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

Discover new and delicious foods, visit Scotland's Book Town or listen to trad music. Find upcoming events in Dumfries & Galloway.

Stranraer Oyster Festival
© Pete Robinson

Galloway Country Fair, 8–9 August 2026 – Expect a packed weekend of country sports, fun family activities, exciting main-ring performances, plus brilliant local crafts and delicious food.

Stranraer Oyster Festival, 11–13 September 2026 – Expect fantastic food and drink, plenty of family fun, and a vibrant oyster bar featuring fresh native oysters straight from Loch Ryan.

Moffat Walking Weekend, 25–27 September 2026 – Spend three days exploring the hidden beauty of southwest Scotland on foot. From long-distance trails and easy ambles to family-friendly adventures and treks around town.

South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival, 9 – 18 October 2026 – Discover the wonders of some of the UK's darkest skies during 10 days of stargazing, guided night walks, astronomy talks, family-friendly activities and unique outdoor experiences.

Wigtown Book Festival, 25 September – 4 October 2026 – Experience the magic of storytelling where writers, readers and thinkers come together for talks, discussions, workshops and inspiring literary events.

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.

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

Watch Chris's video of visiting South Scotland

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