If you’re worried about finding things to do in Dumfries & Galloway when it’s raining during your 2020 holiday, think again! As Billy Connelly, arguably Scotland’s best known comedian, once said, “In Scotland, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.”
So don’t despair if you encounter the occasional downpour during your visit – grab your umbrella and raincoat, then choose one of our top things to do in Dumfries & Galloway when it’s raining.
Dumfries Ice Bowl – Spend the Day Skating
This activity is perfect for the whole family and will keep your kids busy for hours on end. If your child is new to the world of skating, there are a number of Penguin Skating Aids with handles that will help them keep their balance and get used to the ice. There is even a light and laser disco that takes place if you feel like enjoying some music while you skate around the rink. You can find out more about their opening times here.
Robert Burns – Visit the Robert Burns Centre and His Home
Dumfries & Galloway is the resting place of Scotland’s famous poet and lyricist Robert Burns. At the Robert Burns Centre you can gain insight into his life in Dumfries in the late 18th century. The location itself is noteworthy as it is situated in an 18th century watermill on the banks of the River Nith. An added bonus for cinema goers is that in the evening the centre becomes Scotland’s smallest film theatre.
In Dumfries you will also find Roberts Burns’ house, a simple sandstone property which was home for Rabbie and his family. See how he lived and get a taste for how life was for him in the late 1700’s.
Dalscone Farm Fun – Ball Cannons and Slides
While Dalscone Farm does have a lot of great outdoor activities, their indoor soft play area, which includes slides and ball cannons, is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Dumfries if you have younger children. It’s also an excellent party venue if one of your kids as a birthday coming up.
Dumfries Museum – Discover Fossilised Footprints and Prehistoric Animals
The Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura takes you through unique stories of the area and is home to prehistoric animal exhibits as well as several fossilised footprints. From caveman era tools to the Camera Obscura, which is the conceptual predecessor of the camera, can all be found in this museum – a fun day out for the entire family.
Annandale distillery – Whisky, History & Afternoon Tea
If you’re a whisky lover you’re in for a treat. Distillery tours are available giving insight into the whisky making process at Annandale. You also learn of its history which includes ownership by the famous Johnnie Walker.
An unexpected bonus is that while you’re waiting for the rain to stop you can pop into their coffee shop where you can even indulge in a Prosecco afternoon tea.
Drumlanrig Castle
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to one of its castles. So if you’re looking for things to do in Dumfries & Galloway, Drumlanrig Castle awaits you. There is no doubt that a day out itself could be spent exploring the grounds of the majestic castle but on a rainy day why not step inside the castle and immerse yourself in its history. With its 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers to explore, not to mention its paintings and tapestries to admire. You’ll completely forget about the weather outside.
The Cocoabean Company
This is a great option for families with children. It combines two things sure to keep the children happy – chocolate and playing. Making, decorating and of course eating chocolate is only part of the fun. There is an outdoor play area as well as a modern indoor soft play so when the rain comes the fun needn’t stop. Learn more here.
Gracefield Arts Centre – Arts, crafts and more for all of the family
There are over 400 Scottish paintings to see at the Gracefield Arts Centre ranging from contemporary arts and crafts, to pieces dating back to the late 1800’s. In addition to this, there are paintings from international artists, workshops for adults and children and a craft shop to explore.
A day appreciating and creating art could be just what you’re looking for on a rainy day.
So whether you’re an adult or a child, a lover of art or history, or a whisky connoisseur, there will always be things to do on a rainy day in Dumfries & Galloway!
