Holiday Parks in Dumfries-shire

Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway, a hidden gem in Scotland's lowlands ripe for family adventures. Here, you can explore the rugged coastline, wander through enchanting forests, and encounter wildlife at the Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park. Foodies will relish the fresh, local produce – think succulent seafood and creamy dairy treats. For thrill-seekers, Mabie Farm Park offers a day of fun, or you can tackle the 7stanes mountain biking trails. Did you know this region inspired the famous poet Robert Burns? Opting for a holiday park stay means quality family time with all the comforts of home, plus the excitement of on-site activities and entertainment.

Have You Discovered UK Holiday Parks?

These self-contained resorts offer caravans, lodges, and sometimes tents or glamping pods. You can enjoy a range of facilities including swimming pools, entertainment venues, kids' clubs, and restaurants. They're designed for families looking for a break where everything is on your doorstep!

Holiday parks offer more space and freedom than hotels, such as separate bedrooms, living areas, and your own outdoor space. With the added bonus of on-site amenities and entertainment. They're self-catering too, saving money on dining out.

Going for a UK holiday park means you can forget about stressful airports, and luggage restrictions, and you can pack the car with as many of your home comforts as you like. Plus, you're contributing to the local economy and reducing your carbon footprint.

Why Take Your 2024 Family Holiday Park Break in Dumfries Shire?

Dumfries Shire, a region steeped in lore with connections to Robert Burns and ancient castles, offers a blend of culture and countryside. It's a place where the past meets outdoor fun, making it a captivating destination for families.

In 2024, look out for the Big Burns Supper festival, celebrating Scotland's national poet with music, theatre, and comedy. Holiday parks here provide a different experience from hotels, offering a sense of community and connection to nature.

What's unique? Dumfries Shire boasts the UK's first Dark Sky Park, where families can gaze at the stars unspoiled by city lights.

If you're visiting Dumfries Shire with kids

Absolutely, Dumfries Shire is a hit for kids! With adventure parks like Mabie Farm Park offering hands-on animal experiences and outdoor play, there's no shortage of fun.

Holiday parks in the UK, especially in Dumfries Shire, cater to families with kids clubs, entertainment, and safe environments for play. They're a one-stop shop for family fun.

1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
2. Waterproof clothing – the weather can be unpredictable
3. Sunscreen and hats for sunny days
4. Swimwear for pool days
5. Binoculars for wildlife spotting
6. Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
7. First-aid kit for any little scrapes
8. Favorite toys or games for downtime
9. Snacks for day trips
10. Travel cot or portable bed rails if needed

Pet Friendly Dumfries Shire Adventures

Dumfries Shire is a haven for pets, with vast open spaces to roam. You'll find pet-friendly establishments like The Ship Inn and Cavens Country House, where your furry friends are welcome.

Remember to bring a lead, food, and water bowls, and perhaps a doggy jacket for cooler days. Check ahead for any pet-specific rules at attractions.

Dog walking ideas in Dumfries Shire

Route	Distance (miles)	Scenery	Postcode
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre	Variable	Wetlands/Birdlife	DG1 4RS
Forest of Ae	Up to 9	Woodland	DG1 1QB
Galloway Forest Park	Various	Forest/Dark Sky	Various
Rockcliffe Trail	3	Coastal	DG5 4QG
Moffat Hills	Various	Hills/Valleys	Various

Dining at the park, or heading out

Many holiday parks have on-site restaurants, offering convenience after a day of adventure. Local cuisine includes traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and fresh seafood.

For a family-friendly pub, try The Steamboat Inn. Couples might enjoy a more intimate setting at Truffles Bistro.

Outdoor Family Adventures

Dumfries Shire is home to outdoor centres like Galloway Activity Centre, offering sailing, archery, and even laser tag. Prices vary, with family packages available, and seasonal opening times typically align with school holidays.

Nearby shopping

Name	Type	On Offer	Postcode
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village	Shopping Centre	Discounted Brands	DG16 5GG
Dumfries Farmers Market	Local Produce	Fresh Food/Gifts	DG1 2RQ
Thornhill Boutiques	Independent Shops	Unique Finds	DG3 5LZ
Stranraer Marina	Waterfront Shops	Maritime Goods	DG9 7RD
Lockerbie Artisans	Artisan Market	Handcrafted Items	DG11 2ES

Top Parks for 2024 in Dumfries Shire

Sandy Shores Holiday Village, Dumfries and Galloway

Driving Distance: 40 minutes (25 miles) | Sleeps: up to 8 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Sandy Shores Holiday Village is a coastal haven with direct beach access, offering a range of luxurious lodges and static caravans, an indoor pool complex, and a bustling entertainment programme. Set amidst the stunning Dumfries and Galloway countryside, it's an ideal retreat for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

For the kids - Children will be thrilled with the park's adventure playground, mini-golf course, and the indoor soft play area. The park also runs a kids' club with a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and sports competitions to keep the little ones engaged.

What's on-site? The holiday village boasts a family-friendly bar and restaurant offering delicious meals, a convenience store for all your essentials, and a luxury spa for the adults to unwind. The highlight is the indoor pool complex with a heated pool, slides, and a dedicated toddler splash zone.

