Annan Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Annan Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Annan sits in a fantastic spot for exploring both the Scottish borders and northern Cumbria. The town itself has some interesting historical buildings worth checking out. Annan Old Parish Church dates back to 1790 and has a distinctive octagonal layout - quite unusual for Scottish churches.

The Devil's Porridge Museum (Stanfield, Annan DG12 6TF, open 10am-5pm daily) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and tells the fascinating story of HM Factory Gretna, the UK's largest munitions factory during WWI. I was amazed to learn it employed 30,000 workers, mostly women!

Just outside town, Annandale Distillery (Northfield, Annan DG12 5LL, open 10am-5pm) has been making whisky since 1830 and reopened in 2014 after nearly 100 years. Their tour (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) includes a dram of their single malt and costs £12.50.

For castle enthusiasts, Caerlaverock Castle (Dumfries DG1 4RU, open 10am-4pm) is a 30-minute drive away. This triangular fortress with a moat scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and was used in the filming of 'The Decoy Bride'.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Annan welcome dogs, with some accepting up to three pets. Most have enclosed gardens where your dog can run safely while you enjoy the hot tub. We recommend checking specific pet policies when booking as some properties charge a small fee per dog.

The Solway Coast offers excellent dog walking opportunities. Powfoot Beach allows dogs year-round and has firm sand perfect for energetic runs. The Annan Harbour Walk is another good option for shorter strolls.

When you're hungry, The Corner House café (High Street, Annan) welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area and provides water bowls. The Blue Bell Inn (High Street) also allows dogs in the bar area and even offers dog treats.

Don't forget to pack poo bags, a towel for muddy paws and your dog's favourite bed to help them settle in the cottage. The local Pets at Home store (Dumfries DG1 3PF) stocks emergency supplies if needed.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Annan

The Annan Museum (Bank Street, DG12 6AA, open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) houses fascinating exhibits about the town's history. The collection includes Roman artifacts, items from Annan's fishing industry and displays about famous locals. It's small but packed with information and free to enter. One visitor commented: "A hidden gem with friendly staff who really know their local history."

Threave Garden and Estate (Castle Douglas DG7 1RX, open daily 10am-5pm) is worth the 40-minute drive. This National Trust property features 64 acres of spectacular gardens, including a walled garden, woodland walks and Scotland's only bat reserve. The gardens score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with visitors particularly praising the rose collection. After walking around, you'll appreciate that hot tub back at your cottage!

Annandale Way is a 53-mile walking route that follows the River Annan from source to sea. You don't need to tackle the whole thing - there are plenty of shorter sections perfect for half-day walks. The section from Annan to Brydekirk (about 3 miles) is relatively flat and offers lovely riverside views. Look out for herons, kingfishers and otters along the way.

What's the best time of year to visit Annan?

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather with temperatures around 18-20°C, perfect for enjoying your hot tub. Spring brings beautiful blossoms and fewer tourists. The Riding of the Marches festival in July is worth planning around if you enjoy local traditions and horse parades.

How far is Annan from Gretna Green?

Gretna Green is just 8 miles west of Annan, about a 15-minute drive. It's famous for runaway weddings and has the popular Gretna Gateway Outlet Village if you fancy some shopping.

Are there good restaurants in Annan?

Yes! Try The Cafe Royal (High Street) for excellent Scottish breakfasts, Del Amitri (Bank Street) for Italian food, or The Shed Bistro (Port Street) for locally-sourced dishes. Book ahead on weekends as the best places fill up quickly.

Can I go fishing in Annan?

Absolutely. The River Annan is famous for salmon and sea trout fishing. You'll need a permit, available from Alex's Fishing Tackle Shop on High Street or online. The season runs from February to November.

Is there public transport in Annan?

Annan has a train station with connections to Carlisle (20 minutes) and Glasgow (2 hours). Local buses serve surrounding villages, but a car is recommended for exploring the area fully.

What should I pack for my cottage stay?

Swimming costumes for the hot tub, walking boots for countryside exploration and waterproofs (even in summer). Most cottages provide towels but check if you need to bring hot tub towels separately.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Scotland - Dumfries & Galloway
2. Annandale Way Walking Route
3. Devil's Porridge Museum