Shelduck is let Satruday to Saturday short breaks welcome.

Pets are welcome.

Voted Countryfile’s UK holiday destination of the year 2016, Dumfries & Galloway has so much to offer from stunning stretches of coastline, rolling hills, imposing castles and tranquil forests including the UK’s first designated Dark Sky Park. Discover the breath-taking scenery, wildlife, cultural and history of Dumfries & Galloway whilst staying in a cosy semi-detached cottage located in the heart of rspb Mersehead Nature Reserve, a Visit Scotland 4-star wildlife experience.

Located on the scenic northern shore of the Solway Estuary, the large skies and seascapes give a feeling of escape. RSPB Mersehead is an extensive wetland nature reserve internationally important for the population of wintering Svalbard Barnacle geese and wintering wildfowl. An impressive starling murmuration may be seen in the winter from the cottage garden. In the spring, the evening air is alive with sound of displaying Lapwing and the distinctive chorus the UK's rarest amphibian, the Natterjack Toad. Tree sparrow and Yellowhammer come to feed from the cottage bird table. Watch for hunting Peregrines, Merlins, and Hen Harriers overhead. All our guests enjoy free or discounted entry to all events at rspb Mersehead. A haven for wildlife, away from Mersehead there are an additional four rspb reserves to discover; Ken-Dee Marshes, Wood of Cree, Crook of Baldoon and at Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway. WWT Caerlaverock can be found just the other side of Dumfries and there are a number of Scottish Wildlife Trust and Local Nature Reserves to explore.

More information about rspb Mersehead Nature Reserve can be found at: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mersehead/

The perfect family destination, rspb Mersehead has a stunning beach and sand dunes just a short walk from the cottage; perfect for building sand castles and driftwood lodges. In the large farmhouse garden, there is a playground with swings, slide, mud kitchen and badger tunnels providing hours of fun. There are great rock pooling adventures to be found at nearby Rockcliffe or try crabbing from the quay at Kippford. In addition to the wonders of nature, a vast array of attractions will keep young families entertained for hours such as the Dino Park, Cream O Galloway, Mabie Farm Park and the Chocolate Factory. The Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, is on the top floor of the old windmill tower where you can see a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside.

Dumfries & Galloway is full of history waiting to be discovered. A wide moat, twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements make Caerlaverock Castle a medieval stronghold. Learn all about its turbulent history as a castle caught up in border conflicts. Unravel the tale of devotion behind Sweetheart Abbey’s evocative name. Follow in the footsteps of Robbie Burns as you trace the banks of the River Nith from the heart of Dumfries and don’t forget to visit Moat Brae where Peter Pan began.  On a wet day, there is plenty of opportunity to explore indoors. Discover the remarkable story of HM Factory Gretna and the Solway Military Coast at The Devil’s Porridge Museum. Visit the home of runaway weddings at Gretna Green, now a 5-star visitor destination or explore the Aviation Museum.

For those looking for a fast paced action holiday, rspb Mersehead is located just a short drive from two Forestry Commission 7-stanes mountain bike trails at Mabie Forest and Dalbeattie Forest. A little further afield are the trails in the Galloway Forest Park and the Ae Forest. The Galloway Activity Centre is situated on the banks of the stunning Loch Ken whilst at Laggan Outdoor you will find one of Europe’s longest Zip wires. A challenging links course, Southerness Golf Course is a Scottish Golf Championship Venue whilst Colvend Golf Course offers a parkland experience with amazing views from the high cliffs.

rspb Mersehead is the perfect base from which to discover Scotland’s forgotten corner.

Postcode: DG2 8AH

Damage Deposit £150

Let weekly Saturday - Saturday. Short breaks are accepted between May & end of August if booked within 6 weeks of arrival

For parties of 2 or less a £20 discount will be applied. A discount of £50 will be applied when 2 consecutive weeks are booked regardless of party size. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

Accommodation for 4 on one floor: Lounge/dining room; kitchen, bathroom with shower over bath; one double bedroom; one twin bedroom.

Services: * Electric heating (cost included) *Multi Fuel stove with fuel provided * Bed Linen and Towels included * Electric cooker & Microwave * Washing machine * Fridge/Freezer * TV with DVD * Highchair and cot available on request * Enclosed garden with furniture * Parking * No Smoking * Dogs: Maximum 2 well behaved dogs with own bedding, not to be left on their own or allowed on furniture or beds.  

extras: £20 for 1 dog per week.  2nd dog free.

Additional accommodation is available next door in Barnacle Cottage (BA05ST)