Reasons to visit Dumfries & Galloway
World War history, lead mine tours and fossil footprints
Venture out of your campsite in Galloway and Dumfries into a world of exciting culture for all ages. The Aviation Museum has a spectacular collection of aircraft reaching back to World War II, plus an air control tower filled with memorabilia that will captivate even the flying-phobic. Meanwhile, the Museum of Lead Mining sounds like a dull day out, but is the very opposite: it takes you on a claustrophobic and absorbing tour of a real lead mine, including tales of boys as young as 12 who hauled stones up to the open air. You can also take a gold panning course in hopes of finding a nugget all your own.
The most famous site in the area is Caerlaverock Castle, an atmospheric ruin in the grounds of a vast wetlands reserve. Younger visitors will love the adventure park and the tasty cakes in the tea rooms. It’s not only fans of Robert Burns who’ll love the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries; it also turns into a theatre in the evenings, screening contemporary cinema.
For a view that can’t be beaten, it’s essential to add a visit to the Camera Obscura in Dumfries. Part of a museum of the area that contains ancient fossil footprints and stone carvings, it was installed on a hill in 1836 and is the oldest example of its kind in the world.
Hill walking, lochs and Scottish countryside
Dumfries and Galloway is a region where you should take your time — and bring good walking shoes. Hill-walkers will love the range of ambling heights in the Lowther, Moffat and Scaur Hills, and trails through the Galloway Forest Parks. In search of a longer hike? Contemplate the Southern Upland Way, which traces the coast all the way to the northern border and is one of the most popular long walks in the UK, or choose the Annandale Way, which winds through glorious Scottish countryside and landmarks such as the Devil’s Beef Tub. A simple amble around Loch Ken is also a great opportunity to watch for red kites, which are often seen above its tranquil waters.
More of a biking fan? The beauties of Dumfries and Galloway are well within our reach. The 7 Stanes have five mountain biking courses within them, two of which, Glentrool and Kirroughtree, have visitor centres with cakes and tea for a well-earned treat.
Secret gardens, romantic hideaways and wildlife spotting
The warm breezes of Dumfries and Galloway have created gardens for all tastes. Drumlanig Castle, which is well worth visiting for its outstanding art collection, lies in 90,000 acres of estate, with adventure playgrounds, specially plotted walks and a sprawling terrace walk for romantic rambles. It’s particularly good for wildlife-spotting, with special habitats around the estate for red squirrels, barn owls and badgers. With a bit of luck (and some quiet) you might see some of the famous species of Scottish lore.
You might not catch the kooky Garden of Cosmic Speculation — it’s only open for one day a year — but there’s plenty to keep you entertained, including the 75-acre sculpted gardens of Castle Kennedy, and Logan Botanical Garden, an exotic offshoot of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh nestled on the southern coast. Take children on a sculpture trail around the Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve, or venture up to the clifftop cafe at the Mull of Galloway RSPB reserve to check out sea birds soaring over the ocean.
Why choose Experience Freedom?
The glories of Dumfries and Galloway are spread far and wide, and the campsites of Experience Freedom are perfectly located to make the most of them, whether you’re in the region for biking, walking or just glimpsing a red kite. To make the most of your experience, check out our campsites in Dumfries and Galloway, or click Search & Book to check availability.