Robert Burns and Whisky Tours

Tour Highlights - Day 1 Dumfries

• Robert Burns Centre on the Banks of The River Nith

• Burns House - where he lived until his untimely death in 1796. 

• Theatre Royal - Scotland's oldest working theatre. Burns was patron. 

• St Michael's Church and Robert Burns' Mausoleum. 

• The Globe Inn - established in 1610, it was Burns' favourite drinking Howff.

• Brow Well - In an attempt to prolong his life, Burns took the waters here. 

• Annandale Distillery - Man o' Words whisky.

• Ellisland Farm - Where Robert wrote Tam O' Shanter and Auld Lang Syne. 

• Friars Carse and The Hermitage where Burns wrote his poetry.

Tour Itinerary - Day 1 Dumfries

Our tour begins in the historic town of Dumfries or we can pick you up from Lockerbie. It only takes one hour by train from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. 

We start by taking you into the Robert Burns Centre which brings The Poet's time in 18th century Dumfries back to life. Afterwards, we guide you along the old streets and vennels of the town before entering the house where Burns lived until his untimely death on 21 July 1796. 

We also pay a visit the oldest working theatre in Scotland. Theatre Royal in Dumfries is now owned by the Guild of Players who bought it in 1959, saving it from demolition. Burns was a patron of this theatre and regular attendee after it opened in 1792. 

Once we have explored the town and its connections to Burns, we take you along to the St Michael's Church where Robert is buried. We show you the Bard's original 1796 gravesite before providing you with access to the magnificent mausoleum where Robert was interred after his exhumation in 1815. Robert's wife, Jean, was buried alongside her husband after she died in 1834. A very poignant experience. 

On a happier note, your tour would not be complete without a visit to the Bard's favourite drinking Howff in the town. This fine establishment first opened its doors in 1610 and it has been painstakingly restored to a very high standard by the owners of the Annandale Distillery.

You will be able to sit in the Bard’s favourite chair and see where he etched on the window with a diamond stylus. However, the highlight of your visit to this hostelry is being able to go into the bedroom that was kept for Robert when he was not fit or able to ride back back to his farmhouse. The bedroom has been thoughtfully persevered and is unchanged from the time Burns last stayed there. 

Heading down the Solway Estuary, we visit the stunning Caerlaverock Castle. Closeby in a tiny village you will find the home of the world's first ever savings bank. From here it's a short drive to the Brow Well. 

In a desperate attempt to prolong his life, and following the somewhat suspect advice for his friend Dr William Maxwell, Burns took lodgings near the Solway Coast in order to bathe in the sea and to drink the Brow Well. The well’s waters were stained reddish brown by the high concentration of iron salts that had leached into the spring, and people came from far and wide to drink the water, believing it to cure many illnesses. 

After ‘the cure' failed, Burns returned to Dumfries to be cared for by his heavily pregnant wife Jean Armour who also had charge of their four remaining children. Dr Maxwell attended regularly but Burns’ condition worsened and he sadly died on 21 July 1796. On the day of his funeral, Jean gave birth to their son. Ironically, she called their child Maxwell after her husband’s friend and ‘good doctor’.

On your visit to this spring, you may contemplate what might have been, and how many more works Burns may have gone on to produce, had he received more appropriate medical advice and treatment. 

While in the area, it would be rude not to call into the nearby Annandale Distillery. The staff here are so friendly and hospitable. They have created their Man o' Words whisky in honour of Robert Burns. The distillery has a lovely coffee house and is a highly recommended lunch stop. 

We now head to Ellisland Farmhouse Museum where Robert Burns wrote his masterpieces, Tam O' Shanter and Auld Lang Syne. Burns used the funds he received from the sales of his ‘Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect’ to buy land and build his farmhouse in Dumfriesshire. Upon completion, Burns moved his wife, Jean Armour, and their family into the farmhouse in 1788. 

The lovely riverside location of the farm was hugely inspirational to Burns and it was a productive time for him him in terms of his writing. Despite long hard days of physical labour, Burns was able to produce numerous poems, letters and songs during his time at Ellisland. He was undoubtedly well supported by Jean who kept the family home and farm ticking over while Burns was at his muse. Jean was also an accomplished singer and helped with the musical composition of Burns' songs.

The farmhouse and surroundings have changed little over the years and a large number of the Bard’s original manuscripts are still there for you to see. Take your time to walk through the beautifully preserved buildings and wander round the peaceful grounds. Maybe you will find you inspiration here like Burns did all those years ago.

A mile or so further north is charming hotel with with stunning grounds on the banks of the river Nith. Robert Burns' neighbour, Robert Riddell, was the owner of athis country estate. Recognising his unique talent, Riddell offered Burns the use of a hermitage (a small summer house) in the grounds in which to write his letters, poems, and songs away from the demands of the farm. 

Robert Burns was a frequent visitor here and wrote several poems in honour of his host. Burns wrote the 'The Whistle' after witnessing a notorious drinking competition held there between Riddell and his guests; the winner being the last drinker capable of playing a tune on whistle! 

Tour Highlights - Day 2 Ayrshire

• Alloway, Robert Burns Birthplace Cottage and Museum. 

• Alloway Auld Kirk - used in the setting for Tam o' Shanter.

• Brig o' Doon - unchanged since the poet's day. 

• Burns House Museum, Mauchline. 

• Tarbolton Bachelors' Club

• Souter Johnie's Cottage. 

Tour Itinerary - Day 2 Ayrshire

Today we head into Ayrshire to see where Burns was born. We visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is a must see for anyone interested in this iconic wordsmith. The building is stunning and there is so much to see. The visitors' centre has a fine cafe and makes a good lunch stop. 

On route we call into the Bachelors' Club where Burns frequented with his close friends to eat, drink, and discuss the matters of the day. The Bachelors' Club is where the first ever Burns Supper was initiated after Robert’s death.

We also play a visit to the cottage of Tam O’Shanter’s ancient, trusty, drouthy crony; Souter Johnie. 

Using original manuscripts, Burns House Museum in Mauchline interprets Burns' time in the town and the characters he created. 

We make this a circular route and include regular stops so you can take in some of the finest scenery Southern Scotland has to offer. Its a wonderful trip and one we never tire of. 

As you are in Ayrshire, you may wish to book a guest house or hotel in or around the coastal town of Ayr. If so, we will drop you off at your new accommodation. If coming back to Dumfries we will obviously return you back 'doonhame' for the evening. We can help find you a place to stay and would be happy to make recommendations. 

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.