Situated in the Southern Uplands in Scotland, the county of Dumfries and Galloway borders England to the south and is often associated with vast windswept moors and striking coastline, although the area itself has much more to offer. The county is relatively new and comprises of several historic areas and the region is well known for its host of writers and artists that were either born there or lived significant portions of their life in this part of Scotland. Read more
The south-west coast of Scotland is one of the country's most picturesque places with mild weather and long hours of sunshine coupled with pristine beaches that are frequently deserted. Just 10 minutes from the friendly village of Portpatrick and only a quarter of an hour from Stranraer, Knockinaam House is perfect for families and friends. There is space for up to eight people to sleep in four bedrooms, and with three acres of gardens and no immediate neighbours, the kids can be as noisy and energetic as they like.
With a warm climate, spectacular beaches and a location that is easy to reach, Sandhead is the perfect holiday destination made even better by the fact that it always feels relaxed and uncrowded, even in the height of summer. This two-bedroom cottage sleeps up to four people and is within walking distance of the beach and village, and only 15-minutes from Stranraer. It is pet-friendly and ideal for everyone from couples to families and friends.
This relaxed holiday cottage sits on nearly an acre of land, back from the road with no immediate neighbours. The views of the Galloway Hills from the house and the grounds are incredible and will spur you to lace up your walking shoes or jump on your bike every day to explore. Hollins Cottage is just over a mile from Balmaclellan, three miles from New Galloway, and within easy reach of Castle Douglas, Wigtown, and Kirkcudbright. Guests can enjoy a wealth of activities that include golf, fishing, Kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking. The holiday cottage sleeps five people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families.
This charming waterfront holiday cottage is only steps away from Luce Bay with beautiful waterfront views. Craignarget Cottage has been in the same family for over 60 years and has recently received an update to include underfloor heating and a log burner. There is lots of space indoors and outside, with the main bedroom sleeping two people and the comfortable double sofa bed sleeping up to two more. Gorgeous beaches, hill walks, mountain bike trails and cycling routes are within easy reach, and the cottage is in the ideal spot for exploring the wider Dumfries and Galloway area. Short Term Lets Licence Number DG01086F EPC E
Beautifully presented throughout, Rosewall Cottage is a fabulous dog-friendly romantic holiday retreat ideally located in the picturesque Scottish village of New Abbey in Dumfries and Galloway. The idyllic location puts you right at the very heart of some of Scotland's finest scenery and culture surrounded by coast, forest and small mountains. The cottage is within walking distance of a pub, tea room, shop, pretty water mill and majestic Cistercian Abbey and is a great base for exploring this beautiful part of Scotland.
Broomholm Manor is a luxurious holiday home in the Scottish Borders like no other. Set within a discretly private estate near Langholm, this magnificent property boasts elegant interiors and sprawling grounds, with exclusive access to the River Esk for world-class trout and salmon fishing rights for guests. It comfortably hosts up to 16 guests in seven lavish bedrooms, and for larger groups, Garend Cottage adds space for four more, bringing the total to 20. Langholm is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering fishing, walking, and golf. Nearby attractions like Gilnockie Tower and Samye Ling Monastery promise unforgettable exploration, while bespoke services ensure an exceptional stay.
Red Kite Lodge appeals to couples and families for its high standard of holiday accommodation and its convenient location. Set among 22 acres of a quiet holiday park, the Scandinavian-style wooden self-catering lodge sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms. It has balconies on both upper and lower levels where guests can enjoy views of the loch and possibly spot a local Red Kite. The beach at Sandyhills Bay is only a ten-minute walk from the door, as is the onsite bar and restaurant for nights when you don't feel like cooking. The Solway Firth, Dalbeattie Forest, and favourite sights and attractions are all within easy reach to make Red Kite Lodge a wonderful holiday destination at any time of the year. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Dairy House sleeps up to five people in 4-Star comfort. The three-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage is on a family-run farm a few miles from Kirkcudbright and close to Meikle Ross. The views of the coast and countryside are beautiful at any time of year, interrupted only by the odd cow or red kite. It is a wonderful place to stop and recharge, enjoying spending time with family and friends in very comfortable surroundings.
