Explore Things to Do in Dumfries & Galloway
If biologically diverse landscapes and unique ranges of habitats, together with rich cultural, historic and natural heritage, are your thing, then you must visit Isles of Fleet Retreat – the perfect base for discovering the many things to do in Dumfries and Galloway.
A Unique Setting in the Heart of Galloway
We are located within the Galloway Hills Regional Scenic Area and on the boundary with Fleet Valley National Scenic Area as well as being within the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and on the doorstep to the UK’s first International Dark Skies Park in Galloway Forest Park.
Our nearest village Gatehouse-of-Fleet is a Biosphere Community which actively works together to enhance the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Cairnsmore of Fleet (a short 15-minute drive) is designated as a National Nature Reserve. We are located within a very special place indeed!
Our nearby picturesque villages and towns of Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart have something to offer everyone. Many festivals are held across the region as well as community events and activities. We have a number of delicious eateries and many local food producers offering something for everyone.
Explore the Local Area
Scenery
The area is renowned for its diverse landscapes and habitats from moorlands, sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands, hills, loch’s and forestry and everything in between. At Isles of Fleet Retreat, you are in the heart of Galloway, centrally located and ideally placed to enjoy the delights this special area has to offer.
History
The Region is also blessed with a rich cultural heritage with many beautiful historic sites to visit, Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn, Cardoness Castle and Carsluith Castle located just a short drive along the road.
Wildlife
Belted Galloway cattle, sheep and lambs and even a donkey will be common neighbours during your stay. Wildlife is also plentiful from the balcony of your lodge, with Roe Deer, Foxes, Hare, Badgers often visiting as well as an array of birdlife including, Red Kite, Buzzards, Mallard, Partridge and a healthy selection of smaller british birds, which kindly provide the wonderful bird song free of charge. There are a number of wildlife attractions within a 30-minute drive, you can spot Ospreys at Threave Nature Reserve, Red Kite’s on the Galloway Kite Trail and Red Kite Centre or visit some four-legged friends at Galloway Red Deer Range and Wild Goat Park to name a few.
Activities
For the more adventurous, there are a number of stunning hill walks – Cairnsmore, Merrick, Criffel, Cairnharrow as well as beautiful forest walks and mountain biking/gravel trails at nearby Galloway Forest Parks and 7-Stanes mountain biking centres.
Watersports are available at Galloway Activity Centre and even Canyoning at Galloway Canyoning. There really is something for everyone!
Gardens
There are also a number of beautiful gardens definitely worth a visit – Threave Gardens, Logan Botanic Gardens, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Cally Gardens and The Garden of Cosmic Speculation.
The Driving Route
If driving is more your thing then why not complete the South West Coastal route, a 300 mile circular route which takes you to Scotland’s most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway – well worth a visit.
Discover Even More in Dumfries and Galloway
This is just a mere taste of what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer – come and discover the rest for yourself.
