Castle Douglas - Streets ahead

Nestling between the Galloway hills and forests to the north and the sweeping beaches of the Solway Firth to the south, the historic market town of Castle Douglas has always been at the heart of local agricultural and commercial life. Today the town continues to flourish.

Livestock markets are still held every week, attracting discerning buyers and breeders from around the world, while the town’s unique mix of businesses attracts shoppers and visitors time and again.

But it’s not only our focus on food that will be to your taste. When it comes to speciality shopping, Castle Douglas has quite a list, view the members directory in the left hand navigation for details.

Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience

Shopping is a real treat in Castle Douglas Food Town. Fine food, speciality shops and the warmest of welcomes are all on the menu. Whenever you visit, however long you stay, as Dumfries and Galloway‘s official Food Town, Castle Douglas has all the ingredients for a unique shopping experience. Over 50 independent businesses offer a tempting selection of locally produced food, confectionery and beers, plus the finest food, drink and gifts from near and far.

A stroll along the town’s charming streets is a little like stepping back in time. Traditional butchers, fishmongers, bakers and delicatessens offer a cornucopia of premier quality foods. In other speciality shops you’ll find a bountiful harvest of whole foods, fruit and vegetables, plus locally produced pickles, preserves and honey. You can sample locally-brewed ales in the town’s family-run brewery.

If you’re in the mood for a snack, a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal, you can choose from a wide selection of home cooking or international cuisine in local cafés, restaurants and hotels.

Minutes away from magical places

Just minutes from the bustle of the town and the treasure trove of shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and rural tranquillity. Picturesque Carlingwark Loch at the foot of the town is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, freshly picked at local delis and sandwich shops. Threave House and Gardens, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, is a peaceful haven where you can witness what life was like in a bygone era and walk in the magnificent grounds. Historic Threave Castle, marooned in the middle of a small loch and only reached by a brief crossing by boat, is shrouded in history, mystery and a magic all its own. Castle Douglas offers the best of both worlds.

More appetisers

There’s always something to look forward to in Castle Douglas Food Town. Our annual calendar of events includes:

• Food fairs
• Chef masterclasses
• Food weekends
• Craft fairs

There’s so much to see, do and enjoy in Castle Douglas Food Town, you’ll want to stay a while. From guest houses to farmhouse bed and breakfasts, hotels to self-catering, there’s an excellent choice of quality accommodation to make you feel at home.