Things to see and do Southwest

A Palladian villa from the 1750s, Dumfries House was built by the famous John and Robert Adam, with interiors decorated by Thomas Chippendale. Some rooms have been estimated at £4 million! Originally commissioned for William Dalrymple, Earl of Dumfries, it passed into the hands of the Marquesses of Bute in 1814. When the 7th Marquis decided to sell the house in 2007, his fate and that of its remarkable furniture was more than uncertain. Prince Charles himself, Duke of Rothesay, mobilized for its preservation and its opening to the public. Some of his watercolours can be seen in one of the salons. Since 2008, four different visits (all in English) have been organised to this symbolic building of the Scottish Enlightenment, which also includes 200 hectares of the original park, with promenades and an enclosed garden.

Special Favourite: The Dumfries House café is a must for a snack, as it is served in the old stables, with tables set in the stables where the horses used to be. Their names can still be read.

Park side: You can spend a whole day here, between the house and the huge park. Families will enjoy the children's adventure park and the educational farm. Garden lovers will stroll through the Chinese-inspired garden (with its bridge), the arboretum, the Rothesay gardens and the Queen Elisabeth Walled Garden.

Staying at Dumfries House: 22 magnificent guest rooms are now available for overnight stays, (B&B from £170/night).

This estate offers many attractions, especially if you love nature and have a soft spot for landscape art. It has been the learning site of the Heritage Gardening School since 1960, which allows it to present topiary art in all its forms and inspirations, from the most classical to the most modern, including a rose garden, a rock garden and a walled garden. The site is also a wonderful nature reserve: you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Galloway hills and the Dee valley, and you can observe ospreys, peregrine falcons, wading birds, geese... The star of the place is quite different: it is the bats! Indeed, they are at home here, in a protected area. Eight species of bats live here and can be observed during guided walks.

Manor House : The baronial mansion is also a highlight of the visit. Threave House has been partially restored as a museum, bringing back to life the decor of what was a Victorian hunting lodge. Guided tours are available for more information.

Walking tour: If you want to extend your stay in this beautiful estate, be aware that several walking tours, from 1h30 to 2h, are available on site or downloadable on the Internet. Snacks: Threave's Terrace Café, renovated in winter 2018, is a destination in its own right, with homemade cakes and dishes and no new, ultra-designed interior crafted with recycled materials. Or stop in the center of the garden at Stables café.

The Culzean Castle is an architectural marvel that stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde. A stronghold of the Kennedy family since the 14th century, it was completely remodelled between 1770 and 1792 by the dazzling Robert Adam. The transformation had to reflect the wealth of its owner, who did not skimp on the means involved. Unfortunately, neither he nor the architect survived to see the work completed. Yet the building's place in Scottish heritage is such that it is even found on some £5 notes. One easily spends the day walking around its rooms and its 260-hectare park, which includes an orangery, an enclosed garden, greenhouses, a lake, a park with deer, cliffs, beaches and even a cave. General and American President Eisenhower himself stayed here several times and was offered apartments for life, for his decisive role in the Second World War. During your visit, don't miss the splendid oval staircase, the armoury with its collection of military pistols and swords and the Round Drawing Room.

With children: There should be two playgrounds for them: Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland. Cabins, slides, maze, climbing, adventure in the trees: they'll want more!

Park only: It is also possible, depending on the time you have available, to visit only the estate's park. You will then benefit from a reduced rate (£3/adult)

The impressive fortress of Caerlaverock seems impregnable, with its triangular structure in the middle of the water. Yet it was captured twice and one of the sieges lasted thirteen weeks. Built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family until they abandoned the place in the 17th century. The site, partly in ruins, retains considerable historical interest for its innovative architecture and its role in the wars against England. What appeals beyond history? Its enchanting and romantic aspect!

The Drumlanrig Castle is a unique example of 17th century architecture. Built between 1679 and 1689, it was commissioned by William Douglas, the Duke of Queensberry. Its beautiful pink sandstone facades support 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers. Some precious works of art can be seen here, such as Rembrandt's Old Woman Reading and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna with Spindles. Visits take place exclusively in the summer, and for a guided tour you must be on site at 11am (and plan to book in advance).