What's nearby? The nearby Mabie Farm Park, a 20-minute drive away, offers fun for the whole family with its petting zoo and play areas. Entry costs around £8 per person. For a cultural outing, Sweetheart Abbey is just a 30-minute drive and provides a glimpse into Scotland's rich history.

Accommodation options: Accommodation ranges from cosy caravans perfect for couples to spacious lodges that can accommodate larger families or groups. Many options are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in the fun.

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Forest Glades Retreat, Dumfries and Galloway

Driving Distance: 50 minutes (30 miles) | Sleeps: up to 6 | Pet friendly? No

About this park: Forest Glades Retreat is nestled within a lush woodland setting, offering serene lodge accommodations with hot tubs, an on-site nature trail, and a dedicated entertainment team providing nightly shows and activities.

For the kids - The retreat features a children's play area, an interactive wildlife centre where kids can learn about local fauna, and organised nature walks. During school holidays, special workshops and outdoor cinema events are a big hit.

What's on-site? Guests can enjoy a restaurant with a view of the woodlands, a cosy pub for evening relaxation, and a well-stocked shop. The outdoor heated pool is a summer favourite, and the retreat also offers bike hire to explore the surrounding trails.

What's nearby? The Galloway Activity Centre, a 25-minute drive, offers outdoor pursuits like sailing and archery, with prices starting from £10. Drumlanrig Castle, 40 minutes away by car, provides a historical day out with beautiful gardens to explore.

Accommodation options: The retreat specialises in luxury lodges, some with private hot tubs, ideal for couples or small families. While pets are not allowed, the focus here is on tranquillity and immersion in nature.

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Lakeside Leisure Park, Dumfries and Galloway

Driving Distance: 35 minutes (22 miles) | Sleeps: up to 10 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Lakeside Leisure Park is a family-oriented park with a stunning lake for fishing and boating, an array of high-quality static caravans and glamping pods, and an entertainment complex with live shows and themed nights.

For the kids - The park offers a bustling activity programme with water sports on the lake, a climbing wall, and an outdoor adventure playground. The kids' club provides a range of activities from nature crafts to sports tournaments.

What's on-site? The on-site amenities include a restaurant with lakeside views, a traditional pub, and a café for lighter bites. The indoor swimming pool has a family-friendly design with a separate paddling area for toddlers.

What's nearby? The nearby Dino Park, just a 15-minute drive, is a prehistoric adventure with life-sized dinosaur models, costing around £7 per person. Caerlaverock Castle, 30 minutes away, offers a historical experience with interactive exhibits.

Accommodation options: The park offers a variety of accommodation, from comfortable caravans to luxury glamping pods, catering to couples, families, and larger groups. Many options are pet-friendly, ensuring no family member is left behind.

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Bayview Breeze Resort, Dumfries and Galloway

Driving Distance: 45 minutes (28 miles) | Sleeps: up to 8 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Bayview Breeze Resort is a seaside escape with a selection of modern holiday homes, an outdoor splash zone, and direct access to a sandy beach, complemented by a full schedule of family entertainment and activities.

For the kids - The resort has a dedicated team organising beach games, a children's club with craft sessions and discos, and an outdoor playground. The splash zone is a summer highlight for all ages.

What's on-site? Dining options include a seafront restaurant, a takeaway for easy meals, and a convenience store. The resort also features an outdoor pool with stunning sea views and a modern gym for fitness enthusiasts.

What's nearby? Cream o' Galloway, a 20-minute drive, is a visitor centre with ice cream making workshops and adventure play areas, entry costs around £6. Threave Castle, a 50-minute drive, offers boat trips to the island fortress.

Accommodation options: Bayview Breeze Resort provides a range of stylish caravans and holiday homes suitable for families, groups, and couples. Pet-friendly options are available so that everyone can enjoy the beachside location.

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Family Days Out In Dumfries Shire

Dumfries Shire, or Dumfries and Galloway as it's often called, is a gem for families looking for a break. If you're staying at one of the holiday parks in Dumfries Shire, you're in for a treat with these attractions.

Mabie Farm Park

• Opening Times: 10am - 5pm daily
• Prices: Adults £8.50, Children £7.50
• Postcode: DG2 8EZ
• Est. time required: 3-4 hours
• Nearest parking: Onsite

Mabie Farm Park is a blast for kids and adults alike. It's not just a petting zoo; it's an adventure with quad bikes, grass sledging, and a boating pond. They've recently added a new indoor play area, perfect for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Hit it up during the week if you can to avoid the weekend rush.

Phone number: 01387 259669 | Web: mabiefarmpark.co.uk

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Dino Park

• Opening Times: 10am - 5pm daily
• Prices: Adults £5.95, Children £4.95
• Postcode: DG1 4JX
• Est. time required: 2-3 hours
• Nearest parking: Onsite

Dino Park is a prehistoric playground that'll thrill your little paleontologists. With life-sized dinosaurs that roar and move, it's like stepping back in time. Don't miss the Dino Mine and the Dino Dig where kids can unearth fossils. Weekdays are quieter, so plan accordingly.

