Whether you're well acquainted with Dumfries and Galloway or are overdue a visit, there is lots to explore and discover in this beautiful part of lowland Scotland. From woodland trails to sandy beaches, arts and culture outlets to delicious food, there is something for everyone. 

Here we highlight ten hidden gems in the area that are well worth a visit. 

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Blackaddie Country House Hotel

The four star Blackaddie House Hotel is a great place to relax and stay overnight or of course longer. With six superb rooms, a suite and two self-catering cottages, Blackaddie stands on the banks of the stunning River Nith in South West Scotland.

The Herald:

This country house hotel is more than just an idyllic and romantic place to stay, it’s a ‘foodies’ haven set amongst some breath-taking scenery. From the moment you turn onto the private driveway of this 16th Century Country House you can tell you are somewhere very special.

But it’s the passion for delicious food coupled with the relaxed style of service and super friendly staff that set this enchanting country retreat apart from any other destination.

The Herald:

The genuine desire to deliver the very best in Scottish food, served professionally in a friendly atmosphere has contributed towards building an outstanding international reputation and in gaining many accolades and awards.

Visit www.blackaddiehotel.co.uk to find out more. 

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CatStrand

CatStrand is an award-winning arts and visitor centre in New Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh. Ideally located within the Galloway & South Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve and adjacent to Galloway Forest Park and Europe’s first designated Dark Sky Park, a visit to CatStrand is a must.

The Herald:

The café, shop and gallery are open seven days throughout the year, selling local produce and showcasing the work of local artists and makers. A high quality programme of music, theatre, cinema, comedy, dance and visual arts is also presented in the CatStrand’s own auditorium and in partnership with other local venues. The popular venue has hosted many famous performers from Scotland and throughout the world such as Ricky Ross, Kiki Dee, Fred MacAulay, Judie Tzuke, Kris Drever, Ross Noble and Juan Martin.        

The wonderfully adaptable and fully accessible facilities are available for hire and are perfect for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, rehearsal space and celebrations.

The Herald:

Visit Scotland awarded CatStrand 5 Star Arts Venue status in 2015 and the staff are always happy to help visitors to get the very best out of this beautiful corner of Scotland with local information and advice.

For more information visit www.catstrand.com, call 01644 20374 or email info@catstrand.com.

Regular opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 11am - 4pm.

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Moore's Fish and Chips

Not many fish and chip shops compare to multi award-winning Moore’s Fish & Chip Shop located in the picturesque “Food Town” of Castle Douglas.

Established in 1977 by Maureen and Walter Moore, this family business in now under the management of son Andrew, who has overseen several awards honoured to the family business including Best Castle Douglas Business, Fish and Chip Quality Award and Top 20 Shop in the National Fish and Chip Awards.

The Herald:

Nestled in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, Moore’s Fish & Chip Shop serves the highest quality produce including best fresh British potatoes and freshly caught haddock from the sustainable fishing grounds of the North Sea.

However if you would prefer something different, Moore’s menus offer a range of meals and specials that are sure to tempt you, including locally produced pies & sausages and many gluten and vegetarian options. 

The Herald:

So whether you're passing by en route to the rest of scenic Scotland or you're lucky enough to live locally, you're sure to find a warm welcome at Moore’s so pop in and enjoy a fish supper.

To learn more on why Moore’s Fish & Chip Shop is one of Scotland’s finest, click here www.mooresfishandchips.co.uk.  Also on Facebook www.facebook.com/mooreschipshop

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Colvend Golf Club

Colvend Golf Club is one of those courses that you dream about – spectacular coastal views, never crowded, easy to get to and 18 holes that are a delight to play. 

The Herald:

The club's testing parkland layout is situated on the gorgeous Solway Coast, conveniently located on the A710 coast road between Dumfries and Dalbeattie, and amongst the holiday destinations of Southerness, Kippford, Rockcliffe and Sandyhills with their abundant range of accommodation and child friendly beaches. The course provides views over the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian Fells and, on a clear day, offers a glimpse of the Isle of Man.

The course itself is an absolute delight – with every hole offering a new and different challenge. Some holes offer water features, and tree lined fairways abound. The club is particularly proud of their large oaks and other hardwood trees, which are significant features around the course. 

The par three 8th hole is one to remember, with its stone bridge crossing the meandering burn that guards the green.

The Herald:

For details of green fees and special offers, please see the website www.colvendgolfclub.co.uk or call the Steward at the clubhouse on 01556 630398.

Colvend will give you a golfing experience you will never forget, and you’ll want to return time and time again - a thoroughly enjoyable challenge to all standards of golfer.

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The Powfoot Hotel

The Powfoot Hotel sits on the picturesque banks of the Solway Firth, Dumfries and Galloway, overlooking Silloth, the Lakeland Fells and beyond.

The Hotel offers an ideal location from which to easily reach further along the coast, with attractions for all - from museums and distilleries to farm shops and family activity days. At Powfoot Hotel they have the renowned Powfoot Golf Club at the door, and fly fishing is also available locally at the Broom, Newbie.

The Herald:

The Hotel consists of 15 rooms and a very relaxing bar/lounge overlooking the Solway. The Del Amitri restaurant serves dinner from 6pm, with a lunch menu or afternoon tea menu also available in the daytime in the lounge.

Overall a relaxing, tranquil hotel with excellent customer service made a top priority. The spacious rooms look mainly over the golf course and Criffel, with super king beds, and both bath and shower.

The Herald:

The Del Amitri Restaurant, which is Michelin rated, was originally situated in Annan, and has amazing views over the fells. The menu uses the finest local ingredients to create award winning innovative dishes, with the menu also available in the bar area.

The bar holds a wide range of products including over 20 gins from the local distillery in Cummertrees ‘Solway Spirits’.  Visit thepowfoothotel.com and or follow them on Facebook.

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The Green Frog

Find peaceful surroundings set amongst beautiful scenery at The Green Frog in Moffat. Perfect for families looking to spend time outdoors, there is lots on offer for all ages.

From fishing on the spring-fed lochan, to relaxing by wandering through the shop, café and garden centre, kids and adults alike can enjoy the many treats on offer.

The Herald:

With a 4.5-acre loch with crystal clear waters, the discerning fly-angler can attempt to catch the fully-finned fish. Alternatively, younger fishers or beginners might feel more at home fishing in the smaller lochan, attempting to catch a trout for their supper. All equipment is available for hire and friendly staff are on hand to assist those trying fishing for the first time.

A shop, café, small garden centre and children’s play area are similarly on hand to enjoy. The garden centre is stocked from April to October and offers a varied choice of plants.

The Herald:

The café is ideal for a morning coffee or spot of lunch with homemade fayre, soup of the day, a dish of the day and tray bakes. Little ones are catered for too with their own menu, ice lollies and soft drinks. A small soft play area is ideal for younger kids to enjoy whilst adults can sit back with a hot drink.

The area is also perfect to enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hammerlands surrounded by the Moffat Hills.

Visit www.thegreenfrogmoffat.co.uk to plan your next visit or call 01683 221 220.

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The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre

The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre is a one of Ayrshire’s most popular visitor attractions. It occupies part of the site of the former Dunaskin Ironworks, which is of interest in itself. It is situated in the village of Waterside, about eight miles south of Ayr on the A713 Ayr – Castle Douglas road.

The Herald:

Founded and operated by the volunteers of the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, the Centre offers an enjoyable and informative day out for the whole family. There is a large museum space with many exhibits of railway memorabilia including one full size steam locomotive which dates from 1910, as well as a narrow gauge locomotive and other rolling stock. Also in the museum room is a working G-gauge model railway with live steam locomotives.

Elsewhere on the site, visitors can enjoy a short train ride in a vehicle hauled by a preserved steam locomotive; excellent views of the foothills of the Galloway ranges can be had from the train. Occasionally the train might be hauled by a preserved diesel locomotive instead of steam. Other locomotives and rolling stock in various stages of restoration can be seen around the site. One of the most prized exhibits is the only fireless steam locomotive in working order in the UK.

The Herald:

The SIRC also has a well stocked souvenir shop and a café which serves snacks and light lunches during open days.

The Centre is noted for its friendly welcome and knowledgeable staff.

Because the Centre is operated entirely by volunteers, it is only open to the public on certain advertised dates, usually Sundays throughout the summer. For full details of opening dates and times, visit www.scottishindustrialrailwaycentre.org.uk or keep in touch with current developments on the Facebook page.

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Theatre Royal Dumfries

The oldest theatre in Scotland, the Theatre Royal is in the heart of Dumfries and first opened its doors in 1792. It has strong association with the renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote several pieces specifically for its stage.

The theatre saw multiple changes of ownership during the first half of the 20th Century, before being bought by the Guild of Players in 1959.

The Herald:

The Guild managed to secure support from new sources and instead of planning on building new facilities upwards, they looked towards expanding outwards. Adjacent buildings were purchased, and renovation work began in 2014, completed by the end of 2015. The newly refurbished building includes several new spaces while maintaining many of the historic features, ushering Scotland’s oldest theatre into the 21st Century.

Attend one of the touring productions presented throughout the year, which includes live music, stand-up comedy and theatrical dramas. The Guild of Players presents a regular season of four shows, as well as a family-friendly Christmas pantomime.

The Herald:

Grab a drink at the bar before the show or enjoy a mean from the customised theatre menus at nearby restaurants. Want to get hands-on at the theatre? You can participate in one of the workshops or join our group of fantastic volunteers and help build sets and design costumes.

Getting there:
The Theatre Royal is located on the edge of Dumfries’ main shopping district, a short walk from the Dumfries railway station. It’s a 1.5-hour train journey to Dumfries from Glasgow or just under one hour’s drive from Carlisle Airport.

Visit www.theatreroyaldumfries.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Twitter

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The Whitehouse Gallery

The Whitehouse Gallery is a contemporary art and craft gallery based in the historic artist town of Kirkcudbright, South West Scotland. Opened in 2004, The gallery has steadily gained a solid reputation as one of the leading art galleries in the region, showcasing work from a range of Fine Artists and Craft Makers from across the UK.

The Whitehouse Gallery represents some of Scotland's most respected and collectable artists, but they are also keen to encourage up-and-coming talents from the region and beyond.

The Herald:

Besides paintings, the gallery is well known for its varied selection of original sculpture, ceramics, glass, furniture, wood, textiles and much more.  The gallery has between 5-6 mixed exhibitions throughout each year, and with each exhibition changeover the gallery is completely transformed. No two exhibitions are ever the same, and even during an exhibition, displays can often change in a bid to keep everything fresh and exciting, which why so many customers enjoy returning again and again.

The gallery expanded in 2016 and is now over two levels. The downstairs space is light and airy, with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. There is access from within the gallery leading upstairs to three rooms, each filled with paintings, sculpture, ceramics, furniture and much more. The upstairs level offers a contrast to the main gallery space, presenting art in a more homely environment.  Customers often find this is a nice space to view art, as they can envisage the work in their own home, as well as find time to enjoy the work in quieter surroundings.

The Herald:

The gallery is gaining recognition from further afield, since becoming regular exhibitors at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Art Fairs.  As Kirkcudbright is a tourist location, they also now have customers from all over the UK and overseas.

The Whitehouse Gallery have an excellent website which features most of the work in the gallery and includes a selling element, so certain works can be purchased online at www.whitehousegallery.co.uk.

The gallery is also a member of the Own Art scheme, whereby any original work of art between £100 - £2500 can be spread over ten months interest free.

For more information, phone 01557 330223   or email info@whitehousegallery.co.uk

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Cornerways Art

For those who appreciate fine art, Cornerways Studio in Kirkcudbrightshire is a real find. Professional artist and miniaturist, Jane B Gibson, works from her studio, gallery and home and extends a warm welcome to customers new and old every Friday. She is a unique artist passionate about her work. 

On display Jane has a wide range of works for sale, including miniature paintings, originals, prints, pendants, paperweights, coasters and cards to choose from. A great deal of Jane’s work comes from commissions, which can vary in size from small miniatures to large oils on canvas. From family portraits to pet portraits and landscapes, Jane uses only the highest quality materials. Once completed, she can arrange for work to be framed to suit individual preferences.

The Herald:

Jane's artwork is unique in more ways than one. She is the only Scot who has achieved full membership to both the Hilliard Society of Miniature Painters and the Royal Society of Miniature Painters Sculptors and Gravers (RMS), and who lives and works in Scotland.

This year Jane is concentrating on her Miniature Painting to draw focus on this fine art in Scotland to encourage galleries and visitors to appreciate this very contemporary art form here in Scotland.

She is currently working on a project for the RMS which will take up to two years to complete. Commissioned by a well known family who wish their ancestors to be housed in one complete collection and reduced to miniature format, they hope to hand it down to the next generation. 

The Herald:

Painting miniatures today demands self-discipline, for where large paintings give some latitude to composition, miniatures are unforgiving of the least mistake. The physical control necessary to keep absolutely still while working can be very tiring. Yet Jane's passion for her work means she would always choose this lifestyle, with all its challenges. 

Jane’s home/studio is in the small harbour town of Kirkcudbrightshire on the shores of the River Dee. 

The studio is open every Friday throughout the year or customers can call first and arrange a visit. Find Cornerways Art at 7 Selkirk Road, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG6 4BL, only four minutes walking from the Stewarty Museum or you can park on site.

Call 01557 331640 or visit www.cornerwaysart.co.uk to find out more.