One of the biggest towns in southwest Scotland is called Dumfries, commonly known as The Queen of the South. A century-old bridge that spans the picturesque River Nith is just next to the bustling town center of this place. One of the first sites to see in this lovely former royal burgh is this river corridor.
When visiting this area, it's difficult to ignore the legacy of Robert Burns. The poet was born and spent his final years in Dumfries, where he is now interred in St. Michael's Church beneath a cheerful mausoleum. One of the top things to do in Dumfries is to follow the Burns Heritage Trail, which includes numerous Robert Burns pilgrimage sites.
Another important reason to travel to Dumfries is the surrounding scenery. The town is a part of the greater Dumfries & Galloway Council region, which is home to numerous picturesque natural landscapes, castles, and coastlines. When traveling, allow additional time to explore these Southern Upland locations and the many other things to do in Dumfries.
1. Visit Caerlaverock Castle to admire the past
Less than 10 miles south of the town center is the magnificent medieval fortification known as Caerlaverock Castle. It has a moat, a gatehouse with twin towers, and a triangular design that distinguishes it from other castles in the UK. These picturesque elements reflect the fort's military significance and standing as a fortress.
The old castle is now under the management of Historic Environment Scotland. The castle may be closed to visitors due to masonry projects or inspections, but the grounds are always accessible, and merely driving a short distance to see the moat-surrounded castle is worthwhile.
Spend some time at the nearby Caerlaverock Wetland Center while you visit the castle. A short drive from the castle, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) manages this sizable reserve and welcomes visitors to explore. There are numerous nature trails, including the well-liked Sir Peter Scott forest route.
2. Take a trip along the Burns Heritage Trail to the Robert Burns Home and Burns Mausoleum.
In Dumfries, Robert Burn's legacy is clearly visible. Only a portion of the Burns Heritage Trail is made up of the poet's neighborhood house, mausoleum, and several museum exhibits. This self-guided tour honors the poet's 37-year life, his time in Dumfries, and his contributions to literature. In 1796, Robert Burns passed away in Dumfries.
The main draw along the Burns Heritage Trail is the Robert Burns Home. In this modest Dumfries two-story sandstone home, where he spent his last years, Burns was surrounded by relatives. Today, Burns fans and aficionados flock there as a famous museum destination. Burns' deathbed, writing instruments, and manuscripts are all on display.
One of the next destinations on the Burns Heritage Trail and another significant location in the poet's history is the Burns Mausoleum. Amongst the red gravestones outside the imposing St. Michael's Church, his bright mausoleum sticks out. The Robert Burns Home and Burns Mausoleum are close by.
3. Visit the Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum to see the planes
The Dumfries Aviation Museum provides an interesting look into the local history of aviation in the area. Around two miles northeast of the town center, on the grounds of the former RAF Dumfries, is where the museum is located. The museum's outdoor property, which is centered on a former control tower, is covered in decommissioned aircraft.
The airplanes, helicopters, and stealth bombers that are scattered throughout the museum's grounds are easy to spot. The property's façade is lined with several metal hangars, some of which have displays and other aircraft on display inside. Guests are welcome to view fascinating engineering artifacts up close. Volunteers work on refurbishing planes in the workshops in other hangars.
The hangar housing the Loch Doon Spitfire should not be missed. It took 40 years for this magnificent fighter plane to be found after it crashed into Loch Doon during a training exercise in 1941. The display describes the diving operations that led to the plane's recovery.
4. Get to Know the Locals at Mabie Farm Park
Southwest of the town center, on 77 acres below Mabie Forest, is this kid-friendly farm park. Together with a few indoor attractions and other kid-friendly attractions, it offers a variety of farm-related and outdoor activities.
In Mabie Farm Park, visitors can connect with animals by giving them food and by observing those who live in the barn. In Mabie Farm Park, you may see alpacas, pigs, horses, goats, and donkeys among other creatures.
Trampolines, grass slides, and a "Choo-Choo" Express are some other attractions. There are food options, bathrooms, and water fountains.
Families can easily spend the entire day exploring because it is kid-friendly.
5. See Camera Obscura and the Dumfries Museum to learn more about history
On a hilltop, across the River Nith from the town center, is this regional history museum. From this elevated vantage point, the museum offers a comprehensive look of the region's extensive history. It's also among the finest free things to do in Dumfries because there is no admission fee.
Papering the town: as you can see there is a huge range of activities on in #Dumfries these days but the very best is the Scottish Youth Film Festival, 22 and 23 October @gracefieldarts @dgcouncil @DGCEducation @DandGCollege @stjosephsdgc @YOUTHWORKDG @RBCFilmTheatre pic.twitter.com/oo71knP12e
— Scottish Youth Film Foundation (@thisissyff) October 5, 2022
The museum's collection is displayed in a number of galleries. Fossilized footprints and textiles from local manufacturing facilities from the turn of the century are displayed in the first floor's spacious gallery. The region's dynamic wildlife is further highlighted through the presentation of several taxidermy species.
The Dumfries Museum's exhibits appear to go on forever. Further chambers with artifacts can be seen after ascending the stairs from the main gallery. Moreover, there are spiral stairs that lead up to the museum's iconic windmill tower, where the famous Camera Obscura from Dumfries sits at the top. When the weather is fine, demonstrations of this antique Camera Obscura that was installed in 1836 take place.
6. Go for a Beautiful Walk Along the River Nith
When in Dumfries, it's difficult to miss the River Nith. Both riverbanks of this large body of water that borders the town's core are lined with attractions. One of the best things to do when visiting is stroll along the waterway, which frequently results in an unplanned adventure or extra time spent outside.
A great place to stroll close to the riverbanks is Dock Park, which is located just south of the town center. This well-liked park has a long history of serving as a neighborhood park near to the river. There is a ton of green area, and the walkways are all lined with trees.
