We are so lucky to be placed in the location we are, blessed by the proximity of the river Nith and the Nith valley. However close by are some wonderful places to visit, here is a list of the main attractions.
Blackaddie Hotel - Its hard not to mention the adjacent Hotel, Blackaddie is made famous by its owner Ian McAndrew, one of Scotland's finest chefs. In fact he was the youngest UK chef ever to have held a Michelin star, he began life working in the kitchens of top hotels including the The Dorchester and Carlton Tower before opening his first restaurant in Canterbury, where he was awarded a star by Michelin in his first year of operation. He is now the Chef proprietor of the Hotel so if you feel like a gastronomic experience on your stay just pop in next door.
Drumlanrig Castle, built between 1670 and 1690, the seat of the Duke of Buccleuch & Queensberry, is a unique example of late 17th century Renaissance architecture. The 'Pink Palace' is open to the public for most of the summer and its treasures include works by Rembrandt and Holbein. Other attractions include nature trails, a craft centre, bicycle museum and a children's adventure playground
The Museum of Scottish Lead Mining, based in Wanlockhead, is open from Easter to September and offers a fascinating insight into the hard lives endured by the villagers of the past. Visitors can go underground on a guided tour of Lochnell mine. A beam engine in the village, used to extract water from the mine workings is the last surviving example of its kind in Britain. The museum has a cafe and shop.
This is a very pretty part of Scotland, and as such many people come here to enjoy good walks in the fresh air. right outside your front door you can take a walk along the riverbank and walk by Crawick Water, River Nith and follow the river to Kings Scaur. Return to the town via the Castle Loaning. A good walk to see birdlife on the river, and even the elusive kingfisher can be seen. (Easy) Highly Recommended
When Robert Burns was 29 and at the peak of his powers as a poet, he took over the farm at Ellisland. He lived here with Jean Armour between 1788 and 1791.
The farmhouse provides a fascinating insight into the farmer-poet's life and offers the opportunity to view a range of his possessions.
Dumfries House is one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets.
With its sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, all set in two thousand acres of land, there is something to delight and enchant visitors of all ages. Built between 1754 and 1759 for the 5th Earl of Dumfries, and with a unique collection of Chippendale furniture, the House has been described as an 18th century time-capsule since the principal rooms and their contents have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years.
Sanquhar Castle dates from around the 11th century and played a significant part in Scotland's history, it was the scene of bloody conflict during the Wars of Independence. One of its towers is named after William Wallace who once relieved the castle. In the 17th century, Sanquhar Castle became the family seat of Sir William Douglas, Earl of Queensberry, until Drumlanrig Castle was built. Stones from the castle were then removed and used in the construction of Sanquhar Tolbooth. Today, the castle is a romantic ruin.
Canoeing in the River Nith below Sanquhar can be an exhilarating experience. When the river is in spate, it is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Britain. It is an ideal venue for wild water canoeing, with several wild water championships being held on the river each year.
Sanquhar Golf Club, golfers may take advantage of the local course situated just 300 meters from the hotel. This is a very attractive 9-hole parkland course with good views of the surrounding countryside. The courses offers a challenge for low handicappers while being enjoyable for moderate golfers. Day tickets are available for visitors. Guests are within easy driving distance of Thornhill and Dumfries to the South, and some of Scotland's more famous courses, including Troon and Turnberry, to the North.
Thornhill In recent years, the old market village of Thornhill has reinvented itself as a specialist shopping centre. The attractive, broad main street, flanked by lime trees and cobbles, plays host to an interesting array of boutiques, clothing shops, health food stores, antique and book dealers and cafes. Now Thornhill has been improved with the wonderful Thomas Tosh cafe and gallery.
A wealth of activities are available in this lovely area. The lodges are situated metres from the Southern Upland Way and provide an ideal base for walking, bird watching, salmon and trout fishing, golfing on the local course or at world-famous Troon or Turnberry, to canoeing on the River Nith - some of the best white-water in Scotland - or gold panning in the scenic Mennock Valley.
Riverside Cottages, Blackaddie Hotel
Sanquhar,
Dumfries & Galloway DG4 6JJ
Tel 01659 50270 - info@blackaddiehotel.co.uk
