Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
With a proven track record of excellent food based on both resident and non-resident comments and now also AA recognition.
Casa Mia - 26.9 Miles (43 KM)
Enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy at this friendly and relaxing restaurant. The food is freshly prepared and delicious with a range of options to cater for all tastes.
Experience warm Scottish hospitality with morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas baked and cooked on the premises. At weekends there are two additional hot dishes. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the gift shop which stock crafts from the region.
Fun Days Out
Wonderful fun for kids — the soft play area includes ball pools, climbing walls, giant ball arena and aerial runways. There are themed party rooms, a café and much much more.
Dino Park - 19.4 Miles (31 KM)
Dino Park is a brilliant dinosaur adventure where you can discover all about these giants who roamed the earth 150 million years ago, in lovely landscaped surroundings. Get to meet some of these colossal monsters here at the park, they are pretty realistic with noises too. All dinosaurs have information about them, find out who was the biggest or most ferocious! Take a trip through the Dino Mine, a great underground adventure and watch out for the dinosaurs lurking about. At the Dino Den you will hear lots of facts and stories and a song or two. How about digging for fossils or bones at the Dino Dig and don't miss out on having a go on the bouncy dinosaur. The staff are lovely, warm and friendly and interact really well the children. Dino Park is open everyday from April through to October and offers a great family fun day out, and is great value. The cafe is a great offering a lovely choice of home cooked food and drinks and all at reasonable prices too. Dino Park offers an atmospheric and fun day out for both children and adults alike, you can't help but have a great time here. If in the area take the time to come and experience Dino Park yourself you won't be disappointed.
Here at the Mossburn centre they rescue and shelter misused, abused, unwanted and neglected animals, and provide therapeutic work placements for children and adults.
As well as being voted the country's most tranquil spot, this park is truly is a haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Mabie Farm Park is a former dairy farm set in 77 hectares that now serves as a Farm Park that offers its visitors hours of fun and enjoyment, with the usual sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Located under the stunning Mabie Forest, it is an ideal setting with large flat areas for play, fields for the animals, a pretty stream flows through the land and a large pond that is brimming with wildlife. There is loads for children of all ages to do here and it is suited to all weathers with both indoor and outdoor play areas. The Playbarn has softplay equipment, bouncy castles, trampolines and a traversing wall. The Straw Barn is a great place to hang out with rope swings and straw bales to clamber over. Outside there is an astroslide, paddle boats, bouncy castle and jumping pillows, grass slide, pedal go karts, play park with the usual favourite play equipment, quad bikes, a ball park and the much loved choo choo express. You can get close to the farm animals here and can buy animal feed in the shop to feed them, a selection of the animals to be found here are cattle, cows, horses, llamas, alpaca, pigs, goats, donkey, sheep, lots of birds as well as mice, rabbits, ferrets and much more. Donkey rides are very popular here, and you will be given a hat before you ride, the staff then lead you around the grounds. The staff are so friendly and helpful and are always at hand if you need them, they are very patient with the smaller children, and have lots of knowledge on the animals. The cafe is lovely, plenty of space and seating and a good selection of food and drinks that are reasonably priced and excellent. The entrance price is very good and reasonable for all that you get, there is a small additional charge for the donkey ride, peddle boats, quad bikes and train. The facilities are clean and well maintained as is the overall farm. Mabie Farm Park is a fantastic family fun day out can't recommend enough, definitely must visit if you are in the area.
Rheged - 28.3 Miles (45.3 KM)
An award winning family day out, Rheged attractions include a giant cinema with a screen the size of six double decker buses, a kids play centre and an international mountaineering exhibition as well as superb shops and great food.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
A great biking centre for families, novices and those who enjoy a challenge, it has a short red route, two blue routes and a skills loop to learn some of the basics. There's also a black graded ridge just for experts. One hour's drive from Glentress and Innerleithen.
7 Stanes Ae - 27.9 Miles (44.6 KM)
The Forest of Ae is a popular venue for mountain bikers, and there's a great range of trails here to suit all abilities. There's also a well-established downhill scene and the 'Ae Up' uplift service for those with the skill to tackle a competition downhill course.
