As the year winds down and daylight dwindles, Dumfries and Galloway takes on a quiet, serene charm. The chill in the air, the early dusk, and the bare-branched trees all combine to make this a perfect time for reflection, slow-paced adventures, and cosy escapes.
Staying at Coastal Kippford is a treat all year round – that’s why we stay open 365 days of the year! The winter months allow you to enjoy the peaceful Solway coast and vast forests while still being well placed for festive fun and frosty outdoor adventures.
Festive fun and local events to catch
Dalbeattie ’s Christmas Lights Switch-On
On Friday 28th December, our local town, Dalbeattie, is hosting their annual Christmas Lights Switch On with an impressively festive line up. Expect highland dancers, singing and a visit from Santa! Join in the fun from 5.30pm and don’t miss the actual switch on at 6.30pm.
Drumlanrig Castle Christmas Market and Winter Events
For a picture-book winter outing, head to Drumlanrig Castle on 6-7th December for their Christmas Market. There’ll be a heated marquee full of artisan stalls, perfect for unique gifts and festive treats, plus mulled drinks, sweet treats and local produce. Gardens and grounds will be open for a crisp, wintry stroll, and there’s even a Santa Grotto and face-painting for little ones.
If you’re with kids (or simply young at heart), the Castle’s “Breakfast with Santa” and evening tours add extra warmth and magic to the season.
These festive events — combined with the cosy atmosphere of a holiday park stay — make December an unexpectedly wonderful time to enjoy Kippford and the surrounding area.
Spot deer at Bainloch Deer Park
Just a short drive from Coastal Kippford, Bainloch Deer Park is a brilliant winter outing for all ages. Set in beautiful hills above the Solway Coast, the park is home to hundreds of Red, Sika and Roe deer. You can join a guided 4×4 “deer safari” for close-up views, or simply enjoy the scenery from the visitor centre’s terrace.
Winter is an especially magical time to visit. The soft light, frosty ground and quieter atmosphere make deer-spotting feel extra special. Do note that dogs aren’t allowed on site, so plan accordingly before you go.
Embrace the outdoors
Galloway Forest Park: Wild, dark skies and winter woods
Galloway Forest Park, the largest forest in the UK, is a true gem all year round, but in winter it’s especially magical. With its “dark sky” status, clear winter nights here offer a stunning starry canopy, perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring.
Even by day, the frost-touched woodland, quiet trails, and crisp air make for peaceful winter walks. If the skies are clear, you may even spot the Milky Way stretching overhead. There’s also the Red Deer Range where you can get up close to some of Galloway’s stunning deer residents!
Coastal wildlife and winter birdwatching
If you prefer the coast to the forest, the coast of Kippford offers calm, contemplative shoreline strolls, perhaps even bird-spotting if you head toward reserves nearby such as RSPB Mersehead.
The quieter months often bring less footfall, meaning more chance of peaceful views and winter wildlife. The broader region supports reserves and trails for those keen to explore more of Dumfries & Galloway’s natural heritage.
A mix of heritage and winter charm
Not far from Coastal Kippford, you have the chance to visit museums and historic sites such as Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. Places like these offer a warm indoor escape with fascinating local history and even a working historic camera-obscura.
Alternatively, pairing a winter walk with a cosy castle-ground visit (like at Drumlanrig) gives a lovely contrast between fresh air and heritage warmth.
Why winter stays might just be the best-kept secret
- Shorter daylight, slower pace: Winter invites you to slow down, unwind, and appreciate quiet moments, perfect if you’re escaping a busy life back at home.
- Festive atmosphere without summer crowds: With events like the Lights Switch-On and Castle Market, you get festive sparkle without the high-season crowds.
- Nature and starlight: From frosted woodlands to sparkling stars, winter in Dumfries & Galloway offers a unique beauty that’s hard to match.
- Coastal calm meets countryside comfort: Staying at Coastal Kippford gives you access to both seascapes and inland adventures, ideal for flexible exploring or cosy downtime depending on the weather.
Suggested itinerary for a winter stay
| Day | Morning / Daytime | Afternoon / Evening |
| 1 | Check in at Coastal Kippford and explore the shoreline, breathe in the sea air | Drive to Dalbeattie, enjoy the town centre and festive lights if your stay coincides with the switch on |
| 2 | Head to Galloway Forest Park for a woodland walk, maybe do a spot of deer spotting too | Stargaze in the forest under dark-sky skies |
| 3 | Visit Drumlanrig Castle to enjoy the castle grounds, local crafts, festive food | Warm up in the Castle Tearoom or enjoy “Breakfast with Santa” / castle tour if booked |
| 4 | Leisurely coastline walks or bird-spotting near the Solway coast, a perfect gentle winter activity | Warm dinner at a local pub or cottage, reflecting on your winter escape |
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. In fact, in Dumfries and Galloway, it can be the most magical time of the year: crisp air, cosy castles, twinkling lights, and starry skies. A stay at Coastal Kippford this season isn’t just a holiday, it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, rediscover local heritage, and soak up simple seasonal joys.
Plus, if you book before 4th December 2025, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your booking! That’s for Coastal Kippford Holiday Rental stays arriving now through until 30/09/26. View our available rentals here or contact us to learn more.