Explore Dumfries & Galloway
Discover a Different Side of Scotland
Wild coastline, historic towns, exceptional food and drink, ancient landscapes and some of Scotland's darkest skies — Dumfries & Galloway is made for those who prefer to explore somewhere a little less travelled.
Staying with Galloway Farmstay puts you in the heart of this beautiful corner of southwest Scotland, surrounded by countryside yet within easy reach of the coast and many of the region's most memorable experiences.
Whether you're enjoying a peaceful couples retreat at Claunch or a coastal escape at Seascape, we've selected some of our favourite places and experiences to help you make the most of your stay.
Take your time. You don't need to see everything.
Sometimes the best days in Galloway are the ones without too much of a plan.
Private Country Pursuits
Add something special to your stay with a private country-pursuits experience from Scotland's Outdoor Centre.
Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, archery or axe throwing, with professional instruction and all equipment provided.
Complete beginners are very welcome, and experiences can be tailored to suit you.
It's a memorable addition to an anniversary, birthday or romantic escape — or simply an opportunity to try something new together while visiting the Scottish countryside.
Discover Scotland's Outdoor Centre:
https://www.scotlandsoutdoorcentre.com/
Kitchen Coos & Ewes
For an authentic taste of rural Galloway, visit Kitchen Coos & Ewes, a working farm experience near Newton Stewart.
Meet magnificent Highland cattle and experience another side of Scottish farm life, with guided experiences offering the opportunity to get closer to these iconic animals while learning about the farm, its livestock and the surrounding countryside.
Complete your visit with home baking and refreshments for a wonderfully relaxed Galloway experience.
It's a particularly lovely choice for couples and can easily be combined with exploring Newton Stewart and the surrounding countryside.
Discover Kitchen Coos & Ewes:
https://www.kitchencoosandewes.com/
Bladnoch Distillery
Just outside Wigtown you'll find Bladnoch Distillery, one of the great names of Lowland whisky.
Founded in 1817, Bladnoch offers visitors the opportunity to discover more than two centuries of whisky-making heritage through distillery tours and tasting experiences.
It's an excellent experience to combine with an afternoon exploring Wigtown and the surrounding Machars.
Discover Bladnoch Distillery:
https://www.bladnoch.com/
Wigtown – Scotland's National Book Town
Slow things down with a visit to Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town.
Explore its independent bookshops, browse shelves filled with everything from modern favourites to unexpected treasures, stop for coffee and simply enjoy the atmosphere of this distinctive Galloway town.
Wigtown is also home to the internationally renowned Wigtown Book Festival, which attracts visitors and writers from around the world.
Discover Wigtown:
https://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/
Galloway House & Rigg Bay
For woodland, coastline and tranquillity, explore the grounds around Galloway House before continuing towards beautiful Rigg Bay.
This is one of our favourite local places and particularly convenient for guests staying at Seascape.
Take your walking shoes, don't rush and enjoy the combination of woodland, open countryside and sea.
It's exactly the sort of simple experience that makes this corner of Scotland so special.
Logan Botanic Garden
Discover something unexpected on Scotland's southwest coast at Logan Botanic Garden.
Thanks to the unusually mild climate of this part of Galloway, an extraordinary collection of exotic plants from around the world flourishes here.
Palm trees and exotic species set against the Galloway landscape make Logan feel unlike almost anywhere else in Scotland.
It's a beautiful place for a relaxed afternoon together.
Plan your visit:
https://www.rbge.org.uk/logan/
Galloway Forest Park & Dark Skies
For a taste of Galloway at its wildest, head into Galloway Forest Park.
Explore forests, hills and lochs, discover quiet walking routes or simply find somewhere peaceful and enjoy the landscape.
And don't assume the experience ends when daylight disappears.
Galloway is renowned for its wonderfully dark night skies. On a clear evening, away from artificial light, the stars can be spectacular.
It's another reason not to rush back indoors.
Explore Galloway Forest Park:
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/galloway-forest-park
The Mull of Galloway
Take the scenic route to Scotland's most southerly point and experience one of the region's most dramatic coastal landscapes.
The Mull of Galloway combines towering cliffs, open sea, wildlife and its historic lighthouse.
On a clear day, the views can stretch across the water towards Ireland, the Isle of Man and Cumbria.
Make the journey part of the experience. Explore the Rhins of Galloway along the way and allow plenty of time for stops.
Discover the Mull of Galloway:
https://www.mull-of-galloway.co.uk/
Portpatrick
With colourful buildings clustered around its picturesque harbour, Portpatrick is one of southwest Scotland's most attractive coastal villages.
Walk along the waterfront, explore part of the surrounding coastline and then settle in for lunch or dinner overlooking the harbour.
Rather than visiting Portpatrick on its own, we recommend making it part of a leisurely day exploring the Rhins of Galloway.
Discover southwest Scotland:
https://www.visitsouthwestscotland.com/
St Ninian's Cave & The Isle of Whithorn
Discover some of Scotland's earliest Christian history along one of Galloway's most atmospheric stretches of coastline.
A woodland and coastal walk leads towards St Ninian's Cave, traditionally associated with Scotland's first saint.
Continue your journey through the Machars towards the Isle of Whithorn, where the small harbour and coastal setting provide a lovely place to walk, slow down and enjoy something to eat overlooking the water.
This makes a particularly enjoyable day out for guests staying at Claunch or Seascape.
Cairn Holy
Step thousands of years back into Galloway's past at Cairn Holy.
These remarkable prehistoric chambered cairns occupy an atmospheric position in the countryside, with beautiful views towards the coast.
Quiet, historic and wonderfully uncommercialised, it's another example of the hidden places waiting to be discovered throughout Dumfries & Galloway.
Discover more through Historic Environment Scotland:
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/
Kirroughtree & The 7stanes
If you prefer your countryside a little more energetic, visit Kirroughtree.
Part of Scotland's renowned 7stanes mountain-biking network, Kirroughtree offers trails for different abilities alongside woodland walking routes.
Whether you want a serious day on the bikes or simply a relaxed forest walk, it's a wonderful place to experience the Galloway countryside.
Explore Kirroughtree:
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/kirroughtree
Your Galloway Escape
One of the pleasures of visiting Dumfries & Galloway is that you don't need to fill every hour.
Book one memorable experience. Discover a quiet beach. Take a coastal drive. Stop somewhere special for lunch. Walk through a forest. Explore a historic town.
And take the long way home.
If you're staying at Claunch, return to the peace of our working farm, step into your private hot tub and enjoy an evening with nowhere else you need to be.
At Seascape, take an evening stroll around Garlieston Harbour and watch the changing light across the bay.
This is a part of Scotland where there's still room to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of being somewhere beautiful.
Explore. Experience. Relax.
Welcome to Galloway.