A journey to Scotland should be on everyone’s European travel bucket list. While Rick Steves recommends prioritizing acclaimed central and northern Scottish destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, and Inverness (which are all wonderful) there is something to be said for the lesser-visited side of the country. While the southwest Lowlands may have fewer whisky distillery tours, it can offer a side of Scotland that is filled with castles, lush fields, coastal paths, and underrated towns like Dumfries, a place filled with artists and riverside charm.
As the center of the historic county of Dumfrieshire, which is nestled along the border between England and Scotland, the town of Dumfries was established in 1186 and has served as the center of trade in the region owing to its location on the River Nith. Owing to its proximity to England, Dumfries became very caught up in the 18th-century struggles for Scottish independence. Today, Dumfries and the surrounding area are a picture-perfect region filled with excellent food, plenty of history, and tons of shops to explore. From Edinburgh Airport, the journey south is roughly two hours worth of driving. The National Rail also connects the two cities via train if you prefer that method of travel. Still, we’d recommend a car, as the side trips out of Dumfries are some of the best in Scotland.
Castles, art, and literature in Dumfries, Scotland
The beauty of Dumfries as a town is that it is both scenically alluring and ticks almost all of the boxes you’d want on a trip to Scotland. Filled with historic stone bridges, abbeys, houses, and cobbled streets, Dumfries makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time without losing any modern amenities. And with enough museums and art galleries to rival Glasgow, Dumfries is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to experience the richness of Scottish culture.
For a taste of history, there is nowhere better in Dumfries than Caerlaverock Castle. This grand, though partially ruined, medieval stronghold maintains its impressive moat and twin gate towers, and can be easily accessed for exploration. Several art galleries and museums are littered throughout Dumfries, making it one of many must-visit European destinations for art lovers. The Gracefield Arts Centre hosts numerous exhibitions and programs throughout the year and the Dumfries Museum tells the history of the region from the stone age up through the Victorian Era.
However, the biggest draw to Dumfries as far as arts are concerned is Robert Burns. Scotland’s national poet, Burns resided in Dumfries in the final years of his life. The Burns Mausoleum in the center of town houses his remains, and the Robert Burns House is a museum holding many of his possessions and details the way he and his family lived while in Dumfries.
Side trips from Dumfries
