How much does it cost?

From £675 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $912 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Rail travel from your home station to Dumfries is included, and day 3 features a scenic rail journey through Dumfries and Galloway to Ayr; the other excursions in Dumfries use coach transfers.

Is it escorted or independent?

Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.

What does the scenic rail journey pass?

The route runs alongside the Forest of Ae, one of the largest woods in Scotland, passing castles and forts on the way to Ayr.

What hotel is included?

The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries, for all three nights of the tour.

One departure is listed, in December 2027, priced from £675 per person.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Twixmas in Dumfries & Galloway 2027

Escorted 4-day Scottish Twixmas break with a scenic Galloway rail journey

Railtrail Tours runs this 4-day escorted Twixmas break to Dumfries and Galloway in southwest Scotland, based for three nights at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and rail travel from a wide choice of UK home stations is included. The second day is spent on local history and hospitality, visiting the Globe Inn, described as Robert Burns' favourite howff, the Henry Duncan Savings Museum, and the Annandale Distillery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. On the third day, the tour takes a scenic rail journey through Dumfries and Galloway alongside the Forest of Ae, passing castles and forts on the way to the seaside town of Ayr, where there is free time to explore. The trip suits travellers who want a quiet, low-key break between Christmas and New Year built around Scottish history and one scenic rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure is currently listed, for December 2027.
The visits to the Globe Inn, the Savings Museum, and the Annandale Distillery on day 2 use coach transfers rather than rail.
The hotel's spa facilities are available on day 3 at an additional charge, not included in the tour price.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries
Arrival in Dumfries
Journey from your home station to Dumfries and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Cairndale Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2overnight: Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries
The Globe Inn, Savings Museum & Annandale Distillery
After breakfast this morning, we visit the historic Globe Inn for a tour of Robert Burns' 'favourite howff' learning of his legacy and exploring the rooms where he lived, loved, and held court before continuing our day at the Henry Duncan Savings Museum, the home of modern banking. Afterwards, we transfer to the Annandale Distillery where we enjoy our lunch in the cafe followed by a fascinating distillery tour and tasting. This evening, we return to the hotel and enjoy our evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries
Scenic rail journey to Ayr
Today, we enjoy a relaxed morning, and you may wish to make use of the hotel's spa facilities (additional charges apply) or take a leisurely breakfast before we take a scenic rail journey through beautiful Dumfries and Galloway. We journey alongside the Forest of Ae, one of the largest woods in Scotland, passing dramatic castles and forts before arriving at Ayr. Here, we enjoy free time to explore this seaside town, enjoy lunch, or stroll along the charming sea front before returning to Dumfries in time for our final evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Homeward Journey
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dumfries and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2A visit to the Globe Inn, Robert Burns' 'favourite howff,' to learn about his legacy and see the rooms where he lived and held court.
Day 2A tour and tasting at the Annandale Distillery, with lunch included in the distillery cafe.
Day 3A scenic rail journey through Dumfries and Galloway alongside the Forest of Ae, passing castles and forts, to the seaside town of Ayr.

Included

3 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch
Services of experienced Tour Manager
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £675 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $912 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Rail travel from your home station to Dumfries is included, and day 3 features a scenic rail journey through Dumfries and Galloway to Ayr; the other excursions in Dumfries use coach transfers.
Is it escorted or independent?: Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.
What does the scenic rail journey pass?: The route runs alongside the Forest of Ae, one of the largest woods in Scotland, passing castles and forts on the way to Ayr.
What hotel is included?: The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries, for all three nights of the tour.
When does it depart?: One departure is listed, in December 2027, priced from £675 per person.