Dumfries & Galloway

Departing the hotel after breakfast, we enjoy a visit to Dumfries House, the magnificent ancestral home of the 5th Earl of Dumfries. This stately residence, now famed for its extensive restoration spearheaded by King Charles III, is situated within a sprawling 2,000- acre estate. It proudly hosts the UK’s most extensive collection of Chippendale furniture. Enjoy an extended 90-minute Grand Tour of the opulent rooms and priceless antiques before exploring the numerous walking paths, walled gardens, and estate grounds. The experience concludes with a delicious Afternoon Tea served in the main building, featuring a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea or coffee.

T oday we journey west to Castle Douglas, passing Threave Castle, we travel alongside the full length of the beautiful Loch Ken to New Galloway and the Forest Park, which is full of wild life, game and birds of prey and the beautiful Clatteringshaws Loch. The park is home to the Galloway Red Deer and Wild Goats. We make a break at the Forest Visitor’s Centre, before continuing for our coastal drive of Wigtown Bay, Carsluith Castle, Cardoness Castle and Fleet Bay to the delightful resort of Kirkcudbright, where we will make a visit before returning to the hotel.

Departing the hotel after breakfast we enjoy a morning drive to Ruthwell, famous for it’s savings bank and The Ruthwell Cross, one of the finest Anglo-Saxon crosses in the UK. The original Ruthwell Parish Bank is now home of the Savings Banks Museum. This unique little museum is located in the 200-year-old cottage, which is the birthplace of the world savings bank movement. It is consistently described by visitors as 'a little gem' and 'an unexpected find' . Step back in time and explore the 200- year-old cottage where Reverend Henry Duncan pioneered financial inclusion. Continuing our return journey along Solway Firth, where we pass Caerlaverock Castle & Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, following the Nith Estuary with possible views across the Estuary of Sweetheart Abbey.

Departing the hotel after breakfast we make our return journey, with suitable comfort breaks en route, to arrive home approximately late afternoon.