Castles & Historic Attractions in Dumfries and Galloway

Wherever you go in Dumfries and Galloway you’re tracing the footsteps of historic characters, in places which saw the course of Scottish history transformed. Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, the Black Douglas, St. Ninian, the Wigtown Martyrs and the romantic story of Lady Galloway and her sweetheart.

Bruces Stone, New Galloway – This granite boulder on Moss Rapploch marks the spot where Bruce defeated the English in 1307. It is said that Bruce rested against the stone after the battle.

Cardoness Castle, Gatehouse of Fleet – The ancient home of the McCullochs, this c15th six-storey tower house stands on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet.

Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, – Dumfriesshire home of Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT. Renowned Art Collection, Victorian Gardens, Adventure Playground, Craft Centre, Cycle Museum, Woodland Walks and Cycle Trail.

Dunrennan Abbey, Dunrennan – Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil in this Cistercian abbey founded by David I. The Abbey, built in the second half of the c12th, stand in a small and secluded valley. The remoteness is in keeping with the strict rules and observance of the Cistercian order.

Threave Castle, Castle Douglas – This massive tower, situated on an island in the River Dee, was built by Archibald the Grim in the late c14th and was later the stronghold of the Black Douglases. Ring the bell and the custodian will come to ferry you over.

For more Castles and Attractions please visit www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk.

Explore the area while staying at The Kenbridge.

The Ken Bridge, a 10 bedroom Georgian hotel, has a spectacular river bank location close by Loch Ken, in an area renowned for its tranquility and picturesque views. This 18th Century Coaching Inn was originally built to provide food, ale and shelter for travelers and coaches on the Old Edinburgh Road between Ireland and Edinburgh.

The hotel is a superb centre for fishing, golfing, hill walking, cycling on the surrounding quiet country roads, mountain biking on the world famous 7 Stanes routes, bird watching, photography, clay pigeon shooting, field and water-sports or for simply relaxing and taking in the wonderful scenery.

We are on the edge of the UNESCO Dark Skies Park created in 2009, which at the time was the only one in Britain and only the 5th worldwide. The river beside the hotel is a seasonal host to Osprey, Kingfisher and Oyster Catcher, there is also a healthy population of Otter and the hotel gardens receive regular visits from Red Squirrels. Early risers may see deer in the meadows across the river, as well as fox and badger.

The woodland to the west of the hotel is used as a roost by up to as many as 35 Red Kite which frequently soar and wheel spectacularly over the hotel.

The Ken Bridge Hotel is ideally situated enabling you to explore the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway has so much to offer from Castles and Historic attractions to numerous outdoor activities. Here are just a few to help you choose when planning your holiday.