Staycation Inspiration

15 Fun Things to Do in Dumfries and Galloway

Amy Hazlehurst | August 13, 2025 | Updated on November 18, 2025

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One of the most varied and beautiful holiday regions

From family attractions to world-class mountain biking, Dumfries and Galloway is one of Scotland’s most varied and beautiful holiday regions. Staying at Marthrown of Mabie, right in the heart of Mabie Forest, puts you minutes from incredible scenery, wildlife, and adventures.

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in the local area, all within easy reach of your glamping yurt, cottage, or campsite pitch.

Explore Mabie Forest

Just south of Dumfries, Mabie Forest offers peaceful trails, wildlife, and panoramic views across the Solway Firth to the Lake District Fells in one direction and the Moffat Hills in the other.

  • Walking routes for all abilities
  • Picnic spots and children’s play area
  • Sunrise views for early risers
  • Home to the famous 7Stanes mountain biking trails

Ride the 7Stanes Mabie Mountain Bike Trails

Mabie is a legend in Scottish mountain biking, with roots going back to the early 1990s. Today, the 7Stanes trails offer a mix of all-weather singletrack and original natural routes.

Trail options:

  • Big Views Loop – Green, scenic and gentle
  • Woodhead Loop – Blue, flowing trails with loch views
  • Phoenix Trail – Red, technical and thrilling

Best of all, Marthrown is “ride-in, ride-out”. You can be on the trails from your front door.

Read Our Full Mountain Biking Guide
Mountain biker navigates a challenging off-road trail, kicking up dust in a forest setting.

Visit Mabie Farm Park

Nestled beneath the magnificent Mabie Forest with views over the Solway Firth, Mabie Farm Park is original farm fun that’s delightful for all ages in all types of weather!

Just a mile away, Mabie Farm Park offers farmyard fun for all ages. There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, tractor rides, animal feeding, and plenty of space to run around.

Wildlife Watching in Mabie Forest

There is an abundance of wildlife in Mabie forest. Two lochs and many small ponds, with the variety of trees around means that an amazing variety of wildlife abounds in Mabie forest:

  • Red squirrels
  • Roe deer
  • Woodpeckers and rare birds
  • Wild boar (if you’re lucky!)

Nearby, you can also visit:

Dalscone Farm Fun

Awarded VisitScotland’s 5-Star Visitor Attraction status, Dalscone is Dumfries’ premier day out for all the family! This Farm Park offers you the chance to meet animals and even give them some tasty treats:

  • Indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Farm animals to feed and meet
  • Go-karts, bumper boats, and giant sandpits
  • Bottle-feeding lambs and meeting meerkats

Galloway Activity Centre

Galloway Activity Centre occupies a stunning location on the banks of Loch Ken in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland. Their team of expert adventure instructors specialise in providing exciting and memorable days out in a safe and friendly family atmosphere.

Located on the shores of Loch Ken, this centre offers:

  • Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing
  • Climbing, zipwires, and archery
  • Instructor-led courses and family activity days

Catering for families, groups and individuals, you can choose from popular short taster sessions, full day activities, certified courses and instructor training under the professional guidance of their skilled team.

Dino Park

Step back 150 million years and discover the giants who roamed the earth.

  • Walk among life-sized dinosaurs
  • Dig for fossils
  • Explore the Dino Mine and Dino Den
  • Bounce on the dinosaur-themed play area

A great day out for all the family! Open 7 days a week

Forrest Estate Experiences

Perfect for small groups, stag or hen parties, Forrest Estate offers:

  • Clay pigeon shooting
  • Crossbow and rifle shooting
  • Fishing experiences with qualified instructors

Dumfries Town & River Walks

Dumfries, the historic market town on the River Nith, is a great day out:

Click the button below to read a fabulous blog by our good friend Graham Grieve about the plentiful activities you can do in Dumfries and the local area!

More Things To Do in Dumfries & Galloway

🚴 Cycle Touring Routes

Marthrown is a great stop-off for long-distance rides, including:

  • The Solway Coast cycle route
  • Lands End to John O’Groats (LEJOG)

We’re also centrally located for all 7Stanes trail centres:

  • Glentrool (62 Miles)
  • Kirroughtree (52 Miles)
  • Dalbeattie (17 Miles)
  • Ae (18 Miles)
  • Tweed Valley (60 Miles)
  • Newcastleton (48 Miles)
  • Drumlanrig (18 Miles)

🏖️ The Solway Coast

Take a short drive to explore the Solway Coast’s beaches and coves. Perfect for picnics, rock pooling, and kite flying with stunning coastal views.

🚶 Scenic Walks & Hikes

As well as Mabie Forest trails, try:

  • Criffel Hill – big views over the Solway
  • Galloway Forest Park – Dark Sky Park status
  • Coastal paths near Sandyhills and Rockcliffe

🛍️ Local Food & Drink

Taste the best of Dumfries & Galloway:

  • Cream o’ Galloway ice cream
  • Local craft beers and gins
  • Fresh seafood on the coast

🍫Cocoa Bean Chocolate Factory

A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, the Cocoa Bean Chocolate Factory in Twynholm is a hands-on chocolate experience perfect for families.

It’s fun, creative, and delicious and just a short drive from Marthrown of Mabie, making it a great rainy-day activity or afternoon treat stop.

🎭 Seasonal Events & Festivals

Depending on when you visit, you might catch:

Plan Your Stay in Dumfries & Galloway

From adventure activities to wildlife watching and family attractions, Dumfries and Galloway has something for everyone.

Book your stay at Marthrown of Mabie and enjoy the perfect base for exploring it all. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full week of outdoor adventures.

To enquire or book now, please contact the booking office on 01387 247900.

Marthrown of Mabie – Unique Forest Accommodation

Glamping in Scotland is becoming more and more popular, and Marthrown of Mabie is ideally located in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway. We offer an exciting mix of unique and unusual accommodation. From an authentic Iron Age Celtic Roundhouse and cosy yurts to our charming cottages, bell tent, and rustic camping area.

Whether you’re planning a group retreat, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find “Simply Something Different” here in this beautiful corner of Southern Scotland.

We can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of unique options.

Glamping yurt named Wych Elm at sunrise. Ombre light is making the door glow deep orange

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