New Abbey Corn Mill is a carefully renovated water-powered oatmeal mill. Thomas Carlyle may have rubbed shoulders with Darwin, Dickens and Thackeray, but he never forgot his roots and insisted that his final resting place should be Ecclefechan, the village where his birthplace still stands. Castle Douglas Art Gallery first opened in 1938 having been gifted to the town by Mrs Ethel Bristowe and now forms an excellent venue for an annual programme of temporary exhibitions running from Easter to Christmas. Threave Garden has something to offer in all seasons. At 64 acres, it is best known for its spectacular springtime display of daffodils, but herbaceous beds are colourful in summer and the trees and heather garden are striking in autumn.
Distances shown are in a direct line.
Distances by road will be longer. The Cairndale Hotel is close to the centre of Dumfries and regular weekend entertainment is a feature of this hotel. Leisure facilities include heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, gym, sunbeds and toning salon. Friars Carse Country House Hotel is set in 45 acres of woodlands, extending to the banks of the River Nith, where guests can enjoy private sea-trout, graylins and salmon fishing. Gretna Green offers easy access to visit the Scottish countryside and romantic Gretna Green.