Sarah's Guidebook
Sightseeing
The UK’s largest onshore wind farm. Great for walks if it’s not too windy out
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre
Moor RoadThe UK’s largest onshore wind farm. Great for walks if it’s not too windy out
The woodland walk and farm animal walks are quite good, even though the castle is closed for refurbishment. Cafe is seasonally open
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dean Castle & Country Park Visitor Centre and Cafe
Dean RoadThe woodland walk and farm animal walks are quite good, even though the castle is closed for refurbishment. Cafe is seasonally open
Get to the top for 360 degree views of all the way to the Isle of Arran on a clear day. It's also the site of an Iron Age settlement at the foot of the east slope, and nearby at Allanton Beg is a Roman fort.
Also disputedly was a the place of a battle involving WIlliam Wallace in 1296, with a 'Spirit of Scotland' monument to mark the legend. There was historically the Battle of Drumclog here too, involving the Covenanters.
8 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Loudoun Hill
Get to the top for 360 degree views of all the way to the Isle of Arran on a clear day. It's also the site of an Iron Age settlement at the foot of the east slope, and nearby at Allanton Beg is a Roman fort.
Also disputedly was a the place of a battle involving WIlliam Wallace in 1296, with a 'Spirit of Scotland' monument to mark the legend. There was historically the Battle of Drumclog here too, involving the Covenanters.
An epic relatively new country house estate opened to the public after being purchased for the nation by Prince Charles. Access to the amazing gardens is free, and tours of the house can be booked, dependant upon up-to-date Covid rules.
28 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Dumfries House Estate
An epic relatively new country house estate opened to the public after being purchased for the nation by Prince Charles. Access to the amazing gardens is free, and tours of the house can be booked, dependant upon up-to-date Covid rules.
Neighbourhoods
Galston is a quiet small town that used to be big on lace-making and mining. There is still the Balmoral Mill shop open, making and selling traditional knitwear and workwear with a rather old-fashioned cafe. Not a hotspot exactly but ok if you like toasties. It's got a cool gems/minerals shop Lotus Crystals, and sweetie shop Candy Coated.
Galston
Galston is a quiet small town that used to be big on lace-making and mining. There is still the Balmoral Mill shop open, making and selling traditional knitwear and workwear with a rather old-fashioned cafe. Not a hotspot exactly but ok if you like toasties. It's got a cool gems/minerals shop Lotus Crystals, and sweetie shop Candy Coated.
Food scene
Whether for cake and coffee, creative lunch dishes, or dinner we have only ever had excellent food at this lakeside restaurant. The best food in the area. You'll probably need to book ahead with Covid restrictions etc. info on their website.
The Laird's Table Cafe/Restaurant
Whether for cake and coffee, creative lunch dishes, or dinner we have only ever had excellent food at this lakeside restaurant. The best food in the area. You'll probably need to book ahead with Covid restrictions etc. info on their website.
It's just really cosy. Low ceilings, fireplaces, comfort food. Yummy. We really like the cheesecake, which changes daily.
The Wee Train
22 Wallace StIt's just really cosy. Low ceilings, fireplaces, comfort food. Yummy. We really like the cheesecake, which changes daily.
Aroma Coffee Shop
4 Henrietta StFriendly service!
A 5-10 minute drive away. Lots of wee foodie delights, all Scottish! And fresh very local produce, meats, cheese, etc. Open Wed-Sun 9am til 4PM. There's a cafe inside too which we haven't had a chance to try yet but looks lovely.
Ayrshire Food Hub
Crossroads RoundaboutA 5-10 minute drive away. Lots of wee foodie delights, all Scottish! And fresh very local produce, meats, cheese, etc. Open Wed-Sun 9am til 4PM. There's a cafe inside too which we haven't had a chance to try yet but looks lovely.
La Dragon
3 St Marnock PlJust a really glam Chinese restaurant. Sexy ambience and great food. Good for a splurge.