Escape to the beautiful south-west coast of Scotland with a stay at Creel Cottage. The dog-friendly cottage is on a private farm and just steps from the beach at Ross Bay. There is space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms, giving couples, families and friends easy access to Kirkcudbright, Brighouse Bay, Meikle Ross and Galloway Forest Park. There are big sky views, fantastic pubs and restaurants, and a wealth of history, nature and adventure to enjoy.
Byre by the Sea is one of four lovely self-catering properties on the family-run Ross Farm. The single-storey holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is the perfect get-away-from-it-all property with its fantastic waterfront location on breathtaking Ross Bay. It is an excellent year-round holiday destination with lots for everyone to do from beachcombing to golf, mountain biking and sightseeing. This part of Scotland is incredibly peaceful and remarkably unspoiled, yet very easy to reach, and staying here will almost feel like you have been let in on a beautiful secret.
The owners of The Old Cheeseloft believe that life is better by the sea and, once you have stayed at this fantastic waterfront property, you will agree with them! It is one of three beautifully renovated self-catering holiday cottages on the owner's 500-acre farm, steps away from the beach at Ross Bay with incredible views towards the Isle of Man, Solway Firth and the Cumbrian Fells. Guests can enjoy breathtaking walks along the coast or through the countryside, fish, play golf, mountain bike or rock climb. Nearby towns offer plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as shopping, galleries and museums showcasing Scotland's incredible history. With space for five people in three bedrooms, The Old Cheeseloft is perfect for families and friends.
Under the stars in a Dark Sky Area looking out onto the forest, the Shepherd's Hut has a really comfortable king sized bed, full kitchen, bathroom and wood burning stove. The setting is peaceful and tranquil and provides the perfect base to explore the surrounding stunning Scottish landscape. The garden is private and fully enclosed and there are endless trails nearby.
3 bedroom, detached, dog friendly, 1850s stone cottage with off road parking on the edge of Galloway Dark Sky Park.
This comfortable and contemporary bungalow, located in Scotland's National Book Town of Wigtown on the south west coast of Scotland, is perfect for families and friends wanting to escape to a peaceful and beautiful corner of the UK. Couthie Brae has been recently renovated and sleeps up to six guests in three comfortable bedrooms. With a large garden, plenty of bike storage and dogs welcome too, there is no need to leave anyone behind whilst on holiday here! Enjoy fantastic walks and bike rides, secluded beaches and pretty harbour towns. Bookings are available all year round. Discounts are available for singles and couples holidaying on their own outside of peak times…please contact the owner.
You can fish from this riverfront cottage's patio, which is within a 5-minute walk of shops, cafes, relaxed pubs, and supermarkets in Newton Stewart. Otter Cottage sleeps two guests in one bedroom, with a light, spacious open-plan living area that makes the most of beautiful views of the River Cree. It's close to the Galloway Hills, Loch Trool, The Merrick, and 7Stanes Glentrool, with plenty of fishing and golf options. Holiday accommodation is all on the ground floor level, and the self-catering cottage is available for bookings all year round. It's perfect for couples or solo travellers.
Janevale is perfect for your next family holiday in the southwest of Scotland. The charming stone holiday cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms with a kitchen well-equipped for self-catering and a beautifully kept garden. It's a short stroll from Janevale to shops, a golf course, tea rooms, restaurants and other amenities in Kirkcudbright. There is an enormous choice of places to walk, cycle and fish, including around the spectacular Solway Coast and beside the River Dee. There is plenty to do within a few miles, giving you endless ways to enjoy your holiday in all seasons.
Beach Cottage is a charming holiday cottage in Sandhead, Dumfries and Galloway, sleeping four guests in two bedrooms just 30 yards from the sandy shores of Luce Bay. This self-catering accommodation offers sea views, an enclosed garden and dog-friendly stays, making it a relaxing coastal retreat for couples or small families. Set in a peaceful village with a pub and shop within walking distance, this holiday rental in south west Scotland is well placed for exploring the Mull of Galloway, scenic coastal walks and nearby gardens, forests and historic sites.
