Here are some recommendations for attractions to see during your stay at Cavens.
ROBERT BURNS
Dumfries was home to Robert Burns between 1784 and 1791. It was during this time that Burns was inspired to write some if his greatest works: Tam O' Shanter; Red, Red Rose; Ae Fond Kiss; The Selkirk Grace and Auld Lang Syne.
ATTRACTIONS IN LOCAL DUMFRIES include:
Robert Burns House
The simple sandstone house in which Burns spent the last years of his life. www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums
Robert Burns Centre
Award winning visitor centre telling a story of the connections
between Burns and the town of Dumfries. www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums
The Globe Inn
Established in 1610, this Inn is where Burns enjoyed a quiet drink and home-cooked lunch. www.globeinndumfries.co.uk
Ellisland Farm
Ellisland Farm is a farmhouse and steading reflecting the poets farming and literary life. Attractions include riverside walks, farming exhibits and heritage trail. www.ellislandfarm.co.uk
Also in nearby Ayrshire you can experience the Burns National Heritage Park (www.burnsheritagepark.com) which includes attractions such as:
Burns Cottage
The Cottage Museum
The Tam O'Shanter Experience
Burns Monument
Auld Kirk Alloway
Brig O'Doon
Statue House
CASTLES AND HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Culzean Castle
Set in 600 acres Culzean Castle is situated 12 miles south of Ayr and 4 miles from Maybole. Part of the National Trust for Scotland it is open from March until August. It is likely that there was a building of some sort earlier but a Tower House at Culzean dates was first refered to in the 1400's. Then, it was known as 'Coif Castle', or the 'House of Cove', taking it's name from the caves below. This name was altered to 'Cullean Castle' in the 1600's and the present spelling of Culzean assumed at some point in the 18th century.
We often have guests at Cavens who enjoy the trip to Culzean, though you will need to allow a good day for a leisurely visit. The drive is 82 miles - a couple of hours.
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Park
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Park (www.drumlanrig.com) is set amidst the magnificent Queensberry Estate which extends to around 120,000 acres of land. Attractions include an adventure playground, tearoom, shop, craft workshops, visitor centre and ranger-led activities. Drumlanrig is about 30 miles from Cavens.
Threave Garden and Estate
Threave Garden and Estate near Dumfries has extensive grounds full of beautiful trees, shrubs and plants. It is also home to a walled garden and several glasshouses. Other facilities include a countryside centre, visitor centre, restaurant and shop - open 1 April to 31 October daily from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.
Shambellie House Museum of Costume
Just four miles north of Cavens, Shambellie House is a beautiful Victorian country house set in attractive wooded grounds and contains costumes from the 1850's to the 1950's displayed in perio
d room settings. It also exhibits paintings, furnishings, decoration, ceramics and other period items in their natural settings.
MUSEUMS AND VISITOR CENTRES
John Paul Jones Cottage
The traditional cottage where John Paul Jones - 'The Father of the American Navy' - was born in 1747. Facilities include a museum, shop, exhibits and attractive grounds with picnic areas. www.jpj.demon.co.uk
Dumfries Museum
Dumfries Museum depicts the history of the land and people of the region. The Camera Obscura provides fascinating panoramic views of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside. www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums
