In the heart of the Urr Valley, you’ll find where Dalbeattie lies, the Granite Town of Scotland. This curious town is close to Dumfries and a hotspot for attractions, and any visit will make you realise there are many things to do in Dalbeattie!
Dalbeattie was established in the 1790s and has been a prominent exporter of Dalbeattie granite to places like the Thames Embankment and British lighthouses, with the most famous use being the Eddystone Lighthouse. Today, it’s a great location from which you can start exploring the Colvend Coast and its many attractions.
Things to Do in Dalbeattie
The town of Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway is a prime holiday destination perfect for lovers of the outdoors.
Around Dalbeattie, you can enjoy scenic views as you partake in the region’s hiking trails – with opportunities to go fishing, golfing, mountain biking, and much more!
You don’t have to leave Dalbeattie to have a good time as the town has many attractions like the Dalbeattie Museum, Birchvale Theatre, and a host of excellent cafes and restaurants.
See our guide for the top Things to do in Dalbeattie.
Colliston Park
Colliston Park has all the amenities you’d love a park to have and more!
There’s a putting green, football pitch, tennis court, and even a boating lake. You’ll hear locals say that a warm weekend day isn’t complete with some time spent at Colliston Park, so why should your holiday be different?
7 Stanes – Dalbeattie
7 Stanes are famous for their mountain biking trails that show off Scotland’s natural beauty, and 7 Stanes in Dalbeattie is no exception.
Their award-winning trails are adrenaline-pumping and thrilling to ride, and the courses cater to beginners, intermediate, and expert mountain bikers.
Dalbeattie Forest Town Wood
One of the best ways to get a taste of what you can expect in Dalbeattie is by exploring the Dalbeattie Forest Town Wood.
The Wood offers three trails: one that takes you through the towering birch trees, one along the town’s loch, and one that introduces you to the granite quarrying mine that gave the town its fame.
Orchardton Tower
The Orchardton Tower is a unique free-standing, rounded tower once used as a fortified residence for John Cairns.
John Cairns built this unique structure 200 years after the rounded tower design went out of fashion, making it a retro attraction even when it was built!
You’ll also be treated to stunning views of the surrounding area from atop the hill Orchardton Tower stands on – what more could you ask for?
Threave House & Garden
Horticulturists will love Threave House & Garden – a Garden of Eden in Scotland.
The garden is an immersive journey into the many horticulutral designs that were once taught at Threave House. The Gardens are divided into different areas, each displaying a stunning array of arranging and gardening.
Plantain Loch
One of the best places to spend a peaceful moment in Dalbeattie is the Plantain Loch, which sits just south of the city.
Dog-walkers and recreational runners are spoilt with excellent views at this loch. Scottish wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes out for red squirrels and deer that pop by Plantain Loch!
Dalbeattie Museum Trust
Museums hold the key to the history and knowledge of a town, and at Dalbeattie Museum Trust, you can also learn about some fantastic attractions.
The museum has a little bit of everything and is maintained by a dedicated set of volunteers who are also excellent guides of the many artefacts, exhibits, and tomes here.
Check out their website for further information.
Edingham Castle
Edingham Castle is a fair bit difficult to reach, but a fascinating look into the history of Dalbeattie.
Make sure to come prepared, as the trek to Edingham Castle requires carving a path through nettles and bushes to reach. Once there, you can bear witness to a remarkably intact 16th-century tower house, said to have been built for the Livingstones of Little Airds.
Sandyhills Beach
Home to eagles, rabbits, and other seabirds, Sandyhills Beach, is a lovely, clean attraction that sits on the south coast of the region.
It’s one of the best beach picnic spots in the area, and its shallow waters are perfect for paddle-boarding or bathing in the Scottish summer.
Drumcoltran Tower
This tower once belongs to a 1500s local lord, but now its well-preserved structure offers a great look into Medieval Scotland.
The Drumcoltran Tower is entirely yours to explore while you’re there, including entering and climbing to the top of the tower house – one of few buildings to let you do so! From the top of the tower, you’re granted exceptional countryside views.
Carlingwark Loch
Head west along the A745 west from Dalbeattie, and you’re sure to reach Carlingwark Loch.
This shallow loch is a popular walking trail for tourists and locals, with gorgeous views of wildlife and the nearby town of Douglas.
Castle Point
Head along the southern tip of Castle Point for some of the best views of the Irish Sea.
It’s a beautiful scenic spot, and besides the Irish Sea, the views of the coastline and spectacular beaches are more than enough to make a trip to Castle Point a worthy attraction to add to your to-do list.
Castle Douglas
This nearby town is a great place to explore if you want to see more of Dumfries & Galloway.
Castle Douglas is a market town home to a wide variety of fresh produce and excellent food and drinks. It’s a fantastic place on the west side of Dalbeattie to stock up and get the best of Scottish cuisine as you travel in the area.
Bainloch Deer Park
If you’re travelling from Dalbeattie to Sandyhills, add Bainloch Deer Park to your to-do list!
At this Deer Park, you can find the friendliest deers of Scotland in a truly magical experience unlike any other. Meet the red deer – Britain’s largest mammal.
Mote Mark
Mote Mark is a 5th-century stronghold with beautiful views and steeped in history.
Getting here is also a real treat, with a quaint 20-minute walk to the historic location. Mote Mark is an attraction for outdoorsy folk who want something to see as they explore this portion of south-west Scotland.
Mabie Farm Park
Mabie Farm Park is a perfect day out in Dalbeattie and is a great spot to take your children!
Not only does Mabie Farm Park have fun activities that will excite and delight, like slides, play pits, and bouncy castles, but the Farm Park is also home to farmyard animals that you can feed and pet.
Caerlaverock Castle
Head east from Dalbeattie, and you’ll likely come across the magnificent Caerlaverock Castle.
This stunning castle sits in the middle of the moat, and while there is currently no access to the castle due to masonry work, this may not be the same when you next check out Dalbeattie.
Explore Dalbeattie Town Centre
This town grew as granite exported from Dalbeattie went to other regions of Scotland and Southern England. The architecture in Dalbeattie is quite spectacular, and buildings like the town hall and others were built with local granite.
Otherwise, the high street offers an excellent selection of shops and stores to try proper Scottish cuisine.
Douglas Mausoleum
Near the Threave Estate, you can stop and enjoy the Douglas Mausoleum as you pass by.
The Douglas Mausoleum was built in 1820 by William Douglas of Orchardton for his father. 25 other people are interred here, including the founder of Castle Douglas!
Almoreness Point
This beach sits just opposite Castle Point and is a popular beach attraction for tourists.
Its beautiful and peaceful atmosphere is just what a summer holiday in Scotland deserves, so pack your sunscreen, beach towel, and picnic snacks if you intend to check out this attraction near Dalbeattie.
Kirkgunzeon Canines
Taking a dog with you on holiday? They’ll love the Kirkgunzeon Canines facility!
This facility is excellent for dogs who have trouble playing or being walked with leads or around other dogs. You can book a session and treat your pup to stress-free fun as you continue your journey through Scotland.
Urr Water
The slow, meandering waters of the Urr Water are a common sight as you explore the area of Dumfries & Galloway.
The water is home to many animal species, including otters! Sitting alongside the Urr Water and enjoying the sights and sounds as it meanders is one of the most relaxing things to do during your holiday.
Heart Stone
One of the most famous sites near Dalbeattie is the Heart Stane!
This heart-shaped stone is accessible after a brief walk from the north side of Dalbeattie and is perfect for pictures. The Heart Stane is like the Hollywood sign of Dalbeattie, so make sure to set aside some time and see this fantastic attraction.
Mares Braids Waterfall
The Mares Braids Waterfall is a hidden gem in the nearby town of Sandyhill.
The stroll to reach the waterfall is enriching, with many beautiful natural structures you can enjoy as you head the falls. Mare Braids is entrancing to watch, and its waters are even more beautiful after the rain.
Other Things To Do in Dumfries & Galloway
- Things to do in Castle Douglas
- Things to do in Dumfries
- Things to do in Gretna
- Things to do in Kirkcudbright
- Things to do in Lockerbie
- Things to do in Moffat
- Things to do in Newton Stewart
- Things to do in Stranraer
