It’s All Going on in Dumfries & Galloway

We think we live in the most astonishing place, we have so much to offer people, a heritage steeped in history, glorious castles, gardens in abundance and some of the loveliest beaches.  Sample our local produce from all kinds of delicacies; cheeses, meats, smoked fish and so much more.  If you’re an outdoor type, then a visit to D&G is a must, we’ve hills and mountains that you can walk or cycle and you can take on challenges to suit all levels. 

We would like to share Dumfries & Galloway with you and invite you to come and explore the area and have put together a special offer to tempt you to visit.  You can enjoy a two night stay in our wonderful hotel, and historic building with a contemporary and spacious interior, enjoy dinner on the first night in our Bar & Brasserie 59 and enjoy locally produced, home cooked food for £165 based on two people sharing.  Just call us on 01387 272 410 for more details.

TIME TO TEE OFF IN D&G

There’s no denying it, Spring is definitely here and it’s about time!  So, if you’re feeling revitalised by the longer days and the snippets of sunshine, why not take a look at the amazing selection of golf courses that Dumfries & Galloway has to offer.

Did you know that the modern game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15^th century with its roots going back to Roman times and whilst we no longer play with a stick and stuffed leather ball, D&G offers the latest in clubs, both on and off the green in some of the world’s most glorious courses.  Not only that, golf is an affordable sporting pleasure in D&G too.

You can purchase a Gateway to Golf Pass which gets in 3 rounds from £80 and 6 rounds from £120.  There are 26 clubs involved in the Gateway to Golf scheme and star courses from the region involved include Dumfries & County, New Galloway, Southerness Colvend and Stranraer.  You’ll find that whether you are a novice or experienced player, there’s something for all levels and with championship link courses on the Solway coast and Brighouse Bay nesting on the cliff-top and a choice of four golf courses around Dumfries town – how can you refuse!

At Aston Hotel Dumfries, we have some excellent offers for golfers so just call us for our brochure or request further information.  Prices start from £35pppn and we also have a sports bar and private dining available for golfing parties.  Call us on 01387 272 410.

You can book your Gateway to Golf Pass by calling 01387 245566 or visit for full information http://bit.ly/YaKIqE.

Orienteering in Shambellie Wood

If you’re up for an adventure, then this is just the thing for the whole family.  Orienteering is a fun way to get fit and have some fun.  Map in hand, you’ll set off and navigate your way around a course and there are different courses for all levels of orienteering.

If you haven’t tried it, orienteering as well as being a fun sport to do with the family or group of friends, is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.

It's a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors.
The session takes place in Shambellie Wood on Saturday 23^rd February from 10am to 12 noon and take a picnic with you.  Give it a go!

Wrap up and take in the Snowdrop Festival

It’s hard to believe but I actually think the days are getting longer and we are seeing more blue skies – Spring is definitely on its way – well, once the next round of frost and snow has been and gone.  But I always think it comforting to wrap up and brace oneself for a seasonal walk, even though it maybe crisp underfoot.  We are lucky enough to have the Aston Hotel on the Crichton Estate and have spectacular views from our windows but for a bracing walk and to take in seasonal flowers, you may like to visit Castle Kennedy Gardens to see the Snowdrop Festival.

Held every Saturday and Sunday throughout February and March, visitors to Castle Kennedy Gardens can enjoy over 3 miles of beautiful swathes of snowdrops carpeting woodland paths, loch shore walks and drives.   Keen gardeners may like to join the Head Gardener for a ‘Snowdrop Safari Guided Walk’ on Saturday 9th February at 1:30pm taking in magnificent scenery and a chance to learn about these hardy and well loved plants.

Castle Kennedy Gardens and Tearoom is open weekends during February and March, 10am until 5pm. 

For more information  telephone 01581 400225. Castle Kennedy Gardens is situated 3 miles east of Stranraer on the A75, sat nav DG9 8SJ

If you are thinking of rounding a visit off with lunch or dinner, then give us a call on 01387 272410 at Aston Dumfries Hotel and we’ll talk you through our menu of delicious home-cooked, local foods.  If you are wanting to stay over in Dumfries, take a look at some of our special rates available: http://www.astonhotels.co.uk/special-offers-dumfries.html

50 Years of Scottish Opera

Scottish Opera hits the road once more in January, travelling Scotland with a selection of opera highlights from around the world. Full of energy, versatility and plenty of humour, a cast of four young singers and a pianist introduce a line-up of excerpts from well-known operas along with some surprises from lesser-known works. A favourite with audiences across Scotland, this gem of an evening has something for everyone, from seasoned fans to opera first-timers.

This year's show is inspired by 50 years of Scottish Opera. The evening features musical highlights from our favourite productions over the years, and includes stories and anecdotes from the Company's history. The fantastic cast of up and coming artists features Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Katie Grosset, Scottish soprano Eleanor Dennis (finalist in 2012's Kathleen Ferrier Competition), baritones Duncan Rock (2010's Jerwood Young Artist for Glyndebourne Festival Opera) and Gary Griffiths (an Associate Artist at Welsh National Opera) and Scottish tenor Nicky Spence, who is also appearing in The Magic Flute and The Flying Dutchman this season.

Director - Adrian Osmond
Music Director/Pianist - Claire Haslin, Ruth Wilkinson
Soprano - Eleanor Dennis
Mezzo-soprano - Katie Grosset
Tenor - Nicky Spence
Bass - Duncan Rock, Gary Griffiths
 
Tickets cost: £11 (adults) and £5 (under26's), Tel: Ryan Centre Box Office/Ticket Sales, 01776 703535 and the performance is on Thursday 24 January at 7.30pm @ Ryan Centre Theatre, Fairhurst Road, Stranraer DG9 7A


 

CAN LOVE SAVE THE DAY? OH YES IT CAN – SNOW WHITE AND COMPANIONS ARE IN TOWN

The simple story of a charming little princess saved from the evil deeds of her wicked step-mother, the queen, by a group of seven adorable dwarfs!

Starring soap starlet Holly Jack from BBC’s River City and a host of other well-known faces, the spellbinding family pantomime promises to be “full of music, magic, mayhem, special effects, breathtaking sets, loads of laughs and lavish costumes”.

The magical show sees the Wicked Queen, with help from her evil henchman, try her hardest to woo the prince away from Snow White - who journeys deep into the magical forest to meet seven lovable dwarfs.

The Seven Dwarfs do their best to protect Snow White from the Wicked Queen and eventually she is rescued by the handsome prince.

You know the story but you can’t be a good old Christmas pantomime to bring the story to life.  The show runs until December 31 and promises to be a festive treat and fun for all the family this Christmas.  For more information call 01387 243 550 or visit http://www.dgone.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9891.

Join us for a warming meal or Lite Bite in our Bar & Brasserie 59 and if you’re staying over, we’ve some excellent rates – oh yes we do! Just call on 01387 272 410 or email: enquiries@astonhoteldumfries.co.uk