Coastal lodge near Dalbeattie with loch views
Hassle-free days out with our guide to local attractions and trailheads that offer complimentary parking.
The Dark Space Planetarium is an interesting experience if you enjoy all things Space related!
It’s just over half an hour’s drive away from Serenity 22 Barend, in Kirkcudbright (24 miles WSW ~37 min drive DG6 4EG).
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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!
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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.
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Last checked April 2026 – we visited and updated this post 🙂 Our previous visit was September 2022.
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.
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A fun filled day out with animals to feed and lots of variety of play equipment for all ages.
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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…
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.
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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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