.
