Dumfries and Galloway - 90 Attractions You Must Visit

The Mill on the Fleet is a restored 18th century cotton mill. It is now an exhibition centre with core displays on the history and heritage of Gatehouse and the Fleet Valley. The water wheel on the gable end was used to drive the machinery to spin the cotton. Following various changes in ownership and fortune both mills finally ceased trading in the 1930s. In the 1980s the mill was restored by Dumfries and Galloway Council and opened to the public in 1991

Monreith Animal world has animals for all tastes from the cute and cuddly to the big and ugly. Set in twelve acres of scenic countryside, the animals are placed in a circular route around the park so you can't even miss an exhibit if you try, taking in a peaceful pondside walk as well saturated with mini beasts.

Morton Castle is located by an artificial loch in the hills above Nithsdale, in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. It lies 2.5 miles north-east of Thornhill, and once formed part of a chain of castles along the strategically important Nith Valley, which runs from the Solway Firth north to the Clyde Valley. Architecturally the castle bears some resemblance to Caerlaverock Castle, being triangular in plan, with similar twin gatehouses at the south-west corner.

Mossyard is a small, sandy beach, slightly less than 100 meters long; located next to the Mossyard Holiday Park it sits at the northern end of the mouth of Fleet Bay. The beach is popular for boating, and small boats can be launched from the shore.

Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead Village is unique in Scotland, having the only real mine which is open to the public. Join the Museum's friendly and knowledgeable guides to discover treasures including the genuine 18th century lead mine where you can experience the thrill of going underground. Make your way along the village paths to the our miners cottages set out in 1750, 1850 and 1910 period and see how the miners really lived.

New Abbey Corn Mill is a well-kept secret in the village of New Abbey, five miles south of Dumfries. The corn mill as an attraction is rather overshadowed by Sweetheart Abbey, whose impressive ruins dominate the west end of the village. The 18th-century mill is much more than a time capsule of the miller’s craft: it is still put to work to show how oatmeal is made. The mill is still in full working order and on most summer day visitors can see it run as it would have all of those years ago.

Orchardton Tower is an unusual free-standing round tower, the only one of its type in Scotland. It operated as a fortified residence for a nobleman named John Cairns, who may have acquired the land after James II’s overthrow of the Douglases in 1455. is remarkable as the only cylindrical tower house in Scotland. Orchardton Tower is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Logan Fish Pond is situated in Port Logan Bay between the village itself and Logan Botanic Garden. The history of this unique attraction dates all the way back to 1788 when the Laird of Logan created a fish larder for Logan House. The pond was complete by 1800. The water is filtered naturally by the tides twice a day. Fish were bought locally from fishermen and the pond was used as a larder for the live fish. The gatehouse which is believed to have been built at the same time as the pond is an a

Powillimount Beach is a beach in Dumfries and Galloway. Powillimount Beach is situated south of Arbigland. It offers some spectacular views over the Solway Firth and on a clear day you can see the Lake District. It is a great beach to visit with curious kids as it is full of shells, rock pools and huge rock formations.

The Rhins of Galloway, otherwise known as the Rhins of Wigtownshire, is a hammer-head peninsula in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Stretching more than 25 miles from north to south, its southern tip is the Mull of Galloway, the southernmost point of Scotland.

This was the family home built by Robert Burns in 1788 for his bride Jean Armour. Set picturesquely on the banks of the River Nith, Burns could not have chosen a more idyllic spot. The complex is a museum in the farm Robert Burns built, lived in and farmed from 1788 until 1791.

Scotland’s national bard spent his last years in this simple sandstone house that is a key pilgrimage site for Burns' enthusiast from around the world. Over the years it has attracted many famous visitors including the poets Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats. View original manuscripts and some of Burns’ personal belongings. See his desk and chair in the study where he created some of his finest works.

Mersehead is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area, a haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching. Spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks. One of the iconic location where you can spend some nice time in the middle of nature.

Sandyhills is a large sandy beach near Dalbeattie on the Dumfries and Galloway coastline. The beach lives up to its name and at low tide has a vast expanse of sand, backed by gentle sand dunes. The beach is the perfect spot for a walk, a paddle or a picnic. The beach can be very busy in the summer but nearby walks and attractions provide other opportunities to enjoy the local countryside.

This fascinating museum of local history covers Sanquhar's rich history as a centre of the knitwear trade and the mining industry. Displays now include Sanquhar’s world-famous knitting tradition and the story of the mines and miners of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. Local archaeology and social history are on display, along with items associated with both World Wars and the story of the town’s common riding. At ground level is a set of jougs attached to the wall, by the side of the prison door.

Housed in an attractive 18th century building, the museum charts the history of the savings bank movement and the role played by the renowned Rev Henry Duncan DD - minister, author, antiquarian, geologist, publisher, philanthropist, artist and businessman.

Southerness lighthouse is located at the village of Southerness in South West Scotland. It is at present the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland. The 18m tall lighthouse sits overlooking the Solway Firth, towards the Lake District. Although the lighthouse is no longer in operation, it is an interesting landmark in a beautiful location that deserves to be put on any travel itinerary. The lighthouse is often open to the public in high season, where views from the top are said to be well worth the

St Ninian's Cave is a natural cave on the southwestern coast of the Machars of Galloway, traditionally associated with St Ninian. It can only be reached by foot and the easiest approach is by walking down an excellent footpath through a leafy glen from Physgill then along the pebbly shore to the cave. There are great views towards the Isle of Man and many opportunities for wildlife spotting – including grey seals.

The Stewartry Museum is a local museum in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, which covers the history of this part of Galloway. It tells the fascinating history of the Stewartry, the eastern part of Galloway. Its collections chiefly relate to the human and natural history of the Stewartry, the eastern half of Galloway also known as Kirkcudbrightshire. The social history collections of the 18th and 19th century are particularly important and offer a fascinating insight into Stewartry.

A rather excellent small but modern town museum in the heart of dumfires. The museum features one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, while you can also look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3D photographs and follow in the footsteps of Stranraer's own polar explorers. There are displays on archaeology, local history, farming and dairying. An exciting temporary exhibition programme also runs throughout the year.