Living in Dumfries & Galloway

Characterised by rolling hills, lush forests, and a stunning coastline along the Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and a peaceful, rural lifestyle. Located on western side of the Scotland-England border, Dumfries & Galloway offers a mixture of big towns and countryside hideaways, where you can find an array of property options.

Is Dumfries & Galloway a good place to live?

Affectionately known as “Scotland in miniature”, Dumfries & Galloway is a distinctly rural area where residents can enjoy the charm of the countryside from all corners of region. With a low population density and sprawling expanses of beautiful landscapes, the region is beloved by those seeking a slower pace of life.

In the larger towns of Dumfries & Galloway, such as Dumfries, Stranraer, Annan and Lockerbie, there’s a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to raise a family. Many of the smaller settlements are attractive propositions for those looking to retire close to nature. The region is also blessed with a captivating coastline, making Dumfries & Galloway a great place to live for home buyers looking for a life by the sea.

Split into five key areas, from Wigtownshire in the west to Annandale & Eskdale in the east, with Dumfries, Nithsdale and Stewartry in between, Dumfries & Galloway offers a diverse range of property options. Discover quaint countryside cottages, appealing harbour town flats, spacious family homes and much more in this stunning region of south-west Scotland.

What is the transport in Dumfries & Galloway like?

While Dumfries & Galloway feels remote, it is relatively well-connected, offering good links to central Scotland as well as the north of England.

Dumfries & Galloway by bus

With several routes throughout the region operated by a number of companies, jumping on the bus is a convenient and easy way to travel in Dumfries & Galloway. You’ll find frequent services between the major towns of the region, as well as buses to smaller towns and villages.

The main operators in the region include Stagecoach West Scotland and Houstons Coaches, who run services to Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively. Stagecoach Cumbria provides services to Carlisle from Annan, making it a great choice for onward travel to the north of England and beyond.

For links to small towns and villages, locals can make use of services from smaller bus operators such as DGC Buses, McCullochs Coaches and McCalls Coaches.

Dumfries & Galloway by rail

Connecting Dumfries and Galloway to the capital, the main Edinburgh to London rail route, as well as the Edinburgh to Manchester rail route, stop at Lockerbie. There are regular trains from Dumfries to Carlisle, via Gretna Green and Annan, as well as trains from Dumfries to Glasgow that stop at Kirkconnel and Sanquhar. There are also frequent trains running between Stranraer and Ayr, many of which continue on to Glasgow Central.

Dumfries & Galloway by car

Although bus and trains services in the region are fairly frequent, having a car is the best option for travelling around Dumfries & Galloway. The A75 is the primary road of the region, connecting Annan in the east to Stranraer in the West, passing by several major towns including Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Wigtown and Newton Stewart.

What are the schools in Dumfries & Galloway like?

Dumfries & Galloway has a range of schools, from primary to secondary, with Dumfries also being home to the University of the West of Scotland’s local campus.

In terms of primary education, there are several schools dotted throughout the region. In major towns, you will find a choice of schools including some roman catholic schools. In Dumfries for example, the town has many schools such as Troqueer Primary School, Georgetown Primary School and Noblehill Primary School, to name but a few. As a largely rural region, there are schooling options to accommodate families living in the countryside and smaller villages, many of which have a school roll of as little as 30 pupils.

Looking at secondary education, you will find no fewer than 17 high schools in the region: Annan Academy, Castle Douglas High School, Dalbeattie High School, Dalry Secondary School, Douglas Ewart High School, Dumfries Academy, Dumfries High School, Kirkcudbright Academy, Langholm Academy, Langlands School, Lockerbie Academy, Moffat Academy, North West Community Campus, St Joseph's College, Sanquhar Academy, Stranraer Academy and Wallace Hall Academy. Three of these schools feature in the top 100 Scottish schools; Moffat Academy (93rd), Dumfries High School (57th) and Wallace Hall Academy (56th).

What are the best things to do in Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to various interests, from exploring historical sites to enjoying the great outdoors.

Indeed, the landscapes of the region provide the perfect playground for an abundance of outdoor pursuits. In Galloway Forest Park, along with hiking, mountain biking and wildlife spotting, you can go stargazing. As the UK’s first Dark Sky Park and offering some of the darkest skies in Europe, it's a prime location for gazing at the stars.

For activities by the seaside, you can visit the Solway Coast to enjoy beachcombing, birdwatching and coastal walking trips. Part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Solway Coast offers stunning views and peaceful, unspoiled beaches. At the southernmost point of Scotland, the Mull of Galloway offers dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse with panoramic views.

The region is a treasure trove of historical attractions including Drumlanrig Castle, a pink palace set in beautiful grounds near Thornhill. Explore the opulent interiors, extensive gardens, and surrounding woodlands of the estate. For more historical heritage, visit Caerlaverock Castle, a unique, moated triangular castle with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The castle’s picturesque setting and well-preserved ruins, plus the nearby Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, which is a haven for birdwatchers.

Avid readers will love discovering Wigtown, a charming town filled with independent bookshops that hosts an annual literary festival. Known as the “Artists’ Town,” Kirkcudbright has a thriving arts scene with galleries, studios, and an annual arts and crafts trail.

Other notable places of interest in Dumfries & Galloway include the Robert Burns Centre and House in Dumfries, Threave Gardens and Estate near Castle Douglas, Annandale Distillery near Annan and the Red Kite Feeding Station near Laurieston.

Types of property in Dumfries & Galloway

From family homes in modern developments to rural cottages in the heart of nature, Dumfries and Galloway offers a diverse mix of property types. You'll also find charming coastal homes and in larger towns, a selection of flats. Discover your next dream home in Dumfries & Galloway with ESPC.

Planning on moving to Dumfries & Galloway?

If you have decided to move to Dumfries & Galloway, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

Find a solicitor estate agent in Dumfries & Galloway

You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Dumfries & Galloway, or your local town or village, such as Annan or Kirkcudbright and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.

Where to live in Dumfries & Galloway

Looking to move to or within Dumfries & Galloway? Whether you are looking for a bigger family home, fancy a move to the charm of the countryside or see yourself setting up home by the sea, the region has so much to offer. Click on each of our guides below to help narrow down your search!