Frequently asked questions about Kirkennan Estate Holiday Cottages

Are your holiday cottages dog-friendly?

Yes! We are a dog-friendly holiday let in Dumfries and Galloway. We welcome up to 3 well-behaved dogs per cottage and up to 5 in the Lodge upon request and depending on the number of people staying.

Are the outside spaces suitable for dogs?

The Lodge and Woodsedge cottage both have access to enclosed private gardens where dogs may be off the lead. It is your responsibility to ensure the gardens are suitable for your own dogs as you know them best. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

The Mews has its own private outside space but it is not enclosed.

We also have 20 acres of riverside woodland in which dogs may be off the lead and three fields which are normally stock free.

We do request that dogs are kept on the lead throughout the rest of the estate as this space is shared with free-range guinea fowl, as well as other guests, including children and other dogs.

Please see here for more details on staying with dogs.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. This allows our team to ensure the cottage is professionally cleaned and prepared for your self-catering stay. Late arrivals are not a problem, we can arrange to put the key in a safe place for you to pick up when you arrive.

What is the best way to book a stay at Kirkennan Estate Holiday Cottages?

The cheapest way to book is via our user friendly booking system on our website www.kirkennan.co.uk. Not only do you get a better price than booking through one of the big sites, but in addition your money will stay in the local community and benefit local people.

Are you wheelchair accessible?

Yes! One of our cottages, Woodsedge, is a bungalow with level access and no internal steps. It also has a wetroom and various other modifications to make it suitable for those with less mobility. As Woodsedge is part of the converted stable-block some of the doorways are narrower than they would be if it was purpose built so please see our accessibility statement to check if it will meet your requirements. We are also happy to answer any question you might have about whether Woodsedge is suitable for your needs so please get in touch via our website or give us a call.

Is the garden/patio accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs?

In Woodsedge, there is a step down from the back door to the garden, for which a portable ramp is provided. It is also possible to access the garden via the side gate which is level access. The enclosed private garden itself is level with a paved area and a lawn.

Do you have an accessible bathroom?

Yes, Woodsedge has an accessible wet room equipped with grab rails and a choice of shower stool or shower chair.

Do you provide any specialized mobility equipment?

We can provide a mobility scooter upon request, which can be used to explore the Estate roads, which are tarmac. Some visitors have found they can also access the gravel paths in the walled garden but it will not cope with the uneven turf paths in the woodland areas.

In Woodsedge, we also provide a choice of shower stool or shower chair, an optional removable toilet booster seat, an electric recliner armchair and an electric bed with raising head end and adjustable height.

When is the best time to visit Kirkennan Estate Holiday Cottages?

To get the best prices and to enjoy more peace and quiet, consider booking offpeak. We offer generous deals in the winter months, when you can enjoy invigorating walks during the day and gather round a cosy woodburning stove in the evening. See our pages Autumn and Winter for more reasons to visit in these seasons.

In the summer months, more visitor attractions are open and there are many lovely local beaches to explore, while the temperatures generally remain very pleasant and reasonable.

What steps have you taken to be a more sustainable business?

We are proud recipients of a Gold Green Tourism Award (2019) and VIBES Scottish Business Award for Good Practice (2021). We are passionate about supporting wildlife and reducing our impact on nature, as well as buying local and supporting small businesses. We have made lots of upgrades to the holiday lets to make them more sustainable, including installing a heat pump, chargers for electric vehicles and solar panels.

You can read more about the steps we have taken to become more sustainable here.

What activities are there to do with kids in the area?

There are lots of things for kids to do on our 74 acres. Step outside the door of your holiday cottage and you have endless possibilities for play and adventure. Please feel free to explore the woodland, make dens, paddle in the stream and birdspot in the birdhide. Bikes can be ridden around the quiet estate roads and there is a table tennis table for guests to use. Note that the Urr Water borders the estate so parents and carers must be responsible for their children’s safety at all times.

In addition, there are plenty of child-friendly activities a short drive away from Kirkennan Estate.

- There are many fantastic beaches to explore including quiet, sandy Red Haven and Rockcliffe which has tons of rockpools to investigate.

- You can watch red kites being fed at Bellymack Hill Farm every day at 2pm.

- There is the Cocoabean Chocolate Factory, where you can combine a chocolate-making workshop with soft play and a large outdoor playground.

- Errnespie Farm has an excellent indoor softplay area and cafe, lots of animals to feed and pet, and a huge outdoor play area.

More ideas here or on our facebook page.

Is there private off road parking available?

Yes, there is private parking for up to two cars at each cottage. If you have more cars, or trailers you wish to bring just ask and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Do you have an EV charging point?

We do! There is a Type 2 EV charging point available exclusively for guest use at the Lodge as well as a charging point in the Barn for the Mews and Woodsedge cottages.

Is Kirkennan bike friendly?

Yes! We welcome cyclists wishing to explore the many beautiful cycling routes in Dumfries and Galloway. We are also within easy reach of a number of the 7-Staines mountain bike routes. We have undercover lockable bike racks plus charging points for electric bikes in the Barn. We also provide a pump and a bike repair kit free of charge.

If you don’t wish to bring your own bike we can advise on places you can hire bikes locally. More information here.

What are the midges like at Kirkennan?

It depends! As we are both near the coast and in the south of Scotland, the midges are not as numerous as in other locations. During our ten plus years here, it has been very rare that we have not been able to sit out in the garden on a summer’s evening.

However, bear in mind that many factors affect midge numbers, including the weather throughout the year, wind levels and where you visit - the coastline is generally midge-free whereas Galloway Forest Park can be a hotspot in the summer months.

The general pattern is that the midge season runs from late May through to early September with July and August being the peak.