This holiday home in the south of the Rhins of Galloway has some of the best sea views in Scotland. You can look out over the Irish Sea towards Belfast from the windows and gardens at Helensdale, a three-bedroom self-catering property three miles west of Drummore. Walking, cycling, golf, fishing, boat trips, and bird watching are just a few ways to enjoy this gorgeous landscape in all seasons. You're only half an hour from Stranraer, and there's a pub, village shop and cafe in Drummore. Children and dogs are welcome. Short breaks are possible depending on availability.
Auld Schoolhouse is situated in the coastal village of Sandhead, with uninterrupted views over Luce Bay and the Galloway Hills beyond. The house is only a few metres from 7 miles of sandy beach and only 2 minutes walk from pub/restaurant, well stocked village shop and children's play park. It has an enlosed garden with outside patio area with garden furniture in the summer. It sleeps 7 in 3 bedrooms, all of which are on the 1st floor, it also has kitchen, sitting room with open fire, dining room, 2 shower rooms & 1 bathroom
A delightful seaside self-catering holiday cottage for adults only, within the walled garden of the historic Galloway House Estate in South West Scotland. A heated outdoor swimming pool, coastal walks, and lovely beach at Rigg Bay, just a short stroll away, make this the perfect relaxing retreat and romantic getaway.
Popular towns in and around Dumfries and Galloway:
BalmaclellanCastle DouglasCreetownDalbeattieDumfriesGarliestonGatehouse Of FleetKirkcudbrightKirkcudbrightshireLangholmLeadhillsMoniaiveNew LuceNewton StewartPort WilliamPortpatrickSanquharSouthernessStranraerThornhillWigtownSearch within South West Scotland
Wildlife enthusiast can enjoy the rare and diverse nature of the local birds and animals. The Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest in the UK and is famous for the thousands of migrating geese that venture to its protected mudflats during the winter months, in addition to being home to splendid osprey and other rare and native birds. Other fascinating birdlife in the region include willow tits, reed buntings and reed warblers and the area is home to various bird watching and wildlife spots.
Because of its rural and hilly nature there are many different walking routes that let you explore the county. The Moffat Hills for example are filled with mystic and wonder and in amongst the stunning hilly surroundings are Merlin's Cave, the Devil's Beeftub, as well as the Grey Mare's Tail that have all played a role in the legend surrounding the area. Indeed, for coastal lovers the region has various walks along the expansive coastline including over 200 miles of routes, beaches, rugged cliffs and picturesque estuaries. Jubilee Path offers a great chance to view peregrine falcons.
Like most of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway has numerous golf courses and it is considered a prime golfing location, not just north of the border but in the whole of the UK. There are three different golf 'trails' in the county, each presenting its own set of challenges and obstacles. The Tiger Trail is the premier route with the higher quality courses and links conditions, the Challenge Trail is suited for most golfers with a mix of fun but difficult courses and the Little Gems Trail focuses on 9 hole courses that are great for families on a tight schedule.
The real gem in the crown of the county is Wigtown which is known as a literary hub. It has the distinction of being Scotland's National Book Town and hosts an annual book festival every autumn attracting book enthusiasts from far and wide. Indeed, it also has an interesting whisky distillery and its small town feel is home to various independent and traditional shops. Renowned poet Robert Burns spent his last years in Dumfries and you can visit his former home as well as the visitor centre which provide an informative glimpse into his life and work.
Another of the county's jewels is the Galloway Forest Park, indeed the largest forest park in Britain. Managed by the Forestry Commission, there are some 300 square miles of rugged natural beauty providing a dramatic backdrop to a host of outdoor activities and incredible range of wildlife.
There is much more to the area than the stunning landscape, rugged coastline and superb wildlife. Even though Dumfries and Galloway is blessed with some of the best nature in Scotland it also has a strong foodie and historical element to it, including the market town of Castle Douglas and the bustling village of Thornhill, which makes the county an enchanting experience for everyone who visits.