The Dumfries Suspension Bridge spans the River Nith and connects the opposite side of the river with its abundant natural area. In addition, there are several museums on this side of the river that are close by and accessible on foot. The Robert Burns Center, Old Bridge House Museum, and Dumfries Museum are all part of this collection.
When in Dumfries, it's difficult to miss the River Nith. Both riverbanks of this large body of water that borders the town's core are lined with attractions. One of the best things to do when visiting is stroll along the waterway, which frequently results in an unplanned adventure or extra time spent outside.
A great place to stroll close to the riverbanks is Dock Park, which is located just south of the town center. This well-liked park has a long history of serving as a neighborhood park near to the river. There is a ton of green area, and the walkways are all lined with trees.
The Dumfries Suspension Bridge spans the River Nith and connects the opposite side of the river with its abundant natural area. In addition, there are several museums on this side of the river that are close by and accessible on foot. The Robert Burns Center, Old Bridge House Museum, and Dumfries Museum are all part of this collection.
7. Take a Day Trip to Dino Park
A well-liked family destination called Dino Park takes kids back to the Cretaceous era. Semi-realistic dinosaur monuments and themed ecosystems can be explored on this private parkland. These kid-friendly areas feature interactive play spaces like a bouncy castle and Dino Dig as well as photo ops with a Spinosaurus.
The large Dino Soft Play area at Dino Park contributes to its popularity. Kids can burn off energy in this towering labyrinth of padded obstacles. When visiting Dino Park, there is an additional admission fee for the soft play area.
8. Appreciate Dock Park's aesthetic appeal
In the town center, on the River Nith, is Dock Park, a wonderful green area. It has a long history of serving as a community gathering spot, and it continues to be one of the town's most stunning public parks today. The park is also home to enjoyable family pursuits like trampolines, bowling, and mini golf.
The park next to the river is encircled by a nice trail that has several lovely benches lining it. In the heart of the park, a historic bandstand that has recently been connected to contemporary apparatus. Organizations and events from the local community frequently use this picturesque location.
9. Discover Arbigland Castle and Gardens' Verdant Landscape
Arbigland House and Gardens, which lie south of the city on a peninsula overlooking the sea, provide for a fantastic day excursion from Dumfries.
In the 1750s, William Crack, a key participant in Scotland's Agricultural Revolution, built the historic home on the property. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the neighboring gardens were added.
The 24 acres of the estate are currently being revitalized, and the Arbigland House and Gardens were recently opened to the general public. The variety of gardens is astounding and enjoyable to explore. A sunken garden, a sundial garden, and areas with trees older than 200 years are included in the collection.
Between May and October, the gardens are accessible to the public in the afternoons.
10. Go to the Museum at Old Bridge House.
In the vicinity of the town center, a sandstone bridge dating from the 15th century spans the River Nith and houses the Old Bridge House Museum. When sightseeing close to the river, it's difficult to miss this bridge, also known as Devorgilla Bridge. It is a distinguishing element of the town's riverfront and a popular route for pedestrians.
The oldest property in Dumfries is the sandstone Old Bridge House, which was built in the 1600s. The Old Bridge House Museum welcomes visitors to self-guided tours. The displays and antiques shed insight on a 1600s way of life that seems far off from today.
On the opposite side of the river from the town center is the home museum. The Robert Burns Centre and the Dumfries Museum are located on this side of the river. The house is listed on the Burns Heritage Trail as a place the poet visited while he was alive.
11. Explore the Town Center.
Dumfries has a charming town center and High Street to explore, with the Midsteeple District serving as the hub for many of the attractions. This attractive pedestrian area in the middle of town is lined with shops and eateries, and a recent multi-million dollar revitalization project began in 2022, adding more businesses to the mix.
The largest selection of shops can be found in the town center at the Loreburne Shopping Centre, which is off High Street. There are various degrees of shopping in this indoor mall, ranging from supermarkets that fill cabinets to big-name clothing retailers.
However, it is advised to continue dining and shopping on the streets outside the Loreburne Shopping Complex. The district is filled with coffee shops, Scottish memorabilia, neighborhood diners, and clothing stores, providing plenty of opportunities for window shopping. There are many benches where you may sit and people watch.
12. Enter the Robert Burns Centre and go to the second floor.
Another important stop on the Burns Heritage Trail in Dumfries is the Robert Burns Center. From the town center, the facility is located across the River Nith.
It is located inside an 18th-century watermill that has been converted into a museum and independent theater and is close to the riverbed. Visitors are treated to a stunning view of the river corridor with the city's thriving business area as a backdrop before entering the museum.
Fans of Burns use the elevator or stairs to reach the second-floor exhibit. A sizable exhibit in a single room here delves into the bard's time in Dumfries. A substantial 3D scale model of Dumfries as it would have appeared in the late 1700s is of particular importance at the museum. This upstairs exhibit area is open to the public without charge.
The first level of the building is home to the Robert Burns Centre Cinema Theatre. This movie theater screens international, independent, and other films that aren't often shown in commercial theaters. There are performances and plays all through the year.
13. Get disoriented in the cosmic speculation garden
Less than 10 miles north of the town center lies a unique and strikingly manicured 30-acre garden called The Garden of Cosmic Speculation.
This fairytale-like garden and green space is made up of bridges, bodies of water, and sculpted landscape. Also, the neighborhood is filled with beautiful architecture and offers many opportunities for reflection.
Only one day a year is the public allowed access to the private Garden of Cosmic Speculation. On the Sunday of the May bank holiday is usually when this cherished opening day takes place. It would be an understatement to say that on this special day, the gardens are crowded. Upon visiting, visitors should prepare for a large crowd of tourists carrying cameras.