Coo Palace, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Robert Burns’ House

Robert Burns’ House

In nearby Dumfries, the last home of the famous Scottish Poet, Robert (Rabbie) Burns, is open for visitors. Admission is free and on display are a few of his paintings and artefacts, giving a unique insight into the life this great man and his wife led there. Lovingly curated, guests are shown a film of his life before being allowed to wander through the house, reading some of his letters and papers. A trip across the road into the gardens and the mausoleum are also highly recommended.

Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle is set in the 120,000-acre Queensberry Estate and is considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Built in the 17th Century, Drumlanrig has mountain bike trails, fishing, walking routes, a playground, castle tours a country park and Victorian gardens offering plenty to do for all the family. The interior of this great castle displays magnificent collections of French furniture, art, porcelain and silver, including Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading. The rangers in the park can show you delights such as the Drumlanrig Sycamore, the very first Douglas Fir to be planted in the UK and one of the oldest in Scotland. There’s also a tearoom, shop and Stableyard Studios where local craftspeople make and sell their wares.

Gretna Green

Gretna Green

The most well-known wedding venue in the country is on the eastern edge of Dumfries and Galloway, famously where young couples would elope to marry in secret! Alongside being the UK’s wedding destination, there’s a museum showing the original marriage room (still used for weddings today), and the oldest anvil (used in the wedding ceremonies) in existence. Legend has it that those who touch this ancient anvil will forever be blessed in good fortune in matters of the heart. Originally a smithy, the blacksmith’s cottage and workshop stand almost untouched, evoking romantic memories of lovers desperate to hear the words, “Under the ancient rights and laws of Scotland you are now man and wife”.

The Devil’s Porridge Museum

The Devil’s Porridge Museum

The “Devil’s Porridge” was the nickname given to Cordite by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote, “The nitroglycerine on the one side and the gun-cotton on the other are kneaded into a sort of devil’s porridge”. Cordite was manufactured here during WW1 and WWII by women, at great personal risk, to be used in munitions. With friendly staff and a café this museum tells the story of a factory that was considered of as great importance as Bletchley Park, and “one of the greatest munitions factories on earth”.

Monreith Animal World

Monreith Animal World

For families looking for some outdoor fun, Monreith Animal Farm, at Low Knock Farm, Monreith, is set in 12 acres of beautiful countryside including a picturesque pond walk. You walk a circular route through exhibits of Waterfowl, Belted Galloway Cattle, Degus, Alpacas, Owls, Otters, Donkeys, Shetland Ponies, Poultry, Peacocks and Pigs. Children are also able to handle rabbits, chicks and guinea pigs.

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

At the southern-most point of Dumfries and Galloway is the Mull of Galloway Experience, part of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Scotland Nature Reserve. The lighthouse itself boasts 115 steps to reach the top, where you can take in breath-taking coastal views across the Irish Sea to Ireland, the Isle of Man and Cumbria. On a good day, visitors can see porpoises, dolphins and gannets. The café is the Southernmost coffee shop in Scotland.

Annandale Distillery

Annandale Distillery

For those who love their food and drink, Annandale Distillery is the perfect place to take a tour. With Scotland’s finest food, wine, craft beers and ciders on offer, alongside a very extensive whisky selection, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Not only can you learn all about the distillery process, but you can take home your favourite picks to enjoy later.