Planning on visiting Southerness?
It’s a great spot for exploring the Argyll and Bute coastline.
Check out this guide to Southerness things to do for some ideas of places to go and things to do.
11 Great Southerness Things to Do
We loved the dog friendly cafes, seeing Red Kites up close and a museum about one of the biggest factories in the UK during World War 2.
Read on for all the details and to plan your visit.
Southerness Things to Do
1. Streetlights Cafe, Castle Douglas
Streetlights was one of the first cafes we visited during our holiday and it was fabulous. It was a dog friendly cafe, which we didn’t know at first but we went and fetched our dogs as soon as realised.
The welcome was very friendly, for both us and our dogs. They even got treats which they were delighted about.
The menu was lovely too with plant based milk available and plenty of choice. We had a soup and sandwich deal and the soup was just gorgeous. Infact the portions were so generous we couldn’t eat a cake even.
The cafe is in the main street at Castle Douglas with on street parking outside the cafe.
This was one of the highlights of our visit.
Read more info and reviews of Streetlights on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
2. Mad Hatters Cafe, Castle Douglas
We headed to Mad Hatters in Castle Douglas as it was advertised as dog friendly.
On arrival we went into the cafe to check it out. It was so cold that we didn’t take the dogs in. The floor was tiled so it would have been much too cold for the dogs to sit on the floor.
We checked out the menu and found the cooked breakfast was £10 which seemed quite expensive given the surroundings.
The cafe was so cold that we kept our coats on and the waiting staff were noticeably cold.
The breakfast was OK but nothing special. The ambience and atmosphere wasn’t very welcoming, particularly being cold.
Southerness Things to Do
3. Visit Castle Douglas
Castle Douglas is described as a food town. There is a great range of independent shops along the main street, including butchers, bakers and other food shops. There were also plenty of other independent shops making the main street a pleasant place to stroll.
Also in Castle Douglas was a Tesco store.
We visited Castle Douglas a couple of times to stock up on essentials and visit cafes.
Read more about Castle Douglas on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
4. Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Cafe
This was recommended to us by the owner of the holiday cottage, and many previous guests had mentioned it in the comments book. Oh my goodness they were right!
Infact this cafe was so good we went twice, something I rarely do anywhere.
Loch Arthur is a community farm shop and cafe. It is set in a lovely building. There is free parking on site and the entrance to the cafe is around the side of the building. There is a little path along the edge of the pond. You pass the toilets and enter the cafe. (These arrangements were probably a little different to normal because of Covid restrictions.)
The menu featured lots of local and fresh produce. We had burgers and shared a their handmade potato wedges. It was all absolutely delicious, so much so that my teenage nephew ate all his salad too!
The service was very warm and friendly. It was very busy which just showed how popular it was with locals.
On our second visit we had soup and cakes and more of those amazing potato wedges. It was well worth the drive through Storm Arwen to get there.
The farm shop entrance is near the car park. There is a great selection of produce including a fruit and vegetable section, meat section, dairy, baked goods, pies etc. We stocked up on treats to take back with us to the holiday cottage.
I would highly recommend a visit for something to eat to Loch Arthur.
Read more about Loch Arthur on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
5. Bellymack Hill Farm – Red Kites
Bellymack Hill Farm is not far outside of Castle Douglas. They are part of the Red Kite trail in Dumfries and Galloway. They feed Red Kites every day at 2pm with the viewing station being open from 1-4pm during the summer (3 pm in winter).
There is parking at Bellymack Hill Farm and you enter the side of a farm building where you pay £5 per person to access the viewing terrace. There is a long terrace near the viewing station and there is also seating inside the building.
Inside the main building is little cafe with a tea, coffee and cakes available to buy. They were very nice.
The birds are fed at 2 pm. The Red Kites perch in trees around the site, making a whistling noise.
Infront of the viewing platform is a feeding station where meat is put out. The birds swoop down and feed and then return to the trees to digest the food. About 30 minutes later when the food is digested the birds return again.
There is also a little walk up to the top of a small hill with a bird viewing hide and some goats and sheep to see along the way.
We spent nearly 2 hours at Bellymack Farm and enjoyed it a great deal.
Read more about Bellymack Hill Farm on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
6. Abbey Cottage, New Abbey
We visited this tearoom as it was dog friendly.
On entering the tearoom we were directed to the front part of the tearoom which is where dogs are allowed.
We enjoyed a nice scone and coffee in the tearoom.
The dogs enjoyed their visit too.
