Discover Dumfries & The Scottish Borders

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Dumfries and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Cairndale Hotel, our hotel for the next five nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

Today, we travel to the magnificent Drumlanrig Castle and Estate, one of Scotland's finest examples of 17th century Renaissance architecture and affectionately known as the 'Pink Palace' thanks to its beautiful red sandstone. Here, we will explore the history of the castle, its grand reception rooms, stunning staircases, and ornate features on a guided tour with free time to explore the formal gardens and grounds before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. This afternoon, we return to Dumfries with time to refresh ahead of our evening meal together.

DAY 3

After breakfast this morning, we visit the historic Globe Inn for a tour of Robert Burns' 'favourite howff' learning of his legacy and exploring the rooms where he lived, loved, and held court before continuing our day at the Henry Duncan Savings Museum, the home of modern banking. Afterwards, we transfer to the Annandale Distillery where we enjoy our lunch in the café followed by a fascinating distillery tour and tasting. This evening, we return to the hotel and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 4

Today, we enjoy a day at leisure to relax in the hotel and make use of the hotel's fantastic spa facilities (additional charges apply) or head out and explore the charms of Dumfries from its engaging museums to the walking trails and parks that showcase the town's historic character. If you fancy a little rail adventure, why not hop aboard a local train for the short and scenic journey to Gretna Green where you can visit the world-famous Gretna Blacksmiths Museum, steeped in the romantic history that made this village legendary. After a relaxing day, we will reconvene at the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 5

After a relaxed breakfast, we join a scenic rail journey through Dumfries and Galloway travelling alongside the Forest of Ae, one of the largest woods in Scotland, and passing dramatic castles and forts before arriving at Ayr. Here, we enjoy free time to explore this seaside town, enjoy lunch, or stroll along the charming sea front before returning to Dumfries in time for our final evening meal together.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dumfries and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner