Attractions
Kirkdale Estate is superbly positioned to access all the very best that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. The Estate sits in the heart of the designated UNESCO Biosphere an award meaning the area is internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature.
Galloway Forest Park
The Galloway Forest Park, on our doorstep, is Britain’s largest forest park with over 300 square miles of forest boasting world class mountain biking, walking, wildlife spotting, stargazing with a number of fabulous visitor centres and cafes.
The new Kirroughtree gateway visitor centre for the Forest Park is only ten minutes from Kirkdale Estate.
There are two other visitor centres, Clatteringshaws offering tranquil views over lochs and hills and Glentrool visitor centre also in the Forest Park offers access to many different walks, biking trails, river walks and loch walks through ancient oak woodland.
7stanes Mountain Biking
The 7Stanes are world-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland, 5 of which are situated in Dumfries and Galloway. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from across the UK and beyond.
There are a wide range of routes to suit beginners, families and experts. Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie and Glentrool are all within easy reach of Kirkdale Estate.
Gardens
Galloway is famous for its beautiful gardens and plant nurseries. We are fortunate to have so many spectacular gardens and some of the best in the UK near Kirkdale Estate. Logan Botanic Garden, Threave Gardens, Elizabeth McGregor Nurseries and Cally Gardens are some of the award winning gardens in our area.
South west Scotland benefits from a wonderful warm climate thanks to being situated in the Gulf Stream.
Logan Botanic Garden
The stunning gardens at Logan have been awarded ‘Best Garden of the UK in 2021’.
Scotland’s most exotic garden situated on the south-western tip of Galloway, enjoys an almost subtropical climate enabling plants from Australia, New Zealand and Southern and Central America and Southern Africa to thrive. There is a wonderful café, The Potting Shed, in the gardens.
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens is one of Scotland’s most historical landscaped gardens with its collection of rhododendrons, Championship trees and rare species set amongst 75 acres of sculptured landscapes, magnificent avenues and situated on an isthmus surrounded by two lochs.
Threave Garden and Estate
An award winning garden and the only Scottish garden dedicated to the training of horticulturists. There is a unique garden design, where each garden room showcases a different gardening style and planting scheme. Threave gardens have an outstanding walled garden and there is a café with indoor seating and outdoor terrace too.
Threave Castle set apart from the gardens has wonderful walks, Osprey viewing platform and you can visit the Castle by a short boat trip across the Dee.
Elizabeth McGregor Plant Nursery
The fabulous award winning, Elizabeth MacGregor plant nursery is situated by Kirkcudbright only 15 minutes from Kirkdale Estate. In 2021 Elizabeth MacGregor was awarded The Scottish Horticultural Medal for an outstanding contribution to Scottish Horticulture.
Cally Gardens and specialist plant centre
Cally Gardens is a treasure trove of exotic and rare hardy plants gathered from around the globe. The gardens are situated by Gatehouse of Fleet, only 10 minutes from Kirkdale.
Beaches
The area boasts many beautiful sandy beaches at Mossyard, Sandgreen and Carrick amongst others.
Broughton House
Broughton House and Garden is a stunning National Trust property situated in Kirkcudbright. The Edwardian home and studio of Scottish artist E A Hornel and hosts an impressive collection of art.
Dumfries House
Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes was built in the 18th century by Robert Adam and saved by intervention of HRH Prince Charles in 2007. The house and estate is part of The Prince’s Foundation and is set in 2,000 acres in Cumnock, Ayrshire with an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. House tours, gardens, walled garden, café. Booking essential.
Food and Drink
The area and towns are full of fantastic pubs, restaurants and shops, with Gatehouse of Fleet and Creetown within 10 minutes.
Castle Douglas, Food Town with a wonderful choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants is only twenty minutes from Kirkdale.
Art and Culture
Over the years the stunning scenery and relaxed way of life has inspired many an artist.
Kirkcudbright is the famous artists town with a choice of galleries to visit.
Galloway hosts the Spring Fling, the UK’s largest open studio event at the end of May each year.
The area has a rich history leaving a tapestry of castles and beautiful historic buildings.
Pottery Painting – The Wee Pottery
Pottery painting for all ages situated in a fabulous studio in the newly refurbished Johnston Centre, Kirkcudbright.
Dark Space Planetarium
A new dark space planetarium situated in the new Johnston Centre, Kirkcudbright.
Cream O’ Galloway
Award winning ice cream makers with ice-cream making workshops only 10 minutes from Kirkdale. Further information on Facebook, contact in advance to book.
The Cocoa bean Company
Very popular chocolate making workshops (contact in advance to book). Play area and café. Situated at Twynholm, only 10-15 minutes from Kirkdale.
Logan Fish Pond
Created from a natural feature of rocky coastline and is a unique setting to see a wide variety of local sea life.
Gem Rock Museum
The museum in Creetown (5 minutes from Kirkdale) has a fabulous collection of many fine and rare examples of crystals found in Britain. Café onsite.
