2012 Tours
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Home Contact Us Booking Form Dumfries & Galloway The Dukes of Normandy Medieval Northumberland Medieval Southern Poland
Dumfries & Galloway
Led by Dr. Pamela Marshall
23rd - 27th April 2012
The historic monuments in this region of south-west Scotland, famed for its natural beauty, take us through the span of medieval history. They range from artisitc vestiges of the early Christian period, when the Galloway peninsula provided a landing place for Celtic missonaries, to the small churches and great abbeys that were the legacy of that movement, sponsored by kings, magnates and feisty clansmen. Their lives, influence and relationships with the English and French are reflected in their castles and fortified houses.
A full itinerary of daily visits will include:
Day 1 Monday:Participants will be met at Dumfries Station at 14.30 for an afternoon visit to Caerlaverock Castle. (Those travelling by car can park in Dumfries and collect their cars after the visit, or follow the coach.) Two castles for the price of one, at this site we see the earlier moated earthwork castle that was replaced by a most impressive, unusually symmetrical castle, triangular in plan, which is set off to perfection by its reflection in its water-filled moat. Wild flowers and birds are an added attraction. Drive to Gatehouse of Fleet to check in at Cally Palace Hotel.
Day 2 Tuesday: Morning visits to Cardoness Castle, a well preserved 15thC tower house of the McCulloch clan and the 16thC Carsluith Castle, at one time owned by the last abbot of Sweetheart Abbey and probably where he was born. The location of these castles near the sea gives them an added attraction.
Afternoon visit to the Whithorn Peninsular: site of the priory founded by St. Ninian, who brought Christianity to the region in the 5thC, and the Whithorn Museum, which tells the story and displays some outstanding examples of early Christian carved stones.
Day 3 Wednesday:Morning visit to Threave Castle, a massive 14thC structure of the Black Douglases which sits on an island in the River Dee, where wild flowers, otters and ospreys are an added attraction. The scale of the main building is awe-inspiring and the castle was advanced in the use of artillery. By contrast, we then move on to Sweetheart Abbey, founded by Devorgilla of Galloway in memory of her husband, John Balliol, where she was laid to rest beside his embalmed heart. We shall also visit New Abbey Corn Mill in the same village, a carefully restored water-powered, fully operating mill.
Day 4 Thursday: Visit to Maclellan’s Castle, a late 16thC nobleman’s residence that retains many features typical of buildings of this type and period, including the servants’ working area in the basement. On to Dundrennan Abbey, whose peaceful location aptly demonstrates the Cistercian ideal: ‘Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity, and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world.’ The transepts here represent the best preserved late-12thC Cistercian architecture in Scotland. On to Orchardton Tower, a charming mid-15thC tower house, ruinous, though quite well preserved, and unique in Scotland for its shape.
Day 5 Friday: Check out of the Cally Palace. The morning will feature a drive to Lochmaben Loch, where the ruins of Lochmaben Castle stand on the shore (exterior view only). Built by Edward I of England, the site retains traces of his earthwork castle, but the stone ruins represent later work by James IV. We shall then visit the ruins of Lincluden Collegiate Church, built by Archibold the Grim (of Threave) with accommodation for its canons. Drop at Dumfries Station at 13.30. The coach will return to the Cally Palace for drivers to collect their cars.
The tour will be based at Gatehouse of Fleet in the elegant Cally Palace Hotel, an impressive late 18thC mansion set in acres of beautiful grounds.
Cost:
£740 (£80 single supplement)
The price includes:
- Transport during the tour;
- 4 nights in en-suite rooms;
- all breakfasts and dinners;
- expert guiding;
- entrances;
- gratuities
Reductions: £10pp for each booking received by Jan 31st 2012 - £15pp for members of English Heritage, Historic Scotland or Cadw who can use their passes to enter Historic Scotland monuments.