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Be inspired by our stories, itineraries and highlights – we can help you plan a perfect trip in the South. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or an adrenaline seeker; from solo travellers to couples and families; your next holiday starts here!

Top tours in the South of Scotland

Make the most of your holiday in the South of Scotland by tapping into the expertise of our fantastic local tour guides. With unique insight into the people and region, each of our guides has…

Portrait of a wedding planner

Stuart Thompson is a former civil servant turned wedding coordinator at Anvil Hall in Gretna. He is passionate about the local history of the area around Gretna Green. Here he shares his experiences of the…

Our spring sky at night

This spring brings some excellent star viewing with a few astronomical events worth noting. Author and night sky expert Geoffrey Lindop tells you what to watch for in the spring night skies. Thanks to the…

Challenging place names and how to say them

It can be a daunting task when you arrive at your holiday destination and request directions to a nearby site of interest only to be met with puzzled looks, or worse, gales of laughter. Your…

7 hostels with great things to do nearby

Bunkhouses and Hostels offer today’s travellers modern shared kitchens, dining areas and comfy lounges, secure bike storage and drying rooms and even touches of luxury at the upmarket ones. Best of all, this flexible accommodation…

Five magical places to visit in the Scottish Borders

Did you know that the Scottish Borders is home to some of Scotland’s most enchanting folklore? From hills raised by wizards to mischievous fairies, the magical tales that have been passed down through generations are…

Dog-friendly destinations

Looking for that perfect escape to a hotel or B&B and want to take your four-pawed companion? The South of Scotland offers excellent adventures for people and canines alike and there are hotels, B&Bs and…

10 reasons to visit Spring Fling

Experience the vibrant pulse of creativity at Spring Fling, the beloved annual open studio art festival in Dumfries and Galloway. Taking place over the final bank holiday of May, it beckons you to immerse…

Your Spring Bucket List for the South of Scotland

Welcome to the ultimate guide to springtime adventures in the South of Scotland! As the world awakens from its winter slumber, it’s time to embrace the season of renewal and exploration. From rural farm visits…

Top tours in the South of Scotland

Make the most of your holiday in the South of Scotland by tapping into the expertise of our fantastic local tour guides. With unique insight into the people and region,…

Portrait of a wedding planner

Stuart Thompson is a former civil servant turned wedding coordinator at Anvil Hall in Gretna. He is passionate about the local history of the area around Gretna Green. Here he…

Our spring sky at night

This spring brings some excellent star viewing with a few astronomical events worth noting. Author and night sky expert Geoffrey Lindop tells you what to watch for in the spring…

Challenging place names and how to say them

It can be a daunting task when you arrive at your holiday destination and request directions to a nearby site of interest only to be met with puzzled looks, or…

What’s On this February & March

As winter begins to ease into spring, the South of Scotland comes alive with an exciting mix of cultural, wellness, and nature-inspired events. Whether you’re drawn to thought-provoking art exhibitions,…

7 hostels with great things to do nearby

Bunkhouses and Hostels offer today’s travellers modern shared kitchens, dining areas and comfy lounges, secure bike storage and drying rooms and even touches of luxury at the upmarket ones. Best…

Biking Bonanza – Cycling Events 2025

There is so much to offer cyclists in the South of Scotland. The Kirkpatrick C2C South of Scotland cycling route is receiving rave reviews from cyclists of all types. The…

Romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day

Look forward to this Valentine’s Day in the South of Scotland with a wealth of romantic getaways to suit those wanting to escape from it all. Whether you are embarking…

Five magical places to visit in the Scottish Borders

Did you know that the Scottish Borders is home to some of Scotland’s most enchanting folklore? From hills raised by wizards to mischievous fairies, the magical tales that have been…

Return to Dumfries and Galloway

Having explored the eastern section of Dumfries and Galloway on an earlier visit, travel writer Robin McKelvie returns to explore the western side of Dumfries and Galloway and finds…

