Dumfries
Quick guide to Dumfries in the south west of Scotland with tips on sightseeing, travel and accommodation...
Dumfries, the name evolved from the term DumPhris or Druim Phris, which in Scottish Gaelic means either fort or ridge of the thicket. Dumfries is formerly a royal burgh. It is situated close to the Solway Firth near the mouth of the River Nith in the south west of Scotland, and was the county town of the former county of Dumfriesshire, with just 25 miles away from the England border.
The head quarters of Dumfries and Galloway Council is located in Dumfries. Dumfries has a long history as the county town of a rural backwater. The rich agricultural land between the hills and the sea has for many hundreds of years been carved up into huge estates controlled by hereditary ruling class.
Even though this is town is serving a relatively small population, it is divided into several key districts. This segmentation paved the way for the evolution of a strong community based culture. The High Street in Dumfries hosts many of the historical, social and commercial centres of the town.
Dumfries hosts Scotland's smallest police force, despite its size it is credited in its participation in one of the largest criminal investigations in modern history. When its neighbouring town, Lockerbie, was devastated by the events that took place onboard Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21st, 1988.
Dumfries has several suburbs, including Georgetown, Larchfield, Calside, Lochside, Lincluden, Sandside, Heathhall, Locharbriggs and Marchmount. Dumfries has several primary schools, approximately one per key district, and four main secondary schools. All of these institutions are governed by the local council and the Scottish Executive.
The Palmerston Park is the home ground of Scottish First Division football team "Queen of the South". The town is also home to Solway Sharks ice hockey team who play at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. Dumfries is also home to a number of high quality golf courses, prominent among them are the Pines Golf Centre, Dumfries and County Golf Club, Dumfries and Galloway Golf Club and Crichton Golf Club
There are a number of festivals which take place throughout the year, mostly depicting the traditional values. Guid Neighbours or Guid Nychburris is the main festival of the year. It is a ceremony which is largely based on the theme of a positive community spirit.
Dumfries was the hometown of Robert Burns from 1759 until his death in 1796. The poet is now buried in St. Michael's Churchyard in the Burns Mausoleum. A number of well-known people were educated at Dumfries Academy, among them are James Matthew Barrie, author of Peter Pan, John Laurie, acted as Private Frazer in Dad's Army, and Jane Haining, missionary. Dumfries is the hometown of former F1 racer Allan McNish. BBC Broadcaster Kirsty Wark was born in the town.
Eating Out
The best resturant in Dumfries (and recently voted best in Scotland!) is The Linen Room, 53 St. Michael St., 01387 255689. The chef is a master. The Dumfries 'Pub of the Year' is Cavens Arms, 20 Buccleuch St, 01387 252896- great food and great Real Ale. Also Rifft Valley Jazz Cafe, 24 Castle street, 01387 249911 is exceptional.
Apart from the hotels listed above, one of the best places to eat is Hullabaloo, on Mill Rd, Tel 259679, above the Burns Centre in a converted old water mill. Open Tue-Sat. For good Italian food try Bruno's, at 3 Balmoral Rd, Tel 255757. Next door and run by the same family is the Balmoral Fish & Chicken Bar, which is reputed to sell the best chips in southwest Scotland.
Open Wed-Mon 1800-2200. Another good Italian-style restaurant is the moderately priced Benvenuto, at 42 Eastfield Rd, Tel 01387 259890; or try Mambo Italiano, 113 Queensbury St, Tel 01387 265888. For vegetarian food try Opus, 95 Queensbury St, Tel 255752. Cheap-mid-range prices. Open Mon-Sat 0900-1700. The pubs in town all serve cheap bar meals, but the most atmospheric place is the Globe Inn, 56 High St, once frequented by a certain poet of this parish. A good place for coffees and light lunches is Pumpernickel, 60-62 Friars Vennel, Tel 01387 254475.
