Castle Douglas and the Stewartry History, Monuments, Castles, Environment, Natural History
Broughton House and GardenHigh StreetKirkcudbright Dumfries & Galloway DG6 4JX Phone : 0844 4932 246 Web: Broughton House and Garden - National Trust Scotland |
Behind the fine 18th century town house with its pink lime
washed exterior lies a treasure trove of collections
together with a magically secret garden. A little known
treasure of a fine town house and garden nestling on the
banks of the River Dee in Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and
Galloway. Broughton House was the home of artist E A Hornel.
Behind the pink lime washed walls a delightfully uplifting
collection of art, ceramics, furniture and literature
together with a magically secret garden lie hidden. This
fine 18th century town house, bought by Hornel in 1901
became his home and studio. A recent recipient of the 2006
RICS conservation award following a two-year conservation
project – today, you too, may find the inspiration that
makes Broughton House and indeed Kirkcudbright the artists
town we know today. |
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Cardoness CastlePhone: 01557 814 427 Web: Cardoness Castle - Historic Scotland |
Cardoness Castle is a fine example of a Scottish tower-house castle. It was built in the later 15th century as the fortified residence of the McCullochs. They were a prominent Galloway family, who rubbed shoulders with royalty. But they were also noted for their lawlessness, even against their own. In 1501, Ninian McCulloch of Cardoness was prosecuted for breaking into a barn and stealing 1,500 assorted beasts – the property of his own mother! |
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Cairn HolyWeb: Cairn Holy - Historic Scotland |
South of Creetown on the A75, stop at , the impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns. Dating back to 2000 BC, they are typical of those of the time found in Galloway. |
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Carsluith CastleWeb: Carsluith Castle - Historic Scotland |
The delightful and well-preserved ruin of a tower house of
16th-century date. The 18th-century ranges of outhouses are still in use by the farmer, reminding the visitor that such houses were originally linked to outbuildings. One of its owners was the last abbot of Sweetheart Abbey. 3.5m south of Creetown on the A75. |
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Dalbeattie ForestPhone: 01387 860 247Web: Dalbeattie Forest - Forestry Commission Web: 7stanes mountain biking - Forestry Commission |
Taking the Colvend road from the centre of Dalbeattie,
access to the forest is just outside the town. The
surroundings are home to a wide array of wildlife, and a
3-mile, fully interpreted ‘Dalbeattie Squirrel Trail’
provides a good chance of seeing these popular creatures. As
one of the 7stanes mountain biking centres, the forest also
offers great opportunities for cycling, starting from the
Richorn car park. |
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Dalbeattie Museum81 High StreetDalbeattie DG5 4BS Phone: 01556 611 657 Web: Dalbeattie Museum Trust |
Dalbeattie Museum has preserved Dalbeattie's heritage. In the Museum you can see a variety of Exhibitions of Social History. Dalbeattie was at one time in the early 1800's a very Industrious town. It has a harbour uniquely 5 miles in land from the sea and this granite town once had over 12 different types of Mill, mostly powered by the Barr burn. In the Museum can be found records, pictures, displays and our photographic collection is extensive and free for you to browse. |
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Drumcoltran TowerWeb: Drumcoltran Tower - Historic Scotland |
A well-preserved tower of mid16th-century simply planned and
built, sitting within a busy modern farmyard. 7m north east of Dalbeattie, among farm buildings off the A711 |
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Dundrennan AbbeyPhone: 01557 500 262 Web: Dundrennan Abbey - Historic Scotland |
Dundrennan Abbey was founded in 1142 by Fergus, Lord of Galloway, with the help of King David I of Scotland. The white-robed Cistercian monks came from Rievaulx Abbey, in North Yorkshire. After establishing the abbey at Dundrennan, monks went forth to found two more Cistercian abbeys in Galloway – Glenluce, near Stranraer, around 1190, and Sweetheart, in the village of New Abbey, south of Dumfries, in 1273. All three are now in the care of Historic Scotland. |
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Galloway Kite TrailRSPBThe Old School Crossmichael Castle Douglas Dumfries & Galloway DG7 3AP Phone 01556 670 464 Email: Galloway Kite Trail Web: Galloway Kite Trail |
Once extinct in Scotland, the graceful red kite – identifiable by its swallow-like tail – has been successfully reintroduced into Galloway. Here, many local businesses and accommodation providers have grouped together to form a Kite Trail, almost guaranteeing a sighting of the bird. At the Bellymack Farm feeding station, at 2pm every day, you can see up to 30 at once! |
