Wandering_Scot5
We went for the Grand Tour today, and I must say, from the lady in the gift shop who was delightful, to the staff in the coffee shop (and the hot rolls with sausage - yum) the guide, Gail and wonderful Matt, what a great afternoon out. The house is wonderful, the furniture and decor breathtaking, and Gail's expert knowledge made it a truly memorable visit. We will go back again and again.
johnA53
Had a walk round the gardens and grounds and what an improvement since our last visit.I can't wait to visit again in the summer and then see the grounds and gardens in all splendour.Keep up good work all involved.
WTJT
We love everything about Dumfries house. The tour of the house was amazing. The rooms and furniture are so well preserved and the tour guide provided us with lots of interesting information. The gardens are beautiful, so many sections to explore. We enjoyed lunch at the coffee shop and on another occasion visited the restaurant at the weekend. The food was exceptional and the staff were so friendly. A great day out. Highly recommended.
PortBob
Very interesting tour, a must if your down this way, and really worth understanding how the country was close to losing this treasure.
RSFN
I always wanted to come to Dumfries House after seeing the TV programmes about it and the restoration work. I have to say that despite a chilly, wet wintery day the place did not disappoint. It is very well signposted and plenty to do. The restaurant is where I began with a very nice Sunday lunch. The beef was cooked to perfection, the starter and pudding were OK but the main course was definitely very nice. One of the things that was very apparent was that all the staff were very friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to ensure you were being looked after and spent time talking about the project. It was very interesting. The tour guide at the house itself was very good too and the renovation was so impressive and it was so good to walk around in such elegant surroundings with priceless furniture. The biggest collection of Chippendale chairs, book cabinets, beds, and other antique furniture. All the donors were well documented and anything sponsored was well documented. The grounds were very impressive and I loved the river which flows through the estate. It would be nice to come back in the summer when the garden is in full bloom. It is definitely worth visiting this place as it is not just another stately home but there is so much more to it and it has got the community involved. The Prince's Trust too has put in so many opportunities to improve the skills of young people and equip them for working life. It was all very nice to see! Hope to stay a night the next time!
Wombat2013
My first visit to this amazing country house was so good that my husband and I have already agreed to return. The guide was superb and really knowledgeable. The quality of restoration work that has been carried out in recent years is second to none. This is a real jewel in Scotland's crown and worth the trip to East Ayrshire.
853danm
Probably the best "stately home" I've visited in the UK. In fact, on its own I would say it's worth the trip to Ayrshire. A few things make this place stand out: * Viewing by guided tours only - which sounds like a disadvantage but the group size is carefully controlled and the guides are superb. By comparison, a visit without the tour would be almost pointless.* No velvet ropes... something I've always hated about National Trust type properties.* Stunningly conserved. Truly, some of the finest craftsmanship both "ancient" and modern I have ever seen. A lot of money has been ploughed into this place in the last few years and it really shines through. * The collections are magnificent. Worth a visit just for the masses of Chippendale, but so much more as well. * The staff could not have been more informative, friendly and helpful.
Secnarf9
My third visit - just for a walk in the grounds this time, and a coffee, but had a lovely day and discovered walks we hadn't been on before. Been on the tour of the house twice, and would go again! The interior is fascinating, and the guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their passion for the building and its contents. On my last visit I toured the new kitchen and walled garden which was newly opened, and will go back to see how it has progressed. Dumfries House is one of these places that calls you back over and over again. The cafe is good, but can get very busy at weekends. The gifts in the shop are of high quality, so are on the expensive side.
RonnieA109
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Dumfries House. So much to see. We did a full house tour. Our guides on Saturday were very good indeed, so clear and informative. If you are interested in Scottish heritage, then Dumfries House should not be missed. There is now so much to see, apart from the House, that a whole day should be set aside.
Jacqsman
Having visited Dumfries House for the first time at the weekend, I have to say I was most impressed.The house and the restoration was quite magnificent.What an ideal venue for a special function, wedding, etc.The grounds, accommodation and in fact everything was something to be enjoyed.
Cmb64
Wow, what a visitor attraction!We arrived on a crisp frosty day with the sun shining and were not disappointed. We would've liked to have saw the training centre open, unfortunately not!Dumfries House is steeped in local history and sits in fantastic grounds with wonderful walks. Great morning out, tea room is comfortable and food is good. Gift shop staff are very knowledgable and give good advice. Gifts are a little pricey!
Bon153
Stunning house well worth a visit but do walk around. the work that's gone on to renovate the walled gardens. the bridge and the surrounding area, houses and buildings is just amazing, So peaceful walking around and though there's people, children. dogs everything is so calm and, so enjoyable. The tearoom was busy, reasonable prices and quick pleasant service.Been to the restaurant previously and it is excellent Thank goodness Prince Charles saved this for the public to see. Do go!!!
misswickes
Two of us did the Grand Tour of the house, at a reasonable price ( there is a slightly cheaper, briefer tour) the tour groups are small and the guide was excellent.The tour feels intimate and the house is full of interesting, historical, rare valuable items and decorations I have visited a number of important houses and stately homes, this one is special I think not only for the building, its history, contents, rarity and importance but also the whole feel of the place and there is nothing roped off although there is a strict no touch policy. It has a romantic feel. It had a last seconds reprieve from sell off mainly due to the actions of the Prince of Wales. I would certainly like to visit again as there is too many interesting things for one visit to be enough and the work there is on going. The weather was very wet for visiting the grounds and I have saved that for a further visit. we did visit the shop and café had some food and drinks it was very busy but fine. I believe the grounds are free to visit except for a garden which has a small charge.
J6886XRkarenk
Lovely place to visit with the kids, play park excellent, food not bad, BUT... The service in the restaurant is so terribly slow.. They aren't organised for opening time, one till, you can stand for a coffee for 20 mins. That's the only thing they urgently need to rectify. Now we take our own flasks and food, it just became unbearable to waste so much time. There aren't any feedback cards available, probably because everyone would be saying the same thing.
balfronStirlingshire
Always wanted to pay a visit here and whilst in the area signed up for 'Grand Tour'. Only 17 people booked on tour with excellent guide.What a collection of original Chippendale furniture, art masterpieces, original carpets, and antiques - all within Palladian architecture that has not been spoilt since its Georgian origins.I have visited stately homes all over the UK - but this is something exceptional - and all under the personal patronage of the Prince of Wales who had the foresight to arrange the funding to save its contents being dispersed across the world.