Once an important market town for the wool trade, Moffat lies along the banks of the River Annan in Dumfriesshire. It served as the ancestral seat of Clan Moffat and later flourished as a spa town that became equally famed for its traditional toffee.

Things to do

In the heart of Moffat is St. Andrew’s Parish Church, which was built on designs by John Starforth in 1884. Gaze up at the red sandstone tower and admire the richly carved entrance before stepping inside to see the stained glass windows and a magnificent organ. Also of note is the large rose window featured above the church’s elegant pulpit.

You can delve into the local history at the Moffat Museum, which was originally housed in the town’s old bakehouse. Learn about the settlement’s Roman origins and the Anglo-Scottish border raiders, who were active from the 13th century. Highlights of the collection include a Neolithic bow discovered nearby and an exhibition dedicated to the Merlin Trail, as well as displays about Moffat’s popularity as a spa town.

A short stroll south of the Moffat Museum is Station Park, a picturesque green space that features a boating lake, an 18-hole putting green and an interactive water feature. You can rent a rowing boat, a swan pedalo or a kayak to enjoy the park from the water, then admire the replica Spitfire plane that’s on display nearby. On the other side of Moffat is Hope Johnstone Park, where you’ll find a children’s playground and a skate park.

Getting around

Moffat is a 20-minute drive from Dumfries and 1.5 hours from Edinburgh. Glasgow Airport is just over an hour away. Regular buses connect Moffat to towns and villages across Dumfriesshire while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.