The Maxwell Tour - Day Two
Continuing our tour of Maxwell sites in South West Scotland.
A day tour from Dumfries or Lockerbie (it only takes one hour by train to Lockerbie from either Edinburgh or Glasgow). We can provide this tour as part of a multi-day tour package.

Tour Highlights
• Terregles Village
• Lincluden Collegiate Church
• Kirkconnell Tower and Sweetheart Abbey
• Drumcoltran Tower
• Dundrennan
•The Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright

Terregles Village
Terregles Parish Church is highly unusual in that one half of the church is a Church of Scotland Protestant Church while the other half contains a Catholic Chapel. The Chapel includes a burial chamber for the Maxwells of Terregles House and Traquair. We will obtain permission to enter this private family crypt. You can take photographs for your own personal use but the family requires you not to post them on social media or the internet.

Lincluden Collegiate Church
Now and atmospheric ruin, Lincluden Collegiate Church was founded by the Earl of Galloway under the patronage of Lord Douglas. Following the Protestant Reformation, the church was acquired by the Maxwells of Terregles. Princess Margaret, daughter of Robert III and wife of the 4th Earl of Douglas, is entombed here.

Kirkconnell Tower
Kirkconnell Tower, New Abbey was home of the Maxwells of Kirkconnell for around 600 years. We will obtain permission to enter the grounds so we can view the tower.

New Abbey
In the lovely village of New Abbey, we will visit the ruin of Sweetheat Abbey and discover how this place aquired its unusual name.

Drumcoltran Tower
Drumcoltran Tower was built by the Maxwells of the Hills. Located by a working farm, we usually get this place to ourselves. We can climb the narrow spiral staircase to explore all the floors including the roof where we have stunning views of the lovely countryside.
After Drumcoltran, its Beeswing with its fantastic farm shop and community cafe www.locharthur.org.uk/farm-shop-cafe for lunch.

Dundrennan Abbey
Dundrennan Abbey is where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish Soil. Mary was on the run after the Battle of Langside in 1568. Lord Maxwell ensured her safe passage south before helping her escape across the Solway to England which as rule by her cousin Elizabeth I.

Kirkcudbright
The Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright is our next stop. A lovely coastal town which has continued to attract artists draw to the natural light and the beautiful landscape. The town is a hive of activity. You can browse the local shops and galleries.

Dumfries
After leaving Kirkcudbright, we will pass through the Food Town of Castle Douglas before taking you to your accommodation in Dumfries or to the train station if heading back to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Who are you? - Your tour guides are Mark and Joyce. Dumfries born and bred. Mark did work away from home in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester for a number of years. He often brought friends to the region and showed them round. They were amazed by the stunning scenery and the rich history of the area. Mark moved back to Dumfries several years ago to reconnect more fully with nature, history, and the varied landscape of Dumfries and Galloway. We hope to share our passion for this region with you on one of our tours.
How much does the tour cost? - We offer 1 day to 7 day tours. Each tour is tailor-made to match your interests and requirements. After you make contact, we will draw up an itinerary and quote you a price.
Should we contact you pre-arrival to discuss our options? – Absolutely. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your interests, requirements, and expectations. We can adapt your tour as required. Contact can be made by emailing Mark@dumfriestours.co.uk or by calling or messaging +44 7732224011.
How long have you been operating the business? - We started our business in 2022; successfully running tours that year, 2023 and 2024. The business has flourished and become more successful each year. We are looking forward to bookings for 2025.
Where are you based and how do we get there? - We are based in Dumfries which is about 14 miles west of Lockerbie. It's only an hour to Lockerbie by train from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, two hours from Manchester, and just over four hours from London. You can also travel Dumfries by train from Glasgow or Edinburgh. We can pick you up from Lockerbie or Dumfries to begin your tour. We can also arrange pick up from Glasgow or Edinburgh (including airports) if required.
On what day do the tours start? - Depending on our availability, your tour can start and end on any day of the week. You decide.
How long do the tours last? - They are full days. We usually start at 9am and aim to get you back to your accommodation by 5.30pm - 6pm each day. We recommend three day tours (or more) so you can fully immerse yourself in the history, culture, and scenery of the region. However, if available, can also offer one or two day tours.
What’s included? – Pickup from and return to Lockerbie or Dumfries railway stations. If you need picked up from Edinburgh or Glasgow we will incorporate this in our price quote. You will have the exclusive services of your very own an expert local tour guide and driver throughout your stay, with transport between all locations. These are exclusive tours; no sharing with any other parties. Ideal for couples and/or friends.
What's not included? – Does not include accommodation, meals or entry to visitor sights and attractions.
How many people are on your tours? - We can accommodate up to four people from the same booking party.
What about bigger groups in the same booking, can you accommodate all of us on your tours? - Yes. We work with a very reputable local coach company who provide us with a coach and driver. Mark will draw up the itinerary and be your guide on the day/s. Contact us for a quote.
What about accommodation? – We can recommend the best, well located, family run guesthouses and hotels in the region. If you have already arranged your own place to stay, we can pick you up from your lodgings and begin, and end, your tour from there.
What about food and drink? – We know the best tea rooms, coffee shops, farmhouse cafes, restaurants and bars in the area. With this local knowledge, we make appropriate stops on route to ensure you are suitably refreshed throughout the day while enjoying fine home-made, and locally sourced produce.