Miles

149

Kms

240

Days

4

The South of Scotland has some of the lowest levels of light pollution in the UK, so it is the ideal place to visit for lovers of astronomy. It is home to Europe’s first Dark Sky Town, Moffat. It is also home to the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, Galloway International Dark Sky Park.

During the day, there is also much to discover. From Sir Walter Scott’s beautiful home of Abbotsford, to Charles Jencks’ spectacular land art installation at Crawick Multiverse and, staying on the Dark Sky theme, the recently opened Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright.

Opening dates and times vary across attractions. Please ensure to check opening times and availability directly with each attraction before you visit.

Day 1

Melrose, Selkirk and Peebles

On Day One of your star gazing trip to the South of Scotland, follow in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott to his favourite view across the Eildon Hills and to his extraordinary home at Abbotsford. Stop off for some lunch in the charming town of Selkirk. In the afternoon, visit Traquair, Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited house. And round off your day with some star gazing at the breathtaking St Mary’s Loch.

Miles

38

Kms

61

Stops

4

Travel Time

1h 30min

Stop 1 - Scott's View

Scott’s View is probably the most famous view in the Borders. It was Sir Walter Scott’s favourite view and takes in the Eildon Hills, the River Tweed and the original site of the Abbey at Melrose.

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Stop 2 - Abbotsford

The extraordinary home of Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott, the man who gave us the historical novel, popularised tartan & rediscovered Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

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Stop 3 - Traquair House

Traquair is Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited house dating back over 900 years and still lived in as a family home today.

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Stop 4 - St. Mary's Loch

St Mary’s Loch lies right in the heart of the Scottish Borders between Selkirk and Moffat and provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing walk. It is also a great star gazing location.

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We offer cosy and comfortable five en-suite rooms and good, honest and sustainable food with a minimum of fuss and maximum flavours by Chef Bryn Jones

Ochiltree's
location_on Melrose

Our stylish café serves freshly prepared meals and refreshments made with locally-sourced ingredients including morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea.

Day 2

Moffat

The next stop on your stargazing visit to the South of Scotland is Moffat, Europe’s first ever Dark Sky Town. The town adopted special street lighting to keep light pollution to a minimum in order to preserve their wonderful starry skies.

In and around Moffat there are gorgeous places to visit during the day, including the spectacular Crawick Multiverse, the dramatic Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall and the majestic Drumlanrig Castle.

Then as darkness descends this, Europe’s first Dark Sky Town, offers simply spectacular views of the night sky.

Miles

89

Kms

144

Stops

4

Travel Time

2h

Moffat Dark Sky Town

Stop 1 - Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve

The Grey Mare’s Tail is a spectacular 60 metre waterfall plunging into the Moffat Valley from the breathtaking Loch Skeen at the top of the falls. You can follow the path alongside the waterfall up to the top of the hill, where you will find spectacular views of Loch Skeen and the peaks of Lochcraig Head, Mid Craig and the summit of White Coomb beyond.

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Stop 2 - Crawick Multiverse

Crawick Multiverse, a spectacular Artland, transformed by globally-renowned landscape artist Charles Jencks. The site, which opened in summer 2015, links the themes of space, astronomy and cosmology. It is a truly inspiring landmark that will appeal to everyone whether you love art, science or the great outdoors.

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Stop 3 - Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate

If you like delving deep into history, soaking up the finest culture, exploring beautiful countryside – or adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking – you’ll love a day at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate. From activities for kids to salmon fishing, you’ll find a raft of activity awaiting you. The Castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers and from your very first glance you’ll know you’re entering a special place. Special enough, in fact, that the producers of Outlander used the Castle for filming during Season Two! Please check opening times ahead of your visit, for much of the year, castle visits must be booked in advance.

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Stop 4 - Moffat

Nestled in the Moffat hills, Moffat was Europe’s first Dark Sky Town and on a clear night the skies here are simply spectacular. The town has put in special street lighting to reduce light pollution and preserve the clarity of night sky.

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Community Hub and Cafe

Blackaddie House Hotel
location_on Sanquhar

Blackaddie House Hotel is a luxury 4 Star Hotel and Gourmet Restaurant set on the banks of the river Nith in the idyllic countryside of Dumfries and Galloway .