Web: dinopark.co.uk

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Drumlanrig Castle

• Opening Times: Varies seasonally, check website
• Prices: Castle & Gardens: Adults £12, Children £6
• Postcode: DG3 4AQ
• Est. time required: Half a day
• Nearest parking: Onsite

Drumlanrig Castle is a stately home with stunning gardens and a playground for the kids. The castle's art collection is impressive, featuring works by Rembrandt and da Vinci. The new Adventure Playground is a hit with families. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning.

Phone number: 01848 331555 | Web: drumlanrigcastle.co.uk

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Caerlaverock Castle

• Opening Times: 10am - 4pm daily
• Prices: Adults £6.00, Children £3.60
• Postcode: DG1 4RU
• Est. time required: 2 hours
• Nearest parking: Onsite

Caerlaverock Castle is a medieval fortress with a moat, twin-towered gatehouse, and imposing battlements. It's a great spot for families to explore Scottish history. The castle also has a nature trail and a children's adventure park. To beat the crowds, get there early.

Phone number: 01387 770244 | Web: historicenvironment.scot

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Cream o' Galloway

• Opening Times: 10am - 5pm daily
• Prices: Play Areas: Adults Free, Children £6.50
• Postcode: DG7 2DR
• Est. time required: 2-4 hours
• Nearest parking: Onsite

Cream o' Galloway is a delight for ice cream lovers and adventure seekers. There's a fantastic play area for kids and delicious ice cream made on-site. They've got a new Sky Trail for the brave. It's less busy on weekday afternoons, so that's a good time to drop by.

Phone number: 01557 814040 | Web: creamogalloway.co.uk

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The Cocoa Bean Company

• Opening Times: 9am - 5pm daily
• Prices: Chocolate Workshops: Adults £2.50, Children £7.50
• Postcode: DG6 4NP
• Est. time required: 1-2 hours for workshop
• Nearest parking: Onsite

The Cocoa Bean Company is a chocolate factory with interactive workshops for kids. They can make their own chocolate creations to take home. There's also a massive indoor play area. The workshops can get booked up, so reserve your spot online in advance.

Phone number: 01557 860608 | Web: thecocoabeancompany.com

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When you're planning your next family getaway, consider the variety and excitement of holiday parks in Dumfries Shire. With these six attractions, you're guaranteed a memorable time filled with adventure, history, and, of course, delicious treats!

FAQs

This is our first stay on a holiday park, what will it be like?

Expect a laid-back vibe with plenty of activities for the kids. Holiday parks like Sandyhills Bay Holiday Park offer a mix of outdoor fun and cosy accommodation. You'll find play areas, nature trails, and often a clubhouse for evening entertainment. It's like a community - everyone's there to relax and enjoy, so you can mingle or stick to your family bubble.

What should I pack when visiting Dumfries Shire?

Pack for the unpredictable UK weather – bring layers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes for exploring. Don't forget swimwear for pool days at parks like Queensberry Bay Holiday Park & Spa. Essentials like towels and toiletries are a must, and maybe some board games for cosy nights in your caravan or lodge.

Is Dumfries Shire a good place to visit ‘off-season’?

Absolutely! Dumfries Shire is quieter but just as charming off-season. You'll enjoy brisk walks along the Solway Coast without the crowds. Plus, holiday parks like Brighouse Bay Holiday Park offer year-round facilities, making it a great time to snag a deal and enjoy the tranquillity.

Will my hot tub be cleaned before we arrive?

Yes, your hot tub will be sparkling clean. Parks like Kippford Holiday Park ensure a thorough clean and water change between guests. They follow strict hygiene protocols, so you can soak away stress with peace of mind.

Can we bring our pets to the holiday park?

Many holiday parks in Dumfries Shire are pet-friendly, like Three Lochs Holiday Park. They understand that pets are part of the family. Just check the park's policy before booking, as some may charge a small fee or have designated pet-friendly units.

How do we book activities, and do they need to be booked in advance?

It's wise to book in advance, especially during peak times. Parks like Whitecairn Holiday Park offer online booking for activities. For spontaneous plans, check with the reception upon arrival, but know that popular activities can fill up fast.

Are there any discounts for local attractions when staying at a holiday park?

Yes, often holiday parks have partnerships with local attractions and can offer discounted tickets. Ask at the park reception for any current deals. For example, staying at Laggan Outdoor might get you a deal on their zip wire or Segway tours.

What dining options will we have on-site and nearby?

Most parks have on-site eateries ranging from cafes to restaurants. For example, Castle Point Caravan Site is close to local pubs serving hearty meals. Plus, Dumfries Shire has lovely local produce, so you can cook up a storm in your self-catering accommodation.

Is there Wi-Fi available, and is it free?

Wi-Fi availability varies. Some parks offer free Wi-Fi in communal areas, while others might charge or provide it only in premium accommodations. For instance, Mouswald Lodge Park provides free Wi-Fi, ensuring you can stay connected or plan your next day's adventure.

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