The charming Scottish market town that was named 'happiest town' in Scotland
The former royal burgh is perfect for a family day out.
Scotland is home to many iconic destinations, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, that are popular holiday spots. However, there are also countless lesser-known locations in the country that are ideal for a quieter day out or staycation.
One Scottish destination that is under-appreciated is Dumfries. The market town and former royal burgh in Dumfries and Galloway is known as the 'Queen of the South', and was even previously crowned among the most happy destinations in the country.
As reported by the Daily Record, Dumfries was named the "happiest" town in Scotland by experts at Rightmove. It was also revealed as the second-most happy place in the country, only behind the city of Stirling.
Dumfries is situated in the south of Dumfries and Galloway, a short drive from the English border. Home to a population of around 33,000 people, it is the largest settlement in Dumfries and Galloway.
Thanks to its big size, Dumfries has a wealth of things to get up to for a day out. From outdoor activities for when the sun is shining to fascinating indoor attractions to escape the rain, visitors will have no trouble finding something to do.
One of the top things to do for the whole family is Dalscone Farm Fun, which has received VisitScotland's Five Star Visitor Attraction Award. The family adventure farm, which is located on the outskirts of town, offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
The farm is home to an 'Exotic Animal House' that opened in 2024. This features rare animal species such as porcupines, monkeys, sugar gliders, snakes, chameleons and more.
Dalscone Farm Fun also features award-winning soft play and outdoor play facilities. According to the farm's website, new attractions for 2025 include a giant castle, a climbing frame with an aerial glider, a 12-hole mini-golf course, and, bumper boats.
Elsewhere, another must-visit destination is the Dumfries Museum—which is the biggest museum in the region. It tells the story and history of the region, including everything from prehistoric fossil footprints to stone carvings and farm tools.
The highlight of Dumfries Museum, however, is its Camera Obscura. The oldest working in the world, the astronomical instrument is housed within the top level of an old windmill.
Another historic highlight of the area is Caerlaverock Castle, which can be reached from Dumfries in less than 20 minutes by car. The moated castle, which is described by Historic Environment Scotland as "the epitome of the medieval stronghold", dates back to the 13th century.
Meanwhile, Dumfries has no shortage of yummy food spots for a sit-down meal. The town also features a wide variety of pubs and bars to suit every taste.
Among the top food and drink venues in Dumfries is The Globe Inn, which dates back to the 17th century and is said to have been a favourite of Robert Burns himself. The historic restaurant and bar serves up dishes such as fillet of beef with mushroom tartelette, hash brown, and Louis Du Vin and guineafowl and lobster roulade with polenta, beetroot, and sauce Américaine.
Elsewhere, Casa Mia Dumfries is another popular eatery. The stylish restaurant specialises in modern European cuisine, with dishes like Tagliatelle Aglio e olio fruitti di mare, pan seared duck breast, and baked monkfish and scallop thermidor.
For lighter bites and lunches, The Station Cafe Dumfries is a local favourite. The café offers hot and cold drinks, as well as rolls, sandwiches, and more.
More information about things to see and do around Dumfries can be found on the VisitScotland website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
34 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature Five fabulous homes have been the most popular online, from a castle to a London mega mansion to a wonderful Welsh abode - with something quite unexpected in one of the rooms Rightmove's most viewed home so far in 2025 is in Wales (Image: Rightmove ) So many people enjoy rummaging around looking at unusual and dream homes on the numerous online property portals - even if they're not interested in finding a new place to live. Rightmove, the UK's largest property platform, has revealed five of the most viewed homes in Great Britain so far this year and a historic gem in Wales has hit the number one spot as the most popular home to have an online tour around. Rightmove says of this amazing Welsh house in Conwy, north Wales that has grabbed the number one spot: 'One of the standout properties this year features a truly unique bathroom centrepiece, a stiletto-shaped bathtub. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This is Wales' best place to live in 2025 Years of careful restoration has ensured this historic house will thrive through the next century (Image: Rightmove ) Article continues below This intriguing Grade II listed residence, situated within the walled section of Conwy town, is just a short walk from the impressive castle and historic quayside. Described by estate agents Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno, as a most fascinating and intriguing Grade II* Listed residence, it appears that visitors to Rightmove in the first six months of 2025 agreed. The original single-storey house was dendrochronologically dated to the winter of 1441-42, and since then it has retained its overall 16th century form with 18th century additions and alteration. Each room is packed with historic character (Image: Rightmove ) The house was listed by Cadw in 1950 'as one of the few