Preview of visitor attractions in Dumfries and Galloway!

The Tuttles and Goodwins are visiting us in June, here is a preview of some of the things we could do in the first week in and around Dumfries and Galloway, we could also have a day in Edinburgh during that week.
Cream o’ Galloway is one of the south west’s most popular tourist attractions and has won many awards since its creation in 1994. Based on Rainton Organic Farm near Gatehouse of Fleet, we combine the production of luxury ice-cream with a four-star visitor centre, including indoor and outdoor play areas, several miles of nature trails, cycle tracks and designated dog walk. The visitor centre also includes a restaurant area (our ‘Burger Barn’) with a selection of meals available, including our own organically raised beef.

Sulwath Brewery: the name 'Sulwath' is the ancient name for the Solway estuary. This is reputed to date back to a ford, or crossing, near the mouth of the River Esk which marked the border between Scotland and England around the 13th century, and from the general usage, the estuary became known as 'the Sulwath'. The Company was first established in February 1996, although production commenced in Autumn 1995 with the remit to brew traditional beers, using local produce where possible to provide natural real ales endemic to the Region. The renowned softness of the water produces beers that have a rounded and mellow flavour, without the harshness that harder water tends to create. By using traditional brewing methods, allied to our passion for natural ingredients; it is not therefore surprising that our beers are now being supplied to connoisseur markets as far away as Devon in the south to Aberdeen in the north. Come and meet the brewer, learn the secrets of preparing traditionally crafted ales and see for yourself the are and skill that goes into making a fine hand-brewed Scottish pint using 100% natural ingredients. Entry to the Micro-Brewery and Reception Area includes tasting of Sulwath Brewery's best selling cask ales such as Criffel and Knockendoch and the Brewery's own range of seasonal and special beers. Once you've decided on your favourites you can purchase Sulwath ales from the Visitor Centre at a special price. "Cuil Hill" - pale amber, light and refreshing session ale which simply bursts with the fresh tastes of malt and hops. This allied to it's pleasant aroma, is guaranteed to quench the most thirsty palate, yet leaving you with the desire to explore it's full flavour with a hint of bitterness, again and again. "Criffel" - our original beer, taken from an old recipe is an India pal ale (amber in colour). Goldings and Fuggles give it a heightened aroma and after taste, this produces a distinctive 4.6% ABV, and still one of our most popular products. "Knockendoch" - a worthy partner for the above, is a dark copper coloured brew reflecting an increased roasted malt content, initial reaction is the flavour of deeply roasted malts, with a delicate overlay of challenger hops. "Galloway Gold" - A superlative lager with full refreshing taste. Utilising best lager and wheat malts with continental hops, which leave a hint of citrus on the palate. "The Black Galloway" - a robust porter/stout whch derives its colour from the abundance of 'Maris Otter' barley and chocolate malts used in the brewing process. Tours of the Brewery are available 6 days a week from 1.00 pm and a beer garden is located to the rear of the brewery which you can enjoy after the tour with one of our original beers.




Kirkcudbright (pronounced kir-coo-bree) is situated on the banks of the River Dee and is the only town on the Solway coast with a working harbour. The town centre is very attractive, with a colourful combination of medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings. The town became a magnet for Scottish artists in the late 19th century. One of the town's attractions is MacLellan's Castle, a ruined 16th century tower house by the harbourside. Nearby is Broughton House, a smart Georgian townhouse which was the former home of artist Edward Hornel. The house has some impressive Japanese gardens. Other attractions are the Tolbooth Art Centre, Harbour Cottage Gallery and Stewartry Museum.

The following three places are all quite close and could be visited in one day. There is also the National Museum of Costume in New Abbey but that might be too much in one day!

New Abbey Cornmill: a carefully renovated water-powered mill, in working order, and demonstrated regularly to visitors in the summer months. A video, The Millers Tale, is on show inside the mill. Mill demonstration 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm in summer. Sweetheart Abbey: the abbey takes its unusual name from its founder, Devorgilla de Balliol, Lady of Galloway, who carried the embalmed heart of her husband, John Balliol (eponymous founder of the Oxford college) around with her for the last 22 years of her life. Her stone effigy, clutchng a heart casket, can be seen in the south transept.

John Paul Jones Museum

Traditional cottage where John Paul Jones 'The Father of the American Navy' was born in 1747. Museum, shop and audio visual, many interesting exhibits, attractive grounds with picnic facilities. Ample car park.

If you want to have a look at some more attractions there is plenty to browse through HERE

More information coming soon about a trip further north with Bob and Susan.