This coming week kids will get a few days holidays from school. There are many fantastic sites around the Region that are child friendly. In this weeks blog we have listed 10 historic gems within Dumfries and Galloway that are well worth a visit and we think will keep them entertained!
1. ORCHARDTON TOWER
This round tower from the 15th Century is a great place to explore for pirates and princesses. Mind your head on the narrow stairwell when climbing to the top!
2. BRUCE’S STONE GLENTROOL
This scenic spot above the Loch Trool is where Robert the Bruce won a famous victory in 1307 after returning from a period of reflection and isolation in Ireland. The Merrick Hill overlooks the stone and is a good test of your stamina to reach the Summit. Take a picnic and enjoy the incredible scenery!
3. CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE
The Maxwell castle was rebuilt only 200 metres from the original Castle. It is one of only two truly equilateral Castles in Europe. Within the grounds of this double moated medieval masterpiece is a childrens playground and some wonderful walks. You can even explore the foundations of the original Castle or dress up as a princess for the day!
4. CASTLEDYKES PARK
This park was home to Dumfries Castle until it was destroyed by Robert the Bruce. The castle played a massive role in Bruce becoming King in 1306, in fact it is where he first proclaimed himself King by raising the Royal Standard on 10th February 1306. Today the park has some lovely grounds and the clear shape of the keep and the moat is visible to the eye. A great place to burn off some energy whilst considering the historic past of Dumfries.
5. BURNS’ HOUSE
The House of Robert Burns in the old Mill St gives a very clear picture of life in 18th Century Scotland. The House,which has free entry, highlights how the middle classes lived as the Industrial Revolution took hold. Pop over to the Mausoleum via the statue of Jean and Maxwell and see where our National Bard is buried!
6. DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY MUSEUMS
Across the Region there are a number of fantastic museums offering a whole host of services for families. From April onwards or on any sunny Saturday why not pop into Dumfries Museum and visit the Camera Obscura with its amazing views across the town. Amazingly it is the oldest working Camera Obscura in the world.
7. SWEETHEART ABBEY and the ABBEY COTTAGE
The incredible love story of the most powerful women in Southern Scotland and the Englishman she married when she was only 13 is told in the building of this beautiful Abbey in sandstone. Dating back to 1273 it is an architectural wonder. Pop in to get afternoon tea at the Abbey Cottage when you have explored the Abbey and we guarantee that you wont be disappointed!
8. THE DEVIL’S PORRIDGE MUSEUM
The exhibition to the munitions workers of Gretna and Eastriggs during WW1 will keep the family busy for a few hours. The story of the role played by the women is told perfectly in this interactive museum space.
9. ST NINIAN’S CAVE- WHITHORN
The Cradle of Christianity is told beautifully in the historic town of Whithorn but you must visit the hermitage of St Ninian to get the full picture. St Ninian’s Cave is on the beach at Physgill on Luce Bay and the walk to the rocky beach through the glade is full of beautiful sights and sounds. The beach is perfect for skimming stones as you walk over to the Cave where St Ninian pondered how best to spread the Christian message across Scotland.
10. GREY MARE’S TAIL WATERFALL-MOFFAT
The beautiful waters of Loch Skeen drop via this fantastic waterfall just outside Moffat. Take the stairs beside the falls and climb to the top to get a wonderful view of one of the fifth highest waterfall in the UK.
