Claycroft Farm

If you’re keen to get out into scenic countryside, Dalbeattie Forest Town Wood (five minutes’ drive) has several woodland walks leading to peaceful Plantain Loch; along the way look out for the sculptures hewn out of rock. To get the adrenaline flowing, try the mountain bike trails from 7stanes (five minutes), where there’s a challenge suitable for all levels of ability. If you’d like to have a day at the seaside, Kippford (10 minutes) is a pretty village overlooking the Solway Firth; from there you can hike along the shoreline Jubilee Path to Rockcliffe beach (40 minutes on foot), passing the remains of a 5th-century AD stronghold at Mote of Mark on the way. The lively market town of Castle Douglas (10 minutes’ drive) sits near the calm waters of Carlingwark Loch, where you can learn to sail or paddle a canoe overlooked by the gaunt remains of 14th-century Threave Castle. The stunning water features, walled gardens and formal plantings at nearby Threave Garden & Nature Reserve (15 minutes) are also worth a visit.