Discover Dumfries & Galloway
Colourful, creative and picturesque, the region gives you experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. With a lively arts and festival scene, strong cultural heritage and a wealth of sporting opportunities, you’ll soon become part of the local community.
The University Town of Dumfries
Cafes, pubs, clubs, restaurants, sports and health facilities, cinema and shopping can all be found within the town centre. The compact nature of the town provides a relaxed environment for students and, with excellent transport links, you can travel anywhere in the UK.
Arts and Culture
There is plenty going on to encourage your creativity: visit the Robert Burns House where the famous poet created some of his finest works; or Moat Brae, the house and garden which inspired J M Barrie to write Peter Pan. The internationally acclaimed Wigtown Book Festival consistently attracts big-name writers like Louis de Bernières, Phill Jupitus and Chris Brookmyre. The world’s biggest Burns Night celebration is held in Dumfries: the Big Burns Supper is an extravaganza of theatre, music, comedy, street carnivals and more. The Stove Network is an award-winning arts and community organisation based in Southwest Scotland. They use creativity to bring together people and ideas, inspire and support new community-led projects, grow opportunities and celebrate our local places and people
Nightlife and Music
From nightclub DJs to acoustic sets at pubs and festivals throughout the year, you’ll find a variety of music to suit all tastes. Budding performers can join many of the town’s music and theatre groups. Calvin Harris started his career in Dumfries and there are a number of music festivals such as the Eden Festival and the small but legendary Knockengorroch Festival.
Social and Recreational Activites
For more social and recreational opportunities available on campus, visit our school events page or clubs and activities.
Sport
State-of-the-art sports facilities are right on your doorstep at the DG1 leisure centre, and there is a gym, spa and swimming pool on campus which offers a student discount. Local sports clubs welcome new members, with something for everyone. Dumfries regularly hosts international sporting events, recently including cycling’s Tour of Britain and the World Under-20 Ice Hockey Championship. Dumfries & Galloway is home to the 7stanes, a series of world-class mountain bike centres run by Forestry Commission Scotland.
The Great Outdoors
Walkers and climbers of all abilities will enjoy discovering the area, from the Galloway Hills and the Southern Uplands to the English Lake District, all easily reached from Dumfries. The dramatic coastline and beaches of the Solway Firth are a tranquil backdrop for more relaxing pursuits. Sandy bays, rocky cliffs, islands, lochs and rivers are a haven for watersports enthusiasts.
Environment and Wildlife
There is plenty to see and do at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre which is situated just 15 minutes from our campus. Caerlaverock's stunning and varied habitats attrach a whole host of wildlife. Caerlaverock becomes a wildfowl wonderland as huge flocks of waders and ducks create intricate patterns as they feed on the high tide and come into the Solway mudflats to roost. During Autumn, all eyes are on the skies as many thousands of barnacle geese, whooper swans and other birds arrive back at Caerlaverock to shelter in the Solway Firth and take advantage of its expansive salt marshes, tidal pools and grazing land.
More Information on Dumfries & Galloway