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Thornhill Attractions: top 5 things to do

If you search online for things to do in Dumfries and Galloway, you’ll be spoilt for choice! This spectacular corner of Scotland is often overlooked in favour of the Highlands and Islands, and we can’t quite figure out why. The area is steeped in history, featuring castles, rivers, lochs, museums, arts, heritage, and much more.

We’ve put together our top 5 attractions near Thornhill that you can visit during your stay with us at the BQA Hotel.

Thornhill Attractions - top 5 things to do

To give you a helping hand, we’ve added some icons so that you can check if these attractions are suitable for you. Please do check their websites for complete information before your visit. If walking is more your thing, check out our Walks in Thornhill blog post.

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Where to Stay While Exploring Thornhill

The BQA Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring these top Thornhill attractions. Located right in the heart of the village, our comfortable rooms, welcoming dining spaces, and dog-friendly amenities make us the ideal base for your Dumfries and Galloway adventure.


1: Drumlanrig Castle and Estate

Thornhill

10 Min Drive

Drumlanrig Castle Website

Drumlanrig Castle and Estate

No visit to Thornhill would be complete without a visit to Drumlanrig. The estate from which our Hotel gets its name. For maximum effect, we suggest approaching the Castle by the main entrance, just a few miles north on the A76 and well signposted. The imposing, 17th-century red sandstone palace is the home of the Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry and is steeped in history. Drumlanrig has plenty to offer visitors, with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

In addition to castle tours, visitors can enjoy miles of walking trails, mountain bike trails, and an adventure playground. Please check the Castle website before visiting to see what’s open.

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2: Crawick Multiverse

Sanquhar

20 Min Drive

Crawick Multiverse

One of the most interesting things to see in the UK, Crawick Multiverse is a 55-acre land art installation conceived by world-renowned architect Charles Jencks. The Multiverse was created on the site of a former open-cast coal mine, using materials and boulders found on the site to make the stunning landforms. The site is designed around themes of space, cosmology and astronomy. Paths are mostly pushchair-friendly, and the entire site is also dog-friendly. Whether you’re interested in space, science or just spectacular sights and stunning views, the Multiverse is a must-see. It’s easy to find, follow the A76 North from Thornhill to Sanquhar, and it’s well signposted.

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3: The Museum of Lead Mining

Wanlockhead

20 Min Drive

The Museum of Lead Mining

Scotland’s only underground mine tour is worth a visit. The drive up to Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village, takes you through the spectacular Mennock Pass, which could almost be a day out on its own! Book a mine tour and take a glimpse into the lives of the miners and their families, including miners’ cottages, the library, museum, and tea room. You can also try your hand at gold panning (yes, for real gold). Make a day of it and take a walk around the village, see the remnants of old mining machinery and equipment and maybe even visit Scotland’s highest pub, the Wanlockhead Inn. Always check the museum website before you visit and make sure you wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear. Even if you’re not a mining enthusiast, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Wanlockhead.

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4: Following the Footsteps of Burns

Dumfries

20 Min Drive

Following the Footsteps of Burns - Statue

Robert Burns is one of Scotland’s most famous and influential sons. Take a short drive South on the A76 to Dumfries, and immerse yourself in Burns’ history. Take the town centre trail and wander around Dumfries at your leisure, taking in historically significant sights, statues, mausoleums, homes, museums and much more. Cross the river Nith on the gorgeous Devorgilla Bridge as you follow the 15-stop trail, learning about the life and work of Robert Burns. There are plenty of places to grab a hot drink and a snack along the way. We recommend The Frothy Bike Co. on Whitesands.

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5: The Devil’s Porridge Museum

Eastriggs

45 Min Drive

Devils Porridge

Learn about the ‘Gretna Girls’ of HM Factory Gretna, the largest munitions factory on earth during World War One. The museum tells the story of 12,000 women who mixed ‘the Devil’s Porridge’, an explosive which went into every single bullet and shell used in the First World War. See the original pots used to mix the porridge and learn how it was made. The upstairs gallery showcases the contributions this region made from 1939 onwards and into World War II. Learn about the two whole towns that were built to accommodate the workers, railways, dance halls, hospitals, cinemas and much more. This is a 5-star-rated experience and is well worth taking on a day trip during your stay. It’s entirely wheelchair accessible and features numerous interactive displays to keep visitors engaged.

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