Dumfries is a town within the Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland. It is in the Solway Firth near the mouth of the River Nidd. The famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns lived in Dumfries from 1791 until his death in 1796. A commemorative statue of Burns can be seen near the site of the famous Greyfriars Church. Dumfries boasts several prominent individuals including JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan and David Coulthard, the British Formula One racing driver.
The area is known for its sandstone, and many exquisite carvings can be located within Dumfries at Greyfriars, Dumfries Academy, Midsteeple and at the Queensberry monument. In fact, there are numerous buildings in Dumfries made from the sandstone of the local Locharbriggs Quarry.
Robert Burns Centre
Dumfries is well-known for its sandstone bridges which cross the River Nidd, and by its banks is situated the Robert Burns Centre. Robert Burns spent his last years in Dumfries, and the centre’s impressive exhibition is illuminated by many of his original manuscripts. It features a haunting audio-visual presentation. In the evenings, the centre becomes a film theatre showing the best in contemporary cinema. If you are a fan of Burns, this is well worth a visit.
Transport
Dumfries is well served by many road links, including motorways such as the A47M, and can also be reached from the ferry port of Stranraer. It has its own central railway station with direct links from Carlisle. It is also linked to Glasgow Central Station and Newcastle. As you can see, Dumfries is easily accessible from many parts of the United Kingdom.
Places to Stay
Visitors can choose from a range of places to stay in Dumfries, including friendly family-run B&Bs, and guesthouses which promise home-cooked meals and cosy ambience, or some of the town’s beautiful period hotels.
Why not visit Dumfries and experience Scottish hospitality, along with many period attractions and the famous heritage of Scotland’s most celebrated poet Robert Burns?