surviving pre-Georgian buildings in the town centre, retaining its overall C16 form with C18 addition and alteration, and for its group value within the historical townscape'. The listing states that the house as seen today is predominantly dated 1589 and built by John Birchdall, vicar of Conwy 1569-1607 and his initials, and those of his wife, Elizabeth, are on a stone tablet within the property. But, step back in time 17 years and the house did not look like the dream home it is today - between 2008 and 2015, the property was completely and comprehensively gutted and renovated with full Listed Building and planning consents by the present owner. On the market with Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno for £875,000 (Image: Rightmove ) The sympathetic and careful revival of this important Welsh slice of history was a substantial undertaking and the result is a breathtaking home that combines restored history with modern additions. Of course, the addition of a bath the shape of a stiletto shoe would have grabbed people's imagination but it is the revival of this historic gem so that it doesn't just survive but thrives long into the future that's the most important element of the home that should be its most celebrated aspect. Mesmerising bathroom with stiletto shoe shaped bath (Image: Rightmove ) Complementing the interior is a gem of a walled garden located to the rear, a welcome surprise considering its central position within the town. The furthest boundary wall is in fact a section of original town wall whereby wide steps lead up to its uppermost section from where there are superb views of Conwy quay and estuary with its numerous sailing vessels with the outline of Deganwy Vardre 'Castle' on the far shoreline. The garden is integrated into Conwy's ancient town walls (Image: Rightmove ) Within the garden is an attached former bakehouse outbuilding which functions today as a garage, having a high-pitched ceiling and original inglenook fireplace plus toilet facilities. Inside, the house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, a kitchen and oodles of amazing character thanks to the diligence and care afforded to it by the current owner. A restored historic church in Bradford priced £1,395,000 on the market with Bronte Estates (Image: rightmove ) Also amongst the most viewed properties on Rightmove so far this year is a restored St. Paul's church built in 1846, located in the village of Denholme. This Grade II listed building has open plan living, arched windows, a spiral staircase, and the original bell tower. And there is a magnificent country estate, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At its heart lies a historic 14th-century Grade I listed castle and an East Wing that has successfully operated as a wedding venue. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here A historic haven in the Yorkshire Dales near Ripley for sale for £21,000,000 with Carter Jonas (Image: rightmove ) Situated on a secluded plot in the heart of Caldy, is a luxurious modern mega-mansion which spans over 12,000 square feet and offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a leisure complex and also caught the eye of people online dreaming about living like a footballer or celebrity in this high value area of The Wirral. A luxurious modern mega-mansion in Caldy priced £4,500,000 on the market with Bradshaw Farnham & Lea (Image: rightmove ) A striking stucco-fronted home, unfolding across five floors and measuring 21,659 square feet is another most viewed property on Rightmove this year. Set in the heart of St. John's Wood on the prestigious Avenue Road, the property features interior design by the internationally renowned David Linley, characterised by its Art Deco finish. Art deco elegance in St. John's Wood, London one of the most expensive houses for sale priced £59,950,000 and on with Sotheby's (Image: rightmove ) Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: 'From a stiletto-shaped bathtub abode in Conwy to a restored historic church in Bradford, this year's most viewed homes so far on Rightmove highlight the unique charm and diversity of the UK housing market. "With the UK's largest choice of homes, there's a home to meet any unique requirement on Rightmove, from historic estates to modern mega-mansions. It's no wonder that home seekers spent over 16.4 billion minutes on our platform last year, exploring these incredible properties' Find your a property for sale with a lush bathroom too: Article continues below
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
In-demand coastal town is 'perpetual holiday' with miles of sandy beaches
Bournemouth has been named the most in-demand coastal location for buyers, with its stunning natural beauty, extensive green spaces, and appealing property market all contributing to its popularity Bournemouth, the charming coastal town situated on England's southern coast, has recently experienced a significant increase in popularity among property buyers. The latest figures from Rightmove reveal that Bournemouth has become the most sought-after seaside location for purchasers, a trend fuelled by its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant green spaces and attractive housing market. Bournemouth presents a unique mix of attractions that make it an irresistible choice for potential homeowners. The town is home to seven miles of stunning sandy beaches, ideal for a variety of activities from sunbathing to water sports. These beaches, along with 2,000 acres of green space, offer a perfect equilibrium between coastal and city living. Adding to its allure, Bournemouth is conveniently located near the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, historical importance, and natural splendour. This close proximity allows inhabitants to experience the best of both worlds: the serenity of seaside living and the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes. Bournemouth's property market has witnessed substantial growth over the past five years. The average asking price for properties in 2024 stands at £360,298, representing a 22% increase since 2019. The surge in property values is a clear indicator of the surging demand and Bournemouth's escalating allure. The town is becoming increasingly sought-after due to several enticing attributes. With its stunning beaches and lush parks, Bournemouth offers an abundance of outdoor leisure activities and spots for unwinding, reports the Express. Its vibrant cultural landscape is dotted with festivals, theatres, and a selection of eateries, contributing to an enriched living experience. Excellent transport links mean Bournemouth is well-placed for those wishing to commute to metropolises like London. Educational institutions, including highly-regarded schools and Bournemouth University, increase the town's attraction for families. Locals have voiced their joy over the area's burgeoning popularity. On Trip Advisor, an enthused resident remarked: "Living here feels like being on a perpetual holiday. The community is welcoming, and there's always something to do. The rising property values are a testament to how wonderful this place is." Bournemouth's rising fame as a residential hotspot augurs well for its economic prosperity, with potential upticks in investment and tourism. Yet, this popularity boom poses hurdles, notably in ensuring growth is handled responsibly and the town's scenic charm is preserved. In spite of these challenges, the outlook for Bournemouth remains promising as it cements its status as one of the UK's most coveted living destinations.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Airbnb responds to tourists' 'go home' chants at huge protest in Majorca
Airbnb has responded after thousands of protesters across the Balearic Islands took to the streets to demand an end to the disastrous effects of mass tourism After thousands of angry residents marched across the Balearic Islands in large-scale protests to call for action against the detrimental impacts of mass tourism, short-term rental giant Airbnb has issued a response. During Sunday's demonstrations, participants pointed fingers at holiday rentals, like Airbnb, accusing them of contributing to a marked rise in local rent costs, which soared by as much as a third within a year in some parts of the Balearics. But with overtourism affecting everything in Spain from local healthcare services to traffic congestion, some amongst the Majorcan protesters just wanted to chant at people in cafes and bars, "Tourists go home." Palma witnessed a huge turnout for the protest on Sunday, with tourists caught up in cafes while indignant Majorcans brandished signs pleading for an end to the influx of cruise ships and planes that delivered 15 million visitors to their shores last year. Police, at times, had to intervene to prevent incensed demonstrators from disrupting diners enjoying their evening meals. Theo Yedinsky, Airbnb's Vice President of Public Policy, expressed his view that the outrage shown by protesters was mistakenly directed, indicating that local authorities have neglected fundamental issues in housing construction and availability, while overlooking the 'overwhelming impact' of hotels on promoting mass tourism. Yedinsky commented: "If cities are serious about easing overtourism, they must address the overwhelming impact of hotels. Hotels have driven 75 per cent of the increase in guest nights in Europe's top ten most visited cities between 2021 and 2023, accounting for almost 80 per cent of total nights across the bloc in 2023 and 2024." An Airbnb executive went on to accuse hotels of being partly responsible for the soaring rental costs that locals at popular Spanish holiday destinations face, citing a lack of new housing construction and an overemphasis on hospitality sector expansion. He stated: "Europe needs more homes - not hotels - yet cities are building more hotels as the construction of housing in the region nears a decade low." The current situation is leading some residents to move back in with their parents or leave as neighbourhoods change character due to incoming visitors. Expressing discontent, one local resident disclosed to the Mail: "I'm protesting because I don't want 80 per cent of my money to go on rent. I don't want to be forced to speak only English or German in my apartment block." Continuing, the resident added: "I don't want my friends to have to go to the mainland when they have children just to be able to afford a dignified life, a lot of us are fed up." Local authorities immediately criticised the protest which inconvenienced tourists on Sunday evening. Government spokesperson Toni Costa responded by saying: "The Balearic government condemns and rejects the minority that insulted tourists,". Officials have reported that a "minority" engaged in offensive behaviour aimed at spoiling the experience of holidaymakers, stating: "This type of behaviour by a minority is not acceptable." Protesters are calling for measures to decrease the influx of tourists to the Balearic Islands, where last year, visitors outnumbered locals 14 to 1. On Sunday, demonstrators brandished placards with messages such as "mass tourism kills the city" and "their greed brings us ruin".
