Things to do and see this July in Dumfries and Galloway

Threave Castle

Known for its rugged coastlines and natural landscapes, Dumfries and Galloway is ideal for those looking for adventure in the outdoors or a relaxing retreat by the coast.  Discover the region's charming towns, from the historic market town of Dumfries to Castle Douglas (known as The Food Town), Kirkcudbright (The Artists' Town), and Wigtown (Scotland's Book Town).

Whether you're interested in golfing, fishing, biking, walking or visiting historical attractions, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful part of Southern Scotland.

Events
Annan Riding of the Marches, various venues, Annan, 7th July
A traditional event with over one hundred horsemen and horsewomen 'riding the marshes' (the boundaries of Annan).  Also features a parade, a pipe band competition and family entertainment.

Fishing Day, Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, Clatteringshaws, New Galloway, 15th July onwards
Ranger-led fishing on Loch Grannoch.

The Wickerman Festival, 20th & 21st July
An independent music and arts festival.

Stranraer Show, London Road Playing Fields, Stranraer, 25th July
A traditional agricultural show with a variety of trade stands, live entertainment and craft and food stalls.

Medieval Mayhem at Caerlaverock Castle, Glencaple, Dumfries, 26th - 29th July
Fun for the family - children can try their hand at archery, hobby-horse jousting and foam sword fighting.

Lochinch Castle Summer Art Festival, Lochinch Castle, Stranraer, 20th - 29th July
Exhibition of local artists, featuring a range of paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, jewellery and ceramics, with art and pottery demonstrations and workshops.

Activities

The River Nith

Dumfries and Galloway is ideal for a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, including fishing on the River Nith, golfing in stunning surroundings and mountain biking the 7stanes trails.  The Southern Upland Way, stretching from Portpatrick on the coast to Cockburnspath in The Scottish Borders, is Scotland's longest walking route and offers something for the experienced walker and families looking for something gentler.  The Galloway Kite Trail is also popular with walkers and cyclists, and is a fantastic opportunity for birdwatchers to view the red kites in beautiful surroundings.

There are many castles and museums to explore in the region, such as the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries, telling the story of the years that Scotland's most famous poet spent in the town, Threave Castle, a 14th century tower, Dundrennan Abbey, built in the 12th century, and Caerlavrock Castle, one of the greatest medieval fortresses in Scotland.

Caerlavrock Castle

For a truly authentic experience of Dumfries and Galloway, stay in a local holiday home - browse a selection of self catering Dumfries and holiday cottages in Galloway to find the perfect home-from-home for your next holiday.

Have you been on a self-catering holiday in Dumfries and Galloway?  Do you have recommendations on things to see and do?  Leave your comments or questions below.

Pet Friendly Holidays in Scotland

Many people cite the need to take the family pet on holiday as one of the top reasons for choosing self-catering accommodation, but how important is it for you to find holiday accommodation that welcomes pets?  If you're planning a holiday, do you choose your accommodation based on whether it's pet friendly?  Tell us by clicking the link below:

Answer our poll question here.

Pet Friendly Accommodation

To find dog friendly accommodation in Scotland, you can select 'Pet Friendly' in your accommodation search on EmbraceScotland, or go straight to a selection of pet friendly cottages in Scotland.  You'll find a wide variety of lodges, chalets, apartments, houses and cottages across Scotland that are pet friendly, making it easier for you to plan your ideal break.

Is being pet-friendly at the top of your list of requirements for holiday accommodation?  Leave your comments below.

Olympic Torch Relay in Scotland

Look out for the Olympic Torch as it journeys around Scotland between 8th and 14th June.  It will be welcomed into Scotland from Ireland on day 21 of its tour, returning again on day 34 to Dumfries and Galloway.

If you're looking for accommodation near the Torch Route, you can browse a selection of quality assured self catering in Scotland on EmbraceScotland.  It's not too late to find the perfect holiday home to enjoy a relaxing break while the Olympic Torch tours the country - take a look at some last minute offers here.

The Olympic Torch Route in Scotland

8th June:  Passing through Stranraer, Ayrshire & Arran and onto Glasgow

9th June:  Heading north to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, through the Highlands to Inverness

10th June:  From Inverness, flying to Orkney and onto Shetland

11th June:  Leaving the Isle of Lewis for the Highlands, passing through Moray Speyside and arriving in Aberdeen City and Shire

12th June:  From Aberdeen City and Shire, travelling down the east coast, through Dundee and Angus and onto Perthshire and Fife

13th June:  Travelling through Fife, Perthshire, Forth Valley, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and arriving in Edinburgh

14th June:  Heading through the Lothians from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

21st June: Travelling through Dumfries and Galloway


VisitScotland has full details of the Olympic Torch Relay in Scotland.

Are you looking forward to welcoming the Torch to Scotland? Leave your comments below.

Delve into Historic Scotland

Scotland is famed for its historic sites and attractions, from its ancient monuments to its magnificent castles.  Whichever part of the country you visit, you can see imprints of the past in the landscape and architecture.  Scottish myths and legends are interwoven into Brave, the new Disney-Pixar fairytale animation released this summer, set in the Highlands of 10th century Scotland.  Why not plan your own Scottish adventure this year and take in some of Scotland's most famous historical attractions?   

Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Orkney

The village of Skara Brae is Northern Europe's best preserved Neolithic village and has been given World Heritage Status.

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis

Believed to be around 5,000 years old, the Standing Stones at Calanais include a late Neolithic stone circle and a chambered tomb within the ring.

Urquhart Castle, near Inverness

Overlooking Loch Ness, the ruins of one of Scotland's largest castles offers magnificent views of the Great Glen. 

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Another of Scotland's impressive castle ruins, on a stunning cliff top setting.

Scone Palace, Perthshire

Scone Palace was once the crowning place of the Scottish kings and home to the Stone of Scone (or Stone of Destiny) until the end of the 13th century.

Kilmartin Glen, Argyll

Kilmartin Glen is an area of great archaeological importance, with over 800 ancient monuments in the area.

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Perched above the city of Stirling, this grand castle witnessed many important events in Scotland's history.

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, Fife

Founded in the 11th century by Queen Margaret, Dunfermline Abbey is the resting place of many Scottish kings and queens.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Voted the 'Best UK Heritage Attraction' in 2011 by the British Travel Awards, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's top historic attractions.  

Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral, built during the 13th - 15th centuries, was the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the 1560 Reformation.

Machrie Moor Stone Circle, Arran

The stone circles at Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran are said to date from the Bronze Age, between 1800 and 1600BC.

Traquair House, The Scottish Borders

Dating back to 1107, Traquair House is Scotland's oldest inhabited house and was originally used as a hunting lodge for the Scottish kings and queens.

Caerlavrock Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

First built in the 13th century, Caerlavrock Castle is one of the greatest medieval fortresses in Scotland and played an important role in the country's defence.

For more information on historic sites across Scotland, visit Historic Scotland.

What better way to really feel the history of an area than staying in a local holiday cottage?  Browse the selection of self catering for Historic Scotland on EmbraceScotland.

What's your favourite historic site in Scotland?  Leave your comments or questions below.