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Red sandstone cathedral with pointed arches, tower and gothic west door
Dumfries and Galloway

The Crichton, Dumfries

An 85-acre parkland estate on the edge of Dumfries, with landscaped gardens open free all year, over 1,000 trees and grand red sandstone buildings.

Welcome

On the south-eastern edge of Dumfries, the Crichton is an eighty-five-acre parkland estate full of history, with grand red sandstone buildings set among lawns and more than a thousand trees.

The landscaped gardens are free and open to everyone all year round, and they hold a Green Flag award. There is a rock garden among them, and the estate's great landmark is the red sandstone Crichton Memorial Church with its tall tower. Easterbrook Hall, with its clock tower, hosts concerts, exhibitions and events through the year.

Today the estate is also home to more than a hundred businesses and several universities and colleges, as well as a pool, a spa and places to eat. It makes a lovely place for a stroll, only ten minutes from Dumfries station.

A short drive awaySt Michael's Church, DumfriesThe kirk where Burns lies.4 min by roadSee itWeathered headstones and an obelisk line a gravel path between tall cypress trees
Before you go

The gardens are open free, all year round.

Where
Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4ZE.
Parkland
85 acres.
Trees
1,078.
Where it is

On Bankend Road on the south-east edge of Dumfries, DG1 4ZE, ten minutes from the station.

Close byDumfries.
  1. Red sandstone house with slate roof and cobbled path to black doorRobert Burns HouseThe simple sandstone house in Dumfries where Robert Burns spent his last years and died in 1796, now a free museum.1 mile4 min by road
  2. Dumfries Museum and Camera ObscuraDumfries Museum and Camera ObscuraA windmill tower with the oldest working camera obscura in the world on top.2 miles5 min by road
  3. Black hanging sign reading "The Globe" against brick buildingsThe Globe Inn, Dumfries2 miles5 min by road
  4. Sandstone riverside building with crow-stepped gables, cherry blossom framing the riverbank pathRobert Burns CentreBurns's Dumfries in a mill by the Nith.2 miles7 min by road
  5. Wading birds flock on shallow water, wings raised, reflected in golden lightWWT CaerlaverockGeese on the Solway.7 miles13 min by road
Directions
Weathered headstones and an obelisk line a gravel path between tall cypress treesAttractionsSt Michael's Church, Dumfries1.2 miles
Sandstone church spire with clock tower overlooks a statue in Dumfries town squareAttractionsRobert Burns Statue1.9 miles
Multi-arched sandstone bridge over the River Nith with a weir in DumfriesAttractionsDumfries1.9 miles
Sandstone church spire with clock tower overlooks a statue in Dumfries town squareAttractionsGreyfriars Church, Dumfries2.0 miles
Gift shop table with wrapping paper, Nutscene twine, seed tray dibbers and Highland cow paintingsRestaurantsFlourish2.3 miles
Corner shopfront lit at dusk with outdoor table and chairs on pavementCafeKings Coffee and Books2.3 miles
A sign reading "Gracefield Arts Centre, gallery, cafe, craft shop, print makers workshop, studio rooms, admission free" stands beside a red sandstone building with solar panels on its roof.AttractionsGracefield Arts Centre2.3 miles
An aerial view shows farmland scarred with parallel trenches and heaped soil, a distant house and trees on the horizon.AttractionsThe Twelve Apostles Stone Circle4.4 miles
Burger stacked with onion rings, chips and a pint of beer at the barRestaurantsMabie House Hotel5.8 miles
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For further reading, before you go.