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Glenluce AbbeyPhone: 01581 300 541Web: Glenluce Abbey - Historic Scotland |
Glenluce Abbey was founded around 1192 by Roland, Lord of Galloway. The white-clad Cistercian monks who settled in this secluded valley of the Water of Luce most probably came from Dundrennan Abbey, near Kirkcudbright. They brought with them not only the austere way of life for which the Cistercians were renowned, but also the sombre splendour of their architecture. |  |
John Paul Jones MuseumArbigland EstateKirkbean DG2 8BQ Phone: 01387 880 613 Web: John Paul Jones Museum |
The cottage is furnished in the style of the 1700s when John
Paul Jones was born. Through headsets his mother describes life in the cottage. A multi projector audio visual programme is presented in the reconstructed cabin of his ship ‘Bonhomme Richard’ in which he defeated HMS Serapis off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire in 1779. The inviting visitor centre also boasts an interpretive exhibition on the life of ‘The Father of the American Navy' with video presentations. There is an attractive rural picnic area offering marvellous views of the Solway and the Lake District. |
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Jubilee Path, RockcliffeWeb: Jubilee Path, Rockcliffe - Walking Scotland |
Along the so-called ‘Scottish Riviera’, south-west of Dumfries, the small fishing villages
of Rockcliffe and Kippford are the jewels in the crown. The Jubilee Path links the two, and follows this
scenic stretch of coastline, passing by the ancient hill forts of Castle Hill and Motte of Mark. The National
Trust for Scotland manages much of this area for wildlife and recreation, so interpretation along
the way is of a high standard.
There are also cosy pubs in Kippford in which you can reward yourself for your efforts. The route
is around 2 miles one-way. |
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Logan Botanic GardenLogan Botanic GardenPort Logan Stranraer Dumfries & Galloway DG9 9ND Phone: 01776 860 231 Web: Logan Botanic - Royal Botanic Gardens |
A fabulous array of bizarre and beautiful plants flourish outdoors in Scotland’s most exotic garden. Warmed by
the North Atlantic Drift, the property – under the care of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – has a range of
subtropical species including a number of palm trees, meaning you may forget where you actually are!
Honesty box in operation during winter months, when there’s still plenty of garden interest but refreshments and
gift shop are unavailable. |
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MacLellan’s CastlePhone: 01557 331 856Web: MacLellan's Castle - Historic Scotland |
MacLellan’s Castle is named after Sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie (d. 1597).
Sir Thomas was provost of Kirkcudbright and a powerful man in local politics.
Following the Protestant Reformation in 1560, he acquired the site and buildings of the convent
of Greyfriars, established in the town by James II in 1449, and set about building himself
a new residence in its place. By 1582, MacLellan’s Castle was sufficiently complete for him
to move in. Five years later, he and his second wife, Grissel, entertained their sovereign,
James VI, in this spacious house. |
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New Abbey Corn MillPhone: 01387 850 260Web: New Abbey Corn Mill - Historic Scotland |
Beside the Pow Burn in the pretty village of New Abbey
stands a three-storey whitewashed mill building. It was
built around the end of the 18th century by the Stewarts of
nearby Shambellie House. But the site probably reaches back
to the late 13th century, when the Cistercian monks
established their monastery of Dulce Cor (‘Sweet Heart’ ) at
the far end of the village. The present mill is still known
locally as ‘Monks’ Mill’ |
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Orchardton TowerWeb: Orchardton Tower - Historic Scotland |
A charming little tower house of the mid-15th-century. The property is, uniquely, circular in plan. 6m south east of Castle Douglas on the A711. |
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Southern Upland WayWeb: The Southern Upland Way |
Scotland’s longest waymarked walking route runs 212 miles from the west to the east coast,
traversing some beautiful hill scenery. For those who simply
want a taster, start at Portpatrick,
on the Rhinns of Galloway, and
head up the coast to Killantringan
Lighthouse. Watch out for the
seabirds that make their home
here. Alternatively, try the 8-mile
section between Clatteringshaws
Loch and St Johns Town of Dalry
on the edge of the forest park. |
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Stewartry MuseumThe Stewartry MuseumSt Mary Street Kirkcudbright DG6 4AQ Phone: 01557 331 643 Web: The Stewartry Museum - Dumfries Council |
The Stewartry Museum was founded in 1879. As the collections
grew, the present purpose-built museum was opened in 1893.
