An Outlander-Inspired Day Trip from the Central Belt to Dumfries & Galloway

Sam Heughan with bottle of Sassanach whisky

If you’re looking for a romantic Scottish day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway offers rolling countryside, historic castles, literary heritage and a distillery experience with a modern cultural twist. Popular with Outlander fans, whisky and gin lovers and those seeking a slower, story-led escape, this region is perfect for a one-day itinerary- or an overnight stay if you want to linger a little longer. Here’s how to plan the perfect Outlander-inspired day out, with plenty of stops enroute.

Getting There: A Scenic Drive from the Central Belt

Dumfries & Galloway is easily reached in around 2–2.5 hours by car from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it ideal for a weekend day trip.

The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through open countryside, historic market towns and coastal views as you head south-west- landscapes that feel distinctly cinematic and timeless.

Caerlaverock Castle

Stop 1: Caerlaverock Castle- Medieval Scotland at its Best

One of the most striking castles in southern Scotland, Caerlaverock Castle sits dramatically on the edge of the Solway Firth.

With its unique triangular design, moat and red sandstone walls, it’s easy to see why this area appeals to fans of Scottish history and period drama alike. Wander the ruins, explore the grounds and soak up the atmosphere before continuing your journey.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Stop 2: Robert Burns Heritage & Historic Pubs

Dumfries is deeply connected to Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who spent his final years in the town.

Must-visit Burns spots:

• Robert Burns House- Burns’ final home, now a museum

• The Burns Mausoleum- where he is buried

• The Robert Burns Centre- celebrating his life and legacy and playing frequent films

The Robert Burns Centre

The Globe Inn

The Globe Inn

A highlight for many visitors is The Globe Inn, one of the pubs Burns himself frequented. Still serving food and drink today, it’s a wonderful place to stop for lunch or a dram, surrounded by history and original features.

This stop adds depth and cultural richness to the day- especially appealing for visitors interested in Scottish literature, heritage and storytelling.

Stop 3: Local Eateries Worth Planning Around

Dumfries & Galloway is quietly one of Scotland’s best regions for local produce. If you’re building a full day itinerary, these are popular choices:

• The Globe Inn- classic Scottish dishes with history

• Bruno’s Italian Bistro (Dumfries)- relaxed, well-loved local favourite

• Claudios Restaurant- seasonal menus and modern Scottish cooking

• The Boat House, Glencaple- riverside dining with views (great in summer)

  
  

Stop 4: Galloway Forest Park- Wild Scotland & Dark Skies

Galloway Forest Park

If time allows, a detour through Galloway Forest Park adds a nature-led pause to the day.

As the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, the forest is known for its vast landscapes, lochs, walking trails and wildlife. Even a short stop offers a sense of escape and scale- a contrast to city life that many visitors crave. Star gazing in darkness is also a beautiful option here!

Final Stop: Galloway Distillery- A Modern Scottish Spirits Experience

Galloway Distillery

No Outlander-inspired itinerary is complete without a distillery visit and Galloway Distillery provides a contemporary finish rooted in place and story.

Co-founded by Sam Heughan, the distillery reflects the growing interest in Scottish gin and modern spirits, while still honouring regional heritage.

Visitors can explore the distillery, learn about the production process and enjoy tastings- making it an ideal final stop before heading home or settling in for the night.

This visit works particularly well for:

• Outlander fans

• Gin and spirits enthusiasts

• Couples and small groups

• Visitors looking for authentic Scottish experiences beyond whisky alone

Sam Heughan holding bottle of Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin

Plan Your Distillery Day Trip with Sip Seekers

Whether you’re inspired by Outlander, Scottish history, or simply want to discover new distillery experiences, Sip Seekers makes it easy to search, compare and plan alcohol tourism experiences across Scotland.

From distillery tours to gin tastings and story-led day trips, we help you uncover the experiences that turn a good day into a memorable one.

👉 Discover and book a visit to Galloway Distillery and more Scottish distillery experiences at SipSeekers.com