13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Dumfries

Are you Planning your next vacation to Dumfries? If yes, then go through this guide to learn about 13 top-rated things that you can do in the Southwest Corner of Scotland.
Surrounded by rolling hills of Scotland's west, Dumfries is a beautiful place with eye-catching sceneries, art, culture, and history. It is the least visited but most loved area of Scotland. It has Stunning weather, greenery, and contemporary visual arts & and crafts and whatnot. All of them together make it a hidden gem. From a delightful parkland golf course to a bustling farmers' market, everything here is so pleasant. 

The place is also a treasure of history with numerous museums. Trust over, the place will definitely make you fall in love with itself. 

1. Mostly Ghostly Tours

If you want a bit of a spooky and unusual experience, you should definitely go on a trip with Mostly Ghostly Tours. It is the area's first paranormal investigation team that will help you in exploring the history of Dumfries but in a little scary way.  

The team hosts numerous research and tours to learn about the history and find the ghosts as well. Moreover, the team also looks for UFOs, paranormal or supernatural occurrences, etc. Thus you can definitely enjoy it.

2. Enjoy the Castles

In case you are a history buff, then you can enjoy the castles and other sites. A few of the most famous castles present in the area are Caerlaverock Castle, Threave Castle, Dunskey Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, and many more. Each of them has their own story and history. 

Apart from that, you can also visit Girdle Stanes & Loupin Stanes Stone Circle, Greyfriars Church, Twelve Apostles stone circle, Dundrennan Abbey, Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn, etc.

However, if you want to enjoy a family-friendly space, then definitely go to Mabie Farm Park and Dalscone Farm Fun.

3. Go to The Globe Inn

Are you interested in learning about Rabbies Burns? If yes, then you should head to Globe Inn. Here you can join the pub grub or have a tour into the poetic world. Furthermore, you can even learn more about Scotland's National Bard.  

Other than this, you can join various public events, make new friends, enjoy good food, and have an energetic ending with traditional Scottish poems and patter.

4. Visit Moat Brae

Moat Brae is referred to as the home of the National Center for Children's Storytelling and Literature. It is the birthplace of Peter Pan. When you enter the Moat Brae House and the Neverland Discovery Garden, you get into the world of imagination. Here you can find multiple fascinating facts, play different games in the area available, run to catch Peter's pan shadow or sit in the sunlit library to read books.  

Also, make sure to attend the free storytelling sessions, as well. 

5. Robert Burns House

Now, let's take you to the house of the famous poet Robert Burns. He has written some of the best poems in this house and had his final years here as well. 

After the death of the poet, the house is a popular site for all the poetic people around the globe. Many famous people have also visited this place, including poets like Keats, Willam Wordsworth, and Coleridge. They come here to see the Place where Robert used to sit and write his poems. 

6. Go to EllisLand Museum and Farm

On the banks of River Nith, Robert Burn has another home where he and his partner have lived for many years. This spot tells you more about the history of Scotland and it's its National Bard. 
The place tells you more about the life of Robert and his inspiration for the work. You can see his Farmhouse, The Spence, the Granary Museum, and many more.  

7. Bicycle on 7 Stanes Mabie and Ae

If you love bicycling, then Dumfries is the Best Place for you. Just a few kilometers from Dumfris, you can find 7stanes Mabie and 7Stanes Ae mountains. These mountains are considered perfect for showing bicycling skills.
 
Additionally, both locations have tracks and trails to give an adventurous feeling to the people. These mountains are comfortable for both beginners and seasoned bikers. 

8. Visit the Dumfries Aviation Museum

The Dumfries Aviation Museum gives you an eye pleasant and fascinating glance at the local aeronautical history of the place. The museum is settled in the wartime RAF Dumfries. It has Warplanes, stealth bombers, and helicopters. 

All the people who visit the place are allowed to get a closer glance at these aircraft.

Note: Please visit the hangar displaying the coach Doon Spitfire as well. It is a fighter plane that disappeared during a training accident into Loch Doon in 1941. It was then found out after 40 years. 

9. Take your Kids to Mabie Farm Park

If you want to see animals, then visit Mabie Park. Seventy-seven acres below the Mabie Forest, southwest to the central center, this family-friendly park is a tourist spot. It has many farm-related indoor and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. 

The place also has a few animals like Pigs, Horses, Goats, Donkeys, and Alpacas. Additionally, they also have fun games like trampolines and grass slides. In case you are tired, the place also offers Restrooms, Food, and fountains to calm your body as well as your soul.

10. Rome on Town Centre

Dumfries Town Centre is very beautiful. Filled with restaurants and shops, this street is full of excitement and has the heart of the town. Here you can purchase anything and everything from a pin to groceries or dresses. All the things can be found on the same street.

Other than shopping, you have options to try different cushions. The street has numerous restaurants where you can find coffee, tea, local dinners, a variety of desserts, etc. 
Therefore you can shop, eat or just sit on the benches given to the side of the street. 

11. Dock Park

Dork Park is a green park near the River Nith, just a few minutes away from the town center. The place has its own history, and it is said to be the house of fun family activities, including mini golf, trampolines, bicycling, and bowling.

12. Old Bridge House Museum

The Old Bridge House Museum is a sandstone bridge on the River Nith. It was built in the 15 century and is well known as Devorgilla Bridge. You should never miss this bridge if you are coming to Dumfries. The place is a blessing to your eye, and its main feature is the town's river corridor, along with a passageway for pedestrians. When we talk about the museum, it is the oldest house of Dumfries. People visit this place to know more about it in detail. The place signifies the life of the 1600s. 

13. Have Food at Campbells Portpatrick

A small bay on the coast of Scotland is Poertpatrick. It is a picture-perfect location, with numerous colored houses and buildings in a line. The food at the place is alluring and mouth-melting, with variation in the cuisine. 

Whether you want to try some new cuisine or have local seafood, everything is available here, and that too at an affordable rate.

Ending Advice!

We hope this blog can help you when you travel to Dumfries. Travel safely, and enjoy your holidays.