The Complete Guide to Visiting Free Attractions in Dumfries and Galloway

About: Agnew Park has a wide range of leisure facilities including a boating lake, a miniature railway which takes a complete tour of the park, a play island, an 18-hole putting green, and a mini car racing circuit. In addition, there is a multitude of paths through the gardens and a cafe serving a range of hot and cold refreshments.

Dalbeattie Museum

Address: Southwick Rd, Dalbeattie, DG5 4BS

Opening Times: April to October: Mon – Sat 11:00 till 16:00

Tel Number: 01556 611657

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Dalbeattie Museum

About: Dalbeattie Museum is a fascinating little gem that was set up with a vision to record the town’s history through a collection of artefacts, displays and photographs. Each item of memorabilia in the collection has been chosen for its contribution to the social history of Dalbeattie, and there are many items that adults will fondly remember from their childhoods.

Dock Park

Address: Dock Park, Dumfries, DG1 2RY

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 01387 245911

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Dock Park

About: The most prominent feature of Dock Park is the nineteenth-century bandstand which plays host to frequent events throughout the year. The rest of the park borders a riverside, which is extremely popular in summer, while a large children’s play park and a historic maze are used by families year-round. There is also a Peter Pan themed mini golf area that is popular with all age groups.

Eskrigg Nature Reserve

Address: Quaas Loaning, Lockerbie, DG11 1HY

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: N/A

Email Address: N/A

Website: Eskrigg Nature Reserve

About: Eskrigg Nature Reserve is a peaceful site that was once an old curling pond, but is now maintained by a local charity. There are various paths to follow around the adjacent woodland which offer visitors the chance to see plenty of wildlife, while a mountain bike trail is popular with those feeling a little more energetic.

Galloway Forest Park

Address: Creebridge, Newton Stewert, DG8 6AJ

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 01671 402420

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Galloway Forest Park

About: Galloway Forest Park covers an impressive three hundred square miles of prime forestry in the heart of southern Scotland. Stretching from seashore to mountain, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, and visitors can frequently see Red and Roe Deer, and several species of birds of prey in its forest, moorland and lochs.

Grey Mares Trail Nature Reserve

Address: Moffat Valley, Moffat, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9DP

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 07713 786230

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Grey Mares Trail

About: This spectacular trail features one of the highest waterfalls in the UK, where the tumbling waters of Loch Skeen plunge 60m down the Moffat Water Valley. Walkers will often catch sight of ospreys, peregrine falcons and wild goats as they traverse the glacier-scarred terrain.

Mossburn Animal Centre

Address: Mossburn Community Farm, Hightae, Lockerbie, DG11 1LE

Opening Times: Contact site for details

Tel Number: 01387 811288

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Mossburn Animal Centre

About: The Mossburn Animal Centre was established to care for abused, unwanted and neglected animals, and is home to a wide variety of farm, domestic and exotic animals. The charity organisation prides itself on providing education for children through its interesting tours and is welcoming of visitors with a tea room and shop.

Red Deer Range Trail

Address: Castle Douglas, DG7 2BL

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 0300 067 6156

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Red Deer Range Trail

About: The Red Deer Range offers visitors the chance to see over 60 red deer in their natural environment, where you can view the animals without causing them distress thanks to a purpose-built viewing area and hide. The numerous paths are a great way to experience the forest, and guided walks are also available at certain times of the year.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum

Address: High Street, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway, DG4 6BN

Opening Times: Apr to Sept: Tues to Sun 10:00 (14:00 Sun) to 17:00

Tel Number: +44 (1659) 50186

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum

About: This museum is dedicated to informing visitors about Sanquhar’s world famous knitting tradition, as well as the story of the mines and miners of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. The 18th-century tollbooth is a fascinating backdrop to the audio-visual presentations, and children will enjoy learning what prison life was like in the Sanquhar jail.

St. Ninians Cave

Address: St Ninian’s Cave, Nr Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway, DG8

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 0131 668 8600

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: St. Ninians Cave

About: St. Ninians cave lies in an area of outstanding peace and solitude on the beach-side of Physgill, close to Whithorn. Visitors can explore the dark and gloomy depths of the sea-cave where St. Ninian supposedly had a hermitage, while the stony beach is perfect for taking a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Station Park

Address: Beattock Road, A701, Moffat, DG10 9HF

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 01683 220 697

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Station Park

About: This family park and boating pond, set in beautiful surroundings, is a fantastic escape for families to enjoy a wide range of activities. In addition to the stunning gardens, there is a boating lake, a putting green, an interactive water feature and an excellent children’s play park.

The Mill on the Fleet

Address: High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2HS

Opening Times: Mar to Oct: 10:00 – 17:00

Tel Number: 01557 814099

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Mill on The Fleet

About: The Mill on the Fleet was built in 1788 as a cotton spinning mill, but today it is renowned as a visitor and exhibition centre for the heritage of the local area. The main exhibition floor houses displays that provide a glimpse into the life and times of Gatehouse and Fleet Valley, while a café and bookshop provide time for plenty of relaxation after your exploration.

The Mull of Galloway Trail

Address: Various points of entry. See website for details.

Opening Times: Open year-round.

Tel Number: 01776 707408

Email Address: mailto:[email protected]

Website: Mull of Galloway Trail

About: The Mull of Galloway Trail runs from the Mull to Stranraer, and Stranraer to Glenapp, across 35 miles of stunning south Scotland terrain that not only provides breath-taking views but is also rich in wildlife. Visitors to the trail will frequently see red deer, red squirrels, seals and a wide variety of wild Scottish flora and fauna.

If you’d like to find free attractions in Argyll read this guide: Free Attractions in Argyll and Bute.