RSPB Mersehead
A wildlife nature reserve only 10 minutes drive away on the shoes of the Solway Firth. Discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that's typical of this region. Stroll along the nature trails and use the viewing hides to explore at your own pace.spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks, not to mention butterflies and wild flowers. You might also see a Roe deer or red squirrel and in the Autumn, thousands of Barnacle and Pink-footed geese start to arrive for the winter, creating a not to be missed spectacle.
John Paul Jones Museum
The John Paul Jones Museum is 13 miles south-west of Dumfries in the Arbigland estate and is where the cottage that he was born in is situated. He is cosidered the `` father of the American Navy`` despite being born in poverty as the son of the estate gardner. He left from Carsethorn to become a seaman and through his skills became a distinguished naval officer working for the USA and Russia.There is a video presentation of his life and extensive visual display as well as the actual cottage that he lived in which is furnished in the style of the 1700's when he was born.
Well worth a visit!
Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle is an unusual moated triangular castle first built in the 13th century is the epitome of the medieval stronghold.The castle's turbulent history owes much to its provimity to England which brought it into border conflicts.
Visitors can enjoy a siege warfare exhibition, a childrens paly area and a nature trail. There is also a shop and cafe.
Mabie Farm Park
Mabie Farm Park offers over 5,000 square feet of indoor play area and 77 hectares of outdoor space and represents a fantastic day out for the whole family.From paddle boats to the astroslide, grass sledging, the aerial runway, quad bikes and more, there's lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Even on rainy days the covered play barn is the ultimate indoor playground with its rope swings, climbing wall, trampolines and keep fit area for tots with a treadmill and exercise bike.
Mabie’s tearoom is open daily 10am to 5pm and serves a range of delicious snacks, drinks and ice cream.
Sweetheart Abbey
Sweetheart Abbey was founded in 1273 by Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway in memory of her husband John Balliol.On her death, she was laid to rest next to her husband’s embalmed heart and the monks named their abbey in memory of her.
Southerness Golf Club
Situated on a stunning stretch of the Solway Firth, Southerness has had the honour of staging many leading tournaments including the Scottish Amateur Championship, the Scottish Ladies' Championship and the British Ladies' Championship. The course has featured in Golf Monthly's list of top 100 courses in Britain and Ireland each year since 1990, while Golf World ranked Southerness as the sixth best value course in Britain and IrelandThis is a true Championship Links course, measuring 6728 yards from the white (Championship) tees. The terrain is level allowing for easy walking with no hills to climb, and its brilliant design engenders a feeling of remoteness and solitude, where you are seldom aware of others on the course, thus providing a real escape from the stresses of daily life.
Mabie Forest Mountain Biking Trails
Mabie forest is strikingly beautiful and has something for everyone!A skills area with different-graded trails gives a taste of Mabie riding for those new to the area or looking to move up a trail grade.
It also includes a fantastic 300m freeride line with plenty of sections for you to practise your jumping technique.
Choose your trail from:
The green-graded Big Views and the blue-graded Woodhead loop.
A great introduction to mountain biking and Mabie's striking surroundings.
The red-graded Phoenix Trail.
A classic mountain bike route - great riding through mixed woodland and wonderful scenery.