12 Best Things To Do In Dumfries, Scotland

things to do in dumfries
Ana
Ana 
Updated
| 4 min read

Everyone dreams about exploring Scotland, that’s a fact. When visiting a country like this, you can expect to be amazed by the natural landscapes and the beautiful coastline along the way. Even when the weather is a bit cloudy, everything is still stunning on the outside. Full of unique experiences, culture, history and many adventures for those who like to be challenged, its the perfect spot for a vacation. From nature to the city life, its home to a city called Dumfries, overflowing with quirk and charm, and part of lowland Scotland. But beware that you will be mind blown as you take that breathtaking and scenic drive to discover the best things to do in Dumfries. So if you are interested in finding out more about this place, then its time to head to Scotland.

1. Take instagram-worthy shots of the Devorgilla Bridge

Devorgilla Bridge, Dumfries (48814965977)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tom Parnell used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Named after the Lady of Galloway, Devorgilla Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Scotland. Historical accounts provide contradicting claims on when this bridge, which sits across River Nith, was built. But one with the more convincing evidence asserts that its construction commenced in 1430. After some centuries, it had to undergo major repairs due to damages caused by floods in the area.

Upon dropping by this historical landmark, you can spot a public parking space around the area. You can take a selfie with the bridge as your backdrop to mark your visit to this magnificent place in Scotland. You can also go closer and stand by this bridge while waiting for a perfect sunset view.

Devorgilla Bridge

Address: Dumfries DG2 7BE, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

Visited this place?

2. Behold creative masterpieces at Gracefield Arts Centre

Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries - geograph.org.uk - 1769905
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Richard Dorrell used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Gracefield Arts Centre is a must-visit for art buffs, being home to hundreds of artworks dating back from the 1880s until now. Inside this facility, you can come across the collections of the Dumfriesshire Educational Trust. This art center also exhibits other majestic works from both local and international artists.

You can also participate in other creative events. If you want to improve your grit in drawing, you can attend some portrait drawing classes conducted by some of the most proficient artists around.

Gracefield Arts Centre

Address: 28 Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries DG1 1JQ, United Kingdom

Website: Gracefield Arts Centre

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free entry

Visited this place?

3. Indulge in history at Dumfries Museum

Dumfries Museum (windmill)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lairich Rig used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Even if it isn’t one of those Scottish rainy days, this is a good way of spending a few hours of your time. They often organize programs of assorted exhibitions and events for everyone who enjoys this kind of leisure activity. At the museum you can find an overview of Scotland in the past, some history about the city of Dumfries and a lot more to be explored upon your visit. Make sure that you also visit the camera obscura (usually it is closed during winter).

Dumfries Museum

Address: The Observatory, Rotchell Rd, Dumfries DG2 7SW, UK

Website: Dumfries Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

4. Visit the famous Robert Burns House

Robert Burns House, Dumfries
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DeFacto used under CC BY-SA 4.0

What was once the home of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, is nowadays a tourist attraction that brings a lot of visitors, and some of the famous poets. You will have access to several divisions of the house where you will be able to see personal objects and belongings as well as some original manuscripts written by him. If you are curious to learn a bit more about his personal life, then come along and visit the place where he also did his finest works.

Robert Burns House

Address: Burns St, Dumfries DG1 2PS, UK

Website: Robert Burns House

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 1pm; 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

Visited this place?

5. Relax and replenish at High Street’s Globe Inn

Desserts done right at the Globe Inn. . . 01387...

Posted by The Globe Inn on Sunday, 12 January 2020

Now that you have time to chill out a bit, here’s a suggestion for you, its High Street’s Globe Inn. This is an amazing place with great ambiance and a cozy vibe all around. It has a very nice selection of beers and some well-prepared and beautiful dishes, well combined, something out of the ordinary. The inn is considered a relaxed pub for you to spend some time with your friends or family. Stop by for lunch or dinner if you can.

High Street’s Globe Inn

Address: 56 High St, Dumfries DG1 2JA, UK

Website: High Street’s Globe Inn

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Visited this place?

6. Spend some family time at Dalscone Farm Fun

Posted by Dalscone Farm Fun on Friday, 12 April 2019

This spot is great if you are traveling with your family; its a good way to let your kids spend some time and energy. This is an indoor and outdoor children’s play center, with a lot of activities for everyone and every age. Expect to find something like go-karts outside, a huge soft play area inside, and a lot more that you should explore with your kids. Another cool thing about this place is that you can feed the animals on the farm if you want.

