Coastal lodge near Dalbeattie with loch views
Fun activities, and local highlights that are guaranteed to keep all generations entertained.
Culzean (pronounced “cull-ane”, not “cull-zeen”) is a fair drive from the Lodge, however it’s well worth the effort to visit this amazing castle and country park. We set off around 9:30am and arrived at Culzean Castle at about 11:15am.
The huge grounds have a number of different car parks spread out over the estate.
Read more
13 miles WNW ~20 min drive DG7 1DZ
Designs Gallery & Cafe in King Street, Castle Douglas – established for over 25 years – serves coffees, cakes and lunches (see a picture of the menu below).
We’d been in shop before but didn’t notice the entrance to the café (it’s to the right of the steps in the middle of the shop)!
Go down the stairs through some doors to the ‘basement’ and then the café counter is on your left. Tables then extend on your right all the way to the back of the building. At the end of the room, through some double doors, there’s also a light and airy (but still warm in colder weather) conservatory that leads out into the garden.
Read more
Many years ago, before we had our children, we visited Dumfries & Galloway with another couple and camped at Hoddom Castle near Ecclefechan. During that holiday we visited Threave Castle, but at the time we didn’t know about Threave Gardens.
We discovered it a few years back when looking for a holiday cottage near Castle Douglas and ended up staying at the Gate Lodge. That holiday eventually led to us getting the lodge at Barend!
Threave Garden & Estate is a great day out and one of the highlights for us was seeing red squirrels!
Read more
The Rockcliffe to Sandyhills coastal walk has been described as one of the best in Britain, with stunning views across the Solway to Cumbria and the Isle of Man as well as along the Galloway coast.
Rockcliffe is just a short drive (or long-ish 😉 walk) from Serenity 22 Barend.
Read more
A place of beauty and tranquillity, Clatteringshaws Loch is a must for anyone who loves to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and soak up nature.
⚠️ The café and toilets have been closed since Feb ’25. 😔 If/when the café reopens, we’ll update this post.
Read more
Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool is open throughout the week and it’s not necessary to book. Just check the timetable on their website and turn up. It’s only a small complex but has everything you need: changing rooms, lockers, showers and a small seating area where you can get drinks from the vending machines.
Read more
The nearest beach, Sandyhills, is only a short 10 to 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.
