Flee reality with dream days in Dumfries and Galloway where a plethora of magnificent landmarks reside. From fairytale towers to tumbling waterfalls to cosmic delights, a whole world of exploration awaits for wanderlust journeys.
Embrace a luxury escape like no other and uncover our curated guide to the must-see places in this idyllic realm…
Grey Mare’s Waterfall
Head into the hills to uncover one of the UK’s highest waterfalls. Plummeting through Moffat Water Valley from the mountain-embraced Loch Skeen, Grey Mare’s Waterfall is a breathtaking sight. For the lovers of nature and keen hikers, a short walk from a dedicated car park leads to a viewing platform, where crystalline falls inspire spectators and cascade down a 200-foot descent. Beckoning for further adventures, various trails weave their way from the falls and through the surroundings, past peaceful burns and mirror-topped lochs, and offer unparalleled pursuits in the stunning mountainscapes. As you go, keep a look out for the ospreys and wild goats who reside within the region’s designated nature reserve.
New Abbey (Sweetheart Abbey)
The beautiful remains of Sweetheart Abbey can be found in New Abbey village and beckon with timeless tales of romance. Originally built by the devoted widower and social pioneer, Lady Devorgilla, it first came to life in the 13th century as a Cistercian monastery. Also known as The Abbey of Dulce Cor, it was nicknamed by the monks who lived there in ode to Lady Devorgilla, who had had the abbey built in honour of her beloved late husband. Providing a peaceful sanctuary for religious communities for hundreds of years, the abbey was eventually disestablished following the Revolution. Today, the spellbinding red sandstone remains make for a beautiful destination for strolls throughout the year and feature a stone carving of Lady Devorgilla herself.
Devorgilla Bridge
The striking Devorgilla Bridge spans the width of the River Nith in Dumfries and is one of the most well-known landmarks in Dumfries and Galloway. Named after the renowned Lady Devorgilla of Sweetheart Abbey, it is one of the oldest standing bridges in the UK and believed to date back to the 15th century. Pay a visit to the Old Bridge House Museum at the entrance to the bridge, before walking along its historic spine to reach the other side. Over the bridge, enjoy a spot of retail therapy in the historic market town of Dumfries awaiting on the banks of the river.
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
One of the most famous landmarks in Dumfries and Galloway, the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse in Drummore is an easily recognisable sight. Perched on the edge of the county’s oceanside realms, the lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson in 1830 and used to guide seafaring vessels safely along the coastline. If you are seeking enchantment by the sea, head to the 85-foot lighthouse and climb its 115 steps to the top. Taking you 325 feet above sea level, its viewing platform offers unforgettable views of the surrounding coast and as far as Ireland, Cumbria, and the Isle of Man. For added intrigue, you can also tour the lighthouse’s exhibition and refuel at Scotland’s most southerly coffee house situated onsite, the award-winning Gallie Craig (open seasonally).
Crawick Multiverse
For a unique experience in a fairytale setting, make way to Crawick Multiverse near Sanquhar. A spectacular art project designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks, this enchanting attraction encompasses the imaginative reworking of a former coal mine. Now a 55-acre artscape with a visitor centre, it is beloved by all generations and has something to see at every turn. Follow a network of paths past the park’s array of features, attractions, and landforms, each one linking cosmological concepts with the natural world. For otherworldly escapism, the Multiverse is open between spring and autumn each year.
Castle O'er
Adorn hiking apparel and pursue wilderness pathways towards Castle O’er for unforgettable exploration. The remains of an ancient Iron Age hillfort, this stunning site was once the home of the Selgovae people – a Celtic tribe who occupied much of southern Scotland in 2AD. Still incredibly well defined despite the passing of millennia, the castle is composed of concentric circles and features the footprints of nearly thirty roundhouses. Savour an exhilarating walk in nature, enjoying the backdrop of Castle O’er Forest and the undulating surrounds. Upon arrival at the castle, explore the grassy banks of the old ramparts and find a serene spot to enjoy an alfresco picnic, keeping an eye out for Iron Age finds amongst the verdant grass.
Southerness Lighthouse
Overlooking one of the best beaches in Dumfries and Galloway, Southerness Lighthouse is a beloved sight amongst locals and visitors alike. The second oldest lighthouse in Scotland, it has presided over the coast since the 1700s, guiding ships safely through the Solway Firth and Nith Estuary. In the 1800s, it was fortified by civil engineer, Robert Stephenson, who designed the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. Though it was officially decommissioned in 1936, the lighthouse remains a stalwart beacon and makes for an atmospheric subject for the lens during oceanside strolls and luxury sojourns in the salt-kissed air.
Caerlaverock Castle
The storybook Caerlaverock Castle paints a picture plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. Designed in an unusual triangle shape and surrounded by a glassy moat, this charming landmark is one of the best castles in Dumfries and Galloway and invites magical moments. Trace the banks of the moat around the castle walls to absorb the scale of the building, before heading through the twin-towered gatehouse and uncovering the walkways and spaces of this Medieval stronghold. As well as the castle’s romantic ruins, there is also a museum onsite displaying artefacts found during local excavations, revealing further insights into the castle’s past.
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct is a formidable former railway viaduct that still stands proud against the horizon. Built in the mid-1800s, the 70-foot-high structure officially opened in 1861 by the Portpatrick Railway, spanning 900ft across a beautiful river valley. In later life, it was used to transport countless troops, artillery, and supplies during the Second World War. Today, the viaduct and its 20 brick-encased granite arches create an impressive scene and can be admired during a number of walks in the area. For one of the most memorable, park in the Cairnsmore of Fleet visitor centre and pick up the 2.5-mile walk to see the viaduct in all its glory.
12 Apostles Stone Circle
Scotland’s 12 Apostles Stone Circle near Dumfries is believed to be around 4,500 years old, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the UK. A fascinating freeze-frame of times gone by, this enigmatic circle has been both a centrepiece and backdrop for local cultures and spirituality for thousands of years and has yielded many intriguing discoveries. Of the most notable, these include the unearthing of a 12th-century bronze figurine of St Norbert in the 1800s, which is now on display in Dumfries Museum. To tread ephemeral footsteps between past and present, head to the 12 Apostles and walk around the stones, letting your feet and imagination roam.
Orchardton Tower
The only freestanding tower of its kind in Scotland, Orchardton Tower near Kippford is renowned for its aesthetic appearance and fable-esque features. Built in 1455 in a striking revival of the (then very outdated) cylindrical style, its gently curving walls and charming character bely its defensive design. To curate dream days of adventure, enjoy a leisurely detour to this castle on road trips between country and coast and absorb its bewitching atmosphere. Less than a mile from the ocean and surrounded by greenery, Orchardton is perfectly placed for hours of wanderlust reveries.
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