Explore Scotland: The Dumfries & Galloway Where to Stay Guide

The Explore Scotland: The Dumfries & Galloway Where to Stay Guide, produced by VisitScotland c/o Carat Edinburgh, invites visitors to savour the tranquillity and feel the exhilaration of Dumfries & Galloway, where the hills, forest parks and quiet country roads provide the ideal setting for exploring by foot, bike or car.

Heritage, Culture and Gardens

The region rewards those who delve into its rich history. Plentiful museums and visitor centres detail the varied inventors, poets, pioneers and artists inspired by the landscape, while art galleries and bookshops offer a wealth of culture. Visitors will also find some of Britain's most colourful gardens here.

Outdoor Adventures

Dumfries & Galloway offers memorable experiences for the outdoors enthusiast:

• Stargaze at Galloway Forest Park, the UK's first Dark Sky Park, awarded due to the thousands of visible stars and natural nocturnal habitat
• Follow the Solway Coast Heritage Trail through picture-perfect villages and sublime vistas
• Traverse the trails by mountain bike at any of the five 7stanes award-winning mountain bike centres
• Spend a thrilling afternoon waterskiing at Loch Ken

Events and Festivals

The region is also home to an exciting programme of events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can discover more of the area's natural wildlife at Wild Spring, a two-month-long festival held at wildlife locations across the region, or visit over 80 artists' studios at Spring Fling, Scotland's premier arts and crafts open studio event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of activities can visitors enjoy in Dumfries & Galloway?

Visitors can explore by foot, bike or car, stargaze at Galloway Forest Park, follow the Solway Coast Heritage Trail, mountain bike at the 7stanes centres and try waterskiing at Loch Ken.

Why is Galloway Forest Park notable?

It is the UK's first Dark Sky Park, awarded due to the thousands of visible stars and natural nocturnal habitat.

How many mountain bike centres are there?

There are five 7stanes award-winning mountain bike centres in the region.

What is Wild Spring?

Wild Spring is a two-month-long festival held at wildlife locations across the region, allowing visitors to discover more of the area's natural wildlife.

What is Spring Fling?

Spring Fling is Scotland's premier arts and crafts open studio event, where visitors can explore over 80 artists' studios.

Are there cultural attractions to enjoy?

Yes. The region has plentiful museums and visitor centres, art galleries, bookshops and some of Britain's most colourful gardens.

This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes VisitScotland c/o Carat Edinburgh. For current details, visit the company's official website.