Set between the historic market town of Dumfries, the Solway Coast National Landscape and Galloway Forest Park, the picturesque village of New Abbey is a treasure trove for pursuers of relaxation and exploration. Established in the 13th century following the creation of the iconic Sweetheart Abbey, its streets contain hundreds of years of tales, while its surroundings promise the most spellbinding escapes in nature.
Places to Visit
Things to Do
Places to Eat
Embrace an otherworldly staycation to flee the everyday and uncover our guide to New Abbey, ready for dreamy days between mountain and sea.
Places to Visit
New Abbey
New Abbey’s Cistercian monastery was founded in 1273 and set the foundations of the village today. Also known as Sweetheart Abbey or Dulce Cor, it was originally brought to life by Lady Devorgilla Balliol, one of the most prominent women in Scotland at the time, who had it made in memory of her beloved late husband, John. Given its more affectionate moniker by the monks who lived and worked there, Sweetheart Abbey has played a central role in the village’s history ever since. In centuries gone by, its grounds were even home to a granary, brewhouse, bakehouse, guest lodge, infirmary, church and a children’s school. Today the abbey’s romantic remains can still be visited throughout the year for a star-crossed journey through time.
New Abbey Corn Mill
The lovingly restored New Abbey Corn Mill resides close to Sweetheart Abbey and promises visitors a fascinating insight into the past. Set by the Pow Burn between a glassy mill pond and the flowing New Abbey Pow, this water-powered stone mill is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the area. Originally built in the late 1700s, it’s believed that previous mills have stood on the site as early as the 13th century and have played an important part in sustaining the local community. As late as the 20th century, New Abbey Corn Mill was used to grind oats, barley, wheat, and peasemeal. Head over during a Scottish sojourn and take part in a guided tour, ready to see mill demonstrations and listen to millers’ tales.
Grey Mare's Tail
For an unmissable experience, adorn your cosiest hiking apparel and head to Grey Mare’s Tail near New Abbey. One of the UK’s highest waterfalls and best attractions in Scotland, it descends 200ft from Loch Skeen into a breathtaking ravine below in the Moffat Water Valley. In a landscape carved by glacial erosion, the spellbinding setting lends an enchanting backdrop to hikes throughout the year. A haven for wildlife, the land around the waterfall is also a designated nature reserve, sheltering a plethora of flora and fauna. Make tracks on one of the pathways to the falls and look out for rare upland plants, peregrine falcons and ospreys, ring ouzels, and even wild goats as you go.
Arbigland House
Just a few miles from New Abbey near the village of Kirkbean is Arbigland House and Gardens. Established in the 1750s by the Scottish agriculturalist William Craik – who remained devoted to the estate until the age of 95 – the Adam-style house and its 24-acre gardens await for exploration. Sown from a fascinating tale of agricultural determination, the estate has flourished over the years and remains a verdant haven of tranquillity. Make way during a visit to New Abbey and uncover the picturesque pathways and woodland walks through formal gardens and tamed wilderness. Adding to the beauty are lakes and a beach overlooking the Solway Firth towards Cumbria. Fascinating connections to Arbigland include the poet Robert Burns, James Craik (son of William Craik and physician and friend to George Washington), and renowned naval officers Captain John Campbell and John Paul Jones.
Caerlaverock Castle
Set on the edge of the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, Caerlaverock Castle is one of the most interesting castles in Scotland. The home of the Maxwell family from the 13th to the 17th century, its rich history promises countless stories for curious minds, while its unique architecture intrigues all those who gaze upon it. Unlike many British castles, this striking castle is triangular, surrounded by a wide moat and complete with a twin-towered gatehouse and battlements. A formidable Medieval stronghold, it still stands proud to this day and has been used as the backdrop of TV and films. Take time to explore the castle and wander around its historic walls. If you arrive with enough time, you can also uncover the surrounding grounds and nature reserve, home to many species of rare animals and plants.
Things to Do
Hiking
The beautiful realms of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland are home to some of the most awe-inspiring hiking routes in the UK. The ideal base from which to embrace wild adventures, New Abbey resides between rugged mountainscapes and rolling coastline. One of the top walks in the area for experienced hikers, Criffel circuit from New Abbey tempts with a challenging route and soul-stirring views. Start in Sweetheart Abbey car park and pick up the 8-mile loop ready for sweeping panoramas across Scotland and the Lake District. For coastal forays, the mile-long trail between Rockcliffe and Castle Point near Dalbeattie offers mesmeric views of Rough Island. For tended pathways through tangled trees, Galloway Forest Park provides a huge variety of walking opportunities too.
Wildlife Watching
New Abbey and its encompassing landscapes are a haven for wildlife and tranquillity seekers alike. Woven with a diverse natural tapestry of habitats, it features everything from lowland coastal swathes and dramatic cliffs to ancient conifer forests and the spiny ridges of mountains. For a chance to see some of the magical wildlife that resides within its dreamlike vistas, seek inspiration at some of the dedicated reserves nearby. WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre in Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve and RSPB Mersehead near Dumfries are particularly renowned for birdlife. Meanwhile, Bainloch Deer Park is home to majestic herds of deer, including Britain’s largest land mammal, the enigmatic red deer stag. Eskrigg Reserve is a treat for spotting red squirrels, while the family-friendly Mabie Farm Park opens its barn doors for farmyard meet and greets.
