Top attractions of southern Scotland

Southern Scotland is a picturesque mix of rounded hills, meandering rivers and architectural delights. South West Scotland has a turbulent past, as it was here that Robert the Bruce launched his campaign to free his country from the English. As well as its fortifications it has beautiful coast and the stunning landscape of Galloway Forest. 

Isle of Arran

One of Scotland’s most southerly islands, the Isle of Arran is only 19 miles long and 10 miles wide but it’s remarkably diverse in nature, with rugged mountains in the north and rolling hills in the south. Many walkers take The Coastal Way which passes through most of the island’s picturesque villages. There are several campsites and most welcome caravans and motorhomes. The Calmac ferry connects Ardrossan in North Ayrshire with Brodick on the island.  

Galloway Forest

Galloway’s varied wildlife attracts many holiday-makers eager to see red squirrels, otters, pine martens, black grouse, golden eagles and deer, and there’s nowhere better to see it than in the 300 square miles of its forest. There are three visitor centres, at Clatteringshaws, Kirroughtree and Glentrool and around 30 marked pathways, so there’s a route to suit all abilities. With very little light pollution, the region has some of the darkest skies in Europe so, on clear nights, it’s worth looking up and enjoying the stars. Stay at Glentrool Holiday Park, Bargrennan, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway DG8 6RN.

Threave Castle

Standing majestically on an island in the River Dee, Threave Castle was built by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway, in 1369. It was one of the country's first tall tower houses, with private suites above and service accommodation below. Access to the island is via boat. Park at Kelton Mains Farm and walk through the fields until you reach a small jetty where a boatman will take you across the river. One of the country's most popular sites, Threave Estate, is just a short drive away. It boasts a baronial-style house, landscaped borders and a wonderful sculpture garden. Stay at Lochside Camping & Caravan Site, Lochside Park, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway DG7 1EZ.



















Burns Heritage Trail

You can't visit Scotland without learning more about poet Robert Burns. The Burns Heritage Trail (robertburns.org) takes you through some of Scotland's most amazing landscapes, especially through the counties of Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire, where he lived most of his life. The trail includes the cottage where he was born in Alloa (at the Burns National Heritage Park), Burns House Museum in Mauchline, Ellisland Farm (where he wrote Auld Lang Syne), Dean Castle (home of the Burns Collection) and several of the pubs he visited regularly.

New Lanark

The New Lanark World Heritage Site is a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village, close to the Falls of Clyde and only around an hour's drive from Edinburgh. The village of New Lanark was created as a model community by David Dale in 1785. Go to the visitor centre where you can learn more about what life was like during its heyday, relax in the spectacular roof garden and enjoy a warming drink at the onsite cafe. New Lanark Mills, South Lanarkshire ML11 9DB. Stay at Clyde Valley Caravan Park, Kirkfield Bank Bridge, Lanark, Lanarkshire M11 9JW.

Kirkudbright

This ancient town enjoys a sheltered position on the mouth of the River Dee where it emerges on the north Solway shore. An attractive settlement, surrounded by picturesque countryside, it has a strong artistic heritage which started when a colony of artists including the Glasgow Boys arrived in the 1880s. The 16th century tolbooth has become an art centre and gallery. Visit the ruins of MacLellan's Castle, and those of Dundrennan Abbey where Mary, Queen of Scots, spent a night before fleeing south in May 1568. Stay at Brighouse Bay, Borgue Peninsula, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway DG6 4TS.

Dunure Castle

This ruin in Ayrshire, in the village of the same name is set in a stunning position overlooking the sea in Kennedy Park,
which has a community car park (KA74LN), toilets and a children's play area. The castle has been a ruin for at least 300 years and then spent more than a century being used as a quarry for the area's building projects. After many years as a derelict ruin the castle has been excavated and consolidated and is now appreciated as a visitor attraction and is partly accessible. 

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