Day 3

Kirkcudbright

Next stop on your stargazing visit in the South of Scotland is Kirkcudbright, home to the recently opened Dark Space Planetarium. Here you can experience a taste of space exploration and life as an astronaut on the International Space Station.

If after all that exploring you’re a bit thirsty, why not visit the Dark Art Distillery?

The combination of space and art doesn’t stop there, no visit to Kirkcudbright is complete without a visit to the Kirkcudbright Galleries.

Miles

0

Kms

0

Stops

3

Travel Time

0min

Stop 1 - Dark Space Planetarium

Are you fascinated by outer space? Do you love gazing at the stars in the night sky? Have you always wondered what it’s like to be in space? Do you dream of being an astronaut, or visiting the ISS, even just for a day? Now is your chance! In the Dark Space Planetarium, you can enjoy state-of-the-art custom-made interactive exhibits. You can learn about space exploration, our solar system, and space technology while you play.

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Stop 2 - Dark Art Distillery

Dark Art Distillery, is a new premium gin distillery based in the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright. The Distillery is Scotland’s most southerly distillery!

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Stop 3 - Kirkcudbright Galleries

Visit our nationally important art collection and learn the story of the Kirkcudbright ‘Art Colony’ through an audio-visual show “The Artists’ Town” and a permanent display of some of the best Kirkcudbright paintings in our collection.

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Masonic Arms
location_on Kirkcudbright

A great meeting place, whether you're enjoying a quiet drink or enjoying banter and atmosphere with the locals.

The Selkirk Arms Hotel
location_on Kirkcudbright

Quality 4* Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Kirkcudbright

Day 4

Galloway Forest Park and Whithorn

For the final day of your stargazing visit to the South of Scotland first discover the history of Whithorn at the Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre. Stop off at Crafty Distillery, an award winning gin distillery with spectacular views of the Galloway Hills; then go and explore the spectacular Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s largest forest park and first Dark Sky Park.  During the day there is so much to explore, whether you want a gentle stroll with gorgeous views, a long hike through the forest or a challenging biking trail, it has it all. If the weather is clear it’s definitely worth staying another night as the extremely low levels of light pollution within the park mean that you can see up to 7,000 stars and planets with the naked eye.

Miles

22

Kms

35

Stops

3

Travel Time

48min

Stop 1 - Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre & Cafe

The Whithorn Trust runs the exhibition and museum detailing the town’s 1600 years of Christian history. Coffee and gift shop with locally sourced products.

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Stop 2 - Crafty Distillery

Nestled on the edge of Newton Stewart, Crafty Distillery is a modern grain to glass distillery pumps out gallons of multi award winning tasty stuff and delivers panoramic views over the Galloway Hills. Here you can learn about their unique distilling approach and enjoy a taste of their award winning spirits.

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Stop 3 - Galloway Forest Park

The Galloway Forest Park has everything you need for a great day out, whatever the time of year. Meet red deer and wild goats, choose from two scenic Forest Drives, follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce or picnic beside a peaceful loch. This is also Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park – one of the best places to stargaze in Europe!

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The Pheasant
location_on Sorbie

Authentic Italian restaurant with great food prepared and served with love, a unique dining experience in heart of Galloway

The Steam Packet Inn
location_on Newton Stewart

The Steam Packet is a family run village pub with contemporary dining and it's own brewery.

Where to Stay

Crosskeys Inn
location_on Selkirk

Recently refurbished, this historic coaching inn offers local and visitors the warmest of welcomes, traditional pub food, real ales and cosy B&B accommodation.

Queensberry house B&B
location_on Moffat

Winner: Best B&B Experience, Scottish Thistle Awards 2022-23. A characterful, relaxed three-room B&B in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.

Craigmount Bed and Breakfast
location_on Wigtown

Craigmount Bed & Breakfast. Beautiful Georgian former manse in Scotlands National Book Town.

Sea View Snugs at Laggan
location_on Gatehouse of Fleet

Escape and connect with nature, connect with yourself and connect with life’s simple pleasures in our Sea View Snugs.