Dumfries and Galloway has many quiet spots for a relaxing holiday, just kicking back and doing nothing. In fact, Galloway Lodges are located in just one of these beautiful, peaceful rural settings with sea, sand, forests and hills nearby.

But fear not…if you want more action during your South of Scotland holiday, Dumfries and Galloway offers it in spades! We have culture, we have sport, we have food and drink, theatres, museums, castles and standing stones, days out for children and too many activities to mention for the family as a whole.

We are therefore going to add forthcoming activities to a monthly blog to let you know what might be of interest to you during your holiday.

Dumfries and Galloway is a large, but mainly, rural county of nearly 2,500 square miles (6,500 km2) while the population is only 148,790 (2018). To give you an idea of the size of our county, it’s over 120 miles from Langholm in the east to the Mull of Galloway at the tip of the Rhins peninsula, south of Stranraer in the west and it takes just under 3 hours to drive.

A huge county, sparsely populated, but by jings, as we say in Scotland (or “my goodness”), the place abounds in talent of all sorts, historical remains, fairs, crafters, agricultural shows and wonderful places to visit while activities of all kinds seem to have exploded this year in the aftermath of the dreaded Covid lockdown.

Let’s have a wee look at what’s happening for the rest of August that you may wish to partake in during your stay at Galloway Lodges at Barend, Sandyhills.

August 9^th to 12^th

Dumfries and Galloway is set to make further cycling history, having been named the host region for the Para-cycling Road, part of the UCI Cycling World Championships 2023, taking place in Scotland.

Scheduled dates for each of the events are as follows:

•      Wednesday, 9 August 2023 – Time Trials

•      Thursday 10 August 2023 – Time Trials

•      Friday, 11 August 2023 – Road Races

•      Saturday, 12 August 2023 – Road Races

The region, which lays claim to introducing the first pedal-driven bicycle to the world in 1839, will see athletes competing on single bikes, tandems, tricycles and hand-cycles for the World Championship titles.

August 9^th to 14^th 2023

The first Scottish Fin and Foil Open Championship and the only 5-day event for iQFOiL Youth in the UK takes place in Stranraer soon: five days of windsurfing racing, training and competition for iQFOiL, Technos, Raceboard, Open Fleet and RSX for adults and youth classes. It’s a bit further out from our holiday lodges, but if it’s your favourite sport, it’ll be worth the journey.

Saturday, August 12^th and Sunday 13^th

The stunning surrounds of Drumlanrig Castle, home to the Duke of Buccleuch, are the setting for the annual Galloway Country Fair with Defender Jam.

Now, we’re sure you all know what a country fair is which also ranges from entertainment in the main ring to competitions and family activities, but have you any idea what a Defender Jam is? Well, it is a sociable family meet-up with lots to do for all the family and the Defender part refers to the famous Land Rover Defender! However, no need to be an owner or a petrol-head, just come along and join in the fun gathering. The Galloway Country Fair ticket also includes entry to Defender Jam.

Sunday, August 13^th

According to the organisers, Dumfries Motor Show is “a show for all types of vehicles – cars, car clubs, van, lorry, truck, bikes or anything with wheels”!! Fun for all the family is on the horizon.

Sunday, August 13^th

If you like your rides to be of a gentler nature, you must visit the Dalbeattie Ride Out, just a few miles north of Barend. Rounding off Dalbeattie Civic Week, you can even join in a ride round the streets of Dalbeattie if you happen to bring a pony in your pocket. In this part of the world, many towns hold a Riding of The Marches like Kirkcudbright, Annan and Sanquhar and throughout the towns in The Borders. This is an ancient tradition that can see hundreds of horsemen and horsewomen ride through the town and its outskirts to ensure that landmarks, cairns and other features have not been removed or tampered with. It’s a spectacular sight to see, even if the Dalbeattie Ride Out is in its infancy.

Saturday, August 19^th

If you’d like to hear some traditional Scottish Music, you can’t do any better than join the Scottish Night at The Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club in Dumfries for a delicious four-course dinner followed by entertainment from John Caskie and Willie McRobert.

Saturday, August 19^th

Dumfries International Street Food Festival kicks off in Dock Park near Dumfries town centre at 10am. The family-friendly festival aims to showcase both local and international produce and flavours, as well as educating and promoting sustainable, environmentally-friendly food.

Saturday August 19^th and Sunday 20th

Annan, on the beautiful Solway Firth, is now known as Scotland’s History Town. During this year’s Summer Festival, see Viking and Norman re-enactment camps, witness the skills of centuries ago, watch them in battle and enjoy the challenging finale. There will also be kiddies rides, bouncy castles, stalls and refreshments.

Saturday 26^th August

The Drumlanrig Cycle Challenge will take place in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle. Enjoy a fantastic day of cycling on largely traffic-free roads, whilst helping people living in poverty around the world to transform their lives through the Tearfund organisation.

Sunday 27^th August

Illyria Theatre Presents Pride and Prejudice from 5.30 to 7.50pm on the Crichton Church Lawn, Dumfries, a stunning outdoor setting for this glorious social comedy. Bring a picnic for a wonderful family evening out.

Sunday 27th August

Are you easily scared or could you be tempted to join the award-winning Mostly Ghostly tours, where you will discover some of the darkest events in Dumfries' extensive history entwined with a collection of ghostly tales? Leaves from the Midsteeple right in the middle of the High Street.

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Kircudbright is Scotland’s Artists’ Town, a well-deserved title and you will find museums and art galleries galore in this stunning setting, home to The Glasgow Girls. Kirkcudbright (oh, by the way, it’s pronounced Kir-coo-bry! which will no doubt bring us one day to a blog about Dumfries and Galloway place names – like Ecclefechan…).

There is a plethora of events happening here that visitors to Galloway Lodges will no doubt not want to miss, so here are just two taking place in August, to whet your appetite. You will find many more on the Kirkcudbright Town website.

Saturday, August 26^th

Kirkcudbright Floodlit Tattoo is the most spectacular of shows including local pipe bands and country dancers. The performances culminate in a lone piper playing to the crowd before the sky bursts into a stunning firework display. The organisers believe this is a performance to stir all the senses and emotions.

Sunday, August 27^th

Kirkcudbright’s town centre will be filled with hundreds of classic cars of various ages and styles. Whether you’re a car lover or not, you’ll enjoy having a wander and seeing the fantastic selection from 9.30am onwards.

We'll be back soon with information on events coming up in September. In the meantime, do check our Availability Calendar and we will look forward to your visit.