Local Visitor Attractions
Annandale Distillery
Annandale Distillery is a great day out for the whole family. Discover the spirit reborn, find out about our award winning single cask single malts. Find out about the science behind the flavours with tours on the hour every hour. Taste the flavours at the Maltings Coffee Shop. Open 7 days.
Annan Harbour
The oldest part of Annan Harbour quay dates back to Georgian times and was designed by Thomas Telford. Fast clipper ships were built here in the mid 19th century, while the port generated wealth for the town until the mid 20th century. After 50 years of neglect Annan Harbour Action Group are embarking on a multi-million pound regeneration project that will reconnect the town with its maritime and natural heritage.
Annan Musuem
A family friendly museum housing a permanent exhibition on the history of Annan and the surrounding area. A fascinating journey through time takes visitors from the prehistoric period up to the era of nuclear fission. Displays include costume, First World War memorabilia, town regalia and a remarkable collection of paintings depicting Annan and the Solway shore. For details of this summer’s exhibition, visit www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/annan-museum
Devil’s Porridge Museum
The award-winning five star Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs tells the amazing story of the greatest munitions factory on earth in WW1. Annandale was the setting for a cordite factory nine miles long where 30,000 people worked in its construction and mixed “devil’s porridge “ to turn the tide of the war. This modern, interactive attraction, complete with a great cafe, is located 4 miles east of Annan. More details at www.devilsporridge.org.uk
Annan the History Town Festival
What are you doing this summer? Why not visit Annan? Our hearty welcome will make you glad you came …. and July and August is just one long festival of fun!. It all starts in the first week of July with Annan Riding of the Marches when over 100 riders and horses check the burgh boundaries for intruders… while visitors and locals enjoy a convivial time in town. Late in the afternoon the massed pipe bands welcome back the Cornet and his Lass who bring good news to the crowds that the Royal Burgh is secure again for another year.
Then our History Town Group takes over for eight weeks. The High Street, back courts and wynds come alive with music and a buzz of activity. Walks and talks bring the story of Annan alive, from Robert the Bruce to Rabbie Burns. The fine sandstone Town Centre tells a story of Georgian and Victorian prosperity when Annan embraced the industrial revolution and became a gateway to the New World.
Every building reminds us of history, where Bonnie Prince Charlie camped, where Hare, the Bodysnatcher, took refuge and every pub has someone who can remember when the government owned it to control drink for the war effort. Look out for our weekend themed events at www.annanthehistorytown.org
… And then, just when you think it’s all over, August Bank Holiday heralds the very popular Annan Harbour Festival, a poignant reminder of when we built some of the fastest ships on the ocean, Stalls, great food and entertainment… and, if the tide is right, a boat trip on to the Solway.