Like anywhere in Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway has some activities and attractions which aren't easily categorised. Here are a few of the slightly more 'out of the box' suggestions for places to visit and things to do in the area.
Hang out with animals: Whilst a snapshot of the amazing wildlife that you can observe in Dumfries & Galloway is covered above, there are other ways you can spend time with animals! Two of our favourites are to go for a trek with the friendly alpacas, expertly guided by Debbie at Nith Valley Alpacas near Thornhill, or experience a different kind of safari and hang out with the sheep and Highland cattle at Kitchen Coos & Ewes, where your options range from a quick drive-by visit to a walking tour and even a full-day farm experience.
Get 'high': The village of Wanlockhead at the head of the Mennock Pass has the lofty title of 'Scotland's highest village', and by extension, it's also home to the country's highest pub, the Wanlockhead Inn. A former mining village, this pretty place has a Museum of Lead Mining to tell the story of its history, with exhibitions offering insights into what life used to be like in Wanlockhead. There is also a light railway linking Wanlockhead and nearby Leadhills, which is great for a family trip in the summer. The drive on the Mennock Pass through the Lowther Hills is one of the most spectacular in the Dumfries & Galloway area, so it's well worth stopping off to make sure you've paid this high-up village a visit.
Have a fab family day out: The excellent aviation museum at Solway is just over the border at Carlisle Airport. The Galloway Faerie Trail near Castle Douglas offers a range of child-friendly activities, a small cafe and horse-riding on site. Weird and wonderful Crawick Multiverse is a piece of land-art for all to enjoy - a former coal mine transformed into an innovative public space. The acclaimed Devil's Porridge Museum commemorates the world's largest munitions factory, which once operated at Gretna. The exhibits cover the area's military history during the First and Second World Wars and the Cold War, making this rich and important history accessible through a mix of media, including interactive games and child-friendly activities.
Get married: And finally, the elephant in the room - no article about the south of Scotland is complete without a mention of Gretna Green and the famous Blacksmith's Shop. Famous as a runaway wedding destination for couples escaping a change in the laws of 18th-century England, sadly it's no longer possible to 'just turn up' and get married here as you need at least 29 clear days' notice; however, it's still quick and easy to arrange a wedding here, and why not let us plan a wonderful escape for you taking in the highlights of Dumfries & Galloway afterwards?