Dalscone Farm Fun

Address: Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries DG1 1SE, UK

Website: Dalscone Farm Fun

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:15am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 6 - 36 USD

Visited this place?

7. Visit the glorious Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum

Dunfries and Galloway Aviation Museum Lightning F53
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Expatscot used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Even if you are not a plane enthusiast, this one will make you want to fly away. Full of interesting aviation-related exhibitions, facts and warplanes display that you can see and touch, you should definitely check this one out. While you are there, don’t forget to visit the highlight of the museum, the Spitfire. So enjoy your visit with your friends or family.

Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum

Address: Former Control Tower Tinwald Downs Road Heathhall Industiral Estate, Dumfries DG1 3PH, UK

Website: Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum

Price: 6 USD onwards

Visited this place?

8. Learn something new at New Abbey Corn Mill

New Abbey Corn Mill
Source: Photo by user Tom Parnell used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This typical Corn Mill is simply beautiful from the outside and on the inside, it has some interesting machinery that you also should see. Here you can check out how the mill functions because they usually put it to work for the visitors, for an exhibition and understanding of how oatmeal is made the traditional way. You should definitely take a guided tour to know some facts and also some history around the place. Think about the progress and the agricultural advances that were made in the early years.

New Abbey Corn Mill

Address: New Abbey, Dumfries DG2 8BX, UK

Website: New Abbey Corn Mill

Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed on Thu & Fri)

Price: 6 USD onwards

Visited this place?

9. Drop by Wigtown Book Festival

WIGTON BOOK FESTIVAL "The Best Place to Go"
Source: Photo by user summonedbyfells used under CC BY 2.0

Are you a book enthusiast? Wigtown Book Festival is one of the best literary events and every year includes activities for all ages, like music, theatre, food, and visual arts. This festival is based in Scotlands Book Town and each year attracts more visitors than the year before, which means it is growing in popularity too. They always operate around a central theme and make special events that are also related. This year, Wigtown Book Festival 2020 takes place from the 25th of September to the 4th of October. Have fun while you are there.

Wigtown Book Festival

Address: 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9HN, UK

Website: [Wigtown Book Festival]https://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/)

Price: 30 USD

Visited this place?

10. Dance the night away in Chancers Night Club

Posted by Chancers Nightclub Dumfries on Tuesday, 19 March 2019

Looking for a place to go out? Then look no more, Chancers Night Club is just around the corner. Its time for you to have some fun with your friends and grab some drinks at the club. Open everyday, with nice staff, cheap drinks, good music and good atmosphere, this place never gets dull. There are also two dance floors playing different music, so you can alternate between them. Enjoy it!

Chancers Night Club

Address: 23 Munches St, Dumfries DG1 1ET, UK

Website: Chancers Night Club

Opening hours: 10pm - 3am (daily)

Visited this place?

11. Explore the Moat Brae house


Even adults are going to turn fans of this one, because who doesn’t like Peter Pan’s? This is the place where it all began. Inspired by the cultural legacy, heritage, and history, they decided to create a place that never ceases to spark the imagination. Find out more about the enchanted land with your family and spend a beautiful day just exploring the never-ending stories of Peter Pan.

Moat Brae house

Address: 101 George Street, Dumfries, DG1 1EA, UK

Website: Moat Brae house

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 7 USD onwards

Visited this place?

12. Enjoy live entertainment at Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival


As you might already seen, this city bets heavily on art and culture, which is a very good way to draw the attention of new visitors. Each year they offer live performing arts, music and a lot more to audiences across the region. Established in 1979 to bring world-class artists to perform in some less-populated areas, like rural areas, and now it grows in popularity every year. A good place to go if you enjoy live entertainment. This year’s festival will be between the 22nd of May to 31st May 2020.

Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

Address: Gracefield Art Centre, 28 Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries DG1 1JQ, UK

Website: Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 4pm; Fri: 8am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Visited this place?

Dumfries is ready for your visit

From history to arts and culture, this city has everything for everyone, you just need to choose what fits you better. While visiting this wonderful country, Scotland, make sure that along the way you take some time to drive through Dumfries and explore what this place has to offer upon your travel. Fun fact for you: the oldest bridge in Scotland is located here, so check it out too. Fellow travelers enjoy your trip to Dumfries.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

My name is Ana and i'm from Portugal. I graduated in Food Engineering, but travel was always my number one passion, so now i'm doing a master's degree in Hotel Management. Basically i travel when...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Dumfries and Galloway
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.