Dumfries and Galloway

Photo of Dumfries and Galloway
Photo of Dumfries and Galloway
Credit: By undefined - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo of Dumfries and Galloway
Credit: Flickr user Bernard Blanc
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About Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is the bit of Scotland on the southernmost coastline, and the very edge of the Scottish Border region. It has three National scenic areas (the Scots version of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) — the Nith Estuary, the East Stewarty Coast, and the Fleet Valley. All are naturally spectacular, but also places of historic import, with castles and abbeys, historic villages and houses, and museums. Our pick of the best places to stay in Dumfries and Galloway are a varied bunch from an intimate B&B to a fabulous restaurant with luxury rooms.

There are many reasons Dumfries and Galloway would be on your itinerary, but we think it's particularly good for keen walkers and outdoor explorers, and to anyone with an interest in Scottish history. Highlights of include Caerlaverock Castle, a castle with a triangular footprint and a moat around it; spectacular Loch Ken; Threave Castle, home of the infamously violent Black Douglas family; the Glenkens, where you might see a Red Kite and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre at Caerlaverock. Walkers might like to start their trip in Galloway Forest, or the Mull of Galloway (both good destinations if you’re interested in seeing Natterjack toads or Great crested newts). There’s excellent hillwalking in the Galloway Hills, Moffat Hills, the Lowther Hills and the Carsphairn and Scaur Hills. Or you could consider the Southern Upland Way, a coast-to-coast walking trail traversing Dumfries and Galloway, or the Annandale Way. Many of the best places to stay in Dumfries and Galloway are set in the open countryside, with walking routes starting right from the front doorstep; and if you're planning to bring your four-legged friend, some of our picks are dog-friendly too!

The Best Places to Stay in Dumfries and Galloway

For a memorable stay

  • Knockinaam Lodge is a hunting lodge turned small hotel. Both Churchill and Eisenhower are known to have stayed here, and they probably marvelled at the same unspoiled views of the Scottish coastline from beside a cosy tiled fireplace. They undoubtedly also ate well, and that hasn’t changed either, the lodge has 3 AA Rosettes. There are ten rooms, three of which are dog friendly.

For a countryside escape

  • Chipperkyle is a small country retreat, set on a 200 acre farm, just a few miles north of Castle Douglas. There are just two guest rooms, both charming, with rural views and plush bathrooms, and numerous welcoming spaces in the rest of the house and gardens. Perfect for walkers and birdwatchers too.
  • Cavens House gleams brilliant white against the expansive views of green hills and the Solway Coast, a stunning mansion turned six room hotel. This feels every bit the country house, with each of the rooms individually decorated and arranged, and rooms on the ground floor, as well as the second floor meaning that accessibility is no problem. Cavens House also has a number of public rooms, warmly lit by wood fires in the season, and the perfect place to have a pre-dinner drink. Dinner is served no later than eight, but the cuisine is worth bending your plans for. Lots to do in the surrounding area.

For families

  • Trigony House is a ten room country house hotel surrounded by pretty gardens — with an ample vegetable garden that helps fuel the restaurant — in a peaceful spot in the heart of the Scottish Borders. This was once the shooting and fishing lodge for Closeburn Castle, nearby, and there’s still plenty of that sort of thing to be getting on with, as well as walking and cycling, riding and mountain biking — you could even try your hand at falconry... The period decor is both rustic and elegant, with nice antique pieces and soothing, homely colours. Children and dogs are most welcome.

Prefer a private apartment or cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Glasgow Airport is probably the most convenient airport to use if you’re travelling to Dumfries and Galloway. It has train and bus links to many parts of the region. Edinburgh International Airport is also worth considering, though it’s on Scotland’s opposite coastline. If you’re travelling via London, you can catch the train to Dumfries, via Carlisle, which takes about four hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and the Dumfries and Galloway region is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear at all times. The up-side is that during the summer months, many Scottish destinations enjoy long days with plenty of light — June, July and August are the lightest months. The Dumfries and Galloway cultural calendar is well filled out, but the most popular events are the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, held in May; the Spring Fling Open Studios event, also held in May; and the Wigtown Book Festival, held in late September.

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The best hotels in Dumfries and Galloway

Trigony House Hotel
Trigony House Hotel

Dumfries and Galloway (Thornhill)

Country house hotel in the heart of Borders country which prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The situation is brilliant for outdoorsy types and dogs are positively welcomed! A charming country escape with award winning rustic cuisine.

  • Country Escape
  • Fishing - Both trout and salmon fishing close by. A ghillie can be arranged for the day.
  • Restaurant - Highly regarded rustic cuisine
  • Great walks - Lovely walks on the doorstep
from AU$215 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Chipperkyle
Chipperkyle

Dumfries and Galloway (Castle Douglas)

Exuding class and charm, Chipperkyle is perfect for a relaxing weekend away in rural Dumfries. Boasting lovely rooms and beautiful surrounding gardens, it's a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

  • Great walks - The surrounding area is full of fantastic walking routes.
  • Tennis - Enjoy a game of tennis on Chipperkyle's private court.
  • Birdwatching - Red Kite trail at the Ken-Dee Marsh Nature Reserve.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Threave Gardens.
from AU$224 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Cavens House
Cavens House

Dumfries and Galloway

An impressive country house set in a stunning location. Traditional rooms feature large sash windows and tastefully upholstered furniture. Good Scottish cuisine with award winning service. Plenty of country pursuits in the surrounding area. An ideal country escape with all the comforts of home.

  • Country Escape - A charming country house set in 20 acres of woodland and lawns, with excellent walking and warm fires to great your return.
  • Romantic Break - A cosy hideaway for two in this enchanting part of the country, with charming suites and romantic dining.
  • Birdwatching - Pack the binoculars as there are two nearby reserves RSPB Mersehead and WWT Caerlaverock.
  • Sights nearby - Explore the 17th century Drumlanrig Castle and the 13th century Sweetheart Abbey.
from AU$351 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on LateRooms
Knockinaam Lodge
Knockinaam Lodge

Dumfries and Galloway (Wigtownshire)

Steeped in history, this former hunting lodge has hosted Churchill and Eisenhower. Enjoy unspoilt views of the Scottish coastline from your cosy, warm palleted room, many of which have tiled fireplaces. There are 38 acres to explore and a Michelin star restaurant. Haute cuisine in the highlands!

  • Great walks - Very close to the hotel begins the coastal Southern Upland Way. Galloway Hills & Glenkens also have excellent walking routes.
  • Fishing - The hotel has its own fishing equipment. You can catch everything from cod, salmon to dogfish!
  • Local markets - Art fans will enjoy a visit to Kirkcudbright, otherwise know as the 'Artists Town'.
  • Restaurant
from AU$556 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees