In Castle Douglas
- Threave Castle/Osprey hide/ boat trip
Situated on an island in the middle of the River Dee is Threave Castle. Only reachable by boat this formidable Castle is a great attraction right in Castle Douglas!
Just along the trail down the side of the Castle is Threave’s Osprey Hide where you can catch a glimpse of a pair of nesting Ospreys. These incredible predators are a sight to behold and lucky visitors to the hide may get a sneak peek of them in action!
- Ernespie Farm
A great spot in Castle Douglas for children, Ernespie Farm has indoor soft play and outdoor play! Children won’t be bored here, and throughout the summer’s (dry) days there is the chance for a tractor tour of the working dairy farm. And for the adults, who don’t want to play, there is the Farmhouse kitchen for a delicious break.
- Bellymack Hill Farm Red Kite Feeding Station
To the East of Laurieston is the Bellymack Hill Farm, where you wouldn’t be put out for forgetting your binoculars! The Red Kite feeding station is an amazing opportunity to see these incredible birds in flight!
While you are waiting for the feeding why not take a walk along the nature trail, see the farm animals, and enjoy a spot of tea and cake in the café! For those who still haven’t had enough of Red Kites the Galloway Red Kite Trail provides further opportunities to catch a glimpse in hides and along trails of these majestic creatures!
A Drive Away
- Galloway’s Red Deer Range
Just over a half an hour drive from Castle Douglas, the Galloway Forrest Park Red Deer Range is a wonderful day out for all ages!
A visit to the range allows visitors to get up close to Scotland’s largest land mammal, and it is adjacent to Galloway Wild Goat Park. The Red Deer Range is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts, you won’t get a better view anywhere else.
- Galloway Activity Centre
Not event 20 minutes from Castle Douglas on the banks of Loch Ken is Galloway Activity Centre, with exciting water and land-based activities! Its well-equipped facilities provide everything from courses and equipment hire, to accommodation and holiday packages, and a cafe on-site.
Galloway Activity Centre has kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, a climbing tower, archery, outdoor laser combat games, mountain biking, a wobbly waterpark, and a giant 3G swing! With so much fun to be had, you won’t want to miss out so prior booking is essential!
- Cream of Galloway
20 minutes down the A75 from Castle Douglas is a brilliantly delicious day out. The home of Cream o’ Galloway ice cream has a full day of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From Ice Cream and Cheesemaking workshops to Nature trails, Farm Tours, and Crazy Golf there is something for everyone!
And no visit to Cream O’ Galloway is complete without a taste of Cream O’ Galloways 20 indulgent flavours and Sundae menu.
For a Day Out
- Dino Park
Less than an hour from Castle Douglas, and just beyond Dumfries is Scotland’s best dinosaur experience!
Open from April to November Dino Park takes you back 150 Million years to when Dinosaurs roamed the earth, you can hear stories and facts in the Dino Den, dig for fossils, or enjoy the soft play area. This is a great day out for children and it’s right next to the Hetland Garden centre for when you have played and learnt all you can or fancy a bite to eat.
- Drunmore Beach
If you are visiting during the summer Castle Douglas’ proximity and is just 14 miles from glorious beaches like Sandyhills and Rockcliffe. And it is only an hour and a half from Castle Douglas is Drunmore, Scotland’s most southerly village. This sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing sunny day, and nearby attractions include “Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden” Logan Botanic Garden, and The Mull of Galloway.
Drunmore is the perfect day out for when visitors want to go a little further afield in their explorations.
- Caerlaverock Castle
Less than an hour from Castle Douglas is Caerlaverock Castle, one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses. Explore the ruins of the towered gatehouse and the castle’s imposing battlements, this medieval stronghold’s wealth of history and plentiful remaining features is enough to excite anyone. And for younger adventurers, there is a castle-themed adventure park, and the tearoom is open in the summer with a delicious offering of home baking and fresh coffee.
