Dumfries tourist information

The historic and bustling town of Dumfries is the largest in the Dumfries and Galloway area, and known for its fine buildings and proud association with the poet Robert Burns.

This market town has medieval origins, but most of the attractive houses and civic buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Midsteeple, once a meeting place and prison, and the Dumfries Academy. The lovely stone Devorgilla Bridge which spans the River Nith is older, dating from the 17th century and built on the foundations of earlier structures. Dumfries is a pleasant place to stroll and shop and its local nickname of The Queen of the South is a deserved one.

Robert Burns, arguably Scotland's most loved poet, moved to Ellisland Farm near Dumfries in 1788. He also trained as an Excise Officer, moving to Dumfries to pursue this career in 1791. It was at this time he wrote some of his most enduring works, such as Tam O'Shanter. He obviously found time for some relaxation in between times, and described the as Globe Inn in Dumfries as his favourite pub, still open for business today. This however probably contributed to his failing health, and he died at the young age of 37 in 1796. Visitors to Dumfries today can see the house where he lived, exhibitions at the Robert Burns Centre, and the Burns Mausoleum in St Michael's Church where he was laid to rest.

Dumfries has several other museums that are also well worth a visit. The Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura is an excellent local museum in an old windmill, with a working image projector dating from 1836 which gives a unique view over the surrounding area. There are also museums dedicated to aviation the history of costume.

Just to the south are the stunning ruins of Caerlaverock Castle set in a fairytale moat, and beautiful ruined Sweetheart Abbey.