Golf & Sports
Dumfries and Galloway is Scotland's most heavily forested region and these forests are perfect for the sport of sled dog racing. See website for details of events.
7-Stanes is located in the stunning location of Mabie Forest, a real cyclists paradise, it was the first venue of its kind in the south west of Scotland. What is so attractive about here is that there are trails to cater for beginners right up to the most experienced riders. The forest has lots to offer to its visitors from a skills area, bike hire and a cafe on site that sells a selection of drinks and snacks, you have everything you require here for a fantastic day riding. The areas are graded to colour to indicate difficulty, it allows those new to the forest to see where they should be or those who want to increase in difficulty the opportunity to do so. You will also find here a great 300m freeride line and with lots of zones for practising your jumping techniques and skills in the mini-x area. The routes are clearly marked out and all trails are picturesque. The green route is mostly suited to beginners offering an introduction to mountain biking, the purple trail offers some challenges, with a mix of forest and roads, the red route is a classic mountain bike route extending 17km and the orange route is definitely for experienced riders and is not for the faint hearted, it covers a range of 3.8km. If you are seeking an adrenalin rush then 7-Stances is the place to come plenty of challenges for all riders, in stunning surroundings.
If you like a challenge or want to try something new, then archery is the sport for you. They cater for all ages and abilities and offer courses to suit your needs. All sessions are led by qualified instructors registered with the Grand National Archery Society.
Nature Reserves
Discover Iron Age remains, 5000 year old cairns and the wonder of one of the largest forests in Britain. This beautiful place is perfect to explore however you choose, be it on horse back, on a mountain bike or on a leisurely stroll.
Take a stroll around this beautiful forest and perhaps enjoy the Waterfall Walk. Discover local Roman history and use the hide to spot red squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
See flocks of Barnacle Geese who fly here in vast numbers and find their homes here. Over the last 70 years the bird population has increased from 500 birds to over 25,000. Admire these beautiful creatures and go for a stroll on one of the numerous nature trails.
Gardens & Woodlands
Take a stroll around one of the many tree lined walks, admire the beautiful formal gardens, visit the museum and sit near the waterfall soaking up the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for narcissi and daffodils.
Some lovely glasshouse displays and herbaceous borders to admire, whilst you soak up the lovely atmosphere of these walled gardens. Located in Hawick, a multiple winner of 'Scotland in Bloom', these gardens have proved a hugely important factor in the award.
These large grounds include access to Bassenthwaite lake, a wildflower meadow, walled garden and path maze. For children, there are also four woodland adventure playgrounds. It is also a great place for a spot of bird watching and due to the importance placed on the sight, it will hopefully remain unspoilt for a long time to come.
Local Attractions
Preserved steam and diesel locomotives from Britain and overseas run between Alston station and Kirkhaugh. There are refreshment facilities and a railway shop at the station.
Built in 1792, it is the oldest working theatre in Scotland, run on a voluntary basis by the Guild of Players. A varied programme of events including Guild of Players' own productions and performances from visiting companies.
You'll find favourite high street stores at The Loreburne Shopping Centre — quality shopping in a modern air conditioned environment.
The Robert Burns Centre is an intimate and welcoming arthouse cinema in Dumfries with a dedication to bring great films to the theatre. They aim to enhance the communities cultural experiences by bringing a diverse and interesting mix of films, to include big budget films, blockbusters, foreign language films, low-budget independent films, documentaries, short films, archive and animation films. It is not uncommon to have a speaker here to introduce the films and they also run a programme of film related and workshops and courses, in addition to a film club. The cinema has all modern features, and the seating is very comfortable. There is a shop in the foyer that sells a range of drinks and snacks. The staff are jovial and helpful. The cinema operates Tuesday to Saturday evenings with some special daytime showings and the ticket prices are very reasonable. All seats are unreserved so best to arrive early if you want to sit together, with only 60 seats, space is limited. The Robert Burns Centre is a real cultural gem in the heart of Dumfries.
The finest quality knitwear is available at The Mill Shop, and at The Hawick Cashmere Visitor Centre you can watch Shima Whole garment machines at work and browse round the extensive range of knitwear.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Carlisle Castle is still a sight to behold. Founded in 1092, it's housed a few famous guests in its time, including Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here.
