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Broughton House was the home of artist E A Hornel, a "Glasgow Boy" and renowned Scottish
Colourist. Behind the fine 18th century town house with its pink lime washed exterior
lies a treasure trove of collections together with a magically secret garden. A little
known treasure of a fine town house and garden nestling on the banks of the River Dee in
Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.
On an island in the River Dee stands
Threave Castle, a massive 14th century tower built
for Sir Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway. Archibald's castle comprised of a tall tower house almost 100ft high, surrounded by a large
complex of other buildings. The latter have now all gone but substantial remains of them
were found during excavations in the 1970s. They included an outer hall, where Archibald
held court, additional living quarters for retainers, etc, and a harbour.
The tower house, one of the first of its type built in Scotland, was five storeys high,
and housed storage and service accommodation in the lower floors, with Archibald's
private suite of rooms above. The walls were 10ft thick, with only small windows facing
the island. The battlements presented a formidable defence, with an overhanging timber
hoarding enabling the garrison to keep attackers at bay.
Threave House and Garden
- A Scottish Baronial House together with an ornamental garden that provides interest
throughout the year from a large and varied plant collection and landscape features. The
1500-acre estate has way marked trails, bird hides, and a wild fowl sanctuary.
 Enjoy a day out at
Cream O' Galloway, a visitor centre on a family run organic farm at
Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway. Join a farm tour, spot wildlife, enjoy local &
ethical food, indulge in an ice cream sundae and let off steam in our natural adventure
playground built for adults & kids.
Castle Douglas Golf Club
This is a well laid out 9 hole golf course on the outskirts of the town. The greens and
tees are well cared for and are a pleasure to play on. This parkland layout has some very
interesting holes, a good test of golf for all types of golfer.
 The wild beauty of
Britain's largest forest park at three hundred square miles is waiting
to be explored.
Forest, moorland and lochs rise to the rugged grandeur of mountains. Experience Galloway
Forest Park with its host of features, from seashore to mountain tops and its outstanding
variety of plants and animals.
The
7stanes are seven mountain biking centres spanning the south of Scotland, from the
heart of the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. Castle Douglas is located at the
centre of 5 of the 7stanes. Dalbeattie, with its coastal setting and the lack of any big hills, has a
relaxed feel, but the riding is far from dull - the outcrops of rock and fine views make
sure of that.
Mabie forest, the original mountain biking venue in the South West of Scotland, lies just
a few miles south of Dumfries and caters for beginners right through to the most expert
of riders.
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