Our pick of the best day trips in Scotland, all within easy reach of Queensberry House and Moffat, the crossroads of the southwest corner.
Discover quaint and quirky spots across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.
1 Peebles
What to explore
Seek out nature’s finest at Dawyck Botanic Garden (above), part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh group.
Britain’s oldest and tallest trees are here, as well as some excellent specimens from around the world.
Gentle woodland walks guide you round.
Where to eat
Indulge at Cocoa Black, Scotland’s Chocolate Capital, where UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks has created an irresistible café, shop and school with dainty and ornate cakes that are almost – almost – too good to eat.
The Hairy Bikers have been to visit. And so have we – many times.
Where to shop
We love independent shops.
And there are plenty here on Peebles’ delightful high street.
There’s the House of Gaia to satisfy all your senses, an interiors sanctuary of must-have pieces and statement creations at Time & Tide, and then there’s Tiger Lily Gifts with stylish and personalised items.
Where to get your culture fix
Eastgate Theatre has quality drama, film and music, while Breeze Art Gallery is full of covetable pieces.
2 Annan
Where to visit
Take a wee dram (or take one home if you’re the driver) at the historic Annandale Distillery.
Its ancient site has artworks dotted about and the tour is fascinating – even to non-whisky drinkers – where you see the distillery’s gleaming equipment for creating Lowland Single Malts.
Divine café too if you need to stop for lunch or a coffee.
Why not take a tour of other distilleries in the South of Scotland?
What to discover
A short drive away is the Devil’s Porridge Museum, an award-winning attraction full of artefacts and intriguing finds.
It tells the story of HM Factory Gretna, ‘the greatest munitions factory on earth’ during WW1.
The ‘devil’s porridge’, a term coined by Arthur Conan Doyle, was cordite, an explosive.
Learn how this was instrumental in the young women’s lives who worked with it here during the war and after.
What to watch
The local Lonsdale Cinema hosts National Theatre Live broadcasts – see a London West End show for a fraction of the price.
3 Dumfries
What to explore: Robert Burns
Gen up on Scotland’s bard at the compact Robert Burns Centre. Free entry.
Cross one of Scotland’s oldest bridges to get there.
The centre – a former 18th-century watermill on the River Nith – contains a fascinating exhibition telling the story of Burns’s time in the town.
Outside, you may see the resident otter posing for its public.
Or visit Robert Burns House – also free – which contains a rich archive of manuscripts and everyday household items the poet left behind.
There’s also the Burns Mausoleum at St Michael’s Churchyard – where fans from across the world flock.
Where to eat
Dine at Pumpernickel cafe for its fresh and flavourful food, all home-made and vegetarian/vegan.
4 Biggar
Why visit
There are so many reasons to head to this historic town with a quaint medieval layout.
Go book shopping
Delve into Atkinson-Pryce Books, the brilliant and beautiful bookshop that’s packed to the rafters with books you never knew you wanted.
Also for sale are Moffat publisher’s Pocket Mountain guide books. Essential reading for walks in Southwest Scotland.
Join the heritage trail not least for the 450-year-old kirk (church).
Plus the town’s pretty high street is full of independent shops and welcoming cafes.
Where to get your culture fix
Biggar Museum may be small but there’s much to explore including a Victorian street and shops, and an original telephone exchange.
The actual shop has many unusual gifts and knick-knacks.
Head to the arts festival – Biggar Little Festival – in October.
Where to eat
The Olive Tree Deli has home baking and tasty cakes and also sells fancy cheese and charcuterie.
5 Kirkcudbright – the Artists’ Town
Where to get your art fix
Just about everywhere in Kirkcudbright.
But make Kirkcudbright Galleries your first stop: a stunning building full of natural light and must-see exhibitions.
And Broughton House & Garden, once home of Glasgow Boy Edward Hornel, is a treasure trove of history and art.
Better still, explore the town with an expert guide – Fiona at Kirkcudbright Art Tours – and discover more about this artists’ colony and the creatives who were attracted to it.
Where to eat
The annual food festival is on in October.
Until then eat at Feast café – home cooking with a taste of the Mediterranean using local ingredients.
6 Sanquhar
What to see
The drive to this market town is a sightseeing tour all by itself taking you through Wanlockhead (Scotland’s highest village), Leadhills (famous for its Museum of Lead Mining) and Mennock Pass, a scenic road through the Southern Uplands.
The town is renowned for its antique knitting pattern, which dates back to the 17th century.
Discover all about it at Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum.
Where to eat
A’ the Airts Community Arts Centre offers great home baking plus art and crafts to buy, including items in the Sanquhar Pattern.
And now for something a little bit different…
Go on a peaceful walkabout at nearby Crawick Multiverse.
This is a spectacular and intriguing installation of land art depicting cosmology, science and art, designed by architectural historian Charles Jencks.
It is officially recognised as being of national importance by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
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If shopping is your bag, browse Moffat’s independent shops – we have the ultimate guide.
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Photograph: courtesy of Alan Stones
