Monuments to visit 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).

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

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).

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.

Ellislad Farm is the farm where Robert Burns lived from 1788 to 1791. It was here that he wrote some of his most beloved nature poems. You will be immersed in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Almost nothing has changed since the poet and bard left the house. You will enjoy travelling back in time and discover the daily life in the 18th century, the farm buildings, the stable and the orchard... You will also be able to walk along the banks of the Nith and let yourself be carried away by bucolic inspirations...

People come to Dean Castle both for its beautiful 80-hectare park, which is very popular with families, and for its old ^14th-century walls. Home to the Boyd family, it contains interesting collections of weapons, armor, tapestries and musical instruments. Ideal for a bucolic and historical outing. There is a tearoom at the visitor center. Between the visit of the castle, the walks in the immense park, the Adventure Play Space for the children and the animal farm, one can easily spend the day there.

Built in the late 16th century, this castle in the heart of Kirkcudbright was the residence of the MacLellan family until the 18th century, when it passed into the hands of the Earl of Selkirk. Now maintained by Historic Scotland, its ruins show the living conditions of the servants in the basement, as well as the curious Laird's Lug, a secret hole in the chimney from which guests were spied on... Take advantage of your visit to extend it by discovering Greyfriars church, which houses the memorial to Sir Thomas & Lady Grissel macLellan.

Built in 1734, this house was home to the artist E.A. Hornel from 1901 to 1933. E.A. Hornel was a member of theGlasgow Boys, many of his works are on display here, as well as pottery, ceramics, sculptures, bronzes and furniture from his acolytes. The house and studio are in Edwardian style. The library is probably the most beautiful room - he was a passionate collector - and the Japanese gardens are also worth a visit.

On an island in the middle of the River Dee, this keep was built in the 14th century by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway. Besieged by James II in 1455, its 30 m high walls are still impressive, despite the damage inflicted by time. To reach it, you have to park at Kelton Mains farm and walk 800 m to the landing stage. There you will use a bell to be picked up, don't hesitate to call if you have any problems. Please note, however, that the conditions of transport are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The Biggar Puppet Theatre is an institution that extends far beyond Biggar's borders, as it is known around the world and regularly tours internationally. It is also the only institution of its kind in Scotland. For 40 years, the shows have been thrilling the childlike souls of their spectators and inviting them to poetic journeys. These are shows with large puppets, manipulated in the Bunraku style, designed for children, but widely appreciated and appreciated by adults.

It was in this small, simple, unadorned townhouse that Robert Burns spent the last years of his life until his death in 1796. The interiors give us a good idea of how the Scottish bard lived with his wife, Jean Armour, and their children. We enter the office where he wrote some of his most beloved works, as well as the different pieces of his daily life. The house became a true place of pilgrimage afterwards: Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats all passed through it to gather.

In ruins for more than 300 years, this castle is nevertheless particularly imposing and impressive, overlooking the sea. It was once more important than Culzean Castle, its famous neighbour. Its origins date back to 1200. The Kennedy family prospered here. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed there for three days from August 4, 1563, as the guest of Gilbert Kennedy. The castle was the scene of battles and the object of many conflicts. It became a ruin around 1700 and was used as a quarry before becoming a romantic site.

This high ruined castle was built by Robert II in the 1370s, shortly after his accession to the throne. Because of its location on a promontory, it offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde. The visit allows to discover the history of the place and the building, from room to room. The surroundings are also interesting and worth putting on good shoes: Dundonald Woodland (large deciduous forest), access to Auchans Castle (remains), walk on Smuggler's Trail (leaflets at the castle).

This place is a must for those who are interested in the country's heritage or for budding genealogists. It has many resources on the history of the region, with newspapers, maps, photographs, books, official and unofficial archives. If you need to do genealogical research, you've come to the right place. At its heart is the statue of Robert Burns, the centerpiece of the original monument erected in 1879. It is the only place in Scotland to have archives dating back over 500 years. For £15, you can even do genealogical research.