Kirdkcudbright (pronounced “kir-coo-bree”) – on the banks of the Dee Estuary – is a lovely little town to wander around, and a visit to the Kirkcudbright Galleries in the beautiful Town Hall building is highly recommended.
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Less than 45 min drive
Arbigland “Nearly Lost” Gardens
Arbigland is an historic house with unusual and secluded gardens leading on to a quiet beach with stunning views across to Cumbria.
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Kilnford Farm Shop & Farmhouse Kitchen Cafe
Kilnford is a family farm with a shop, cafe, deli, butchery, and crafts. It’s a really nice complex, which has restored old farm buildings in keeping with the area, and they’ve also got a good range of things for sale.
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The Earth’s Crust Bakery Castle Douglas
An artisan bakery in Castle Douglas, that serves delicious organic savoury and sweet snacks.
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Discover Dalbeattie – the Granite Town
Dalbeattie is known as the “Granite Town” of Dumfries & Galloway / South West Scotland primarily because of its rich granite quarrying history. The name is believed to be from Irish Gaelic; Dail Bheithe.
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Dinner at Ernespie House Hotel, Castle Douglas
Ernespie House is a traditional hotel that’s open for meals and afternoon teas for non-residents.
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Dining at The Olive Retreat Restaurant, Castle Douglas
13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1DX
The Olive Retreat is a relaxed, family friendly mediterranean restaurant & café in the centre of Castle Douglas. We visited on a midweek evening. As it was fairly quiet we were given a choice of tables for two by the friendly waitress.
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Threave House, Castle Douglas
We love Threave Estate and Gardens and enjoy visiting them. However, until now, we hadn’t managed to visit when the house was open.
Read moreWe love Threave Estate and Gardens and enjoy visiting them. However, until now, we hadn’t managed to visit when the house was open.
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Caerlaverock – the Triangular Castle
26 miles NE ~45 min drive DG1 4RU
We visited Caerlaverock Castle many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ve visited many castles in the UK, but this one stuck in our memory, with it’s distinctive shape, moat and contrasting building style inside the castle walls.
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Gone Fishing! near Barend, Dalbeattie
Barend Loch, nestled peacefully within the tranquil surroundings of the lodges, provides an idyllic setting for carp fishing.
Just 100 metres away, only a 4 minute walk!
Guests at Serenity don’t need a permit, and can enjoy carp fishing right on the loch opposite the lodge (however please only use barbless hooks). Legend has it that a monster 14lb carp was even caught here!
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