October in Barend and surrounds

In October in the south-west corner of Scotland, the sun will rise anywhere from 7:17am till 8:09am (until the clocks go back on October 29th, that is). Since sunset falls between 6:51pm (October 1st) and 5:47pm (October 28th), visitors to our cosy Galloway Lodges in Barend, Dumfries and Galloway, will have between 10 to 12 hours approximately of daylight in which to visit the surrounding area or, indeed, simply enjoy the home comforts and views here in Barend.

Fancy a wood-fired pizza?

The highly popular Pizza Wagon visits Dalbeattie every Thursday and Colvend every Friday. So if you don't want to cook at home, check the Pizza Wagon's Facebook page here for up-to-date information and put your order in two days ahead.

Dalbeattie Woods

Find all the information you need about walks and activities in Dalbeattie Woods and nearby venues on Scotland's Forestry and Land website. If you're a pole walker, there's a pole walk round the woods every Wednesday at 6pm. Call 07773 670552 for more information.

The Birchvale Theatre, Dalbeattie

The Birchvale is a small community theatre with a varied programme of drama, film and entertainment. So, if a night out at the theatre or cinema tickles your fancy, you can find more information here.

Dalbeattie Makers Market

Takes place between 10am and 2pm on the first Saturday of every month. More information here.

Colvend Produce & Makers market on the fourth Saturday of every month.

Colvend Produce and Makers Market

Held on the fourth Saturday of every month, this market is held between 10am and 2pm. Check it out on Facebook.

Music events at The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries

From a Motown weekend to Tom Jones and Neil Diamond tribute acts to the one and only Kiki Dee, Dumfries' top hotel has a varied programme of musical events this October and every month. An up-to-date timetable can be viewed here.

The Robert Burns Cinema Film Theatre Dumfries

This unique small cinema in Dumfries offers an eclectic choice of films and link-ups to Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House events, amonst others. See what's on here.

October wouldn't be October without a host of Hallowe'en events and other spooky happenings:

• Pumpkin Patch at Drumlanrig Castle. 11am to 4pm, Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, DG3 4AQ. Runs from Saturday 14th till Sunday 29th October (excluding Mondays & Tuesdays) and pre-booking is essential. Your ticket includes a Hallowe'en trail, wheelbarrow use, pumpkin picking, arts and crafts, kids' lunchbox and access to Adventure Playground and Gardens. Book your tickets online here.
• On Sunday 1st October, scare yourself silly on the Crichton Crypt Tour commencing at the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, DG1 4TA. The tour will reveal some of the fascinating characters and events associated with The Crichton asylum from its earliest beginnings, including an insight into the life of Elizabeth Crichton and the history of Easterbrook Hall. From there, guests will have a unique opportunity to explore The Crichton Memorial Church, Crypt and Undercroft and hear a collection of ghostly tales and legends connected with The Crichton.
• Broughton House by Candlelight. An evening of thrills as the Broughton House guides present a candlelit tour of the home of Glasgow Boy and cornerstone of the Kirkcudbright art scene, E.A Hornel. Guests can then look forward to a collection of dark and sinister tales of Kirkcudbright and old Galloway by the Mostly Ghostly team!

Don't forget to book your stay at Galloway Lodges to enjoy October in south-west Scotland.