Known as the “Queen of the South” among residents, this historical market town certainly lives up to its moniker.
The area is steeped in Scottish history, with numerous old buildings, museums, and landmarks for visitors to explore.
It also happens to be the former home of Robert Burns, who is widely regarded as Scotland’s National Bard. You can follow in Burns’ footsteps when you visit his former residence near the center of town, take a stroll along the banks of the River Nith, or dine at his favorite restaurant, the Globe Inn.
Dumfries is also home to some stunning panoramic views that can be observed at the Dumfries Museum, which also features the world’s oldest functioning Camera Obscura.
If this sounds like the kind of place you’d like to visit, why not check out our list of additional activities and attractions in the area?
The 41 Most Popular Things To Do In Dumfries, Scotland
41. Nithsdale
4.0 (2 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
40. Lochaber Loch
4.3 (3 reviews)
Credit: Darrin Antrobus, License, Wikimedia commons
39. Shambellie House
4.8 (4 reviews)
Credit: Elspeth Durkin, License, Flickr
Location: Shambellie House New Abbey Dumfries
Web Address: https://shambelliehouse.org/
38. Midsteeple
4.2 (11 reviews)
Location: 1 Midsteeple Dumfries
37. Mabie Forest
4.7 (13 reviews)
Credit: James Johnstone, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 29F4+F5 Gillfoot Dumfries
36. Old Bridge House
4.7 (15 reviews)
Credit: Grant McIntosh Photography, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Mill Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-256904
35. Lochrutton Loch
4.8 (15 reviews)
Credit: Darrin Antrobus, License, Wikimedia commons
34. Cruck Cottage
4.5 (16 reviews)
Credit: Humphrey Bolton, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Shieldhill Rd. Torthorwald Dumfries
Tel: 1387-750202
Web Address: http://cruckcottage.com/
33. Loch Arthur
4.7 (18 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
32. Torthorwald Castle
3.6 (25 reviews)
Credit: Humphrey Bolton, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Torthorwald Dumfries
31. New Abbey Corn Mill
4.5 (27 reviews)
Credit: Chris Andrews, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: New Abbey Dumfries
Tel: 1387-850260
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/new-abbey-corn-mill/
30. Criffel View Caravan Park
5.0 (27 reviews)
Credit: Malcolm Kerr, Google Maps
Location: Landis Farm New Abbey
Tel: 1387-850238
Web Address: http://criffelview.co.uk/
29. Criffel
4.8 (38 reviews)
Credit: Darrin Antrobus, License, Wikimedia commons
28. Robert Burns Statue
4.6 (39 reviews)
Credit: JamieThomson7, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Burns Streetatue Square Dumfries
Web Address: http://dumgal.gov.uk/
27. Lincluden Collegiate Church
4.3 (46 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Abbey Ln Dumfries
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/lincluden-collegiate-church/
26. FOREST OF AE
4.8 (51 reviews)
Credit: ronnie leask, License, Wikimedia commons
25. Twelve Apostles stone circle
4.2 (52 reviews)
Credit: August Schwerdfeger, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dumfries
24. Grey Mare’s Tail
4.7 (58 reviews)
Credit: Andy Farrington, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Grey Mare’s Tail Bridge Newton Streetewart
23. Robert Burns Ellisland Farm
4.6 (59 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Holywood Rd. Auldgirth Dumfries
Tel: 1387-740426
Web Address: http://ellislandfarm.co.uk/
22. MABIE FOREST
4.5 (71 reviews)
Credit: James Johnstone, License, Wikimedia commons
21. Catherine Street Inclusive Park
4.7 (73 reviews)
Credit: Catherine Street Inclusive Park, Google Maps
Location: Catherine Street Dumfries
Tel: 7498-496868
Web Address: https://includeus.org.uk/
20. Burns Mausoleum
4.5 (81 reviews)
Credit: Charles Annandale. 1890., License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Saint Michael’s Cemetery Dumfries
19. Crichton Memorial Church
4.7 (99 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: The Crichton Dumfries
Tel: 1387-702020
Web Address: https://crichton.co.uk/
18. Castledykes Park
4.5 (180 reviews)
Credit: Anne Burgess, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dumfries
Web Address: http://dumgal.gov.uk/
17. Devorgilla Bridge
4.6 (194 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dumfries
Web Address: http://scotlandsoldestbridges.co.uk/dumfries-bridge.html
16. Morton Castle
4.5 (210 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Thornhill
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/morton-castle/
15. 7 stanes Mabie
4.6 (226 reviews)
Credit: James Johnstone, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dumfries
Web Address: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/mabie#bike
14. Threave Castle
4.6 (317 reviews)
Credit: Christopher Hilton, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dumfries Castle Douglas
Tel: 7711-223101
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/threave-castle/
13. Dumfries Ice Bowl
4.4 (370 reviews)
Credit: Dumfries Ice Bowl, Google Maps
Location: King Street Dumfries
Tel: 1387-251300
Web Address: http://dumgal.gov.uk/icebowl
12. Sweetheart Abbey
4.4 (592 reviews)
Credit: License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Main Street New Abbey Dumfries
Tel: 1387-850397
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/sweetheart-abbey/
11. Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens
4.7 (1,312 reviews)
Credit: Alexander P Kapp, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Thornhill
Tel: 1848-331555
Web Address: http://drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/
10. Caerlaverock Castle
4.6 (1,812 reviews)
Credit: License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Castle Rd. End Dumfries
Tel: 1387-770244
Web Address: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/caerlaverock-castle/
Our Top picks
9. Farmers Den
4.0 (105 reviews)
Location: 33 35 Glasgow Street Dumfries
Tel: 1387-249100
Web Address: https://mabiefarmpark.co.uk/farmers-den-dumfries/
8. Gracefield Arts Centre
4.6 (118 reviews)
Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 28 Edinburgh Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-262084
Web Address: https://dgculture.co.uk/whats-on/
7. Robert Burns House
4.4 (223 reviews)
Credit: DeFacto, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Burns Street Dumfries
Tel: 1387-255297
Web Address: https://dgculture.co.uk/venue/robert-burns-house/
6. Robert Burns Centre
4.6 (240 reviews)
Credit: JamieThomson7, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Mill Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-264808
Web Address: http://rbcfilmtheatre.co.uk/
5. Dumfries Museum
4.5 (330 reviews)
Credit: Neil Owen, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: The Observatory Rotchell Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-253374
Web Address: http://dgculture.co.uk/
4. Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum
4.7 (447 reviews)
Credit: Neil Owen, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Former Control Tower Heathhall Industrial Estate Tinwald Downs Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-251623
Web Address: http://dumfriesaviationmuseum.com/
3. Dalscone Farm Fun
4.7 (802 reviews)
Credit: Dalscone Farm Fun, Google Maps
Location: Edinburgh Road Dumfries
Tel: 1387-254445
Web Address: https://dalsconefarmfun.co.uk/
2. Mabie Farm Park
4.7 (920 reviews)
Credit: John Lord, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Mabie Ct Dumfries
Tel: 1387-259666
Web Address: http://mabiefarmpark.co.uk/
1. Dock Park
4.5 (1,052 reviews)
Credit: Grant McIntosh Photography, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Dockhead Dumfries
Tel: 303-333-3000
Web Address: http://dumgal.gov.uk/dockpark
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Dumfries, Scotland! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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