Estate and Gardens: Visitors can also enjoy 16 hectares of gardens and 48,000 hectares of parkland throughout the Queensberry Estate. There are a number of footpaths and site rangers also lead guided walks through the gardens. Bicycles can be hired on site. There are many walking and hiking routes from or through the estate.

Playground: Entrance to the adventure playground is included in the park entrance, leaving the children with hours of fun, while the parents enjoy the sumptuous setting.

Village and craft shops: Drumlanrig castle is home to a community of creative craftsmen, who have their shop in this privileged location. It is in this same space, with its village spirit, that you can rent a mountain bike to go hiking in the mountains.

Tearoom: In the former kitchens of the castle, local products are served, some even coming from the vegetable garden. Sweet or savoury palate, you will find something to eat

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the village of New Lanark was founded in 1786 by David Dale, who established a cotton mill and housing there. By 1799, the site had already become Scotland's largest cotton producer and one of the largest industrial groups in the world, with 2000 employees. He relied on the river Clyde to provide his energy. In 1800, Robert Owen, Dale's stepson, became its manager. This Welsh philanthropist was greatly influenced by the reformist movements and was one of the great defenders of Utopian Socialism, of which Owenism is a current. He established a very advanced social model in New Lanark to help the 2,500 people who lived there. He took special care of the children, for whom he opened the first nursery school in Britain in 1817. The great economic success of New Lanark helped to make it a model throughout Europe, so many thinkers and decision-makers went there to see that another reality was possible. In 1825, the Walker family took control of production. Starting in 1881, several businesses followed one another until the plant closed down in 1968, as it was no longer profitable. Today, admission gives access to the visitor centre, which traces the epic history of the village, Owen's house, the workers' houses in the 1820s and 1930s, the school and the workshops. There is also a period shop and a café.

Moat Brae is the birthplace of Peter Pan... We'd like to write that all is said and done! Opened in 2019, it is the national centre for children's literature and children's stories: a place where imagination is the queen of virtues, where creativity and play are at the heart of everything. The place celebrates Peter Pan and his creator, J.M. Barrie. You will explore Neverland's garden with its pirate ship and Mermaid Lagoon, see the Tinkerbell fairy who inspired the fairy tale. Animations and exhibitions are regularly organised.

Annandale Distillery is one of the few distilleries in the South of Scotland. The site was bought in 2007 by enthusiasts, who wanted to bring it back to life. In 2018-2019, they released their very first single malt. It was an immediate success, as it was named in 2020 "Best Single Cask, Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 10 Years and Under" (Jim Murray's 2019 and 2020 Whisky Bibles). The distillery can be visited. It also has a beautiful store and a very pleasant café, The Malting Coffe Shop, where it is good to settle.

Crawick Multiverse is a giant land art project. Nestled in the heart of the hills, it has metamorphosed an old open-cast coal mine into a spectacular art space. Charles Jencks' work reinterprets space in the light of astronomy and cosmology: wanderings through galaxies, universes and comets are traced here. Whether you are sensitive to this art or not, the site is worth a walk, it is so impressive. It regularly hosts shows and is now maintained by the Crawick Multiverse Trust.

Kirkcudbright Galleries opened in 2018 in the fully renovated former town hall. This brand new Scottish art gallery celebrates Scotland's heritage particularly through the prism of Kirkcudbright, a town - and beyond that, a region - that has inspired many artists and creators. The temporary exhibitions focus on national and international art movements, and all are recognized for their quality. The site also hosts participatory cultural and artistic workshops and lectures.

The Mull of Galloway is located at the end of the Rhine of Galloway Peninsula. This jagged strip of land extends south of Stranraer and Portpatrick. Its coastline is dotted with small harbours, beautiful beaches and several hiking trails, including the Mull of Galloway Trail, which connects the headland to Stranraer. All around the lighthouse, the RPBS has a bird sanctuary where birdwatchers can observe thousands of birds along the specially maintained paths. There is an information centre and a small café.

This distillery produces a 100% Galloway gin: the "Hills & Harbour gin". It distills fir needles and seaweed with 9 other plants, for a sweet gin, with surprising flavors: tropical fruits, spices, citrus, tangy sorbet, marine fragrances... It is a real gustatory journey! The distillery can be visited (with a final tasting), and also has a bar, where signature cocktails are served, and an original coffee area. You are invited to take a board and serve yourself a picnic based on local products.

