Scottish region only UK destination to make National Geographic's best travel spots for 2027

The region is the only UK destination to be included in the prestigious list, with praise given to its awe-inspiring dark skies and cycling offering. | Duncan Ireland

Dumfries and Galloway is the only UK location to have been listed by National Geographic as one of the world’s best travel destinations for 2027 .

The publication lauded the south-west Scottish region for its dark skies, rugged coastline and cycling routes.

The travel publication’s annual Best of the World list highlights places offering distinctive experiences for visitors and celebrates communities, landscapes and cultures around the globe.

The recognition comes as Dumfries and Galloway prepares for its place on the international stage, when the Tour de France is due to bring its opening stages to Scotland. A new Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is also expected to open at the region’s Clatteringshaws, a freshwater reservoir.

National Geographic described the region as one of Scotland’s most overlooked destinations and pointed to the area’s stargazing opportunities, a new coastal walking trail and its mountain biking and road cycling routes.

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From Merrick towards Loch Enoch | Duncan Ireland

David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said the recognition has come from the work of tourism businesses and local communities.

“This is wonderful recognition for Dumfries and Galloway and for the people who make it such a special place to visit,” he said.

“It reflects the energy, creativity and hard work of tourism businesses and communities across the region.”

Mr Hope-Jones said that the Tour de France and the planned observatory created a sense of momentum, giving the region an opportunity to reach new audiences.

“We want to turn that spotlight into lasting benefits for our communities, inspiring more people to visit throughout the year, stay longer and discover everything this remarkable part of Scotland has to offer,” he said.

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The latest recognition highlighted Dumfries & Galloway’s reputation as a dark sky destination and comes just days after the inaugural South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival. | Pete Scullion and DMBinS- 172

Dark skies are among the region’s strongest attractions. In 2009, Galloway Forest Park became the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park and holds gold-tier status, recognising the quality of its night skies and the opportunities for astronomical observation.

Aside from the star-gazing, the region’s landscape is another draw for visitors with its wooded hills, sandy beaches, rocky headlands and sheltered bays. A new 83-mile coastal path around the Rhins of Galloway, launched last year, takes walkers past lighthouses, wildlife habitats and ruined castles, opening up stretches of coastline that remain relatively quiet compared with more heavily visited parts of Scotland.

Cycling is another major draw. The region’s 7Stanes network of mountain biking trails attracts riders of different abilities, while its quieter roads connect small towns and villages through rolling countryside.

With its links to Robert Burns, who spent much of his life in south-west Scotland, and collection of castles and historic settlements, the region also represents a rich part of Scotland’s history.

Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, said the National Geographic listing demonstrated the region’s appeal as a visitor destination.

“Dumfries and Galloway offers world-class stargazing, unique wildlife, fascinating castles, dramatic coastlines, cycling and outdoor activities in abundance, as well as delicious food and drink with strong local provenance and an incredible cultural and historical story to tell,” she said.

“Tourism and events are hugely important to the region, with the benefits of the visitor economy felt right across Dumfries and Galloway. This exciting accolade will strengthen its reputation and profile as a first-class visitor destination.”

Councillor Stephen Thompson, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said the listing was “a singular honour” for the region he represents.

“This recognition celebrates what makes our region so special: outstanding landscapes, dark skies, coastline, cycling and walking routes, and the warm welcome offered by our communities and tourism businesses,” he said.

“It is also a significant opportunity to raise Dumfries and Galloway’s international profile, strengthen our visitor economy and encourage more people to discover everything the region has to offer. I would like to congratulate everyone whose hard work has helped earn this well-deserved global recognition.”