BETA: This map is a new planning feature in active development. VisitScotland is not responsible for the content or accuracy of external links and accepts no liability for any reliance on the map.
Crawick Multiverse
Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway is a beautiful part of Scotland, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, and acres of forest and green spaces inland. Your break here can include outdoor activities, history and cultural attractions, delicious food and much more.
Great things to do in Dumfries & Galloway
Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of outdoor activities, wildlife to spot and family-friendly attractions.
Cycling
There are trails of all kinds in both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway including mountain biking, gravel and road biking.
Wildlife ideas
See these majestic and fierce animals throughout the countryside in the South as they've worked hard to make sure the habitats have been preserved.
Outdoor activities
Just beyond the borders lie ancient woodlands, glittering lochs, roaring rivers, and rising hills, perfect for a whole range of outdoor activities.
Family ideas
Explore spooky castle jails and ancient forests, spend your days by the loch trying new watersports or test your mettle at thrilling adventure parks.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and discover untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities.
Top days out ideas
Explore new locations, attractions and days out across Dumfries & Galloway.
Caerlaverock Castle
Discover one of Scotland's greatest medieval fortresses, the UK's only triangular castle.
Logan Botanic Garden
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this is Scotland's most exotic garden.
Dark sky experiences
The region is home to the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park, the Galloway Forest Park.
Low Carbon Days Out
Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere by public transport with these fantastic visitor guides.
Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop
Steeped in history and magical charm, Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop is where couples have come to marry since 1754.
Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
Travel back in time at Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens.
Grey Mare's Tail National Nature Reserve
See one of the UK’s highest waterfalls, alongside breathtaking views, trails, and more.
Kitchen Coos and Ewes
Enjoy unique Highland cow tours and experiences.
Annandale Distillery Tri-Site Tour
Tour Annandale Distillery, The Globe Inn, and Henry Duncan Savings Banks Museum with the new Tri-Site ticket.
Galloway Distillery
Founded by Sam Heughan and Alex Norouzi in 2025 and inspired by the unbreakable connection to their native land of Dumfries & Galloway.
Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries
A stop off at Palnackie on the South West Coastal 300 route
© Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields
Follow a route
Choose between walking, cycling and driving routes, or follow our suggested itineraries around the area.
See what's on in Dumfries & Galloway
Drumlanrig Castle
© Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields
Events
Discover new and delicious foods, visit Scotland's Book Town or listen to trad music. Find upcoming events in Dumfries & Galloway.
How to travel to and around Dumfries & Galloway
Getting to Dumfries & Galloway
Train
Dumfries & Galloway is well connected by rail from both Scotland and England.
Trains run regularly from Glasgow to Ayr, with some services continuing along the coast to Girvan and Stranraer. In the east of the region, services run from Carlisle and Glasgow via Gretna Green, Annan, Dumfries, Sanquhar and Kirkconnel.
Travelling from England, Carlisle is the main rail interchange, with direct services from London and the north of England operated by Avanti West Coast and LNER. From Carlisle, regional trains connect into Dumfries & Galloway.
Bus and coach
From Edinburgh
Stagecoach service 101A from Edinburgh Bus Station will take you to Dumfries via Biggar and Moffat.
From Glasgow
Start your journey to Dumfries & Galloway in the South of Scotland by catching Stagecoach service X74 to Dumfries via Moffat from Buchanan Bus Station, then switch to local services.
From Carlisle
Take Borders Buses service number X95 to Edinburgh via Langholm, Galashiels and Stow.
Driving
If you’re travelling from north Scotland, take the M80 towards Glasgow, then onto the M74. Follow the motorway south along the River Clyde, through South Lanarkshire and into Dumfries & Galloway in the South of Scotland as the M74 becomes the A74. To reach Dumfries & Galloway, you can also continue west along the M77, then head south through Ayrshire, travelling along the coast and country roads.
From Carlisle, simply follow along the M6 to reach the border town of Gretna. You can then explore Dumfries & Galloway further, following the A75 or A74.
