The Best South of Scotland Attractions & Activities

Dumfries House in Ayrshire is an elegant 18th-century mansion famed for its Chippendale furniture and restored interiors. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and parkland, it’s a showcase of Georgian design and craftsmanship.

Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast is a magnificent cliff-top mansion designed by Robert Adam. Surrounded by gardens, woodland and sea views, it features elegant interiors and rich Scottish heritage.

the largest inhabited castle in Scotland with a fine collection of artefacts and recently restored tapestries. The Victorian gardens boast outstanding herbaceous borders. The modern tapestry garden and fruit cage add a contemporary slant to the garden

home of Sir Walter Scott, famous Victorian novelist, with a large library of rare volumes, weapons and armour with lovely grounds down to the Tweed

18th century town house, bought in 1901 by E A Hornel, the renowned artist. He added an art gallery and a studio overlooking the fascinating garden with Japanese influences

the epitome of the medieval stronghold with a wide moat, twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements. Learn all about its turbulent history as a castle caught up in border conflicts

open, coastal landscape and wide skies are full of the sights and sounds of nature – and very little else. Bring your own picnics

a remarkably compete medieval ruin with remains of fine plaster and paintwork. Burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Field-Marshal Earl Haig

awesome, eerie ruin, known as “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain” with a family quiz and stunning walks down to the river

the remaining broken shell is pure Gothic with famous stonework - look out for the pig gargoyle playing the bagpipes. Robert The Bruce's heart buried here

breathtaking scenery and beautiful wildlife for all its visitors. There are a variety of different wildlife habitats and nature trails

dating back to 1107, and visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens Traquair with a magnificent maze and many children's facilities

Brodick Castle on the Isle of Arran is a grand Scottish castle surrounded by gardens and woodland. It houses fine art, period furniture and displays of island history, all set against dramatic mountain and sea views.

Crossraguel Abbey near Maybole is a well-preserved 13th-century monastery with impressive stonework and tranquil ruins. Once home to Cluniac monks, it offers insight into medieval religious life in Ayrshire.

the abbey ruins are spread over a magnificent sloping site. The visitor centre and shop has an excellent exhibition and viewing area on its upper floor

The Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine showcases Scotland’s rich shipbuilding and seafaring heritage. With restored vessels, engines and hands-on exhibits, it celebrates the nation’s maritime innovation and history.

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage in Kirkoswald is a traditional thatched home celebrating the life of the cobbler immortalised in Robert Burns’ "Tam o’ Shanter". It offers a glimpse into 18th-century rural life in Ayrshire.

The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, once the world’s largest munitions site. It explores wartime life, innovation and community through engaging exhibits on World War I, World War II and local history.

home of one of the most influential Victorian thinkers with many artefacts from his early years and his large collection of books

best known for its spectacular springtime daffodils, also has colourful, summer herbaceous beds and a striking autumnal, heather garden