Nestled in the verdant heart of Dumfries & Galloway, Castle Douglas proudly earns its title as Scotland’s Food Town—a gateway to fresh, artisanal delights and fine whisky experiences. Whether you’re a local or a curious visitor, here’s your guide to soaking up delicious local produce, exploring vibrant markets, and sampling exquisite whiskies from nearby distilleries.
Farmers’ & Producers’ Markets — A Feast for the Senses
Castle Douglas Producers’ Market
Every third Sunday, from February to November, the Market Hill transforms into a vibrant hub of local creativity. Expect freshly baked goods, seafood, local spirits, soaps—and even gourmet dog treats! https://www.castledouglas.info/events/castle-douglas-producers-market/
Regional Markets Around Dumfries & Galloway
- Dumfries Farmers’ Market: Held on the first Sunday each month (Feb–Dec) beneath the Victorian pavilion at Dumfries Railway Station. Over 30 local food and drink producers gather here. Website: Dumfries Farmers Market
- Other nearby markets include Glenkens (2nd Sat), Stranraer (2nd Sun), Annan Harbour (3rd Sat), Kirkcudbright (4th Sun), and Wigtown (weekly Apr–Sep) – Dumfries & Galloway Farmers Markets
Local Producers & Farm Shops
- Loch Arthur Creamery & Farm Shop: Organic, unpasteurized cheeses, high-welfare pork, café offerings.
- Kilnford Farm Retail: Renowned for Galloway-reared meats and delivery options.
- Demijohn: A liquid deli with Botanical gins, single malts, and preserves.
- Additionally, farm shops and dairies around Castle Douglas offer fresh eggs, cheeses, yoghurt, cream and much more. – See local farm outlets
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Local Eateries & Food Town Gems
Castle Douglas isn’t just about shops—it’s a culinary destination. It is a designated Scottish “Food Town” and offers numerous eateries from traditional pubs to cafes and fine dining options, with local produce being a major focus. Visitors can also find cafes with local treats, such as at Designs Gallery & Cafe, known for its cakes and pastries, and the Street-lights Coffee House.
- The High Street (King Street) boasts 50+ independent food-related outlets: chocolatiers, delis, bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, and even a microbrewery—Sulwath Brewers.
- Earth’s Crust Bakery: Offers artisan bread, light lunches, and coffee using local, organic ingredients (e.g., Shipton Mill flour, Senwick Farm eggs, Loch Arthur cheese).
- Balcary Bay Hotel – Our closest restaurant and bar. A family-run country house hotel located on shores of Balcary Bay with great sea views.
- Threave Garden Café work closely with their highly skilled gardeners. They use fresh produce from the Threave Walled Garden year-round as well as source locally produced food. This in turn helps reduce food mileage and the carbon footprint.
- For more information see Food & drink in Castle Douglas
Threave Nature Reserve & Threave Garden Café
Whisky Trails — Lowland Gems Await
Though Castle Douglas does host a brewery at Sulwath Brewers it does not have a distillery. However, a spirited journey awaits in the surrounding region:
- Annandale Distillery (Annan) – Founded in 1836 and reborn in 2014, Annandale offers a visitor centre, guided tours, and tastings of both peated and unpeated single malts (“Man O’Words” and “Man O’Sword”).
- Bladnoch Distillery (near Wigtown) – Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch is one of the Lowlands’ few remaining active distilleries. The estate offers tours, tastings, and a charming café.
- The Moffat Distillery – Scotland’s first modern wood-fired distillery, producing small-batch spirits and offering tours that cover their unique wood-fired whisky and gin-making process.
- Whisky-Tasting on the Go – If driving to distilleries isn’t the plan, check out TB Watson in Dumfries (aka Drambusters) for local whisky events and tastings.
- All of the above distilleries reflect the smooth, delicate profile typical of Lowland whiskies—perfect for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
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Other Local Distilleries:
- The Crafty Distillery (Wigtown)- This distillery offers tours and is known for its “tasty honest craft spirits,” including its well-known Hills & Harbour Gin
- Solway Spirits – Located in the region, this distillery is mentioned as a worthwhile visit for its gin, with helpful staff and an emphasis on handcrafted spirits.
Whether you’re strolling through food-rich streets, perusing markets, or embarking on a whisky trail through the Lowlands, Castle Douglas and its surroundings offer a rich tapestry of flavours.
Crafty Distillery
