Dumfries and Galloway

[AndYourBirdCanSing]

We're looking to go to the Dumfries and Galloway region during May half term but I am drawing a blank as to where would be best to base ourselves? We want to visit the Galloway Forest park (Dark skies?) and anywhere which would be good for 5 year olds! A castle and a visit to the coast would be good. The whole region looks lovely but I am pretty clueless!

Any help much appreciated

Hopeful bump!

This is a lovely area to visit. I would try to base yourself around Castle Douglas/ Gatehouse-of-Fleet/ Kirkcudbright. Not too far from the coast and you can also get to the Galloway Forest Park from there.

Threave Castle near Castle Douglas is fab. You get there by walking through the fields and woods, then ringing a bell and being taken to the castle by rowing boat.

The Cocoa Bean Factory in Twynholm, near Kirkcudbright, is really fun.

Castramon Woods near Gatehouse are magical. Just carpeted with bluebells in May.

Cream o' Galloway is a family-run outdoor park near Gatehouse of Fleet which is brilliant fun; ideal for a 5-year-old. Highly recommended.

Have fun

Thsnk you so much! Will get looking at those now

We stayed in Sandyhills when DD was nearly 5, and had a lovely time. It isn't far from Castle Douglas and Kippford. The great thing about going to Scotland for spring bank week is that the Scottish schools aren't on half term that week so it isn't too busy.

www.williamwoodfarm.com/

'Tis truly fab!

drumlangrigg castle nearby worth a visit and has fantastic play area.

We stayed just outside Castle Douglas when we went to D&G for the same reason last year.

It was in easy reach of the DSP, Dumfries, lots of castles & other attractions, and the coast wasn't too far away if you wanted a day at the beach.

Do have a check of sunset times if you're wanting to go star gazing in the Dark Sky Park - by May it's going to be quite late before it gets properly dark.

Having said that, we took ds1 and his telescope in April last year and it was well worth it. When we got back to the cottage with a sleepy ds we looked up as we got out of the car and were blown away by the sky and that wasn't even in the park!

We stayed at Kirkcudbright and there was loads to do - an ice cream factory with loads of activities, ditto a chocolate factory, little 'safari' park, Maby Park Farm which had masses to do, and much more. Our dc were a bit young to get the most out of everything but we'll definitely be going again in the future