Useful Websites
Region
Dumfries & GallowayTravel Directions to Dumfries
The bus station is only a short walk west of the High St, at the top of Whitesands beside the river. The train station is on the east side of town, a 5-min walk from the centre. The Tourist Information Centre is at 64 Whitesands, on the corner of Bank St, Tel 253862. Apr, May and Oct daily 1000-1700; Jun-Sep daily 0930-1800.
Local Sights & Activities for Dumfries
Most of the town's attractions and facilities are on the east side of the river. A tour of the main sights should begin on the pedestrianized High Street, at the Burns Statue, at its northern end. It shows the great bard sitting on a tree stump with his faithful dog at his feet. A few minutes' walk along the High Street is the Midsteeple, built in 1707 to serve as a courthouse and prison.
Nearby, at 56 High Street, is the Globe Inn, Tel 01387 252335, one of Burns' regular drinking haunts, where you can sit in the poet's favourite chair and enjoy a drink. Continue down the High Street and follow the signs for Burns' House, in Burns Street, where the poet spent the last few years of his life, and died in 1796. It contains some interesting memorabilia, including original letters and manuscripts. Info: Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700; Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 1000-1300, 1400-1700. Free. Tel 01387 255297. Just to the south is the red sandstone St Michael's Church. In the churchyard is the mausoleum where Burns lies buried.
On the other side of the river, on Mill Road, is the award-winning Robert Burns Centre, housed in an old water mill. It tells the story of Burns' last years in the town. Info: Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1400-1700; Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 1000-1300 and 1400-1700. Tel 01387 264808. On the hill above, centred around an 18th-century windmill tower, is Dumfries Museum, which has good local history, natural history and anthropology displays.
Info: Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700; Oct-Mar Tue-Sat 1000-1300 and 1400-1700. Free. Tel 01387 253374. On the top floor of the windmill tower is a Camera Obscura. Info: Apr-Sep (also open Mar weather permitting). Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700. £1.50, £0.75 concession. Also on the west bank of the river, at the west end of the 15th-century Devorgilla Bridge, is the Old Bridge House, built in 1660 and the town's oldest house. It is now a museum of town life over the centuries. Info: Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700. Free. Tel 01387 256904.
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura are the popular tourist attractions here. Dumfries Museum situated around the eighteenth century windmill has an impressive collection of fossil footprints left by prehistoric reptiles, tools and weapons of the early inhabitants of the region and the stone carvings of Scotland's first Christians. On the topmost floor of the museum is the Camera Obscura, a historic astronomical instrument that offers great views over the town for many miles.
Dumfries Museum: Open All Year:Apr to Sept: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm; Oct to Mar: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-1pm 2pm-5pm; ADMISSION FREE; Tel: (01387) 253374
Camera Obscura: Open: Apr to Sept: Mon- Sat: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 2pm-5pm.
Admission: charges apply
Castles Nearby
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Dumfries House
Originally a Palladian Country House, the ‘Dumfries House’ is quoted to be one among Britain’s beautiful, stately homes.
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Caerlaverock Castle
This moated castle has been witness to two famous sieges and although ruined, it is still spectacular...
Dumfries Hotels & Accommodation
The hotels, holiday cottages, guest houses and bed and breakfast in Dumfries offer a variety of accommodation facilities which would add to the comfort level of the visitors. With many beautiful landscapes and historical places available in the town, Dumfries Accommodation has lot to offer to convert itself into an ideal base to explore the serene beauty of Dumfries located in Scotland.
Whitecroft Mansion
Carrutherstown, Dumfries, DG1 4LF
Whitecroft Mansion is an elegant Georgian Country House, which spread across three acres offering luxury, quality and style to an equal extend. Visitors are assured with a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, while their stay in Whitecroft Mansion. This mansion is located in the verdant countryside of Dumfriesshire and the rooms offer splendid views of the Solway coast, which makes the place a haven of peace and tranquillity. With great charm and style this mansion is ideal for a comfortable stay at anytime of the year.
Accommodation
The mansion has been lovingly resorted and designed to the highest standard. Guests will enjoy the first rate hospitality and house keeping facilities offered by the Whitecroft Mansion. Each of the 11 rooms available in this mansion is equipped with TV, DVD player, video library, tea/coffee making facility and hairdryer. In room broadband, private dining, restaurant, beauty salon or manicure, free wireless internet access, onsite car parking areas are some of the added features of Whitecroft mansion.
Customer review
I stayed in Whitecroft mansion a lot of time. On all these occasions I have been treated like part of the family. The breakfast and the room services are great. The views offered by the rooms are superb. It is the perfect place to relax in first rate comfort, luxury and style.
Friars Carse Country House Hotel
Near Auldgirth, Dumfries, DG2 0SA
Friars Carse is located just 5 miles away from Dumfries town centre, still maintains its country location. This country house hotel is set in 45 acres of woodland extending to the banks of the River Nith. The magnificent panelled entrance hall and elegant staircase, offers guests a warm welcome. The hotel also has a panelled snooker room, and countless picturesque walks round its 45 acres. The hotel can also arrange shooting near-by. There is also good variety of golf courses and cycling tracks round about Dumfries and Galloway. The hotel has many golfing packages to suit all levels on some of the most sought after golf courses in Dumfries & Galloway. Self catering cottages are also available at the Friars Carse Hotel.
Accommodation
The 21 en-suite bedrooms of Friars Carse Country house have remote control colour television, DVD player, telephone, hairdryer, CD player, radio and tea/coffee making facilities. The Whistle Restaurant of this country house, which takes its name from a Robert Burns poem, serves excellent cuisine with an extensive wine list. A four course evening meal is available at a supplement charge. The bedrooms are comfortable and offer excellent overviews of the lush green country side. Guests can make avail of the exclusive facilities like private sea trout, grayling and salmon fishing in the nearby River Nith.
Customer review
This hotel is fantastic. The beautiful oak panelling and leather settees added to the character. The food was excellent and the staff friendly. Dining - the best food, presentation & service in the Dumfries area. My stay was really excellent, staff faultless... nothing was too much trouble. I plan to stay again.....& again......& again.
Hotels near Dumfries
Featured
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Glen Auchie cottage Dumfries sleeps 4
Situated in the south west corner of Dumfries and Galloway, the self catering cottage of Glen Auchie is on the road to the Mull of Galloway.
- Sleeps: 4
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Allanton Mill Dumfries Holiday Home sleeps 4-5
Allanton Mill is a high quality self catering holiday cottage in a converted former water mill dating back to 1739 near Auldgirth, Dumfries, which originally housed the grain drying ovens, mill stones and mechanics for the milling of local crops.
- Sleeps: 4-5
Dumfries Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Ewes Schoolhouse, Near Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway
Victorian schoolhouse in the heart of the Borders, has superb walking from the door, with Buccleuch Theatre close by. Surrounded by hills and fells perfect for walking.
