This portion of our web guide focuses on the town of Dumfries, Scotland, a place of breathtaking natural beauty and rich historical significance.
Dumfries is in the Dumfries and Galloway council area of southwestern Scotland. Its coast borders the Solway Firth, the Irish Sea, and the North Channel. The town is near the mouth of the River Nith on the Solway Firth, about twenty-five miles from the Anglo-Scottish border. The surrounding countryside, with its Lowther and Moffat hills, moorlands, and a dramatic coastline spanning two hundred miles, is a sight to behold. Galloway Forest Park, with its mountainous forests and moorlands, adds to the region's natural allure.
The circumstances and dates of the town's founding are unknown. The earliest record of the town dates back to an 1180 charter, but the town already had a castle and a church by that time, although the castle was demolished in the 14th century. The town's strategic location along major transport routes contributed to its growth, although its proximity to the Scottish-English border made it vulnerable to conflicts between the two countries.
In 1940, the Royal Air Force Dumfries (RAF Dumfries) was built. The former Royal Air Force station was located near Dumfries. During World War II, the bulk of the Norwegian Army, in exile, consisted of a brigade in Dumfries. The former field now houses the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, which opened in 1977.
Another Dumfries attraction includes Caerlaverock Castle, symbolizing the historical divisions between England and Scotland. Featuring medieval siege engine reconstructions, it offers insights into siege warfare.
Dumfries serves as the administrative center of Dumfries and Galloway. Dairy farming, forestry, and tourism are vital economic activities in and around the town. Its location near the English border has influenced trade and commerce in Dumfries.
Dumfries includes several suburbs, including Calside, Cresswell, Georgetown, Heathhall, Larchfield, Lincluden, Locharbrigs, Lochside, Marchmount, Maxwelltown, Newbridge Drive, Noblehill, Sandside, Summerhill, Summerville, and Troqueer. Queensberry Square and High Street are the central points of town, and the location of many of its historical, social, and commercial enterprises and events.
Dating back more than 1,300 years, St. Michael's and South Parish Church is the oldest church in Dumfries. With a congregational roll above six hundred, it is home to the united congregations of St. Michael's and South and Townhead. Other local churches and religious organizations in Dumfries include Bethany Evangelical Church, Dumfries Christian Network, Dumfries Free Church, Lighthouse Church, Lochend and New Abbey Parish Church, Maxwelltown West Church, River of Life Church, St. Andrew's and St. Columba's Parish, St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church, St. Mary's-Greyfriars' Church, and probably some others.
Dumfries has several primary schools and four secondary schools. Scotland's first multi-institutional university campus was established in Dumfries in 1999. The 85-acre Crichton estate hosts the University of West of Scotland, the University of Glasgow, and Dumfries & Galloway College.
Dumfries is home to several professional, semi-professional, and amateur sports teams, as well as recreational complexes, facilities, organisations, and programmes.
Dumfries combines historical significance, natural beauty, and a vibrant community, making it an interesting place for residents and visitors alike.
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Along the Robert Burns Trail, the hotel is a short walk from the Globe Inn and Robert Burns' House, and well placed for walks and fishing on the River Nith. The hotel has twenty-eight standard en-suite bedrooms and four superior rooms, including two with spa baths and one with a four-poster bed. A list of amenities, special offers, gift vouchers, its rewards programs, and nearby attractions and events are set forth, along with contacts. Online booking is available.
https://www.stationhoteldumfries.co.uk/
The Big Burns Supper in Dumfries is an international Scottish music festival and performing arts programme of music, theatre, comedy, and cabaret that takes place every January. The eleven-day festival celebrates Burns Night, a key Scottish national events celebrating the life of Robert Burns through a gathering of friends and family known as a Burns Supper, which has been part of Scottish culture since the 17th century. The website includes how-to guides, and viewers may watch online.
https://bigburnssupper.com/
The family florist has served Dumfries, Scotland, for over thirty years. Established in 1986, its skilled and experienced florists provide a bespoke service to customers in Dumfries and beyond. Its products include flowers, plants, and aqua. boxes, wedding flowers, funeral flowers, bouquets and hand ties, gifts, balloons, and other arrangements. New products are highlighted, and customer testimonials are posted on the site, which includes its hours and contacts.
https://www.dezplants.com/
Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival
The 10-day arts festival enables some of the region's most rural areas to experience world-class performing arts, bringing the best local and national artists to these communities, the festival invests in performing artists, introduces young people to live performance, and engages people of all ages, from all walks of life, with imaginative programming. Besides its annual event in Dumfries, the organisation also has a rural touring calendar in Dumfries & Galloway, as well as a school programme.
https://dgartsfestival.org.uk/
Garden of Cosmic Speculation, The
Covering thirty acres, the private garden is open to the public only one day a year, usually the Sunday of the first May bank holiday, via the Scotland Gardens charity scheme. The upcoming day is posted on its site, and tickets may be purchased online. The garden includes forty major areas, gardens, bridges, landforms, sculptures, terraces, fences, and architectural works designed to use nature to celebrate nature, intellectually and through the senses, including the sense of humour.
https://gardenofcosmicspeculation.com/
Designed and built by Graham Construction, the North West Community Campus in Dumfries, Scotland, brings together the nurseries and primary schools of St. Ninian's and Lochside, along with Maxwelltown High School, creating an all-through educational space catering to learners aged two to eighteen years. An introduction to the school is provided, including schedules, its library programme, chess club, lunch clubs, and sports programmes. Contacts are provided.
https://www.northwestcommunitycampus.com/
Situated on the edge of Dumfries, Scotland, the Woodland House Hotel is a privately-owned, family-run hotel. The Grade B listed Georgian mansion is being restored and extended; all of its guestbooks are located in a new wing, and have been designed and furnished to create a home-away-from-home experience. Featuring suites, double rooms, and twin rooms, which are described, with photos included, and its prices, special offers, and availability for weddings and other functions is discussed.
https://woodlandhousehotel.co.uk/
