Local Authority GRETNA
Planning to visit somewhere new? Let some local knowledge guide you on your way
Who are you?
We are Laura and Ian Wilkinson, experienced motorcaravanners who have been touring all over the UK, and in France, Spain and Portugal, since 2002.
Why are you a local authority on this part of the world?
We left Lancashire in 2002 and after six months spent touring in Europe, we settled in Gretna, Scotland, for 16 years, before returning to Lancashire in 2018. We have excellent local knowledge about Gretna and the surrounding area, and we still visit regularly to see friends.
What do you love about it?
Gretna is full of surprises and isn’t just for weddings – although you might see one or two while you’re there!
The garden city of Gretna was first established back in 1915 as a temporary settlement for some 30,000 munitions workers employed at the HM factory during World War I.
The Government created all of the supporting infrastructure, including parks, shops, churches, the cinema, schools, medical facilities and a pub, and most of these are still in use today.
Don’t miss the beautiful bronze statue, known as Gretna Girl, and the seats erected in August 2016 on Central Avenue as a tribute to the women who worked in highly dangerous conditions to produce cordite, nicknamed Devil’s Porridge. You can also visit the Devil’s Porridge Museum, which is just four miles away in Eastriggs.
What is your favourite place to visit?
The 5.5-mile Heritage Trail. It takes in The First House toll bar, built in 1830, alongside Thomas Telford’s bridge across the River Sark, which divides Scotland and England. Here you can also see the huge Auld Acquaintance Cairn, hand-built beside the river in 2014 by people expressing their desire to remain in the UK.
Stroll along the river to the historic village of Springfield, where you will find The Queen’s Head inn, which opened in 1830. And while you’re wandering, don’t miss The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, which has been performing weddings since 1754 and is still going strong today.
There’s also a magnificent Sculpture Garden to explore, where you’ll find the Gretna Green lovers, who must be one of the most photographed couples in the whole of Scotland!
Then take the time to discover the beautiful 17th-century Gretna Old Parish Church, which has not one, but two grand bell towers.
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre is well worth a visit and has a good viewing platform. The last time we were there, we watched thousands of geese and hundreds of swans.
Check the website to time your visit to see the swans being fed (wwt.org. uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock).
Which local campsite would you recommend?
Braids Caravan Park (the-braids.uk) is in the village and within easy walking distance of all the local amenities, buses and trains.
What food or drink is the area known for?
The Annandale Distillery is only eight miles away, where you can also buy the famous Ecclefechan tart.
Tell us somewhere great to eat!
The Gables, Solway Lodge, Crossways Inn or The First House Toll Bar. Smiths Hotel for high-quality fine dining.
Where can you get spare kit?
There’s a Hobby dealer in Eastriggs, or try Dumfries Caravan Centre.
Where can you buy the cheapest fuel?
The Asda in Annan.
Share a highlight only a local will know…
There are plans for a fine sculpture, The Star of Caledonia (aka the Gretna Landmark), at the England-Scotland border, on the outskirts of town.