Landis

Rolling hills stretch endlessly from this pocket of Dumfries and Galloway, where farming communities have worked the land for generations. Landis sits quietly in countryside that feels genuinely remote - the sort of place where you'll spot more sheep than people on a typical Tuesday afternoon.

Criffel dominates the skyline to the south, its distinctive peak drawing walkers who fancy a proper challenge. The climb rewards with sweeping views across the Solway Firth to the Lake District on clear days. Closer to hand, Whinny Hill offers gentler terrain for families, while Little Auchenfad Hill provides middle ground for those wanting elevation without the full Criffel experience.

New Abbey lies just a few miles southeast and deserves a full afternoon. Sweetheart Abbey's romantic ruins tell the tale of Devorgilla's devotion to her late husband, whose heart she kept in a casket. The story's both touching and slightly unsettling. Pop into New Abbey Corn Mill afterward - it still operates much as it did centuries ago, complete with working waterwheel.

The National Museum of Costume houses an impressive collection, though it feels oddly placed in this rural setting. More atmospheric is the Waterloo Monument, visible from miles around on its hillside perch.

Dumfries, about 20 minutes by car, provides proper shops and dining if you need urban amenities. But honestly, the appeal here lies in embracing the slower pace. Holiday parks in the area make perfect sense - you can wake to birdsong, spend days tramping the hills, then return to comfortable accommodation without the hassle of city traffic or parking fees.