***** Book 3 or 4 nights in May special offer ***** **
Rockcliffe or Carlingwark (sleeps 4) was £275 now £220
- Threave (sleeps 3) was £245 now £195 **
Old Exchange self catering Scotland
The Old Exchange comprises of 4 Holiday apartments within one large buidling set in the heart of the National Trust for Scotland Estate of Threave Castle and Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway,
Our holiday accommodation has been recently refurbished, they are stylish and comfortable, designed for self catering use and offer all the comforts of home to make the perfect place to relax after exploring the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway.
The Old Exchange self catering in Scotland - Straight out of the front door you are on the nature walk that runs from Threave gardens to Threave Castle which is one of Scotland's most romantic Castles accessed by a small boat. The Old Exchange is located at the heart of the National Trust for Scotland's Threave Estate with its internationally renowned Threave Gardens. Just 1 mile from Castle Douglas (Dumfries and Galloway's "food town") with its bustling main street filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, delis, chocolatiers, bakers and four speciality butchers, all with a variety of local produce. Dumfries and Galloway is bounded by the spectacular Solway Coast with its many beaches and coastal walks with stunning views.
Each year in springtime Dumfries and Galloway host one of the biggest art festivals in the UK, its called the Spring Fling
in 2013 it is being held on the 25th to the 27th of May
It is an incredible festival of the arts and highly recommended
This lovely video was made by local film makers PICTO song by wonderful local singer Zoe Bestel (just 15 when this was recorded)
Family fun in Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway is known as "Scotland's Forgotten Corner". Often overlooked and driven past in order to get to Edinburgh or the Highlands, this part of South West Scotland is therefore very quiet. But its natural beauty, the coastal ruggedness that brings the knowing visitor back to this region time and time again is manifest in the rural tranquility. We are pleased that the hordes bypass our region, and that those seeking a true Scottish experience find it here. If you want to see what the "real" Scotland is like, then miss the tourist trap areas that put the "monster" into Loch Ness, come to the rural idyll of Dumfries and Galloway and experience the quiet, gentle side of Scotland.
The Old Exchange is in the centre of Dumfries and Galloway close to all amenities like a selection of beaches from Sandyhills to Rockcliffe (my favourite is Red Haven), and adventure activities on Loch Ken that include water skiing, sailing (& tuition), windsurfing, climbing and archery, family attractions like the adventure playgrounds at Cream'o'Galloway and Dalscone and Mabie Farm Park are great for the kids. There is blow Karting on the wide sands by Southerness and tumbling down a hillside in a big inflatable ball by Gatehouse of Fleet (my kids love this) We are also centrally located for 5 of the 7Stanes Mountain bike trails that offer routes for every level from 1 mile easy routes to the very difficult but ultimately exhilerating black runs.
Carlingwark Loch is in the heart of Castle Douglas, it is a lovely loch with great wildlife. This video has captured the otters just beside the main road into town.
Besides all these activities this area is great for getting outdoors and seeing nature, very close by is Threave Castle and renowned Gardens of Threave. There is an ubelievably close viewing area to see the nesting Ospreys and further along the river Dee has been the reintroduction of Red Kites, there is a feeding station that offers scenes of inrivalled arial acrobatics. We have a great selection of walks, from the stunning cliff tops of Balcary Bay (teas served at the Hotel) to woodland walks at Clatteringshaws Deer Park, The Raiders Road and Otter pool.
There are over 20 Gardens that open to the public, Threave jsut a short walk away is one of the best in Scotland. There are quaint fishing ports like Portpatrick and Kirkcudbright which is also famous for its connection with artists (The Glasgow Boys & Scottish Colourists) who came to make use of the unique light. There are many art galleries and still a thriving artsitic community. Wigtown is Scotland's National "Book Town" and nearly every shop is a book shop (or cafe) and close by is an off-road tank driving centre.
We have a great selection of fishing, from Pike and Perch just a mile away at Carlingwark Loch, and Loch Dee where there are also Roach and Breem. The River Nith offers Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout whilst the Coast is great for Cod, Flounder and Plaice. The area also has over 30 Golf Courses, from Southerness Competition Course to a local favourite in St. John's Town of Dalry.
Christmas Break
New Year Break
Easter Break
Bank Holidays
Spring Break
Summer Holidays
Autumn Break
Winter Break
Joanna Lumleys comments in the independent :
Dumfries and Galloway is my favourite place in the UK, We take holidays in a lovely location, the Old Exchange, it has a pretty view where you can see nothing except larks and buzzards, sheep and grazing cattle. There are gorgeous walks and wild winds, snow in the winter, hot sun in the summer. It's empty and so very beautiful
Tourism is very important to Dumfries and Galloway, so there is a year round effort to hold events that take place every week that help show our history and culture to the world. A great example is the summer festivities, every thursday evening in Kirkcudbright (6 miles from The Old Exchange) an evening of free entertainment where you can see the local pipe band playing to an audience of hundreds of visitors. You will see the highland fling performed by young scottish dancers and visitors are invited to take part in a tug of war against the local team (which has never been beaten) its great fun and you will enjoy it. Your self catering holiday in South West Scotland will be full of interesting days and unique visitor attractions.
