Dumfries and Galloway Information

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Dumfries is best known as the home of Robert Burns, who spent the last years of his life here. There are many Burns-related museums and sites amongst the town's elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings. Take a visit to the Robert Burns Heritage Centre which occupies a small 18th century mill on the bank of the River Nith, or visit the old Globe Inn where Burns used to spend his evenings drinking with friends.

Dumfries is an excellent shopping centre with a wide range of accommodation from cosy hotels to friendly B&Bs, and there are plenty of eating places to choose from. Each year the town celebrates various pageants and festivals, including the famousGuid Nychburris, the annual Robert Burns Festival and a two-month arts festival - Gaelforce.

Dumfries is a good base to visit attractions nearby, most notable are the romantic ruins of Sweetheart Abbey at New Abbey, or the impressive triangular Caerlaverock Castle just east of the town. You can visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust bird sanctuary at Caerlaverock where some 12,000 Barnacle Geese arrive from Spitzberg over the winter months, and you can also see pintails, sheldrakes and oyster catchers. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are activities including an excellent cycle path network, fishing, golf and walking paths.

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