Holiday rentals in Dumfries

Dumfries is a small market town in southwestern Scotland, packed with centuries-old red-brick buildings. The River Nith flows through the town centre under one of the most ancient bridges in the country. Dozens of art galleries and working artists regularly open their studios to visitors, and the town pays homage to one of Scotland’s literary legends, the poet Robert Burns, whose house, statue, and mausoleum display information about his life and works.

Dumfries’ lush green landscapes are dotted with medieval castles dating back to the 13th century. The triangular Caerlaverock Castle just south of the town is well maintained, with a preserved moat and nature reserve, and you can walk around the dark-stone ruins of Morton Castle in nearby Thornhill. The red sandstone Sweetheart Abbey is another medieval highlight, known for its heartbroken founder who, according to rumour, carried around her deceased husband’s heart while living at the abbey.

The weather in Dumfries is often overcast, and it’s likely to rain throughout the year.

Summers are warm and comfortable, and the city hosts the Absolute Classics Festival in August, where the local orchestra hosts performances with international musicians. Winters are cold, and the season’s pitch-black skies in nearby Moffat are some of the best in the United Kingdom for stargazing. Moffat is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site with minimal light pollution, making for excellent starry nights and a chance to spot the Northern Lights.

Autumn and spring are cool and get chilly at night. In autumn, the Wild Goose Festival pays homage to the barnacle geese that migrate from the Arctic to the Solway Firth, just south of Dumfries, with storytelling, nature talks, and guided walks to see the birds flying in to roost. Between March and November, the Dumfries Market Festival takes place on the second Saturday of each month, with stalls of artisanal food, handmade crafts, and artwork in the historic town centre.

Gracefield Arts Centre

Set in a classic Scottish baronial-style house, the Gracefield Arts Centre houses more than 500 contemporary art pieces, almost all created by sculptors, painters, and photographers from Scotland. The centre’s two galleries offer an intimate atmosphere for spending time contemplating its collections, with temporary exhibitions throughout the year as well as craft workshops and children’s activities.

Mabie Forest

Just outside of Dumfries, the 1,000-hectare Mabie Forest is dense with massive redwood, sequoia, and Douglas firs. Dragonflies and many species of butterfly may flutter past you as you stroll along the four-kilometre Dalshinnie Glen walking trail. You might even spot red squirrels, badgers, and ospreys. The wide path wends up and down subtle slopes and eventually leads to the serene Dalshinnie Loch, where you can picnic at the tables on the edge of the small lake.

Devorgilla Bridge

The 15th-century redstone Devorgilla Bridge is one of the oldest and best-kept in Scotland. Six circular arches under the bridge’s walkway allow the River Nith to cascade through the centre of town. On the west side, you can visit the Old Bridge House Museum, the oldest building in Dumfries, built in the 17th century. Displays and artefacts such as early dentist’s chairs and Victorian home furnishings offer a glimpse at the everyday lives of locals throughout the town’s history.