Family Friendly | Serenity 22 Barend

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Last few summer dates: 2 nights 25-27 July, plus short break in August.
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Threave Garden & Estate Castle Douglas Review

31 October 20225 March 202522 Barend

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!

A small beach with a narrow sea inlet on the Solway coast

Beautiful Coastal Walk Sandyhills to Rockcliffe

29 September 202213 March 202522 Barend

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.

Clatteringshaws Loch & Visitor Centre Review

29 September 202224 March 202622 Barend

A place of beauty and tranquility, 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.

Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool

29 September 202225 March 202322 Barend

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.

The Needle's Eye natural rock arch near Sandyhills Beach on the Solway Coast, accessible at low tide

Sandyhills Beach on the Solway Firth

27 August 202212 May 202622 Barend

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.