Unique Winter Experiences Start Here

Winter is a great time to throw yourself into something new. The South of Scotland offers you a wonderful range of unique experiences just waiting to be discovered. Learn to…

Colourful inspiration

Flora Collingwood-Norris is the director, designer and mender at Collingwood-Norris, specialising in visible creative mending and ethical Scottish knitwear. Flora is also the author and publisher of ‘Visible creative mending…

Smoke gets in your eyes

Father and son duo Ronnie and Alasdair Graham run Barony Country Foods in Lockerbie, an artisan smokehouse that produces a range of award-winning products including smoked poultry, meats, fish,…

Our winter sky

Wrap up warm, take a flask of a hot drink, and enjoy the dark skies of our region now winter is upon us. Dark sky expert Geoffrey Hugh Lindop guides…

Celebrate Burns Night in South Scotland

Don your finest tartan, Burns Night is just around the corner! Celebrations in the South of Scotland and around the world are getting ready to commence. Celebrating Robert Burns, Scotland’s…

Snowdrop Spotting in the South

Did you know there is a special word just for snowdrop enthusiasts? If you go snowdrop spotting each year as winter turns to spring, you can consider yourself a Galanthophile.

Film Guide to the South of Scotland

Film and TV have played a significant role in putting Scotland on the map. With its breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages and vast beaches, the country offers the perfect backdrop for…

What’s on in December

As the days shorten and the festive spirit fills the air, the South of Scotland transforms into a winter wonderland, offering an abundance of activities to enjoy in the cold,…

Relax and indulge this winter

When the winter chill sets in, there’s no better time to embrace comfort, luxury, and relaxation—and the South of Scotland has some truly unique places to do just that. Picture…

Historic home brew

Traquair House is the oldest continuously inhabited home in Scotland, dating back more than 900 years. It has links to Bonnie Price Charlie and history galore, but it also has…

What’s On in November

This November, there are plenty of family friendly activities going on across the South of Scotland. And towards the end of the month, the Christmas spirit starts to creep in…

Doing it their whey

David Finlay and his wife Wilma have spent their lives running his family’s farm and earlier this year sold their successful ice cream brand to focus on their cheese making…

What’s on in October

Rustling leaves and the warm rays of autumn sun make the South of Scotland a superb destination to visit in October. Pick a pumpkin and make spooky decorations while children…

Immerse Yourself in The Literary Landscapes of the South of Scotland

Have you ever dreamed of staying at the homes or hotels where your favourite author found inspiration? Or searched for the scenery so eloquently described in a novel? The South…

What to See in The Autumn Sky

Autumn is a superb time for viewing some of the planets furthest from Earth – the gas giants as they are known. There is the opportunity to see meteor showers…

Green Stays for the Eco-Conscious

Looking for the perfect escape but conscious of minimising the impact of your holiday on the environment? There are plenty of excellent green stays in the South of Scotland with…

Moo-ving with the times

An empty (farmhouse) nest, 900 acres of farmland and a secret desire to branch into the tourism industry has led to an incredibly successful agritourism business. The McQuistins have put…

Autumn Bucket List for the South of Scotland

Autumn in the South of Scotland is a season like no other—a time when you can wander through landscapes that have inspired some of the country’s greatest writers, walking our…

Local delights

The Allanton Inn is an 18th-century pub with seven bedrooms, located just six miles from the English border. For the past 14 years, it has been run by Katrina and…

What’s On this September

September in the South of Scotland is a time of vibrant transition, where the changing seasons bring a flurry of activities and events that capture the region’s unique charm. Whether…

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Featured posts

Top tours in the South of Scotland

Portrait of a wedding planner

Our spring sky at night

Challenging place names and how to say them

7 hostels with great things to do nearby

Five magical places to visit in the Scottish Borders

Dog-friendly destinations

10 reasons to visit Spring Fling

Your Spring Bucket List for the South of Scotland

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