Local Attractions
There is plenty to see and do in South West Scotland, we selected a few places you might like to visit during your stay at Rascarrel Bay
Days Out
Old Buittle Tower
Every year over the Easter bank holiday weekend and the end of August bank holiday weekend, Old Buittle Tower holds a reenactment of what life was like for the Border Reivers who lived in the region from the 13th Century until the early 17th Century. The reenactment includes tours of the tower house, demonstrations of horesmanship and styles of fighting.
For dates and information please visit: theborderers.info
Please note that the tower is only open to the public on the dates specified on their website
Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate is home to part of the internationally renowned Buccleuch Art Collection, and is one of the family seats of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. It is also a thriving country estate providing a wealth of exciting experiences. Whether you are hurtling down a hill on a mountain bike on one of the championship MTB trails or enjoying reviving refreshments in the Tearoom, the Castle and Estate is sure to keep you thoroughly entertained.
For more information visit: www.drumlanrig.com
Galloway Activity Centre
Not only does the Galloway Activity Centre offer sailing, kayaking and canoeing, but it also offers archery, laser quest, climbing and mountain biking. Equipment is available to hire and there is a cafe on site. For more information visit: www.lochken.co.uk
Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park
Just outside Kirkcudbright, Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park is set in 27 acres of mixed woodland. It has a varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all corners of the world, which can be viewed in large peaceful enclosures in natural settings.
The park is involved in the conservation of animals and is part of a breeding programme to help conserve wildlife. There is car parking, a shop and small cafe on the site and all money goes towards the upkeep of the animals. For more information visit: www.gallowaywildlife.co.uk
Museums
Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
The museum is home to a large collection of aircraft, aero engines, an impressive display of artefacts and personal histories relating to aviation. There is also a small collection of memorabilia honouring airbourne forces, a new display representing aviation in Scotland and a mock-up of a WWII living room.
For more information and opening times visit: www.dumfriesaviationmuseum.com
(Please note the museum is closed over the winter months, opening dates are listed on the website)
Dumfries Museum and the Camera Obscura
Dumfries Museum tells the story of the land and people of Dumfries and Galloway. Look out for fossil footprints left by prehistoric animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and weapons of our earliest people, stone carvings by Scotland's first Christians and the everyday things of the Victorian farm, workshop and home.
The Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, is on the top floor of the old windmill tower and gives a panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside.
Museum trails and fun activities, visitor information and shop with unusual and nostalgic toys and gifts. For more information and opening times visit: www.dumgal.gov.uk
Creetown Gem Rock Museum
The Gem Rock Museum is an independant museum, owned and run by the Stephenson family and regarded as one of the finest private collections of gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils in Great britain. For more information please visit: www.gemrock.net
Historical
Old Buittle Tower
Every year over the Easter bank holiday weekend and the end of August bank holiday weekend, Old Buittle Tower holds a reenactment of what life was like for the Border Reivers who lived in the region from the 13th Century until the early 17th Century. The reenactment includes tours of the tower house, demonstrations of horesmanship and styles of fighting.
For dates and information please visit: theborderers.info
Threave Castle
On an island in the River Dee stands Threave Castle, a massive 14th century tower built by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway. It was the last stronghold of the Black Douglases to hold out in the rebellion against King James II. The castle is reached via a small boat, although it is not open to the public between November and March, you can still walk on the other side of the water on the footpath on the Threave Estate.
For dates and information please visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Caerlaverock Castle
This unique triangular castle situated near the border between Scotland and England has seen many sieges and wars in its time. The castle was built with defence in mind and includes a moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements.
Visitors to the Castle can see a warfare exhibition and take a walk along the nature trail in the grounds. There is also a shop and cafe on site which are open throughout the year.
For more information please visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Sweetheart Abbey
The Cistercian abbey of Dulce Cor (Latin for 'Sweet Heart') was founded in 1273 by the grieving widow, Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway who had her husband's (Lord John Balliol) heart embalmed and placed in an ivory casket, which she carried everywhere.
The abbey church is still standing and is remarkably complete 700 years on.
For more information please visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Towns
Castle Douglas Food Town
Castle Douglas is Dumfries and Galloway's Food Town. You can find a range of butchers, bakeries, delies and cafes on the town's highstreet. There are also a few arts and crafts shops and a swimming pool.
Kirkcudbright Artist Town
Kirkcudbright is Dumfries and Galloway's Artist's Town. Kirkcudbright was home to several well known artists and has a range of galleries, museums and cafes. There is also a swimming pool in the town. Visit www.kirkcudbright.co.uk for more information about the town.
Wigtown Book Town
Wigtown is Dumfries and Galloway's Book Town and has a range of Bookshops and cafes. It also hosts the Wigtown Book Festival every year in October.
Cinema
The nearest large Cinema is the Odeon in Dumfries, there are also a few independent cinema's which show some mainstream films as well as arts based ones.
Robert Burns Centre - Film Theatre
Located in the centre of Dumfries, this independant film theatre screens a diverse range of films including foreign language films, low budget independent films, documentaries, animation and short films.
There is also a restaurant on site ( Hallabaloo Restaurant ) where you can eat before your film, the restaurant will sometimes also do pre-cinema deals.
To find out what's showing visit: www.rbcft.co.uk
The Fullarton, Castle Douglas
Lochside Theatre is based in Castle Doulgas. It is managed and staffed entirely by part-time volunteers and hosts a variety of theatre shows as well as screening films in the new Cinema.
To find out what's on at Lochside Theatre visit: www.thefullarton.co.uk
Odeon Cinema, Dumfries
This is the nearest mainstream cinema to the lodges and is in Dumfries. It only has one screen, so it is worth checking what's showing before going.
To find out what's showing visit: www.odeon.co.uk
The CatStrand
The Centre for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust has a small cinema which shows a range of films.
To find out what's showing visit: www.catstrand.com