Coming to Gretna Green? We've got lots to explore...

Well there's another bank holiday just around the corner....and then summer holidays not long after that! We're very excited for summer....and we hope to see many of you coming to visit us this year!

Most people have heard of Gretna Green....but what exactly is there to do?

We've gone for a wee wander around the site and put together a shortlist of the best of Gretna Green!

1. Visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop...

Love history? This is the perfect starting point for you...With a history stretching as far back as 1754, a visit to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop & the Gretna Green Story Exhibition is a must for anyone who visits Gretna Green. Set in the heart of our little village, the Blacksmiths Shop continues to host many weddings each year. In fact, weddings take place here almost every day and people still flock from afar to be married over the famous 'Original Anvil'. Perhaps you'll get the chance to spot a newlywed couple emerging from the Blacksmiths Shop whilst visiting!

In addition to this, there is a wonderful display of a rare collection of 19th Century horse-drawn carriages which is a private collection owned by the custodians of the Blacksmiths Shop, the Houston family. One of these magnificent carriages located in the Coach Museum was even used by the aunt of Queen Victoria. These are well worth taking a peek at....very impressive indeed!

2. Shopping at Gretna Green ...

History and museums not your cup of tea? Not to worry....leave those keen to get lost in the depths of time and pop across the courtyard to explore the intriguing set of 5 unique shops onsite! From locally sourced Scottish produce to unique Scottish gifts or keepsakes to brand names, these shops are packed with a range of items sure to suit every taste (and budget or boot space!) Each of these fabulous wee shops has their own distinctive personality - come check them out on your next visit!

Our 'Gretna Green Since 1754' Shop is our largest shop offering an unparalleled choice of high-quality Scottish goods including premium brands such as Hunter, Barbour, Daks of London, Harris Tweed and many more... A must for the discerning shopper. We can even arrange for your purchases to be shipped home for you! (You know, for that must-have-but-no-more-space item!)

The Foodhall is the place to be should you be looking for some Scottish treats to take home with you. A range of delicious Scottish Shortbread, Fudge, Honey and much more await you. Perfect for picking up those mouth-watering Scottish goodies which everyone back home will be asking for!

Love something a little quirky? Why not browse our Kitchenware department within the Foodhall also and choose from some unique Scottish-Inspired teapots, aprons and tea towels.

A bit like it says on the tin, the Wee Big Shop here has everything you may have forgotten that you need on your holiday... not only that, you can grab yourself a newspaper and coffee to get you going back on the road! With a great selection of kids toys and confectionary then the entire car will be happy too.

3. Explore ...

Fancy getting out for a bit of a walkabout? Time to pop across to the newest addition on-site - the Courtship Maze which can be found to the rear of the site, just opposite the car park. With 2 entrances and spanning an area of 70m x 40m this really is fun for all!

Do you love Sculptures? Then there's plenty to see here at Gretna Green, from the recently commissioned Big Dance which take pride of place in the middle of our sculpture garden to the smaller pieces which sit around the attraction... can you spot them all?

Do you think you may have family who married in Gretna Green? Did you know that you can trace your family roots right here onsite? We have ancient marriage registers of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries on display where for a small charge we can search the records and even give you a copy of the marriage certificate. Why not pop your head in and ask us?

4. Eat & Dine ...

Of course, one couldn't possibly stop by for a visit without having a bite to eat before continuing on! Whether you're stopping for a spot of lunch, an evening meal, or even something delicious to take home we have it all here in Gretna Green.

Our Blacksmiths Restaurant caters for the weary traveller with freshly made snacks such as Sandwiches, Fish & Chips, Homemade Soup and much more, while our 4* Smiths at Gretna Green Hotel offers a relaxed but stylish atmosphere to enjoy delicious à la carte dining as well as a highly regarded Lounge Menu.

You can even have Afternoon Tea (Booking essential - call us on 01461 337007).

Come join us for a weekend and get to know this fabulous wee corner of Scotland!