A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots, it was partly restored in the 19th century. Nearby is the 14th-century Hermitage Chapel.
A great little local museum with an excellent railway memorabilia collection and other interesting artefacts.
This great heritage centre is located on the former Waverley railway route at the half way point between Hawick and Newcastleton. Learn about the history of the railway and its local area. The centre is also part of the Waverley Walk, a great route for hikers or cyclists alike.
Morton Castle is probably in the most stunning setting of any castle in Scotland, it proudly stands at the head of a triangular bluff, on both sides there are steep declines into Morton Loch and has fabulous views of the lovely Lowther Hills. It is not the easiest place to find, it is not until you are almost there that the signs begin, and there is not much remaining of this castle except the exterior walls and parts of two towers, it was constructed in the mid 1400's by the Earls of Morton. It is more the views that you come for when visiting Morton Castle, its remote location allows you to experience the beauty of the countryside and Morton Loch as well as feel the Scottish winds. In addition there are two lovely walking trails here, one will take you to on to other ruins further along or the other trail takes you in a circle back to Morton Castle. Although not much to explore of the castle, the views and beauty of the surrounding countryside more than make up, if you like travelling to places a bit off the beaten track than Morton Castle is for you.
Built as a Peel Tower House and home of the Douglas family, and later the home of Anne, Duchess of Monmouth, and still later the Tower Hotel, the premises now house exhibits showing the history of Hawick and the Tower through the ages.
Robert Burns House is where the revered national poet Robert Burns spent the remaining few years of his life, dying here in 1796 at the age of only 37. Whether you are a fan or not you will be interested to see the house, it has been carefully restored and furnished to give an indication to how it would have been when he lived here. The house is very interesting with some nice artefacts and features, like the window where he engraved his name, or his desk and chair in the study where he penned many of his famous poems, as well as lots of exhibits on his life and work. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. The house has steps and stairs that are narrow so access isn't that easy but certainly worth the effort. The churchyard where he is interred is not far from the house and worth a visit also. The house is open throughout the year and there is no charge. If in Dumfries then would recommend that you take the time to see this small but informative museum.
Dumfries Museum is incorporated in an old windmill at the top of a hill, and has an abundance of things to see, it predominately tells the story of the land and people of the region. In addition there is the Camera Obscura and there are great views of the town from here on a clear day. The museum covers a range of subjects from geology and natural history to local social and cultural history and much more, there are permanent and temporary exhibits so items on display do change here. The exhibits are well displayed and engaging. The staff are welcoming and friendly and will happily answer any questions you might have on the museum and local area. Entry to the museum is free and there is a small charge for the Camera Obscura but, this includes a guided tour. Being at the top there is a climb to the Obscura so might not be suitable for everyone. Overall Dumfries Museum is an interesting and informative venue and will entertain all age groups, there is something to appeal to everyone here, and special activities to keep smaller visitors entertained. They do run a range of events so worth checking to see what is taking place. Dumfries Museum is a splendid museum, informative and interesting with a great range of exhibits, it is definitely worth visiting and should not be missed if you are in the region.
The Old Bridge House Museum is accessed by the crossing the 15th century Devorgilla Bridge, where constructed into the sandstone of the bridge itself in 1660, is Dumfries oldest house, where the museum is now located. Step across the threshold and into another era, in this historic house, witness a 19th century family kitchen, nursery and bedroom of a typical Victorian home. In addition you can pay a visit to an early dentist's surgery, see all the old equipment and even the replacement teeth! In the 18th century the house was used as an inn and it is likely that Robert Burns would have visited here. Each room tells the social story of a bygone era, there are also lots of exhibits relating to past times, including antique toys, a stove from the 1800's and much more. The staff are welcoming and friendly with a wealth of knowledge on the house and local area, so do ask questions. Entrance to the house is free making it a must see attraction. The Old Bridge House Museum will transport you back in time allowing you to experience first hand this bygone era, a delightful and interesting museum and most definitely worth visiting.
Delve into the history of mining on the North Pennines in this fascinating museum. Hear about the people that worked there, the lifestyle they lead and the legacy this important mine had on the social and cultural history of the area.
