castle douglas

A walk down the high street is a must, from boutiques, to a fabulous shoe shop - Stepping Out, childrens toys and clothes, hobby shop, hardware etc etcIt is brilliant!

For the new year we stayed in a little cottage called Ellenslea in Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 3TQ. It was wonderful; mountains, snow, rivers and moor land. Everything you could ask for when wanting somewhere to spend the new year in peace. It was set in the middle of the Galloway Forest Park and was perfect.We really like this area of Scotland and have been coming here for the past couple of years. Castle Douglas itself has everything you could need; supermarkets, post office, clothing shops, hairdressers, toy shops and much much more. It's only within minutes of mountains, forestry and lochs as well.I'd recomend this area of Scotland to anyone who's looking for a peaceful get away. We've stayed at verious places over the years but I'd definitely recommend Queensill Country Lodges Ltd, Fellend Cottage, Ringford, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway DG7 2AT and Ellenslea as my favourites; both are off the beatan track whilst at the same time been within easy driving distance of civilisation.If your looking for somewhere to eat I'd definitely recommend the Super Star Chinese Takeaway on Carlingwark Street which is by far the best Chinese I've ever had. I'd also recommend the star Hotel, 18 Main St, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright DG6 4NT it's not in Castle Douglus but it's wort the drive they serve lovely food and do an amazing New Years Celebration. Another pub I'd recommend is The clachan Inn, 8-10 Main Street, Dalry, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 3UW, it's got good character, amazing (traditional/ unusual) food and great service. Castle Douglas and the surrounding areas are a nature lovers paradise. There are birds of prey, dears and many other animals to keep you occupied.

The original Douglas Castle, the ancestral home of the powerful Douglas family, was built sometime before 1288. In 1307, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the castle was captured by the English and retaken by Sir James "The Good" Douglas, who now lies buried in St. Bride's Church nearby.Sir Walter Scott drew inspiration from the history of these times to create his fictitious tale of Castle Dangerous, the last of his novels to be published in his lifetime.A large mansion occupied the property as late as 1938 and was the family seat of British Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home. Only a single tower of the 17th century structure remains today. It stands rather forlornly in the midst of pasture and farmland, but is still worth visiting by anyone who appreciates the history of Scotland and the romantic tales of Sir Walter Scott.