Beach Exploring
Just a stone’s throw from the coast, New Abbey is one of the finest places to savour oceanside sojourns. Whether you can’t wait to road trip to some of the best beaches along the West Coast of Scotland or would like to make the most of the beautiful beaches close by, there’s plenty to see and do. One of the top beaches in the area, the dog-friendly Southerness Beach is a treat for salt-kissed strolls throughout the seasons. Within the Solway Coast Natural Landscape, it is hugged by sublime scenery and overlooked by Southerness Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland. Just along the coast in one direction resides Powillimount Beach with arresting rock formations, while in the other is Mares Braids Waterfall next to Black Burn.
Shopping
With its quaint village store and proximity to the market town of Dumfries, New Abbey is a wonderful base for a touch of retail therapy. Satiate appetites with fresh produce from a range of artisan deli delights from Loch Arthur Creamery & Farm Shop in Beeswing, and pick up preserves, chutneys, honey and more at Abbey Cottage Tearoom in the village. Seek high street favourites in Dumfries, and head over to Caledonia Park Designer Outlet in Gretna to peruse the line-up of leading brands, from Ralph Lauren and Hilfiger to Berghaus. For further inspiration, you can also seek day trip endeavours to Glasgow and Edinburgh for city moments to remember.
Cycling
With its vast forests, quiet roads and mountain pistes, Dumfries and Galloway is one of the best regions in the UK for both road and mountain biking. A particularly enticing destination for road cyclists seeking a scenic challenge, Wanlockhead is Scotland’s highest village and one for the wanderlust bucketlist nearby. Meanwhile, New Abbey’s surroundings are woven with countless routes for trail riding and downhill and are especially magnetic to mountain bikers. Amongst the best, across the Scottish Borders region and Galloway Forest Park are the 7Stanes mountain biking centres. A great choice for all, Kirroughtree is dubbed the gateway to Galloway Forest Park and offers both challenging bike trails and tranquil forest roads for more leisurely family-friendly cycles.
Places to Eat
Abbey Cottage Tearoom
Abbey Cottage Tearoom in New Abbey has been a favourite with locals and visitors alike for four decades. A welcoming hub brimming with warmth and delicious aromas, it invites all to sit back and relax with plates of home-cooked food. Take a wander around Sweetheart Abbey next door or up to the nearby Waterloo Monument or Shambellie Woods to fuel your appetite, before arriving to take your seat. On the menu, homemade soups, scones, cakes and more are all served as part of light lunches and afternoon teas. As well as ingredients sourced from local producers, this dog and family-friendly tearoom uses fruit and salad from its own gardens.
The Steamboat Inn, Carsethorn
Located on the waterfront close to the picturesque village of Kirkbean, The Steamboat Inn is one of the best places to eat near New Abbey. Boasting far-reaching panoramas over the Solway Coast, it is a heavenly spot to sit and watch the world go by with a plate of indulgent fare. Venture over after exhilarating walks along the coast and drop in for a drink of your favourite variety, soaking up the atmosphere in the dog-friendly bar or beer garden. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner during select hours throughout the week, promising warming meals curated with local ingredients.
The Boathouse, Glencaple
Set across the River Firth from New Abbey, The Boathouse on the Quayside in Glencaple is a treat for waterside dining. With an award-winning team serving lunch and afternoon tea throughout the week, there’s plenty of opportunity to make the most of the location and the views as you select from the menu. In summer, sit outside on the deck and bask in the sunshine, or head inside in winter and savour the vistas through the glass-fronted façade. For little ones, a children’s menu is also provided.
1610 at The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Follow in the footsteps of legendary Scottish poet Robbie Burns and enjoy an evening of dining at The Globe Inn. Located in Dumfries, this historic inn is home to an atmospheric bar and the Michelin recommended 1610 Restaurant. For a pre-meal aperitif, uncover the bar’s impressive range of single cask single malt whiskies – the largest collection in the UK – or enjoy its exotic gins, aromatic rums, and creative cocktails. When you’re ready to dine, the restaurant’s menus propose moments of delectation with expertly prepared cuisine. With Scottish produce at the fore, the dishes combine classical culinary techniques with modern innovation for a flavourful ode to land and sea.
Pentonbridge Inn, Penton
Should you be seeking moments of Michelin acclaim, then Pentonbridge Inn in Penton is sure to pique your interest. Set on the Scottish and English border, this Michelin star restaurant in Cumbria is one of the best for fine dining experiences. Also bestowed with three AA Rosettes, it offers four and eight-course set tasting menus of modern British cuisine, each complemented by handpicked wine flights. Created in homage to the seasons, the ever-changing menus utilise the finest ingredients from around the UK, such as Cumbrian meat, Scottish fish and shellfish, and vegetables and herbs from the restaurant’s own gardens at Netherby Hall. Vegetarian options are also available, and bookings should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.
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