what to do in dumfries and galloway

There’s plenty to discover in Dumfries and Galloway. Whether you’re here to take on the golf courses, blaze across a challenging path on your mountain bike, or for some family fun, you’re sure to find something that will make you visit memorable and special! To help you make the most of your stay, here are some of our favourite spots in Dumfries and Galloway:

Golfing

There are several excellent golf courses in and around Dumfries, but out pick is the Southerness Golf Club, which is situated right here in the village. The golf course is a championshop course, which has been a host to many national events over the years.

the course is a tough challenge which would appeal to the more experienced golfer. For those golfers with a little less experience, and who just want to enjoy a cheap and cheerful round of golf, there is the Solway Links golf course which is a friendly, family orientated golf club which is welcoming to all.

Southerness

In the village we have a convenience store, called the Mini Market, which is situated a stone’s throw away from the hotel. There is also a craft shop, arcade, amusement centre, laundrette, fish and chip shop, beach and the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland – all situated within 200 yards of the hotel.

7 Stanes Biking

The 7stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from all over the UK and beyond. 

You don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy these famous trails: there are a wide range of routes to suit beginners, families and experts. Plus, many of the centres also have skills areas for you to practise your technique.

Mabie Farm Park (Open March-October)

If you’re in search of a day of family fun (especially with younger children) Mabie Farm is just the ticket! There’s a load to see and do, including donkey riding, paddle boating, a miniature railway and quad bike rides! Visitors also have the chance to meet the friendly farmyard animals on site; bags of feed for the animals can be bought on site.

Sweet Heart Abbey

In 1273 Lady Dervogilla of Galloway founded Sweetheart Abbey in memory of her husband, John Balliol. More than 700 years on, the abbey is still remarkably preserved, as is it’s impressive precinct wall, making this a site of great historical interest.

Dalbeattie Forest

Dalbeattie Forest is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, prefect for mountain biking, picnics and family walks, or just taking in the scenery. There is also a regular programme of events in the forest including wildlife walks, den building and more!

Cream O' Galloway

Located in the heart of Galloway just a stone’s throw from the coast, Cream o’ Galloway Visitor Centre is a popular place to visit for outdoor exploring, events, lunch, wildlife spotting and, of course, ice cream. Great for families and couples alike.

The Cocoa Bean

The Cocoabean Company is a family run chocolate factory and visitor attraction Due to growing poularity of the chocolate workshops, the business started to outgrow the family home in the village of Twynholm. In April 2010 they moved to a brand new, purpose built site, just along the road! The spacious area has allowed them to create extensive play areas both inside and outdoors. They have a large café area and purpose built chocolate workshops, complete with glass viewing walls.

Explore the Galloway Forest Park

Explore the rolling Galloway glens and hills to discover picturesque forest trails, three friendly visitor centres, wonderful wildlife and a long and colourful history. Here you can enjoy great walking, easy family cycling, exhilarating mountain biking or just sit back and soak up breathtaking loch and mountain views and starry night skies.

Start exploring at one of the Forest Park’s three visitor centres. Visit Kirroughtree the gateway centre for Galloway Forest Park, for active adventures. Discover wonderful woods, water, hills and history at Glentrool and enjoy tranquil views over lochs and hills at Clatteringshaws. Kirroughtree and Glentrool are also home to two of the world-famous 7 Stanes Mountain bike trail centres.

what to do in dumfries and galloway

There’s plenty to discover in Dumfries and Galloway. Whether you’re here to take on the golf courses, blaze across a challenging path on your mountain bike, or for some family fun, you’re sure to find something that will make you visit memorable and special! To help you make the most of your stay, here are some of our favourite spots in Dumfries and Galloway:

Golfing

There are several excellent golf courses in and around Dumfries, but out pick is the Southerness Golf Club, which is situated right here in the village. The golf course is a championshop course, which has been a host to many national events over the years.

the course is a tough challenge which would appeal to the more experienced golfer. For those golfers with a little less experience, and who just want to enjoy a cheap and cheerful round of golf, there is the Solway Links golf course which is a friendly, family orientated golf club which is welcoming to all.

Southerness

In the village we have a convenience store, called the Mini Market, which is situated a stone’s throw away from the hotel. There is also a craft shop, arcade, amusement centre, laundrette, fish and chip shop, beach and the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland – all situated within 200 yards of the hotel.

7 Stanes Biking

The 7stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from all over the UK and beyond. 

You don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy these famous trails: there are a wide range of routes to suit beginners, families and experts. Plus, many of the centres also have skills areas for you to practise your technique.

Mabie Farm Park (Open March-October)

If you’re in search of a day of family fun (especially with younger children) Mabie Farm is just the ticket! There’s a load to see and do, including donkey riding, paddle boating, a miniature railway and quad bike rides! Visitors also have the chance to meet the friendly farmyard animals on site; bags of feed for the animals can be bought on site.

Sweet Heart Abbey

In 1273 Lady Dervogilla of Galloway founded Sweetheart Abbey in memory of her husband, John Balliol. More than 700 years on, the abbey is still remarkably preserved, as is it’s impressive precinct wall, making this a site of great historical interest.

Dalbeattie Forest

Dalbeattie Forest is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, prefect for mountain biking, picnics and family walks, or just taking in the scenery. There is also a regular programme of events in the forest including wildlife walks, den building and more!

Cream O' Galloway

Located in the heart of Galloway just a stone’s throw from the coast, Cream o’ Galloway Visitor Centre is a popular place to visit for outdoor exploring, events, lunch, wildlife spotting and, of course, ice cream. Great for families and couples alike.

The Cocoa Bean

The Cocoabean Company is a family run chocolate factory and visitor attraction Due to growing poularity of the chocolate workshops, the business started to outgrow the family home in the village of Twynholm. In April 2010 they moved to a brand new, purpose built site, just along the road! The spacious area has allowed them to create extensive play areas both inside and outdoors. They have a large café area and purpose built chocolate workshops, complete with glass viewing walls.

Explore the Galloway Forest Park

Explore the rolling Galloway glens and hills to discover picturesque forest trails, three friendly visitor centres, wonderful wildlife and a long and colourful history. Here you can enjoy great walking, easy family cycling, exhilarating mountain biking or just sit back and soak up breathtaking loch and mountain views and starry night skies.

Start exploring at one of the Forest Park’s three visitor centres. Visit Kirroughtree the gateway centre for Galloway Forest Park, for active adventures. Discover wonderful woods, water, hills and history at Glentrool and enjoy tranquil views over lochs and hills at Clatteringshaws. Kirroughtree and Glentrool are also home to two of the world-famous 7 Stanes Mountain bike trail centres.