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Museums and history
in Dumfries and Galloway.

It’s 20:57 in Dumfries and Galloway.
Dumfries and Galloway

Burns, Bruce and the D-Day harbours.

History runs deep in Dumfries and Galloway. Visit the farm Robert Burns built on the bank of the Nith, and the museum of his last years in an old watermill in Dumfries. Above Loch Trool, a granite boulder marks where Bruce watched an English force break. On the coast, the remains of harbours tested for D-Day still lie in the sea, and Neolithic tombs look over Wigtown Bay. Most are free.

The Twelve Apostles Stone Circle→
Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura→
Stranraer Museum→
Museum of Lead Mining→
Murray's Monument→
Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn→
Whithorn Priory and Museum→
Bruce’s Stone→
Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace→
Garlieston Mulberry Harbour→
The Devil's Porridge Museum→
Place of the day19 hours ago

Museum of Lead Mining.

An underground mine and three miners' cottages, in the highest village in Scotland.

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Newly discovered18 hours agoDumfries and GallowayGallie Craig, Mull of GallowayCafeDumfries and GallowayMossyard BeachAttractionDumfries and GallowayDunskey CastleAttractionDumfries and GallowayMoffat Toffee ShopAttractionDumfries and GallowaySt Michael's Church, DumfriesAttractionDumfries and GallowayRobert Burns CentreAttraction

Some good places to go, newly added to the site.

The newest places on our pages in Dumfries and Galloway.

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From our guide16 hours ago

Garlieston Mulberry Harbour.

In the months before D-Day, this port tried out prototypes of Mulberry Harbours, temporary artificial harbours used to protect supply ships off the coast of Normandy. Remains can still be seen on the shore.

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Lunch15 hours agoDumfries and GallowayThe Globe Inn, Dumfries1.4 milesDumfries and GallowayFlourish1.5 milesDumfries and GallowayKings Coffee and Books1.5 miles

Lunch near The Crichton, Dumfries.

The three good places closest to it: The Globe Inn, Dumfries, Flourish and Kings Coffee and Books.

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Stay14 hours agoDumfries and GallowayWren's Nest4.5 milesDumfries and GallowayRose Blair Lodge4.5 milesDumfries and GallowayHeritage Coachman Lodge4.5 miles

Stay near Stranraer Museum.

The three good places closest to it: Wren's Nest, Rose Blair Lodge and Heritage Coachman Lodge.

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From our guide12 hours ago

The Devil’s Porridge.

The term ‘devil’s porridge’ was coined by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when he visited HM Factory Gretna (the largest munitions factory in the world during WW1) in 1916 and saw young women mixing a white, lumpy mixture that he thought looked like porridge. This award-winning museum close to Gretna gives fascinating insights into World Wars One and Two, and the Cold War, focusing on the role of young women.

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From our guide11 hours ago

Twelve Apostles stone circle.

At 88 metres wide, this is the largest stone circle in Scotland. Only 11 stones remain but they’re magnificent, rising to two metres’ high in the rural landscape between Holyrood and Newbridge.

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From our guide9 hours ago

Bruce’s Stone, Glen Trool.

Dumfries and Galloway is the Scottish monarch’s homeland. He was descended from the Lords of Annandale, though his place of birth is uncertain, and he slew his rival for the crown of Scotland The Red Comyn in Greyfriars Kirk in Dumfries in 1306. At Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura you can see a replica of his skull. Over on the shores of Loch Trool, with one of the finest views over Galloway Forest Park, Bruce’s Stone marks his first victory over an English army – the Battle of Glentrool in 1307.

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From our guide8 hours ago

Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace.

This understated white stone cottage is where one of Britain’s most prolific 19th-century writers and social commentators was born. It contains objects from Thomas Carlyle’s childhood – among them his cradle – as well as his writing desk and an 80th birthday tribute signed by Victorian figures.

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From our guide7 hours ago

Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns.

Built more than 5,000 years ago and said to be the final resting place of the mythical Scottish king Galdus. Visit for lonely strolls and marvellous views over Wigtown bay.

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From our guide5 hours ago

Murray’s Monument.

This plinth-like landmark commemorates Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who became Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University. It’s a steep climb to get there, but worth it for the panoramic views across the landscape to Cairnsmore of Fleet. From the top you can follow part of the trail used by pilgrims on their way to Whithorn.

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From our guide4 hours ago

Robert Burns Centre.

Pop into this beautiful 18th-century watermill to discover some of the National Bard’s manuscripts and belongings. After dark, the museum turns cinema and showcases contemporary films.

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