Loch at dusk Castle Douglas is a charming 18th-century market town, nestled on the banks of Carlingwark Loch.
For a modestly sized town, it has an impressive selection of cafes and restaurants, which has earned it the title of Food Town. Castle Douglas is surrounded by dramatic scenery and makes an ideal base from which to explore the Scottish countryside.
Castle Douglas lies in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, a land of rolling hills, rushing river and ancient forests. The town is located 18 miles from Dumfries and is within a short drive of some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.
The town is moments from Carlingwark Loch, where you can take to the water for a spot of sailing, enjoy the scenery with a picnic or dive into the water for an invigorating swim. Next to the loch, you’ll find Threave Garden, which is known for its impressive grounds and variety of flowers. It is is home to woodlands, secret gardens, an incredible selection of plants and an abundance of wildlife. It’s also a bat reserve and a haven for birds.
Threave HouseCastle Douglas also has an intriguing history. Threave Castle stands on an island in the River Dee and can be reached by a leisurely ferry ride. Its imposing structure and pioneering artillery house are still intact, and visitors can take a tour to learn more about its bloody past. Next door is Threave Wildfowl Reserve, where you can watch rare birds on the water from a sheltered hide.
The lochs, rivers and hills which surround Castle Douglas are a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Sailing, windsurfing and climbing are all easily accessible from Castle Douglas. Galloway Activity Centre is a short drive from the town and offers courses which allow you to make the most of the beautiful countryside and sample a variety of thrilling outdoor pursuits.
Castle Douglas’s title of Food Town is well deserved. Its bustling town centre is packed with independent cafes and restaurants whose menus make the most of the high-quality meat and crops which are produced in the fields of Dumfries and Galloway.
“Castle Douglas is a charming 18th century market town, nestled on the banks of Carlingwark Loch.”
For good, honest Scottish food including hearty breakfasts, try The Scottish Pantry. Castle Douglas isn’t only about Scottish food. One of the town’s favourite places to eat is Carlo’s, a tiny Italian restaurant where the owners prepare delicious pasta and seafood for their loyal customer base.