Holiday rentals and lettings in Dumfries and Galloway

• Cosy self-catering homes: Choose from coastal cottages, forest log cabins and spacious holiday homes, many with hot tubs, fireplaces and gardens.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself in Kippford for the coast, Galloway Forest Park for stargazing, or Castle Douglas for its renowned food scene.
• Top-rated by guests: Holiday rentals here earn glowing reviews for their warm welcomes, spotless interiors and peaceful settings.
• When to visit: Come in summer for festivals and beaches, or autumn for crisp, dark skies and golden woodlands with far fewer crowds.
• Things to see and do: Stargaze in the Dark Sky Park, tour Drumlanrig Castle, climb the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse and discover Peter Pan at Moat Brae.

Dumfries and Galloway offers a varied choice of self-catering accommodation, from snug holiday cottages tucked into the meadows to remote, romantic log cabins deep in the forest. Larger holiday homes suit families and groups travelling together. Whatever your plans, you'll find homes here kitted out with the comforts that make a holiday feel special:

• Heated swimming pools and hot tubs
• Wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces
• Private gardens and patios
• Saunas
• Wi-Fi, parking and well-equipped kitchens as standard

Many dog-friendly cottages are available, so there's no need to leave Fido at home during your holiday.

What are the best areas to stay in Dumfries and Galloway?

The best area depends on your plans: head to Kippford for the coast and sailing, whilst Galloway Forest Park is unbeatable for stargazing. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Across Dumfries and Galloway, travellers single out the warm welcomes, spotless interiors and peaceful settings. Coastal cottages and country retreats earn particular praise for their views and their closeness to walking trails.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. Martha's Shore Cottage - 10.0: A spacious six-guest cottage in Dumfries and Galloway with a lovely river view and a cosy fireplace, praised for its restful setting and warm, pet-friendly welcome.
2. Berkeley - 10.0: A coastal cottage in Kippford with sea views and an open fire, loved by guests for its waterside location and comfortable, well-kept rooms.
3. Anchor Cottage - 10.0: A bright four-guest cottage in Dumfries and Galloway with a private garden and dishwasher, highly rated for its tidy interiors and quiet location.

Dumfries and Galloway sweeps across the south-west of lowland Scotland, bordering the Solway Firth to the south and stretching from the English border towards the hills of the Southern Uplands.

✈️What is the best way to get to Dumfries and Galloway?

Getting to Dumfries and Galloway is straightforward, with options by road, rail and air. Here are the most common ways to get to the region:

• Car: The region is easiest to reach by road. From the south, the M6 becomes the M74 motorway near Carlisle, with the A75, A76 and A701 branching off towards Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. A car gives you the freedom to explore remote glens and coastline at your own pace.
• Train: Dumfries sits on the Glasgow South Western Line, with direct services from Glasgow and Carlisle, whilst Lockerbie is a stop on the West Coast Main Line for fast trains from London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. From either station, local buses and taxis connect onward to the smaller towns and villages across the region.

🥗Where to eat in Dumfries and Galloway?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Campbells Restaurant is the best-rated restaurant in Dumfries and Galloway. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Rachel and Tom recommend The Cocoabean Company in Dumfries and Galloway: this family-run chocolate café in Twynholm was the highlight of their trip, with tasty hands-on workshops and a play area that kept the children happy for hours.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There's no bad time to visit, but the region is at its best from late spring to early autumn. June to August brings the warmest weather and a full calendar of festivals, whilst September and October offer crisp, clear nights that are perfect for stargazing in Galloway Forest Park, along with glorious autumn colour and far fewer crowds.

Spring (March to May)

• Best for: Garden lovers and walkers keen to beat the summer crowds
• Weather: Mild but changeable, with bright days and the occasional shower
• Atmosphere: Quiet and fresh, as gardens such as Logan and Castle Kennedy burst into bloom

Summer (June to August)

• Best for: Families, beach days and the region's lively festival season
• Weather: The warmest and driest stretch, with seemingly endless evenings
• Atmosphere: Busy and upbeat, with activity centres and coastal villages in full swing

Autumn (September to November)

• Best for: Stargazers, photographers and couples after a peaceful escape
• Weather: Cooler and crisper, with clear, dark skies ideal for the Dark Sky Park
• Atmosphere: Calm and scenic, with woodlands turning gold and trails delightfully uncrowded

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Dumfries and Galloway local expert, Aisha of Berkeley, recommends the coastal walk from Kippford to Rockcliffe and up to the ancient hillfort at the Mote of Mark, with its sweeping views over the Solway Firth. You can read more about local tips on Aisha's page.

1. Stargaze in Galloway Forest Park
2. Explore Drumlanrig Castle and its estate
3. Climb the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
4. Get active at Galloway Activity Centre
5. Discover Peter Pan at Moat Brae

1. Stargaze in Galloway Forest Park

   Galloway Forest Park was the UK's and Europe's first Dark Sky Park, and on a clear night you can pick out more than 7,000 stars, constellations and even the Milky Way. Spread across 75,000 hectares, the park is just as rewarding by day, with waymarked walking and cycling trails winding through ancient woodland. Many visitors choose to base themselves in log cabins across the Scottish countryside to make the very most of those inky-black skies.

2. Explore Drumlanrig Castle and its estate

   In the heart of Nithsdale, Drumlanrig Castle is one of Scotland's most important Renaissance buildings. The 17th-century house holds 120 rooms filled with French furniture, porcelain and fine art, whilst its woodland trails are home to otters and red squirrels. Fans of Outlander may recognise the estate from the Netflix series.

3. Climb the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

   Perched on a 260-foot cliff, the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse marks Scotland's most southerly point. Climb the 115 steps to the top and, on a clear day, you'll be rewarded with views of Scotland, England, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland — plus a Certificate of Achievement for the effort. Afterwards, settle in at the clifftop café and watch the seabirds.

4. Get active at Galloway Activity Centre

   Set on the tranquil shores of Loch Ken, the Galloway Activity Centre packs in land and water adventures for all ages. Grab a paddle and head out by kayak, try your hand at windsurfing, scale the climbing tower, have a go at archery or take on the inflatable Wobby water park.

5. Discover Peter Pan at Moat Brae

   In Dumfries, Moat Brae is the Georgian house and garden where JM Barrie dreamed up Peter Pan. Wander the enchanted gardens that inspired Neverland, now home to a national centre for children's literature and storytelling. Little ones can chase Peter Pan's shadow and dress up in costume, whilst grown-ups enjoy a nostalgic step back into childhood.