Robert Burns Holidays in Scotland
Scotland’s national bard may have been born in Ayrshire but for many years he lived and worked in Dumfries & Galloway where he wrote much of his memorable poetry.
In the town of Dumfries there are many places to visit with strong associations with Burns – from the statue in the town centre to his favourite drinking place, which is still a popular pub full of fascinating history and Burns memorabilia. It was here he had his brief affair with Anna Park who died shortly after childbirth and engraved lines of poetry with a diamond ring. The lines can still be seen today, on the window pane.
You can visit the unassuming house in the town where he lived and see the chair in which he wrote his last poems and his mausoleum in St Michael’s Churchyard where he was buried.
Outside Dumfries is Ellisland Farm, now a museum and visitor attraction, which Burns leased and although the land was poor, the glorious countryside proved inspirational to the poet’s soul. Unfortunately it proved impossible to make a living from the farm and believing he could earn more money as an Excise officer and gave up the farm.
Also outside the town is Brow Well, a spring which was believed to have curative powers. In the year of his death Robert Burns was advised to drink the water and wade up to his shoulders in the cold waters of the Solway. The ‘cure’ most certainly worsened his condition and he died on 21 July 1796, at the age of 37.
A Robert Burns themed break would include visiting many of these locations in Dumfries and the Stewartry area of Galloway.
Itineraries
(Outline info provided only)Robert Burns Tour - RB1 - 3 days self-guided tour incl. 3 nights B&B - Cost - from £175 p.p.
assuming a min. of 2 on a tour and sharing a room.
Arrival Day - Arrive to accommodation followed by welcome meeting with tour itinerary provided.
Day 1 - Dumfries and surrounding area - Follow the Robert Burns town trail. Lunch suggested at Burns's favourite 'howff', the Globe Inn. Afternoon visit significant Burns locations near Dumfries (route details provided).
Day 2 - Stewartry Tour - Follow Solway Coast to visit significant Robert Burns places including Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet.
Day 3 - Follow the Burns Heritage Trail to Burns Heritage Park at Alloway, Ayr. Depart or return to Galloway.
Accommodation not provided after the tour today but can be arranged at extra cost either in Dumfries and Galloway or in Ayr.
Robert Burns Tour - RB2 - 3 days guided tour incl. 3 nights B&B - Cost - from £295 p.p.
assuming a min. of 2 on a tour and sharing a room.
Arrival Day - Arrive at accommodation.
Day 1 - Pickup from accommodation. Minibus transport to Dumfries to begin guided walk of Burns's locations. Option of pre-arranged escort by Burns enthusiast - subject to availability. Lunch and afternoon visit to at least two Burns trail locations and coast return tour - if staying at Galloway Holidays accommodation in Castle Douglas.
Day 2 - Circular minibus tour from Castle Douglas to visit significant Robert Burns places including the Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet.
Day 3 - Minibus Tour along the Burns Heritage Trail into Ayrshire including the Burns Heritage Park at Alloway, Ayr.
Accommodation not provided after the tour today but can be arranged at extra cost either in Dumfries and Galloway or in Ayr.
