The south of Scotland is our country’s biggest secret. Not only is it packed with stately homes, castles and ruins, it’s also a hub for outdoor activities, luxury hotels and the most incredible shoreline and beaches.
All good vacations start with poetry, right? And the best place to learn more about our national bard, Robert Burns, is his birthplace, Alloway. There you can visit his humble childhood cottage and view his original manuscripts in the nearby Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, before following in Tam O’Shanter’s footsteps at Alloway Auld Kirk and the beautiful Brig O’Doon.
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is a natural playground full of outdoor adventure and geological wonders. It’s also home to the magnificent Culzean Castle which sits high on the Ayrshire cliffs, a stretch of coast peppered with caves and sandy beaches. Allow plenty of time to explore the castle and over 120 hectares of woodland, gardens and secret follies. (Top tip: it’s pronounced ‘Cull-ane’!)
If you’re keen on stargazing and astronomy, definitely visit the Galloway International Dark Sky Park. The area enjoys incredibly low light pollution levels and, on a clear night, the bright band of the Milky Way and over 7000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye.
It may have the shortest place name in the UK but the Forest of Ae is actually one of the largest forests in the country and its many walking routes, mountain biking and horse riding trails and picnic spots make it the perfect place to relax.
In the remote fishing village of St Abbs in the Scottish Borders, quaint fishermen’s cottages tumble down to the stunning harbour surrounded by jagged cliffs. Sea angling, sub-aqua diving, bird-watching and regular sightseeing boat trips run from the harbour and nearby Coldingham Bay is a fine sandy beach, perfect for surfing.
Gretna Green is a village in Dumfries and Galloway synonymous with weddings, especially elopements. Historically, if an English couple faced objection to their marriage or if they were not old enough to be married at home, they might run away to Scotland to be wed instead. Gretna Green was the first settlement over the border and our marriage laws are a lot less restrictive! The tradition of being married by a blacksmith ‘over the anvil’ still endures and a staggering one in six Scottish weddings takes place in Gretna every year.
Gretna is just one of many places you could choose to be married in the South of Scotland including all the places featured in this article. Have a look at our guide to How to Get Married in Scotland and start planning your wedding today. For some real life inspiration, have a look at Kirsten and Ross’s amazing GG’s Yard wedding here.
Thinking of spending some time in the south of Scotland? VisitScotland has inspiration, information and useful guides to help you plan your stay.