Ferry
There are two ferry connections between the South of Scotland and Northern Ireland: Stena Line offers regular services between Belfast and Cairnryan in Dumfries & Galloway, while P&O Ferries operates a connection between Larne and Cairnryan. Further ferry connections to destinations across Scotland arrive into Greenock near Glasgow, which is also the main port for cruise ships.
Flying
Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports from across the UK and Europe, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin and Amsterdam.
Dumfries & Galloway can be easily reached from Glasgow International Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh International Airport to the north. You can connect to local public transport options or hire a car at each of the airports for a smooth onwards journey.
Getting around
Cycling
Follow National Cycle Route 7 from Carlisle along the stunning Galloway coastline. The route passes through picturesque towns, and at Newton Stewart you can either continue to follow Route 7 north, or switch to Route 73 to Stranraer. If you prefer to take the inland route, follow National Cycle Route 74 from Carlisle to Glasgow via Lockerbie and Beattock in the Moffat Hills.
Find out more on National Cycle Routes in the south of Scotland
Bus and coach
Most of the region's villages and towns are accessible by bus, with timetables published online by local council providers.
Walking
The Southern Upland Way is a major long distance route linking the Dumfries & Galloway coast in the west to the Berwickshire coast in the eastern Scottish Borders.
Driving
There are several main roads running right through Dumfries & Galloway, so it’s easy to get around by car. Additionally, a variety of scenic routes quickly take you off the beaten track right into the heart of this destination.
Vehicle hire
If you are looking to hire a car or campervan during your trip, you will find car hire companies located conveniently close to the major routes into the areas – in and around Glasgow, in Edinburgh and just off the Edinburgh City Bypass, and around the border at Carlisle. You will also find opportunities to hire a car when you’re here: Dumfries has an Enterprise Car Rental, and those looking for something different can even hire a classic car or campervan.
Loch Ken Eco Bothies
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Places to stay in Dumfries & Galloway
Find places to stay in Dumfries & Galloway, including cosy cabins, quirky glamping huts, luxurious country house hotels, welcoming B&Bs, modern caravan holiday homes, and even treehouses!
Mull of Galloway
© VisitScotland / Cutmedia
Places to eat in Dumfries & Galloway
Find out more about the food & drink on offer in the south of Scotland.
The Famous Old Blacksmiths Shop in Gretna Green
Find information on accessible trips
In Dumfries and Galloway, you’ll find lots of disabled friendly holidays with accommodation, attractions, cafés and restaurants tailored to offer support and special assistance. We’ve teamed up with AccessAble to create an accessible guide to help plan your holiday to Scotland, so it’s easy to check if it suits your needs.
Dumfries & Galloway by area
From stunning beaches, world-class golf courses and some of the darkest night skies in the world, to amazing distilleries, history and heritage attractions and famous Scots, get to know the region.
Annandale
From the stunning Solway Coast and the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, to Annandale Distillery, golden eagles and heavenly dark skies.
Dumfries
Enjoy the food, local art and exciting golf courses in the hometown of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard.
Heart of Galloway
Fall in love with the Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park, or Castle Douglas, the region’s designated Food Town.
Nithsdale
Explore the town of Thornhill with its vibrant cafés and shops, or admire the pink-hued stronghold of Drumlanrig Castle – where will you venture to?
The Machars
From prehistoric standing stones to Scotland’s official Book Town, explore lovely villages, harbours, beaches and more.
The Rhins of Galloway
Visit the most southerly point in Scotland, attend Stranraer Oyster Festival, or explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
The Solway Firth
Discover the myriad of beaches, test your biking skills at Mabie and Dalbeattie Forests, or enjoy local celebrations and festivals.
Galloway Forest Park
© @chrispaullawlor
Chris Lawlor's unique South Scotland experience
"South of Scotland has so much to offer although many will drive past it to get to the Highlands. Whether you are visiting Scotland or live in Scotland and looking for a weekend trip, I would recommend exploring this area and checking out the many activities such as Galloway Red Deer Range, a walk to the top of Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall and a drive through Raider’s Road to the Otter Pool."
Chris Lawlor, @chrispaullawlor
Other things you might like
The Scottish Borders
Ayrshire & Arran
Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Glasgow
Argyll & The Isles
Join our Newsletter Clan
Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.