A stay in one of the glamping pods at Craigend Farm offers lots of what’s great about Scotland – and yet it’s only half an hour from the English border. Here in the Scottish lowlands, you are surrounded by countryside that’s grazed by woolly sheep and coos (that’s Scots for cows, in case you don’t know). The pods here are named after them and located in a place that’s within easy reach of Scottish castles, coast and the casks of whisky distilleries. It’s also just a single mile outside Dumfries – a town with strong connections to both Robert the Bruce and the poet Robert Burns.
The glamping pods themselves provide a very comfortable, compact base from which to discover all this. Situated on a working farm with lovely views, each of the two pods offers self-contained, self-catering accommodation that’s big enough for a family of four but not too big for a couple. Each is a neat, shingled, curvy cabin with a glass front and a sheltered seating area outside. Inside, you have everything you need for a week or a weekend away. There’s a comfy king-sized double bed and two cute bunks for younger kids. There’s a dining table and comfy seating. And, as it’s hooked up with electricity and water, the kitchenette and shower room are just like what you’re used to at home – perhaps a little smaller – but maybe, just maybe, a little more stylish and contemporary too.
Although the dimensions are cute, this is glamping where you really don’t need to go without. Bedding and towels are provided and, for mod cons; there’s a TV, WiFi and underfloor heating. That’s in addition to all the kitchen kit you’ll need: toaster, kettle, hob, oven and fridge. If you want to cook, head to the outskirts of town to pick up Dumfries and Galloway produce from Kilnford Farm Shop – though you might find yourself tempted by their kitchen. Or distracted by the fine dining and whisky selection on offer at Robert Burns’ old haunt, The Globe Inn in Dumfries itself. And there’s plenty more to distract you in the wider area too from farm parks to forests, castles to the Galloway coast, just 20 minutes’ drive away.
Craigend Farm is just a mile from the edge of Dumfries. The town was the home of the poet Robert Burns at the end of his life and there are lots of sights associated with him in this attractive riverside town. You can visit Robert Burns House, the Robert Burns Centre, The Globe Inn that he used to frequent and see his statue too. The Dumfries Museum is also a fascinating place to visit with more general history and the oldest working camera obscura. Dock Park is a nice riverside park with activities in the summer. For families with younger kids there’s also Dalescone Farm (four miles from Craigend Farm), on the outskirts of town. And there’s another rural attraction, Mabie Farm Park, just six miles away. Moated Caerlaverock Castle is seven miles from the glamping site and Drumlanrig Castle (20 miles), with its extensive grounds and woodland play park, makes for a good day out too. Annandale Distillery is one for the adults (17 miles) but there’s a foodie option for all the family at Cream O’ Galloway. It’s just over 30 miles away and takes almost an hour in the car – but it’s worth it if you like the sound of ice cream making and cheese making workshops, both of which are among the activities available. You could also combine it with a trip to the Galloway coast.
A trip to The Globe Inn, where Robert Burns used to drink and write, in Dumfries town is almost obligatory. Its restaurant serves very good food and a vast selection of whiskys. You can even book a tour to learn about the various artefacts left behind from his time visiting the pub. But Dumfries has plenty of other eateries and shops too. Your hosts recommend The Bank Bar and Tapas, modern Italian restaurant Dolce Vita or the family-run Bruno’s in town. There’s also good pizza in the park from Il Fiume and modern Mediterranean food from Casa Mia on the outskirts of town. If you want to pick up local produce, head for Kilnford Farm Shop (five miles) where there’s also a restaurant.
