The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dumfries and Galloway

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Updated May 16, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Dumfries and Galloway

The south face of the Ruthwell Cross in the apse.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

The Ruthwell Cross

An Anglo-Saxon cross inscribed with possibly the oldest written work of English literature.

Looking out to sea where pilgrims would have landed.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Chapel Finian

Named after a 6th-century saint, who was also a scholar.

Are we missing something unusual?

The Black Hole terrace.

Holywood, Scotland

Garden of Cosmic Speculation

A 30-acre garden inspired by the principles of modern physics.

4 miles from Dumfries and Galloway

Robert Burns Ellisland Farm

Holywood, Scotland

Robert Burns Ellisland Farm

Experience history from the stomping grounds of the great Scottish poet.

5 miles from Dumfries and Galloway

Medieval chapel in the undercroft of the tower.

Castle Douglas, Scotland

Buittle Castle

The former seat of power for the Balliol dynasty.

13 miles from Dumfries and Galloway

Big Fella Sculpture

Silloth, England

'Big Fella'

One man and his dog, immortalized in a giant statue.

16 miles from Dumfries and Galloway

A Thompson Nitrating Pan where the "porridge" was mixed.

Eastriggs, Scotland

The Devil's Porridge

The Devil’s Porridge tells the story of HM Factory Gretna and the munitions girls who mixed deadly chemicals.

18 miles from Dumfries and Galloway

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Trips

Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Culture, history, and scenery with a globe-trotting bagpiper.

Explore Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Dumfries And Galloway Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Dumfries and Galloway.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Dumfries and Galloway.

Recent Dumfries and Galloway Activity

carljohengen

has been to The Ruthwell Cross
T

taylorharberts

wants to go to The Ruthwell Cross
Raven Traveler

wants to go to Chapel Finian
L

Loneilean4

wants to go to The Ruthwell Cross
L

Loneilean4

wants to go to Chapel Finian

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.