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

a fully restored Victorian fish larder in a unique setting. A historic tidal pool created by a blow hole which formed some time during the last ice age

the ground floor retains its vaulted ceilings, giving a good idea of the service areas of the castle, helped by the recreation of the kitchens

downstairs: displays focusing on the history and heritage of Gatehouse upstairs: 20,000 plus books on a wide range of subjects

overlooking the northern end of Fleet Bay in a strong defensive position and offering a quiz suitable for children

an impressive 16th century L-plan tower house, with 18th century ranges of outhouses that are still in use. In the main block is a fine first floor hall

extensively landscaped gardens with terraces, mounds and avenues and renowned for their rhododendrons, championship trees and rare species

in a prominent position in the centre of Stranraer. The fascinating story of the Castle and its many inhabitants can be found in the exhibitions on site

with a strong sense of spirituality that first brought the monks here in 1142, this is a tranquil ruin set in tree lined pastures

with many beautiful walks and cycle paths, taking in a wide range of scenery, including a sheltered beach and the heights of Cruggleton Cliffs

this is where the riders and raiders of the five hundred years held sway, but today the visitor is offered a warm welcome in the Borderlands

some eight hundred years ago this quiet pastoral location became home to Glenluce Abbey. Children's quiz available

located in a peaceful valley on the banks of the river Esk in Scotland, the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West

the 18th-century mill is still put to work to show how oatmeal is made during summer months with a fun facts quiz available on site

The Old Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green, Scotland, is a historic 18th-century smithy famed for runaway weddings. Couples were wed by the “anvil priest,” making it a romantic icon and popular visitor attraction filled with history and charm.

The Robert Burns House in Dumfries is where Scotland’s national poet lived from 1793 until his death in 1796. Preserved as a museum, it showcases his manuscripts, personal belongings, and tells the story of his final years.

remarkably intact and named Dulce Cor in memory of Lady Dervorguilla, who founded the abbey in tribute to her beloved husband, John Balliol

strong footwear is recommended for the exciting climb to this island fortress. Picnic area available for visitors

Arran Sense of Scotland in Brodick crafts luxury soaps, candles and body care inspired by the island’s landscapes. Visitors can explore the shop, enjoy fragrances and discover how these signature products are made.

Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire is a striking 14th-century fortress built by Robert II. Overlooking the village below, its ruins and visitor centre reveal stories of Scotland’s royal and medieval past.