Top Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway
Top Hotels in Dumfries and Galloway
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The 8 Best Architectural Buildings in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom including Castle of Park, Caerlaverock Castle, Cardoness Castle, Broughton House & Garden, Dundrennan Abbey, Sweetheart Abbey, St Patrick's Church, Midsteeple.
Restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway
1. Castle of Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This is a true Scottish tower house, built in 1590 and then improved in the 18th century. Living here gives a very different impression of the life of a Jacobean laird. Castle of Park can be booked for short breaks with the Landmark Trust, a charity that restores historic buildings at risk and makes them available for holidays.
Reviewed By F8283UGsusanh - York, United Kingdom
We stayed as a family of 6, having booked it as a dog-friendly property. We were blown away by the whole experience of staying in a real castle. The castle has been refurbished to a very high standard, whilst keeping all the authenticity of of a "Laird's Lodge". My favourite room was the sitting room/library, but the Great Hall was also just as fabulous. The heating was on when we arrived and the whole, huge place was toasty warm for the 3 days we were there. Beds were comfy, linen was top quality, crockery and equipment all of a very high standard. Everything is provided for comfort and relaxation - especially no TV or wifi!! The castle was absolutely spotless when we arrived, beds made up and milk in the fridge. It had everything you could possibly ask for - and more - including lots of board games and a 1,000 piece jigsaw which we nearly finished!! - just ran out of time! I thanked the housekeeping staff for their attention to detail - it can't be easy to keep a 430 year old building pristine - especially with such high ceilings and all those spiral steps! Bring your own food - there's a huge table to dine at, or go to Glenluce where The Crown does great food and a warm welcome. We all loved Castle of Park and left with some great memories (and photos!)
2. Caerlaverock Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 998 reviews
Caerlaverock Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, this awe-inspiring castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold and one of the finest castles in Scotland. Although ruined, Caerlaverock is still a substantial structure and you can explore many different features within its unique triangular ground plan. The castle's turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into the brutal cross-border conflicts and you can enjoy a fascinating siege warfare exhibition complete with reconstructions of medieval siege engines.
Reviewed By Quirky-Bird-Gardener - Biggar, United Kingdom
We combined visiting the castle with Ruthwell Cross making it a great day out and worth the hour and half drive. The castle though fairly small is fascinating to explore with its triangular shape and interesting facades. Being in a moat adds to it's uniqueness. We walked around the castle to the site of the original castle and back to the cafe for lunch. This was the low point of the visit sadly. Its very unusual to have a disappointing lunch where ever we visit. We ordered soup and a sandwich, the soup was lovely but the sandwich was 2 slices of cheap white bread with a sliver of ham and a dollop of mustard, no salad, crisps or anything as is the case in most places these days. It was a very poor excuse for a sandwich. Service was very very slow despite it not being that busy. I wish we'd gone elsewhere for lunch or brought a picnic but as it's out only day off in the week we like to treat ourselves to lunch.
3. Cardoness Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. A fine example of a Scottish tower-house castle, Cardoness Castle was built in the later 15th century as the fortified residence of the McCullochs. Cardoness Castle is a well-preserved ruin where you can admire the exquisite architectural detail of this still magnificent structure, including the splendid fireplace and wall-cupboard where the family's best silverware was displayed, touch the intricate stone carvings and soak up the superb views over the beautiful Fleet Bay to the Solway Firth beyond.
4. Broughton House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By H1531OIjohnt - Criccieth, United Kingdom
Visited here when in Kirkcudbright in our motorhome. Park up by the town car park and it’s a short walk up. Good Covid hygiene in operation at the garden and it’s a trust the visitor box at the unattended side gate entrance. It’s relatively small but packed with interest. There’s a one way system which guides you to all the features of the garden. It has a Japanese feel and lovely little vignette settings within it. We sat at the peaceful pool on a fern cast iron bench and admired the planting and the oriental brass heron. There are secret views of the Dee and its mariners as you walk around. Sumptuous!
5. Dundrennan Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Quakervalues - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
We were met by a very helpful guide. The site is beautiful and well worth a visit. The lawns are manicured with such care. Great piece of history.
6. Sweetheart Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 287 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. This splendid red-sandstone ruin of the late 13th century was founded by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway, in memory of her husband Lord John Balliol. When her husband died in 1268, Lady Dervorgilla, had his heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket which she carried everywhere with her. On her death, she was laid to rest with her husband's heart and the monks named the abbey in memory of her. Now under the care of Historic Scotland the romantic abbey is enclosed by an impressive precinct wall - a walk of massive granite boulders, ranking alongside the wall at St Andrews cathedral priory as the most complete in Scotland.
Reviewed By Z9247NFsusanp
A delightful, captivating monument that we discovered by chance in a picturesque setting ... such a special story behind why it's called Sweetheart Abbey too. Easily accessible site, with a super coffee and cake stop adjacent to the car park.
7. St Patrick's Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 376hailey
Lovely to explore this area and find such a historic spot. It was so lovely that I sat and painted it. Port Patrick is a lovely little sea front town. Wander the back streets to find these hidden gems
8. Midsteeple
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
