Dumfries and Galloway in southwest Scotland is the only UK destination on National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list, the magazine’s annual selection of 25 places to visit in the year ahead, published on October 20.
National Geographic described the Lowlands region as a less-travelled destination of quiet trails and starry skies. Galloway Forest Park became the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2009 and holds gold-tier status, and a new Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is planned at Clatteringshaws. The region also launched an 83-mile coastal path around the Rhins of Galloway last year, passing lighthouses, wildlife habitats and ruined castles, and is home to the 7stanes mountain biking network.
The listing comes as Scotland prepares to host the opening stages of the Tour de France in 2027, and days after the first South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival.
“This is wonderful recognition for Dumfries and Galloway and for the people who make it such a special place to visit,” said David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
Vicki Miller, chief executive of VisitScotland, said the region “offers world-class stargazing, unique wildlife, fascinating castles, dramatic coastlines, cycling and outdoor activities in abundance”. Russel Griggs, chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, called the listing “a significant milestone for 2027”, pointing to projects including the observatory, the Rhins Coast Path, the Stranraer Watersports Hub and distilleries at Annandale, Galloway and Moffat.
The 2027 list also features Norway’s Vestland, Penang in Malaysia, Luxor in Egypt, Jaipur in India, Changdu in China and Armenia’s Transcaucasian Trail, alongside Puerto Rico, Grenada, Salvador in Brazil and Melbourne.
