Where to Stay in Dumfries – A Guide to the “Queen of the South”
Dumfries is a market town and former royal burgh in the western Southern Uplands of Scotland. Located near the mouth of the River Nith, Dumfries is one of the most historically rich towns in the south of the country and is famous for its historic riverside area and for being the home of Scotland’s National Bard Robert Burns. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Dumfries, Scotland.
Located around 40 km from the English border, Dumfries is one of the gateways to Scotland. Its quaint town centre is home to several local attractions that make it worth visiting. Some unmissable tourist sights in Dumfries include the Dumfries Museum, the Gracefield Arts Centre, the Robert Burns House, Robert Burns Centre and Dock Park. Most of the landmarks in Dumfries are in its beautiful historic riverside area. Find accommodation in Dumfries Historic Riverside area.
Dumfries is also one of the main gateways to explore Galloway Forest Park, an expansive natural space featuring miles of woodland, scenic hiking and biking trails, fishing areas and deer. Other interesting natural attractions around Dumfries include Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve, Saint Mary’s Loch, Tinto Hill and the Forest of Ae.
Due to its position in the Scottish Uplands, Dumfries has an oceanic climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average temperatures in January are usually between 1 and 6 ºC. On the other hand, temperatures in July are between 11 and 19 ºC. Precipitations are common throughout the year. The best time to visit Dumfries is during the summer (June through September), when the pleasant conditions are suited for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
To fly to Dumfries, the closest airport is Glasgow-Prestwick Airport (PIK). Located around 100 kilometres north of the city centre, this low cost hub offers connections to several cities in the UK, and Europe. For a wider range of destinations and airlines, Glasgow Airport (GLA), Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Newcastle International Airport (NCL) are all situated within a 140 km radius of the town.
Dumfries is well-connected to the rest of Scotland and England by train. Dumfries railway station, located near the town centre offers services to Glasgow Central, Carlisle and Newcastle. Check train and coach schedules, routes and fares.
To move around the city, Dumfries has famously been nominated for the Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood award and the town centre is compact and pretty enough to move on foot. That said, to explore the city’s outlying suburbs and the natural wonders around Dumfries, you may want to rent a car for your stay.
The best area to stay in Dumfries is the Town Centre. The central district is home to most of the town’s sights and historical attractions, shopping streets and nightlife areas. Dumfries Town Centre is also where some of the best-rated hotels are located and it offers the best transport connections. Find accommodation in Dumfries Town Centre.
Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Dumfries, Scotland.
Located just 2.6 km south of Dumfries, Holiday Inn Dumfries boasts a restaurant, a bar and a 24-hour front desk. Boasting free on-site parking and free WiFi access for all guests, Sweetheart Abbey is 13 km away and Threave Castle is a 40-minute journey by car.
The Best Areas to Stay in Dumfries, Scotland
1. Recommended area: Historic Riverside & Town Centre
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Dumfries, no other district can beat the town centre.
Dumfries’ Historic Riverside area is set on both sides of River Nith. This historic district is home to many of the most important tourist attractions in Dumfries.
Dumfries Museum is a history museum with local prehistoric exhibits and an outdoor camera obscura. The museum is open from April to September. Not far, the Robert Burns Centre, located in an 18th-century watermill by the river, tells the story of the Bard’s years in Dumfries. The house where he spent his last years is located nearby on the other side of the Nith.
Situated on the east bank of the Nith, High Street is the site of the main administrative, business and shopping buildings in town.
A few hundred metres east lies Dumfries railway station, the town’s main transport hub offering connections to Glasgow, Carlisle and Newcastle upon Tyne.
As is to be expected, the Town Centre offers the widest selection of accommodation options in Dumfries. Whether it’s luxury hotels, family-run B&Bs or tourist apartments, you’ll find it here.
We have chosen the City Centre as the best area to stay in Dumfries thanks to its perfect mix of attractions, shopping and nightlife options, and transport connections.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Dumfries, Scotland:
- Dumfries Museum
- Historical attractions
- Shopping, dining & nightlife
- Wide selection of accommodation options
- Dumfries railway station
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Best Western Station Hotel
The Station Hotel is a beautiful Victorian building only a 5-minute walk from the town centre. It still retains many original features, and offers free Wi-Fi and free parking.
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Budget
Edenbank Hotel
Edenbank Hotel features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and water sports facilities in Dumfries. This 2-star hotel offers dry cleaning services and luggage storage space. The accommodation provides meeting and banquet facilities and free WiFi.
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Luxury
The Huntingdon
This magnificent Victorian house boasts elegant rooms. Set in Dumfries, 38 km from Gretna Green, The Huntingdon offers a garden and free WiFi.
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