Read more about Abbey Cottage on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
7. Devil’s Porridge Museum, Annan
We took a trip out on a very wet day to visit this museum. It was about an hour’s drive away from Southerness but it was well worth the trip. The museum is located in Annan and it tells the story of a huge factory complex that made munitions for the First World War.
The museum was well laid out with an audio guide available at reception.
There was also plenty of of interactivity throughout the museum (although some of the exhibits were removed due to Covid restrictions).
The museum told not just the story of the factory but also of the women who travelled from all over the UK to work at the factory. It also told the story of the largest train crash in Scottish history and the first nuclear reactor in Scotland as well.
It was a fascinating museum with lots of interesting stories.
Beside the museum was a small cafe where we enjoyed a cake and cup of tea after our visit. We spent 2 hours at the museum but we could have spent longer there.
Read the Tripadvisor reviews of the Devils Porridge Museum.
Southerness Things to Do
8. RSPB Mersehead
RSPB Mersehead is a nature reserve set at a marshy headland. There is a visitor centre located down a single track road, signed from the main road – the A710.
We arrived quite late, about 30 minutes before the visitor centre was about to close. By the time we had walked down to the nearest bird viewing hide the visitor centre closed.
It was bitterly cold and the tide was quite a long way out but we did get a view of a few birds and grazing deer.
It would be worth checking the tide times if you are planning a visit as a higher tide would mean that the birdlife would be closer.
Read more about RSPB Mersehead on Tripadvisor
Southerness Things to Do
9. Sandyhills Beach
We were recommended visiting Sandyhills Beach by the owner of the cottage.
It was definitely worth visiting. There is a paid car park by the beach with tickets purchased at the nearby gift shop. When we visited the shop was closed so there was free parking.
The beach was lovely and sandy. The dogs enjoyed it too. It would be a nice spot to spend some time with a picnic and making sandcastles too.
Southerness Things to Do
10. Southerness Beach
Southerness Beach was a bit of a disappointment to be honest because it was nearly impossible for our dogs to walk on given their little legs.
The beach had previously been sandy but due to increased storms it was covered in stones and debris and had been for some time. This made walking on it was small dogs a bit challenging and it meant we had to carry them at various points too.
If you are expecting to go and spend hours on a sandy beach at Southerness then it is probably worth checking about the beach condition before you go.
It is still a pleasant area to explore with wide reaching views just a little different than we had expected.
Southerness Things to Do
11. Threave Gardens
Not far away from Castle Douglas is the National Trust for Scotland property Threave Gardens.
It’s a national bat reserve with lovely gardens to walk through alongwith a nice cafe overlooking the gardens too. Some parts of the garden are not accessible with dogs, such as the walled garden.
During the summer months there is a cafe in the stables area of the gardens and both cafes have outside seating too.
Parking and entry is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
Check out my detailed review of Threave Gardens.
Southerness Shops
There is a small selection of shops in Southerness.
Some of them are seasonal and linked to the opening times of the holiday park.
There is a small Nisa Local which is close to the leisure centre on the Southerness holiday park. This is geared towards people staying in the holiday caravans with supplies for people to cook their own meals.
There is a Mini Market in the Solway shopping centre. This is on the main road into Southerness and on the left hand side as you come into Southerness.
For larger supermarkets there are a selection in Dumfries and Castle Douglas depending which way you are travelling.
Southerness FAQs
Can you go in Southerness lighthouse?
The lighthouse is not open for visitors, but it does make a nice photo.
Does Southerness have a sandy beach?
No it doesn’t, not until the tide goes out anyway. The beach is stony and pebbly with quite a lot of debris washed up. We spent most of our time carrying our two small dogs over the rocks as they couldn’t climb over them.
How far is Southerness from Dumfries?
It is 16 miles from Southerness to Dumfries. Southnerness is directly South from Dumfries and it is well signposted. However, the road is quite small so it takes around 30 minutes to travel from Southerness to Dumfries.
Is Southerness dog friendly?
There is plenty of dog friendly accommodation in Southerness. There are also plenty of dog walks and many of the residential properties had dogs living there too, so yes Southerness is dog friendly!
What is the Closest Town to Southerness?
Dumfries is the closest town to Southerness. It is 16 miles. Due to the small road it will take around 30 minutes to drive from Dumfries to Southerness.
Looking to Stay in Southerness?
Check out my review of a Southerness self catering cottage, including a video tour of the property.
Interested in Self Catering Properties in the Area?
Check out this selection of cottages and find plenty more in the Dumfries and Galloway area.
Looking for Hotels in Dumfries and Galloway?
