Real Farm Holidays
Local Attractions
Family Activities
Dalton Pottery and Art Café is just outside Dalton, on the Carrutherstown road, and well worth a visit, especially for families as children can make their own plates.
There is fun on the farm at Dalscone and also Mabie Farm Park is very popular with go karts, soft play area, donkey rides and cute animals to pet.
Cream of Galloway Ice Cream near Gatehouse is a sure fire family hit, sample the delicious ice cream while the kids explore the massive adventure play area.
Just down the road at Colin, Drummuir Farm also has dozens of different flavours of ice cream ranging from Peaches & cream coconut to Rum & raison!
Entertainment
DG One in Dumfries is a fantastic new complex with impressive swimming pools & flumes. It also has entertainment halls where you can go watch a show or see the ballet, click here for upcoming events.
Cinemas are located in Annan and Dumfries, which also has a theatre.
Ice rinks are at Dumfries (open all year) and Lockerbie (winter only), which offer skating and curling
Historical Places of Interest
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate at Thornhill is the historic 17th C home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. It is steeped in history, filled with treasures and boasts beautiful Victorian gardens along with way-marked woodland walks, cycle routes, championship mountain bike trails, and adventure playground for the children. It also offers some of the best sporting opportunities in Scotland. Bike hire available, tearoom and snack bar. Fabulous events throughout the season. An excellent day out for all the family.
Caerlaverock Castle is a triangular shaped ruin dating from the 13th Century.
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura exhibits local history of the land and people; the Camera Obscura is a dramatic screen showing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Robert Burns Centre tells the story of Scotland’s national Bard and his final years in the 1790’s; and Burns House was one of the houses in which he lived.
Broughton House in Kirkcudbright was the home, and contains works, of the artist EA Hornel.
At New Abbey, Shambellie House has a museum of costume.
In Ecclefechan, the birthplace of writer Thomas Carlyle is open to the public (National Trust).
There is a world famous archaeological dig at Whithorn uncovering a 1,500 year old settlement.
Comlongon Castle Hotel at Clarencefield is a 15th Century tower, which hosts many weddings if you want to get married while you are here!