In recent years the interior has been considerably upgraded
whilst retaining its charm as a traditional late Victorian
museum. Its collections chiefly relate to the human and natural history of the Stewartry also known as Kirkcudbrightshire. The permanent collection includes the "Siller Gun" – Britain's earliest surviving sporting trophy, and works by Kirkcudbrightshire artists including Jessie M King. Temporary exhibitions highlight different aspects of the collection and Museums Service activities. |
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Sweetheart AbbeyPhone: 01387 850 397Web: Sweetheart Abbey - Historic Scotland |
In 1268, Lord John Balliol died. His grieving widow, Lady
Dervorgilla of Galloway, had his heart embalmed and placed
in an ivory casket. She carried it with her everywhere. She undertook many charitable acts in his memory. These included the founding of the Cistercian abbey of Dulce Cor (Latin for ‘Sweet Heart’) in 1273. When she too died in 1289, she was laid to rest in front of the abbey church’s high altar, clutching her husband’s heart to her bosom. |
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Threave CastlePhone: 01557 223 101 Web: Threave Castle - Historic Scotland |
Legend tells that Threave Island was the home of the ancient rulers of
Galloway a thousand years ago. Today there is no trace of their fortress.
The tall, forbidding tower that now dominates the island was built for Sir
Archibald Douglas in 1369. He had recently become Lord of Galloway, but is better
known to history as Archibald ‘the Grim’. By the time he died at Threave in 1400
, he had become the 3rd Earl of Black Douglas, and was the most powerful magnate
in southern Scotland. |
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Threave GardensWeb: Threave Wildfowl at National Trust ScotlandWrite a review! |
Close to the charming county town of Castle Douglas, this
property is open year-round and is probably best known for its
stunning springtime display of nearly 200 varieties of daffodil.
Threave House, within the grounds, has been restored to the style of
its 1930s heyday. The neighbouring Threave Estate is an important
wildfowl refuge. |
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Tolbooth Art CentreTolbooth Art CentreHigh Street Kirkcudbright DG6 4JL Phone 01557 331 556 Web: Tolbooth Art Centre (Dumfries Council) |
The Tolbooth Art Centre is based in Kirkcudbright's 17th century
Tolbooth. This served previously as the Town Council offices, Burgh
and Sheriff courts and the criminal and debtor's prison. One of its
most famous prisoners was John Paul Jones, hero of the American
Navy. Find out about Kirkcudbright's famous artists, such as E A Hornel, Jessie M King, E A Taylor and Charles Oppenheimer in the Tollbooth's audio-visual shows "Kirkcudbright – The Artists' Town" and "Jessie M King". See their works on permanent display here, including paintings of the Tolbooth itself by the famous Scottish colourist, S J Peploe, and David Gauld, one of the 'Glasgow Boys'. The top floor of the Tolbooth, formerly the debtor's prison is now used as a gallery for ever changing contemporary art and craft exhibitions. Friendly café serving fresh coffee, teas and locally produced cakes and biscuits. Gift shop, retailing artists' prints, paintings, crafts, art books and reproductions. |
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Whithorn StoryThe Whithorn Trust 45-47 George Street Whithorn Dumfries and Galloway Scotland DG8 8NS Phone; 01988 500 508 Web: The Whithorn Trust |
Whithorn and St. Ninian records the results of eleven years of research by the Whithorn Trust, which has revealed a detailed picture of the thriving community which lived around the church built by St. Ninian, and its evolution over the next 1100 years. This has established Whithorn as a site of international significance and unique archaeological potential. |  |
Wigtown Book TownPhone: 01988 402 036Web: Wigtown Book Town |
Not actually in the Stewartry, but an important Town. Bookshops line the streets of Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown. Spend an easy day browsing and burrowing your way through the shelves before stopping in a local coffee shop for refreshment. One bookshop provides lunch on-site for those who really can’t bear to leave; Reading Lasses is worth the stop for the home-made soup alone. There are around 30 book related businesses in this small community, which hosts a book fair in May and a literary festival in early autumn |  |
© Dawn and David LINK, 2009-2011 castle-douglas.com is a not-for-profit community web site designed, managed and hosted for the benefit of the community of Castle Douglas, Market and Food Town of Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland and all the towns and villages in the Stewartry including, Dalbeattie, New Galloway, Crossmichael, Haugh of Urr, Kirkcudbright, Kirkgunzeon, Ringford, Crocketford, Springholm. castle-douglas.com is not responsible for material submitted or the content of external web sites, although every effort is made to ensure only appropriate content is provided.