Castle Douglas holiday houses and self-catering cottages

Vacation rentals and lochside accommodation in Castle Douglas.

Castle Douglas boasts an array of independently run shops which have a wide selection of local arts and crafts, clothing and footware, hand-made jewellery and gifts galore. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to tempt the taste buds if you would like to eat out, many serving local produce. For the sweeter tooth there is a selection of locally made food, from ice cream to hand-made chocolates. The town has several pubs and even its own brewery for those who like a tipple. All this gives the town its own unique charm, not found in many other high streets nowadays, with something for every visitor. For those interested in history there is plenty to see near Castle Douglas: Sweetheart Abbey - New Abbey on the coastal road from Dumfries to Kirkennan is a romantic historic ruin founded by Lady Dervorgilla as a tribute to her husband, John Balliol. Dundrennen Abbey, a ruined 12th century home of Cistercian monks - on the coastal route from Kirkennan to Kirkudbright, where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil before fleeing to England. And free to enter and always open is The Motte of Urr - remains of a Norman Castle built in the mid-twelth century. Robert Burns Heritage Centre is also close by, once the home of Scotland's national poet lived with his wife.

Galloway is an ideal destination for an energetic or relaxing break with stunning countryside and Britain's largest forest park. The Galloway Forest Park boasts 300 square miles of natural beauty to be explored and with the park recently receiving the status of being one of only four 'Dark Sky Parks' in the western world. Also in Galloway are 5 of the famous '7 Stanes' mountain biking trails, fishing, hill walking, bird watching, water sports, golfing and plenty of family activities to be enjoyed. The area has an array of natural heritage sites, gardens and places of historical interest with Castle Douglas having its own picturesque gardens and country house, with historic castle. Threave House and Gardens are located only 1/2 mile outside of the town and Threave Castle is located about 2 miles away - both are well worth a visit.