This chip shop is open 8 months of the year from March to November. It’s a little further away than the one in Dalbeattie.
Read moreJJ’s Fish & Chip Shop – Southerness
Author: 22 Barend
Mabie Farm Park – Fun Day Out
A fun filled day out with animals to feed and lots of variety of play equipment for all ages.
Read moreCream o’ Galloway Ice Cream Parlour
Cream o’ Galloway has been in the news in the last few months (Mar 2025). The Visitor Centre/Ice Cream Parlour that we visited when reviewing below is now closed. This is because the company was bought in January 2024, by a company called Brymor. Excerpts of a statement in Jan ’25 from Brymor are below.
“In January 2024, Brymor purchased the Cream O’ Galloway Ice Cream Brand.
Brymor manufactures and distributes premium ice cream, made on the farm on their site outside Masham, North Yorkshire and has been trading for 40 years.
It was evident from the outset that the manufacturing equipment [at the Cream o’ Galloway farm near Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet,] and the whole site was tired and required significant new investment. Therefore, we are consolidating the manufacturing to the Brymor site.
Brymor has over 40 years’ experience in ice cream manufacturing … the brand will benefit from newer, more efficient equipment, as well as benefiting from the sustainable and environmentally friendly resources that Brymor has implemented over the last 4 years.
We will continue to distribute the Cream O’Galloway range from [The Cocoabean Company, Ashland, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4NP] … This means all local customers and holiday visitors can continue to use the full range of ice cream at The Cocoabean whilst enjoying the fabulous facilities, events and of course chocolate at the Cocoabean.”
Distance from the lodge: 29 miles WSW ~41 min drive
Cream o’ Galloway is a great place if you love ice cream!
They have a wide variety of flavours and a range of price options.
We spent a sunny afternoon there.
Read moreThe Beagle Country Pub
The Beagle closed in January 2025, but the pub is reopening in March 2025 as The Crab Pot!
The Beagle Country Pub on site Bar & Restaurant is run by Barend Holiday Lodges. A large canopy and heaters in the courtyard make outdoor dining even more enjoyable.
Bainloch Deer Park Visitor Centre & Bistro
Bainloch Deer Park Visitor Centre & Bistro is right next door to Barend, and so it’s very convenient for a late breakfast, lunch or afternoon treat.
Parking spaces are plentiful and the large cafe has indoor and outdoor seating. We went in the afternoon and enjoyed drinks and cakes sitting out on a picnic bench on the terrace. The prices seem reasonable, and there’s a good selection of cakes and snacks. The kids particularly enjoyed their ice cream milkshakes. There’s table service and the staff are all very friendly and efficient. On our first visit we spent an hour or so there, but we’ve been back a few times since…
Rose Garden / Ship Inn Restaurant and Chinese Takeaway
Distance from the lodge: 5 miles NW ~11 min drive DG5 4DJ
We chose between the two Chinese takeaways in Dalbeattie. This time we decided to order from Rose Garden Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway, because we could order online and pay by Card.
Read moreThe Chip Shop Dalbeattie
Distance from the lodge: 5 miles WNW ~11 min drive DG5 4HE
This is the nearest chip shop to the lodge and we’re pleased to report that it’s a good one!
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Sandyhills Beach on the Solway Firth
The nearest beach, Sandyhills, is only a short 10-15 mins walk from the lodge along a quiet road.
It’s a large sandy beach, warmed by the Gulf Stream, so popular for paddling and exploring rock pools. It’s great for walking at low tide.
⚠️ The tide can move very quickly so we recommend you check the tide times.
To get there, turn left from Barend Holiday Lodges and stay on that road to the ‘T’ junction. Cross the road into the car park, then access the beach to the left of Sandyhills Bay Holiday Park.
Green Energy / Renewable Electricity
We love nature and we’re conscious of the environment. Because of this we’ve signed up to an electricity supplier that uses 100% renewable electricity.
Read moreThe Devil’s Porridge
37 miles ~52 min drive | Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 4pm | Adults £7, Concessions £6, Family Ticket £16
An intriguing name, we’ve driven past this museum a few times and had to look up what it was!
This state of the art, award-winning, 5 star-rated museum tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, the United Kingdom’s largest munitions factory in World War I, where there were 30,000 workers: 12,000 of them women.
Booking in advance is recommended during the summer and school holidays.
Location & Parking
Stanfield, Annan Road,
EASTRIGGS,
Dumfries and Galloway
DG12 6TF