Miles

178

Kms

286

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

37

Kms

60

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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Three Hills Coffee Co.
location_on Selkirk

Speciality coffee shop.

Waterwheel Café
location_on Selkirk

Lovely tea room in beautiful setting outside Selkirk. We serve delightful home baking, soups and lunches. Can cater for all, pop in and enjoy our hospitality

The Gordon Arms Hotel
location_on Selkirk

The Gordon Arms, an old coaching Inn in the Yarrow Valley. Well known for Trad Music & Real Ale, & a warm welcome to walkers, cyclists & all other visitors.

Hartleap
location_on Selkirk

Stay in an idyllic rural setting only an hour's drive from Edinburgh. Experience peace and quiet and stylish comfort with just one room for guests.

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 a visit to the Moffat Observatory is a must!

Miles

90

Kms

145

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 - The Moffat Community Observatory

The Moffat Community Observatory is now open and running Introduction to Astronomy sessions. This is a fantastic astronomical resource for the community. It houses a professional telescope offering beautiful views of various night sky objects.

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Community Hub and Cafe

The Buccleuch Arms Hotel is a 14 bedroom hotel providing a comfortable base to enjoy the quaint town of Moffat and explore the stunning local area.

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.

The Buccleuch Arms Hotel is a 14 bedroom hotel providing a comfortable base to enjoy the quaint town of Moffat and explore the stunning local area.

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.

Then for your evening’s stargazing, book a tour with the Dark Sky Ranger!

Miles

25

Kms

40

Stops

4

Travel Time

44min

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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Stop 4 - Dark Sky Ranger

Dark Sky Tours in Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and across Dumfries & Galloway. Learn about space and star gazing with the option to receive high quality photos of your experience!

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Gather at Laggan
location_on Gatehouse of Fleet

Where good food and good views nourish the soul

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 Ship Inn
location_on Gatehouse of Fleet

Visit Scotland 2022/23 Winner of Best Hotel Experience (under 20 rooms) and Best Eatery (West of Scotland)

The Selkirk Arms Hotel
location_on Kirkcudbright

Quality 4* Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Kirkcudbright

Day 4

Galloway Forest Park and Whithorn

Final stop on your stargazing visit to the South of Scotland is Whithorn, home to the Galloway Observatory. Here, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced star gazer, you can book an evening’s course to suit you.

During the day, go and explore the spectacular Galloway Forest Park; stop off at Bladnoch Distillery, one of the oldest Scotch Whisky distilleries in Scotland; and discover the history of Whithorn at the Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre.

Miles

25

Kms

41

Stops

4

Travel Time

46min

Stop 1 - 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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Stop 2 - Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery produces premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky, paying tribute to the rich history of Bladnoch and traditional lowland style Scotch Whisky.

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Stop 3 - 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 4 - Galloway Astronomy Centre

The perfect location for anyone wanting to see thousands of stars in a dark sky.

There are few places in the UK where you can clearly see the Milky Way and also the Andromeda Galaxy with just your eyes.

The Galloway Astronomy Centre is such a place.

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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.

Balnab Farm Holidays
location_on Whithorn

Safari Lodge Tents, a Shepherds Hut and a Self Catering Cottage all situated at Balnab Farm and a self catered property in the heart of the village of Whithorn.

Craigmount Bed and Breakfast
location_on Wigtown

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

Where to Stay