Things to do in Dumfries & Galloway

It amazes me that Dumfries and Galloway is still such an underrated part of Scotland.  I've been a frequent visitor for quite a few years now and have grown a real soft spot for this southern region.  It may not have mountains but drive through places like the Dalveen Pass and you will be reminded of the Highlands and Scotland's most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway is as dramatic as any wild coastline in the north of the country.

Galloway Forest Park is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors and is only one of four designated 'Dark Sky Parks' in the western world.  A host of beautiful gardens are spread across the region with visits to Glenwhan and Logan Botanic Gardens among some of my favourite places to relax.  Add some sweeping beaches to the mix and Dumfries and Galloway offers some fantastic places to enjoy the outdoors.

The region is filled with quirky towns and villages like Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas, Portpatrick and Wigtown.  It is also home to Leadhills, the second highest village in Scotland.  Some other regional claims to fame are the most southerly post office and shop in Scotland near to the most southerly point, the narrowest hotel in the world and the oldest post office in the world 

Dumfries and Galloway has historical sites in abundance from stone circles to iconic castles.  It also has a strong connection to Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard.  He spent his final years in Dumfries and there are several local attractions related to the life of the poet.

Here are some of the gems I've uncovered during my travels in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Rhins of Galloway
Take a coastal road trip around the Rhins of Galloway
This is an area often overlooked which is a shame. This coastal trip takes in jaw-dropping dramatic scenery, colourful gardens, castle ruins and white sand beaches.
Drumlanrig Castle
visit drumlanrig castle and estate, also used an outlander location
Drumlanrig Castle is seriously impressive and sits on 90,000 acres of beautiful land. Take a tour of the castle's 120 rooms or take a ride on a land rover for a tour of the estate. 
Mull of Galloway
explore the mull of galloway, scotland's most southerly point
Robert Stevenson's lighthouse marks the most southerly point in Scotland and it's surrounded by some breathtaking scenery and views of England, Scotland Ireland and the Isle of Man
Crawick Multiverse
Visit Crawick Multiverse, an artland gem in a former coal mine
Only an hour outside Glasgow this hidden gem is inspired by space, astronomy and cosmology. The vast landscape is dotted with structures such as standing stones, stone circles and sculptures
Wigtown, Scotland
The best book shops in Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town
A town dedicated to books is my idea of heaven. Home to Scotland's largest second-hand book shop and genres such as folklore, local history and sci-fi there is something for everybody
Crichope Linn
Take a walk to the dramatic gorge at Crichope Linn
A walk so unique that it inspired writers such as Sir Walter Scott, it leads to a deep gorge with blood red water and steep rock faces. Once a famous area to hike in by Victorians it's now beautifully abandoned.
Highest villages in Scotland
explore some of the highest villages in Scotland
Enjoy a day trip visiting the two highest villages in Scotland, which, believe it or not, are actually south of Glasgow in the Scottish Lowlands. You can also hop on the train between the two.

My recommended accommodation in the area

A handy map of all my Dumfries & Galloway blog post locations