Sun Foundry Fountain in Dumfries town centre
Dumfries is a historic market town that more than lives up to its local nickname, the Queen of the South. Located in the southern region of Dumfries & Galloway and connected by lovely russet-hued sandstone bridges which straddle the banks of the River Nith, this former royal burgh has an interesting history and special connection to Scotland’s National Bard.
Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of outdoor activities and family attractions right on your doorstep.
Find amazing things to do in Dumfries including days out, attractions, activities, tours and more.
Celebrate our National Bard, Robert Burns with our handy guide to Burns Night in Scotland. Learn about his famous works and the Burns Night Supper.
Stay and play golf in Dumfries & Galloway at a variety of exciting courses.
Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and discover untouched coastlines, deep forests and historic rural communities.
There are trails of all kinds in both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway including mountain biking, gravel and road biking.
Dumfries & Galloway sits in the south west corner of Scotland. It's great for outdoor activities and historic attractions.
Discover new locations, attractions and days out in Dumfries.
Discover one of Scotland's greatest medieval fortresses, the UK's only triangular castle.
Burns' favourite howff!
Discover the tale of devotion behind the abbey’s evocative name.
Delve into the life and works of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns.
Ellisland Farm was built by Robert Burns in 1788 for his young wife Jean Armour and their family.
Admire one of Scotland's Oldest Bridges.
Mull of Galloway
© VisitScotland / Cutmedia
Explore the wonders of south Scotland with our jam-packed itineraries full of adventure.
Check out the latest events to make your trip to Dumfries extra special!
The Eden Festival
© Eden Festival
Dumfries Farmers' Market, monthly - taking place on the first Sunday of the month, get a flavour for the exceptional produce of Dumfries and the surrounding local area.
Dumfries International Street Food Festival, June 2027 – Get ready to enjoy mouth-watering street food from around the world, alongside live music, entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere.
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Just under two hours from Edinburgh by car, an hour and a half from Glasgow, and a mere 30 minutes from Gretna Green on the Anglo-Scots border, Dumfries is easy to reach whichever direction you’re travelling from.
If you are travelling by train, there are frequent services running from Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as from towns and cities further north, including Aberdeen and Inverness. There are often deals and cheap tickets for many train journeys across Scotland.
Travelling by car is pretty straightforward, with many major and minor roads connecting larger towns and cities to Dumfries. Follow the A701 from Edinburgh or the M74 from Glasgow and you'll arrive in Dumfries in no time at all.
Dumfries is easy to get to by bus and coach. Check out these handy links:
You can also make use of the great cycle paths around the town. It's a quick, efficient and eco-friendly way to get around Dumfries. Make sure you pick up a cycling guide from the local information centre too!
Dumfries is small enough to comfortably explore on foot but also boasts excellent public transport links, including regular and reliable bus services.
You can certainly walk around Dumfries. Whether you're doing a bit of sightseeing, shopping or just going for a stroll, check out these useful links.
Walking in and around Dumfries | PDF 2.5MB
Selkirk Arms Hotel
Take your pick of a variety of places to stay in Dumfries - from friendly B&B's, and cosy self-catering cottages, to family-friendly camp sites, glamping experiences and more.
The Globe Inn
Enjoy a taste of south Scotland with these foodie suggestions.
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