Built at the beginning of the 16th century, this castle was well ahead of its time. Its creator and owner, Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, had spent his early years abroad to perfect his knowledge of architecture and fortification. When his father died in 1529, he returned to Scotland to become one of the most powerful lords of the south and a friend of King James V. He fell into disgrace and was executed in 1540 and his descendants occupied Craignethan Castle until 1579. The building was immortalized by Sir Walter Scott in The Puritans of Scotland (1816).

This activity centre offers a wide variety of thematic sessions on the shores of Loch Ken, on the edge of Galloway Forest Park. They all last 1h30 and start at 10h, 11h30, 14h and 15h30. An additional schedule is added at the end of the day in the summer. Whether you choose laser game, climbing, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, archery, windsurfing, paddle or water park, the formula is the same. The price goes down if you are several, and/or link the activities. A nice outing in good weather, to learn new sports!

A simple ticket gives access to the essence of the history of the town: Whithorn Priory and the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, which explores the region's past. Built in the 12th century, this monastery, in honour of St Ninian, Scotland's first saint, who arrived here in the^5th century, played an important role in the country's religious history. Robert The Bruce, James IV and James V all came here on pilgrimage. You can see the Latinus Stone, Scotland's first Christian monument! You'll also see the remarkable remains of the early church, giving a glimpse of the once magnificent cathedral, now in ruins. Let your imagination run wild and soak up the atmosphere of the place and what it must have felt like for the pilgrims who arrived here by boat from Ireland, England or the Isle of Man. For more than 1,000 years this site has attracted travellers, pilgrims and kings to Whithorn.

Visit the crypt where superb Celtic stones and crosses of the early Christians are kept, probably including the tomb of St Ninian. The museum area focuses on the archaeological remains of the surrounding area through the different eras, and also explains how Scotland became Christian. It also goes further, tracing its transition to the Reformation. You can follow the same route as pilgrims did in the Middle Ages, with stops at other remarkable sites nearby: St. Ninian's Chapel, St. Ninian's Grotto and Finian Chapel.

As its name suggests, this small museum specializes in aviation. It is located on the former Royal Air Force base: RAF Dumfries. In addition to the control tower which exhibits uniforms and objects related to the air force, several real models of planes and engines from different periods can be seen. It has in its collections some impressive aircraft specimens, but also airmen's uniforms from the two world wars and various objects that will make their effect.

Romantic 75-hectare gardens, the Castle Kennedy Gardens are well known for family outings in the area and for lovers of landscape art. They were created in the 1730s by the Earl of Stair and the result is very pleasant: azaleas, rhododendrons and walled gardens are present, surrounded by two lochs and two castles. Five walks have been laid out to help you discover the hidden treasures of this garden (brochures available on the website or at the entrance). Also to be seen: the magnificent round pond, the canal...

Built in the heart of Stranraer around 1500 by Ninian Adair of Kilhurst, one of Wigtownshire's most powerful Lairds, this dungeon served as a dwelling, court, prison and garrison in turn, during the persecution of the Covenantaires. Transformed into an attraction in the 1980's, it is now a place where you can learn about its history and uses over time. The view from the top covers the whole city and its surroundings. You can take the castle as a starting point for the Town Trail, which will take you on a tour of the riches of Stranraer.

Considered a pioneer of Romanticism, Robert Burns was for a long time a peasant and gardener. He drew on this connection to nature and his land to write such renowned works as It's Only Goodbye or Tam O'Shanter. The vast museum brings together some 5,000 objects linked to him: manuscripts, portraits and personal effects. You can also visit the cottage where he was born on January 25, 1759, and where he spent seven years of his childhood.

This castle is confidential and is not indicated anywhere or almost anywhere. It is signposted on some hiking routes, notably from Dramlanrig castle, but not from the road. You will have to drive on unpaved roads, but this beautiful ruin is worth a look. Indeed, it has a superb setting, on a triangular promontory above the water. Several explanatory panels allow you to discover what it may have been like at the time of its splendour, and also to understand its architecture.