Dumfries & Galloway

Port Logan

Robert Burns Statue

Loch Ken Sandyhills Bay

Ideas to inspire events It’s the little things which leave a big impression on august

you in & Galloway. Located in south west January Galloway Country Fair This fair brings together food , the first thing you’ll notice is the beauty Big Burns Supper and drink, country sports, of the region, from the rocky and sandy coastline to Experience ten days and nights of cultural celebrations dedicated to the National entertainment, children’s activities verdant forests and rolling countryside. Delve into Bard, Robert Burns. and more. rich history, be captivated by nature and let the www.bigburnssupper.com www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk universe reveal itself to you in the UK’s first Dark september Sky Park. m ay Spring Fling Open Arts Festival Moniaive Bluegrass Festival There are plenty of truly memorable moments Discover the region’s creative side as Listen to music from an array of from coming up with your own flavour of ice you step inside the workshops of artists talented musicians in the pretty cream at Cream o’ Galloway, to making your own and crafters. village of Moniaive. www.moniaivebluegrass.co.uk chocolate creations at The Cocoabean Company. www.spring-fling.co.uk To quench your thirst why not have a drink at one Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Oyster Festival of Scotland’s most famous and oldest pubs, The Expect magic, music and mystery in the Sample delicious fresh local Globe Inn, a favourite of Robert Burns. mountains from the biggest little world produce and uncover the region’s and roots music festival. coastal heritage at this festival. The scenery of the area is second to none; the lush www.knockengorroch.org.uk www.stranraeroysterfestival.com green landscapes emulate a scene from a fairy-tale.

The beauty of the land has caught the eye of many Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Folk Festival Enjoy lively music sessions in the artists who have left their own unique mark on In this region-wide festival, explore a feast of music, theatre, comedy, dance and coastal village of Portpatrick as well the countryside – Crawick Multiverse and Striding spoken word. as ticketed concerts and ceilidhs. Arches both complement the delicate beauty in www.dgartsfestival.org.uk www.facebook.com/ their own way. Not to mention the hundreds of portpatrickfolkfest walks through unspoiled landscape that enhance june the tranquillity of Dumfries & Galloway. Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival Galloway Hills Rally Hear the sound of New Orleans and swing Hear the rev of engines and watch The region is a historical heavy-weight when it jazz in south west Scotland. thrilling motorsport action take comes to the past. With the likes of Robert Burns, www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk place in the Galloway forests. Scotland’s National Bard, gracing the region and www.gallowayhillsrally.co.uk july some of the most iconic castles in Scottish history Langholm Common Ridings september/october can be found here. See tradition come to life at this Book Festival equestrian spectacle which is almost Join in with 10 days of literary Use this four day itinerary to help plan your group 250 years old. celebrations in Scotland’s National break. Experience the homely spirit of Dumfries & www.returntotheridings.co.uk Book Town Galloway and take home memories that will last www.wigtownbookfestival.com a lifetime.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Dumfries & Galloway

Day 1 1 2 3 4 5

The Museum of Lead Mining, , near Thornhill Crawick Multiverse, near Sanquhar Robert Burns Ellisland Farm The Globe Inn – one of the Wanlockhead – hear how lead ore – set in the 120,000 acre Queensberry – linking the themes of space, – one of the leading visitor favourite haunts of Scotland’s or ‘galena’ was extracted and the Estate, complete with a country astronomy and cosmology, the project attractions in Dumfries dedicated national poet, Robert Burns. It was processes it went through to become park and Victorian gardens, this 17th has created a truly inspiring landmark to Scotland’s national poet. Robert here, in 1819 that the first Burns the products that we know today. This century castle is one of the most with a wide appeal for art enthusiasts, Burns lived in Ellisland Farm from Supper was held in honour of his real mine is unique in Scotland. Join the important Renaissance buildings scientists, visitors and the wider local 1788 to 1791. It was here, inspired memory, leading to the formation museum’s friendly and knowledgeable in the country. The community alike. It features a network by the tranquil setting, that many of the Dumfries Burns Club in 1820 guides to discover treasures including home of the Duke and Duchess of of paths which navigate features of Burns’ finest songs and poems, and the celebration of Burns’ life the genuine 18th century lead mine Buccleuch. Parking available on site. and landforms representing the sun, including Tam o’ Shanter and Auld which is recognised around the where you can experience the thrill of T: 01848 331555 universes, galaxies, comets, black Lang Syne were penned. world every year on 25 January. going underground. holes and more. E: [email protected] T: 01387 740426 T: 01387 252335 T: 01659 74387 T: 01659 50242 www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk E: [email protected] www.globeinndumfries.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.ellislandfarm.co.uk www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk Day 2 1 2 3 4 5

Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Castle – discover WWT Caerlaverock – from October Annandale Distillery – established The Devil’s Porridge Museum – Museum – based around the original one of Scotland’s great medieval to April, tens of thousands of Svalbard in 1836 and reborn in 2014 following discover the remarkable wartime control tower of the former RAF fortresses. With its moat, twin- barnacle geese, swans and other birds an extensive £10.5million restoration story of the greatest munitions Dumfries, the museum houses a towered gatehouse, imposing can be seen from comfortable hides project. Once again single malt Scotch factory on earth – HM Factory Gretna fascinating collection of aircraft battlements and unique triangular and observation towers. In summer, whisky is being produced in the region and the extraordinary lives of the and flight memorabilia including shape this awe-inspiring castle is the walk through flower meadows, watch after almost a 100 year sleep. Enjoy a Munitions Girls who worked there. aviation clothing from the two World epitome of the medieval stronghold ospreys hunting over the Solway Firth guided tour, exploring the past and Through objects and interactive Wars. The museum’s prize exhibit is and one of the finest castles in and even spot barn owls and badgers find out what lies ahead. Be among displays, the museum brings to life a Supermarine Spitfire Mk II which Scotland. WWT Caerlaverock is close if staying overnight in the charming the first to taste the new Make Malt this amazing secret wartime history. self-catering farmhouse. Special was recovered from the waters of by, another worthwhile visit. Spirit, Rascally Liquor. T: 01461 700021 events include free daily wildlife Loch Doon. T: 0131 668 8831 T: 01461 207817 E: [email protected] safaris and family events. T: 01387 251623 www.historicenvironment.scot/ E: [email protected] www.devilsporridge.org.uk T: 01387 770200 www.dumfriesaviationmuseum.com travel-trade www.annandaledistillery.com E: [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Day 3 1 2 3 4 5

Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Eskrigg Reserve – this reserve and Dumfries Camera Obscura – this Sweetheart Abbey – this splendid red- Tibetan Centre – a large Tibetan Shop – steeped in romantic history the nearby woodland walks offer museum offers a fascinating journey of sandstone ruin of the late 13th century Buddhist temple and monastic and magical charm. The past is visitors the opportunity to relax in discovery through the region’s history. was founded by Lady Devorgilla of community located in a quiet rural brought to life when you enter the peaceful surroundings and observe Climb the steps to the top floor of the Galloway, in memory of her husband setting. Samye Ling was the first ancient building of the blacksmiths or photograph the local wildlife museum for fantastic panoramic views Lord . When he died in Tibetan Buddhist Centre to be cottage and workshop where couples including red squirrel, kingfisher, over the town and the chance to look 1268, his embalmed heart was placed established in the west and was have come to marry since 1754. tawny owl and more! through the Camera Obscura. This in an ivory casket which she carried named after Samye, the very first Young couples fled across the border E: [email protected] historic optical instrument installed everywhere with her. On her death, monastery to be established in Tibet. to get married in Gretna Green as it www.lockerbie-wildlife-trust.co.uk in 1836 is the oldest working device of she was laid to rest with her husband’s T: 01387 373232 was impossible to marry in England if its kind in the world, on a clear day its heart and the monks named the abbey E: [email protected] you were under 21. range is many miles. in memory of her. www.samyeling.org T: 01461 338441 T: 01387 253374 T: 0131 668 8831 www.gretnagreen.com/visiting E: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot/ www.dumgal.gov.uk/artsandmuseums travel-trade Day 4 1 2 3 4 5

Threave Castle – this massive tower Wigtown Book Town – Wigtown was Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park – Logan Botanic Garden – visitors can Gardens – these house was built in the late 14th officially designated as Scotland’s enjoy amazingly dark night skies walk through groves of eucalyptus and are among the most famous and century by Archibald the Grim, Lord of National Book Town in 1998 and is in the UK’s first Dark Sky Park and palm trees or stand in the shade of the most child-friendly gardens in Galloway. It became the stronghold now home to a wide range of book- you may even be lucky enough awesome giant rhubarb-like gunnera. Scotland. A spectacularly designed of the Black Douglases and still today, related businesses. A book lovers to see the Milky Way. Visitors can The Walled Garden is a breathtaking loch-side landscape covering 75 acres, around its base you can see the artillery haven – and with over quarter of a enjoy a tour with the Dark Sky celebration of the world of plants. creates a romantic garden paradise fortification, an innovative defence million books to choose from, old Rangers or visit the nearby Dark Sky From spring to late autumn, a blaze with something for everyone to enjoy. Dogs are welcome too! You’ll discover years ahead of its time. Ring the bell and new … it is impossible to escape Observatory. of colour greets the eye and the air is stunning fauna, beautiful scenery, loudly and the boatman will take you empty-handed. T: 0300 067 6156 heavy with rich scents. On a sunny day, sculpted landforms, spectacular walks across the river to the castle. T: 01988 402036 E: [email protected] the atmosphere is truly tropical. and popular bird hides. T: 0131 668 8831 E: [email protected] www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark T: 0131 248 2909 T: 01776 702024 www.historicenvironment.scot/ www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk E: [email protected] www.castlekennedygardens.com travel-trade www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/logan

Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.

For more information on things to see and do in Dumfries & Galloway go to www.visitscotland.com/dumfries-galloway