When can I check in and check out of Thistle Lodges?

On-site accommodation Arrive: 4 p.m. – Anytime Depart by: 10 a.m. Read more

Thistle Lodges

1 review

A-framed double-balconied scandinavian lodges

The lodges have large balconies and look across a small loch and a wooded fellside

Scandinavian-built two-storey solid wood a-frame lodges with a bike store

The lodges have large balconies with views over a small loch and wooded fells

Walk round the private loch – or simply sit and watch the wildlife

Arriving at sandyhills beach, a 15-minute walk from the lodges

Well equipped A-frame lodges 15 minutes' walk from Sandyhills Bay
A 10-minute drive from 7Stanes mountain bike trails at Dalbeattie
Swimming pool, private loch and bar-restaurant on site

Keen on the idea of an outdoor break in the stunning Scottish countryside but also rather fond of life’s luxuries? Mix both up in some style with a stay at Thistle Lodges, a smart Dumfries & Galloway park on the coast about 10 minutes’ drive from Dalbeattie. Accommodation here is in stylish and spacious Scandinavian two-storey A-frame lodges, built from solid wood and kitted out with double glazing and full central heating to ensure a cosy experience whatever the weather. There’s space for up to eight to stay in each lodge, so you may like to bring along a bunch of pals or family members for a good sociable break. A large dining table and fully equipped kitchen (with hob, oven, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher and plenty of utensils, crockery and cutlery) should make it easy to cater to a high standard, although there’s also an on-site bar and restaurant if you’d rather someone else did the honours. Everything here is designed to make life easy – bed linen and towels are provided, along with superfast wifi and a 43-inch Smart TV (plus comfy sofas to sprawl out on while you’re viewing). It’s all very scenic too – each lodge has a couple of balconies with seating for alfresco dining or just taking in views over the loch. If you’re not content with viewing the loch from afar, you’re welcome to take a walk down there to see its resident wildlife more closely. It’s also possible (and an excellent idea) to walk to the gorgeous Sandyhills Bay beach in about 15 minutes, although if you’d like a swim you might prefer to take a dip in the on-site pool (bookable in advance).

Site type

Open all year

Tourist board rating

Languages spoken

English

Nearby sites that are bookable on Pitchup.com

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Features

Dogs allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Forest Luxury Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Accessibility

Disabled facilities

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Mountain biking nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Thistle Lodges

Sandyills Bay

Dalbeattie

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

DG5 4NU

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

54.88507°N
-3.74254°W

Nearest transport

Coach

13.6 km Carlingwark Street

21.9 km Village

Rail

22.7 km Dumfries Rail Station

25.1 km Maryport Rail Station

26 km Flimby Rail Station

Ferry

Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Your first stop on the coast should be Sandyhills Bay (15 minutes’ walk), for a sandy beach stretching out over several miles. From there you can walk along the coast path to Rockcliffe and Kippford or divert to Colvend Golf Club (three minutes’ drive) for a round with a sea view. For other outdoor pursuits, try watersports, high ropes and other activities at Galloway Activity Centre (35 minutes) or go shooting at Forrest Estate Experiences (55 minutes). Mountain bikers should certainly tackle the 7Stanes trails at Dalbeattie (10 minutes) while those in search of something gentler look out for birds at Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve (40 minutes). Other days out might take you to Drumlanrig Castle or The Devils Porridge war museum (both 55 minutes), or, if you’ve got kids with you, to Mabie Farm Park (25 minutes), Dino Soft Play (40 minutes) or the sweet hands-on activities at The Cocoa Bean Company (half an hour).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Sandyhills	1.4 km	Sea	N/A	N/A	Poor	Poor
Rockcliffe	4.2 km	Estuary	N/A	Poor	Poor	Poor
Southerness	9.2 km	Sea	N/A	Good	Good	Excellent
Dhoon Bay	23.5 km	Estuary	N/A	Poor	Poor	Poor
Allonby	23.6 km	Sea	N/A	Good	Good	Good

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

John Paul Jones Cottage Museum & Visitor Centre 10.1 km

Robert Burns Centre 21.8 km

Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens 44.6 km

World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre 45.5 km

Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre 46.6 km

National Trust

Wordsworth House and Garden 34.4 km

Buttermere and Ennerdale 42.3 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Sandyhills - Rockcliffe - Kippford (and back?) 1 km

Rockcliffe - Loch Barean - Portling - Rockcliffe 4 km

Rockcliffe to Port o' Warren 4 km

MERSEHEAD (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 04/11/2003) 4.7 km

Dalbeattie - Colvend - Rockcliffe - Kippford - Dalbeattie 7.3 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Payment terms

Offers

Conditions apply - see pitch type section for details

Reviews

would recommend this site to a friend

would stay here again

Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

The lodge was lovely, warm and cozy. The view was nice over…

Overall	10/10
Location	8
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Brian S. Dec 2023

Bainloch 3 bedroom lodge

Liked: The lodge was lovely, warm and cozy. The view was nice over the loch . We came as a family to explore and relax. Lots of lovely walks and scenic places to visit. Nice there is also a touch to travel around at night. The pool was a plus we visited twice during our stay. Would recommend for a nice quite few days

Disliked: Wasn't many places to eat the restaurant on site wasn't open much due to the time of year

Recommend to friends Visit again

Frequently asked questions

Does Thistle Lodges have a swimming pool? Yes View all features
Is Thistle Lodges dog friendly? Yes View all features
What attractions are near Thistle Lodges? Your first stop on the coast should be Sandyhills Bay (15 minutes’ walk), for a sandy beach stretching out over several miles. From there you can walk along the coast path to … Read more
When can I check in and check out of Thistle Lodges?

On-site accommodation

Arrive: 4 p.m. – Anytime

Depart by: 10 a.m.

Read more