These are just a few suggestions of popular area activities and attractions. Opening times and available activities vary; be sure to check online before you head out! The media website www.dgwgo.com or their Facebook page “Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?” is an excellent source for news about local events such as festivals that may fall during your stay.
Walks
Kippford is a walker’s paradise with a variety of walks from dramatic clifftop walks to gentle forest paths. The Jubilee path is very popular. This circular route across National Trust for Scotland ground links Kippford to the coastal village of Rockcliffe.
For a longer, more dramatic walk continue along the coast from Rockcliffe to Castlepoint then follow the coastal path for a few miles to Sandyhills bay.
New paths are being developed on the Kippford Nature Reserve; these can be accessed only a few minutes from the lodge.
Beaches
Rockcliffe Beach offers a safe, family friendly beach, where you can explore tide pools and often find the Mr Whippy ice cream truck. Sandyhills beach (past Colvend village) is a wide sandy beach and is dog friendly. Parking at Rockcliffe is free; Sandyhills parking requires payment.
Mountain Biking and Outdoor Adventuring
Dalbeattie Forest (7stanes) - 2 Miles
Just a 5 minute cycle ride from the lodge into Dalbeattie Forest will bring you to the world class 7stanes mountain bike trails, suitable for all abilities with a dedicated skills loop. Mountain bikes can be hired at Greenhill Farm (on A710 heading to Dalbeattie, approximately 1 mile from Barnbarroch). Further afield you can find other 7stanes locations - Ae, Mabie Forest, Kirroughtree and Glentrool are all within an hour’s drive.
Galloway Activity Centre - Loch Ken 20 Miles
Open daily - book online or phone before you go to check available activities. The centre has many outdoor activities to choose from, including sailing, windsurfing, power boating, kayaking, canoeing, outdoor laser quest, archery, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing/abseiling and more…
Family Fun
Ernespie Farm Park - Castle Douglas 10 Miles
Working farm with outdoor play area (open spring to fall), indoor soft play, tractor rides, a garden centre, a gift shop and a cafe.
Mabie Farm Park - near Dumfries 18 Miles
Open April to end of October. A fun day out in the beautiful countryside, whatever the weather. Feed and pet the animals and explore the extensive outdoor and indoor play areas with trampolines, slides and quad bikes. Has a small shop and an excellent cafe on site or bring a picnic.
Dalscone Farm Park - Dumfries 20 Miles
Farm park with animals and indoor and outdoor play areas. Indoor play areas open all year round. Ideal for primary children and toddlers. You also may not be able to resist the large toy shop on your way back to the car.
The Cocoabean Company - Twynholm 20 Miles
Delicious chocolate making workshops suitable for the whole family. Indoor and outdoor play areas and an extensive tea room.
Moat Brae, the Birthplace of Peter Pan - Dumfries 17 Miles
National Centre for children’s literature and storytelling. Explore an immersive world of stories with indoor and outdoor play areas including a pirate ship. Cafe on site.
DG1 Swimming Pools and Leisure Centre - Dumfries 18 Miles
Enjoy a swim at the leisure pool complete with small waterslides and interactive water features, or swim some laps in the lap pool. Times vary; online booking recommended.
Dark Space Planetarium - Kirkcudbright 19 Miles
Planetarium show and interactive exhibits sure to please space enthusiasts - young and old!
Nature and Wildlife
Bainloch Deer Park - Sandyhills 3 Miles
Guided 4X4 tours on a local estate to view species of deer and other wildlife on the hill ground.
RSPB Mersehead - Southwick 4 Miles
An extensive wetlands and salt marsh area owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Wildlife watching and wintering waterfowl.
The Galloway Red Kite Trail - 16 Miles +
An exciting opportunity to watch red kites in action at the RSPB Ken Dee Marshes Reserve, Loch Ken.
Galloway Forest Park and Dark Sky Park 18 Miles +
Drive through Galloway Forest Park, 300 square miles of mixed landscape with lots to explore. The UK’s first Dark Sky Park is established in parts of the park. As the area’s light pollution is at a minimum, the visibility of stars on clear nights is stunning.
WWT Caerlaverock
Castles, Gardens and Historical Sites
Threave Castle - Castle Douglas 11 Miles
Unusual 14th century castle on an island in the River Dee, on the grounds of Threave Estate. The castle is currently closed to visitors, although the castle is still worth seeing from a distance.
Threave Gardens and Nature Reserve - Castle Douglas 12 Miles
Open from March through December. Run by the NTS, this is an extensive and interesting walled garden, cafe and shop.
Drumlanrig Castle - Thornhill 35 Miles
Opening times vary - see www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk
Home of Duke of Buccleuch. The castle is open for guided tours during the summer season and features an extensive art collection. The castle has acres of gardens, many walks, mountain biking and an outdoor adventure playground for the kids.
Arts & Culture
Broughton House - Kirkcudbright 20 Miles
This NTS property was the home of EA Hornel, one of the famous Glasgow Boys. His work is on display in this beautifully preserved house with a wonderful garden.
Art Gallery - Kirkcudbright 20 Miles
Interesting range of artwork on display in this redeveloped council run art gallery. Various other galleries are open in the “artist’s town” of Kirkcudbright.
Gracefield Art Centre - Dumfries 18 Miles
Galleries, contemporary exhibits, shop and a cafe
Wigtown - 46 Miles
Scotland’s National Book Town, home to the famous Wigtown Book Festival in September, but worth a visit throughout the year for bibliophiles.
Museums
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura - Dumfries 20 Miles
History museum featuring local history from pre-history through to the 20th century. Round tower features a camera obscura with views over Dumfries. Museum entry is free and there is a charge to view the camera obscura (weather permitting).
The Devil’s Porridge Museum - Eastriggs 39 Miles
Interactive exhibits tell the story of a WWI munitions factory, the lives of the factory workers and how the factory shaped the town. State of the art, award-winning 5 star rated museum.
Dumfries Aviation Museum - Heathall 20 Miles
This volunteer-run museum houses a large and ever expanding collection of aircraft, aero engines and artefacts. Explore personal stories relating to aviation past and present. Civil and military aircraft are represented.
