No family holiday to Dumfries and Galloway is complete without visiting Galloway Forest Park. The UK’s first Dark Sky Park, from where more than 7,000 planets and stars can be seen – including the Milky Way – is truly spectacular for all ages. But it’s not just stargazing the park has to offer. You’ll also find gorgeous walking and cycling trails, the ruins of a traditional Galloway farming village, abandoned over 200 years ago, and Bruce’s Stone, which overlooks the glistening waters of Loch Trool and commemorates Robert the Bruce and the battle that took place here in 1307. Near Newton Stewart to the south of the park, Red Deer Range and the neighbouring Wild Goat Park are also great spots to take the family.
The Galloway Kite Trail, circling Loch Ken, is a beautiful 24-mile walk or cycle ride around the tranquil body of water where – as the name suggests – it’s possible to spot swooping kites in the skies overhead. The Loch itself is great for fishing or, if you’re feeling brave, even a spot of wild swimming.
Here you’ll also find the Galloway Activity Centre, where the whole family can enjoy canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, a 25 ft climbing wall, zip wire, and even a spot of archery.
When planning a Scottish getaway, a beach trip might not be the first thing that springs to mind. But you’d be missing out if you bypass Dumfries and Galloway’s spectacular coast. South of Wigtown and Castle Douglas, Brighouse Bay is a wonderful, sandy spot, while head a little way west and Dalavan Beach and Mossyard Beach are also not to be missed.
And with beaches comes ice-cream. Just outside Gatehouse of Fleet – located between Wigtown and Castle Douglas – Cream o’ Galloway is a must for any family holiday in Dumfries and Galloway. The working dairy farm has a highly acclaimed ice-cream parlour, with plenty of quirky flavours to sample – any kid’s dream! Then you can work off the sweet treats with a farmer-led farm tour, round of crazy golf or nature trail walk – before rewarding yourselves with another ice-cream! When in Rome…!
Other recommended sights include Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, St Ninian’s Cave, Caerlaverock Castle, Mabie Farm Park and Robert Burns House.