Dumfries & Galloway possesses some of the loveliest gardens in Scotland. Due to the mild oceanic climate and being less exposed to strong winds and hard frosts than areas further north, the area is ideal for growing rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as a diverse range of other plants from many different parts of the world. The Logan Botanic Garden situated in the Rhinns of Galloway at the south-western tip of Scotland is most exotic. Palms and tree ferns are to be found in the colourful Walled Garden, and the Woodland Garden is home to the extraordinary Gunnera bog. The Botanics Shop has a collection of local crafts - bought by locals as well as tourists - and a selection of Logan's best loved plants.

Uncultivated parts of the region offer a different kind of beauty. Grey Mare’s Tail, for example, in the Moffat Hills is a hanging valley waterfall: the valley was scoured out by glaciers during the last ice age leaving the outlet burn from Loch Skene falling about 300 feet down a sheer and dangerous cliff face. The 300 square mile Galloway Forest Park is Britain's largest, covering about 25 per cent of the region. It is full of wildlife, with a red deer range, wild goat park and red squirrel feeding stations. Birds of prey also make the forest their home, with buzzards a common sight, golden eagles and rare red kites, successfully introduced to the region in 2001.

West of Dumfries, the central and upper parts of Galloway's largest glen forms the peaceful and picturesque Glenkens running from Carsphairn in the north to New Galloway and Loch Ken in the south. The area appeals to visitors who enjoy outdoor pursuits such as fishing, cycling, bird watching, water sports and walking. Indeed, the whole region is a perfect place for walking. Dumfries and Galloway is the starting point of Scotland's longest and most challenging walking route which is the only coast-to-coast footpath: the Southern Upland Way spans 212 miles from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east. It passes through Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village situated in the Lowther Hills, where the main attraction centres on the village's industrial past. For the avid walker, the opportunity to see the other parts of the region is increased by participating in a walking festival, such as those organised in Newton Stewart, Upper Nithsdale, Langholm, and Moffat, each of which has a variety of evening entertainment.

If walking or motoring do not appeal, there are over 450 miles of signposted cycle routes to choose from, including an off-road challenge which takes you to visit five of the seven ‘stanes’ – mountain bike centres across the South of Scotland. Horse riding is also available for all-comers at schools and trekking centres, and other pastimes, such as go-carting, buggy racing, quad-biking, paint-balling, clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving and raft building are offered at activity centres.

For good fishing in relaxing surroundings www.floatingline.com, Dumfries & Galloway has plenty to offer in its five major game fishing rivers - the Border Esk, Annan, Nith, Cree and the Bladnoch, famed for their phenomenal runs of sea trout and greyback Solway salmon – and a large number of smaller rivers and lochs, such as the Urr and Luce Water. Quite a few Scottish records are held or have been held in The Bay of Luce; in summer tope and porbeagle shark are around here, and t he Flat Rock at Balcary is a favourite place for catching enormous cod. Shore fishing is popular and sea angling trips are available, too. The coastline also offers a great variety of golden sand to pebble and rocky crags, and popular sunbathing beaches to small, hidden coves of beaches and bays. The sailing village of Kippford and its neighbour, Rockliffe, are particularly idyllic. Please note that the most easterly shores of the Solway Firth are swept by very fast tides and it is dangerous to walk out over long stretches of sand.

Golfers have a choice of over 30 courses as well as driving ranges and golf professionals to help you improve your skills. The Gateway to Golf passes make it easy to enjoy the different challenges of the region’s courses which are within easy reach of each other with some great places to visit and superb views in between.

The stimulating landscape and wonderful light of Dumfries & Galloway have attracted artists for centuries. Many currently live and work here, mostly in and around the delightful harbour town of Kirkcudbright. The influence of this artistic heritage has spread throughout the region and in almost every town at any time of the year you'll find workshops or studios to visit, www.spring-fling.co.uk , galleries and exhibitions to view and souvenirs to take home.

Dumfries & Galloway is a region steeped in history. Historic sites abound, and many people have left their mark here, including Mary Queen of Scots at Dundrennan Abbey and Robert the Bruce at Lochmaben Castle and his elusive cave. History of all kinds is recorded and displayed in the many museums and visitor centres in towns across the region. Many other subjects are specifically covered: the David Coulthard Museum, for example, houses a large collection of racing memorabilia, and the origins of Scottish Christianity are exhibited at Whithorn. It would not do to leave the region without reference to Gretna Green and its history of runaway couples at the old blacksmith’s shop. You may still marry there, without eloping, but it will cost you more!

The most popular produce of Dumfries and Galloway is available at the historic Bladnoch distillery, where you may have a guided tour and sample a complimentary dram from the fine selection of malt whiskies, the Sulwath Brewery where you can meet the brewer and learn the secrets of preparing traditionally crafted ales before sampling a fine hand-brewed Scottish pint, and the Marrbury smokehouse for a great range of natural smoked foods.