Living in Castle Douglas

Located in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, surrounded by rolling countryside, a shimmering loch, and postcard-perfect farmland, Castle Douglas is a thriving market town with heaps of charm. A designated 'Food Town' of Scotland, it's a brilliant place for foodies, families, and fans of the great outdoors. It’s got independent spirit, a strong community vibe, and all the essentials wrapped up in one scenic, friendly package.

Is Castle Douglas a good place to live?

Castle Douglas is the kind of place where life moves at a gentler pace, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Quite the opposite, actually. The town has a proud independent streak, with boutique shops, artisan bakeries, delis, and galleries lining its historic high street. You won’t find a sprawling retail park here, but that’s part of the charm.

Located in the district of Stewartry, it’s ideal for families, retirees, remote workers, and anyone craving that countryside-meets-community lifestyle. The surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities for exploring… think lochside walks, hill hikes, and bike rides through unspoiled nature. Plus, the community spirit is alive and well, with local events, food festivals, and plenty of friendly faces.

Housing is great value too, and whether you're after a period townhouse, a country cottage, or a modern family home, you’ll find something that fits the bill (and your budget).

What is the transport in Castle Douglas like?

While Castle Douglas doesn’t have a train station of its own, the town is well-connected by road and has reliable bus services. For those happy to trade off the hustle of the city for a more relaxed lifestyle, it's a very manageable location, especially for remote workers or semi-retired folk.

Castle Douglas by bus

Stagecoach and local operators such as McCall’s Coaches and DGC Buses run regular bus services that connect Castle Douglas with Dumfries, Stranraer, Kirkcudbright and beyond. The 500 and 502 routes operated by Stagecoach are popular, and buses to Dumfries take around 40 - 50 minutes, perfect for a day out or a commute if you’re not in a rush.

Castle Douglas by rail

The nearest railway station is in Dumfries, which is about a 25-minute drive away. From Dumfries, you can catch direct trains to Glasgow, Carlisle, and Newcastle. If you're a fan of combining train travel with a good audiobook and a flask of coffee, the connections are workable.

Castle Douglas by car

Drivers will love the easy access to scenic A-roads and quiet countryside routes. The A75 skirts the edge of town, linking Castle Douglas to the M6 via Dumfries and Gretna, or westward towards Stranraer and the ferries to Northern Ireland. It’s a breeze getting around by car and the views en route aren’t bad either.

What are the schools in Castle Douglas like?

For a small town, Castle Douglas punches above its weight when it comes to education. It’s home to Castle Douglas Primary School and Castle Douglas High School, both of which enjoy a good reputation locally.

For younger children, there are several nurseries and early learning centres in town and the surrounding villages. Plus, with Dumfries nearby, access to further education - including Dumfries and Galloway College and the Crichton Campus (home to University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland campuses) - is just down the road.

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What are the best things to do in Castle Douglas

Where do we begin? First up, Lochside Park is a local favourite, it’s perfect for dog walks, picnics, or a lazy Sunday with a good book by the water. Just outside the town is Carlingwark Loch, great for kayaking, paddleboarding or simply enjoying the view with an ice cream in hand.

Castle Douglas is known for its independent shops and foodie delights. Expect to find everything from artisan chocolate to local meats, fresh seafood, organic veg and freshly baked sourdough. Threave Gardens and Estate - an impressive National Trust for Scotland property with a baronial house, gardens, and a wildfowl sanctuary - is just minutes away and offers a relaxing day out.

Nearby, you’ve got Kirkcudbright, the ‘Artists’ Town,’ with galleries and colourful buildings, and The Galloway Forest Park, which is perfect for stargazers… it’s the UK’s first Dark Sky Park.

And don’t forget the festivals, from food and drink weekends to agricultural shows and local music events, the town is buzzing throughout the year.

Types of property in Castle Douglas

Castle Douglas offers a delightful mix of properties. There are elegant Victorian townhouses with bay windows and big gardens, charming stone-built cottages with log burners, and sleek new-builds with all the modern touches. Many homes come with space for veggie patches, chickens, or even a view of the loch or hills.

Whether you’re after a snug bolt-hole for weekend getaways, a forever home to raise a family, or a peaceful place to retire, Castle Douglas has something that’ll tick your boxes.

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Planning on moving to Castle Douglas?

Castle Douglas is the kind of place where you can enjoy a slower, more satisfying pace of life — with all the essentials (and plenty of luxuries) close to hand. It’s a gem in the Galloway crown.

Find a solicitor estate agent in Castle Douglas

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