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Sunnyhill View, nr Dumfries - sleeps 6
Attached to the owner’s home, this semi-detached holiday cottage is situated on a working farm with stunning views over open countryside. It is located close to Dumfries, which dates back 800 years a... -
Smithy House, nr Dumfries - Sleeps 2
This deceptively spacious open plan studio apartment is adjacent to the owner’s property. Torthorwald is a small village 3 miles from Dumfries town centre and is therefore an ideal base for touring the Sol... -
Powillimount Cottage, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 6
These two comfortable holiday cottages on the Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419) is 300 yards from the beach, and West Lodge, (ref 25... -
Lapwing Lodge, Arbigland nr Dumfries, sleeps 4
These comfortable holiday cottages on the traditional Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419), Skylark Lodge (ref 26914) and Lapwing Lodge... -
Skylark Lodge, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 4
These comfortable holiday cottages on the traditional Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419), Skylark Lodge (ref 26914) and Lapwing Lodge... -
Abbeybank, New Abbey sleeps 8
In a secluded location within its own walled garden, yet close to the heart of the village, this spacious detached holiday cottage lies in the quaint village of New Abbey close to the spectacular Solway Co... -
Burnfoot of Cluden, by Dumfries - Sleeps 14+2
This spacious detached house, in the hamlet of East Cluden near Dumfries, sits in an elevated position overlooking the River Cairn and offers an ideal touring base. There are scenic river walks accessed di... -
Cargen Cottage, by Dumfries - Sleeps 2
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Four Mile Cottage, by Dumfries, sleeps 4
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Hill View Cottage, by Dumfries, sleeps 4
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Dalskairth Mews, by Mabie Forest - sleeps 2
This stunning detached converted mews is stylishly furnished and, with a small raised garden decking, is well appointed to enjoy the views towards the Mabie Forest and surrounding countryside. Within the M... -
Kirkconnell House, New Abbey - sleeps 15
In a secluded location, this large, detached house is located close to the quaint village of New Abbey on the spectacular Solway Coast. This holiday property offers a choice of walks from the door and a ri... -
The Granary, nr Dumfries - Sleeps 2
Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties have been refurbished to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful wood... -
Upper Castlerag, nr Dumfries, sleeps 8
This spacious semi-detached holiday apartment boasts spectacular views and direct access to the beach from the garden (100 yards). Located on the Solway coast near Dumfries and close to the stunning Gallow... -
Martha's Shore Cottage, Glencaple - Sleeps 6
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ... -
Conheath Gatelodge Cottage, Glencaple, sleeps 4
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ... -
Liddle Apartment,Annan, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Lapstone Cottage,Mouswald, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 4
This delightful detached single storey holiday cottage, furnished and decorated to a good standard, with magnificent views across the fields to the Galloway Hills and Solway Firth, is situated on the edge ... -
The Glen Farmhouse, Shawhead, Dumfries, sleeps 6
Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties have been refurbished to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful wood... -
Foxwood,nr. Dumfries, sleeps 8
Peacefully situated within Dunscore Glen, these two detached properties, both furnished and equipped to an excellent standard, offer panoramic views over open countryside. Nestling in the heart of the Dumf... -
Annan House, Annan sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Martha’s Shore Cottage, Glencaple, sleeps 6
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ‘4 Star’ standard. -
Driftwood, Southerness, Dumfries, sleeps 10
This delightful detached single storey beach house stands in a magnificent position with direct access onto two miles of sandy beaches and rock pools and sits right next to the 13th green of the local golf... -
Cree House, Annan, sleeps 6
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Derwent Apartment, Annan, sleeps 6
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Solway View, nr Dumfries,sleeps 4
This tastefully furnished end terrace holiday villa boasts superb open views across the Solway Firth. The inner Solway is characterised by wide expanses of mudflats and saltmarsh, which stretch across the coast... -
Nith House, Annan, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Esk Apartment,Annan, Dumfries, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Sea Rise, Dumfries sleeps 10
Situated in the seaside village of Southerness this detached property is a mere 500 yards from the sandy beach and provides spacious accommodation from which to explore South West Scotland. Sea Rise enjoys... -
Townhead Mill. Thornhill, sleeps 8
Nestled in the hills, this restored 18th century watermill enjoys superb panoramic views of the Nith Valley. Originally a a silver fox ranch, this property offers first class accommodation for parties of u... -
Glen View, Nr Dumfries, sleeps 6
Peacefully situated within Dunscore Glen, these two detached properties, both furnished and equipped to an excellent standard, offer panoramic views over open countryside. Nestling in the heart of the Dumf... -
Arkland Mill, Crocketford, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 6
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these cottages have enviable dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian hills beyond. Accessed alon...