Find the best deals quickly
Southerness Things to Do – Conclusion
- There are some great places to explore from Southerness – it gives great access to the coastline
- The Devils Porridge Museum is great for a rainy day as it is all inside
- Don’t miss Loch Arthur for fantastic food – so good we went twice!
- Streetlights is one of the nicest dog friendly cafes we’ve been to anywhere
Next…
Check out my Travel Inspiration page for lots more ideas of things to do and places to visit in Scotland
Further Reading
If you have found this guide to Southerness things to do helpful you might also like;
My review of a one week stay in Newton Stewart including a tour of an amazingly cute riverside cottage
Forres Self Catering holiday review – a stunning cottage with walks and wildlife on the doorstep
Wick Self Catering Review – right on the NC500 with the amazing Duncansby Stacks nearby
12 Self Catering Holiday Tips – to help you have an even better holiday experience
If you want more trip ideas then check out my Travel Inspiration page
Other Articles
- Holyrood Hotel Review and Helpful Things to Know 🏴Click below to quickly find the best price for your stay at the Holyrood Hotel 1. Holyrood Hotel Address The address of the Holyrood Hotel is; 81 Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh, EH8 8AU 2. Phone Number The telephone number of the hotel is; 0131 528 8000 3. Getting from Edinburgh Waverley Station to the Holyrood Hotel… Read More »Holyrood Hotel Review and Helpful Things to Know 🏴
- Lerwick Hotel Review and Helpful Things to KnowClick to get the best price for your stay at the Lerwick Hotel 1. Lerwick Hotel Address The address of the Lerwick Hotel is; 15 South Road, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PX 2. Phone Number The telephone number of the hotel is; +44 (1595) 692166 3. Getting from Sumburgh Airport to the Lerwick Hotel It is… Read More »Lerwick Hotel Review and Helpful Things to Know
- Visit Shetland – A Stunning Destination Any Time of the YearPlanning to Visit Shetland? Shetland is an amazing place to visit. It is very different from the rest of Scotland. It has its own very distinct culture, language, food, landscape, and history. There is a great deal to see and enjoy when visiting. Visit Shetland 2. Where Do You Fly From to Get To Shetland? There… Read More »Visit Shetland – A Stunning Destination Any Time of the Year
- Alicante Holiday – What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip 🇪🇸Thinking of an Alicante holiday? You should it’s a great destination that offers great value too. Alicante is a coastal and port town located on the South Coast of Spain. It is in the Costa Blanca area, which refers to the coastline and it’s a popular tourist destination. It has a population of around 350,000… Read More »Alicante Holiday – What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip 🇪🇸
- 6 Handpicked Hotels in Riga – From Budget to Luxury 🇱🇻Looking for Hotels In Riga? Wondering where to stay? Check out this guide and find your perfect stay from these hotels in Riga. Hotels in Riga – Airport Hotels If you need to stay close to the airport then you have two choices – the Sky High Hotel or the Hampton by Hilton. Hotels in… Read More »6 Handpicked Hotels in Riga – From Budget to Luxury 🇱🇻
- 5 Interesting Things to Do in Riga – Plus How to Get Around 🇱🇻Planning on visiting Riga? Read on for some ideas of things to do in Riga, including a couple of free and a couple of paid options. There are also a couple of restaurant recommendations too. Riga public transport is really great value so keep reading to find out how to use it to get around.… Read More »5 Interesting Things to Do in Riga – Plus How to Get Around 🇱🇻
- 10 Reasons to Stay at the Lovely Busta House HotelI am lucky enough to have stayed at the lovely Busta House Hotel a number of times when taking tour groups to Shetland. It’s my favourite hotel on Shetland, and one of my favourite hotels anywhere. Here are 10 reasons you should stay at the Busta House Hotel too. 1. Busta House Hotel is Run… Read More »10 Reasons to Stay at the Lovely Busta House Hotel
- 26 Great Things to Do On Your Shetland HolidayConsidering a Shetland holiday? It’s a fantastic place to visit, with its own unique character. There is something about Shetland – whether that’s the people, the scenery, the wildlife, or the weather. It gets under your skin. Here are 26 things you might like to see on your Shetland Holiday. Shetland Holiday 1. Sumburgh Head… Read More »26 Great Things to Do On Your Shetland Holiday
- Campanile Glasgow – Helpful Things to Know Before You StayLooking to stay at the Campanile Glasgow? Check out this review, including a video room tour of a twin room. Pros My Review Score 😄 Cons Cost £79 twin room, no breakfast Campanile Glasgow – Find the Best Price Online Want to find the best price for the Campanile Glasgow super quickly? Just pop your… Read More »Campanile Glasgow – Helpful Things to Know Before You Stay