Barclosh Castle: Although a ruin, part of the tower-house still survives. The castle was possibly connected to the McFergus or Maxwell families. We're still trying to find out more about the Castle and it's history. Access is free. Tel: 01556-610364 for information.

Buittle Castle: In the 13th Century Buittle Castle belonged to Allan, Lord of Galloway. When Allan died in 1234  without a surving male heir his lands were devided between his three daughters, Elena, Chrisitna and Devorguilla (meaning of very high lineage).  After her elder sisters demise Devorguilla, who was married to John Balliol, inherited the lands of Buittle to which she moved in the 1250's.  Once taking up residence she enlarged the castle on an extravagant scale by adding a bailley which was accessed by a drawbridge. More>>

 Buittle Church: Very interesting connection with the Balliols of Scotland and Devorgilla, wife of John Balliol, King of Scotland. As you leave Dalbeattie on the steep, winding road to Castle Douglas, you will find the signpost for Buittle Church on the left. More information about Buittle Parish and the history of the churches at Buittle.

Mote of Urr.12th century castle worth a visit.  (Privately owned) - the best preserved motte-and-bailey castle in all Scotland, built by Walter de Berkeley, David I's chamberlain, circa 1150.

The Mote of Mark is a defended hilltop overlooking the Urr estuary. It was the court or citadel of a powerful Dark Age chieftain, possibly one of the princes of Rheged. The site was occupied during the 6th century and appears to have been destroyed by fire in the 7th century.  More>>

Dundrennan Abbey: Cistercial Abbey at Dundrennan on the Dalbeattie-Kirkcudbright road. The abbey was founded by King David I, who invited Cistercians from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire to set up another house in Galloway.

Sweetheart Abbey:  At New Abbey on the Dumfries to Dalbeattie Coast Road. The wonderfully romantic true story attached to Sweetheart Abbey makes it a 'must' to visit. Learn of the connection between New Abbey and Dalbeattie.  More>>

Corn Mill, New Abbey. New Abbey Cornmill as you see it today was built in the very late 1700s. Unusually it combined the working mill with a house for the miller. More>>

John Paul Jones' Cottage: At Arbigland on the A710 Solway Coast Road near Kirkbean.John Paul Jones Museum at Arbigland Estate near Kirkbean. The traditional Scottish cottage in which John Paul Jones was born in 1747. Exhibition on the life of "The Father of the American Navy".  http://www.jpj.demon.co.uk/jpjlife.htm

On the Dalbeattie to Dumfries road about 7 miles from Dalbeattie. Drumcoltran was built around 1550 for the Maxwell family. It was still inhabited in the 1890s. more>>

Threave Castle and Wildeowl Reserve: Near Castle Douglas. On an island in the River Dee stands Threave Castle, a massive 14t Century tower built by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway.

Drumlanrig Castle: Seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch: Castle: bibycle museum: art collection: children's adveture area: craft exhibition.  More about Drumlanrig, and here.