Robert Burns House, Dumfries

Explore the intimate sandstone home where Robert Burns lived and wrote, a cherished cultural landmark in Dumfries celebrating Scotland’s national poet.

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Robert Burns House

Robert Burns House in Dumfries is the historic sandstone home where Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, spent his final years until his death in 1796. This intimate museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century life with original manuscripts, personal belongings, and period rooms. It is a pilgrimage site for Burns enthusiasts worldwide, featuring interactive family trails and a rich cultural legacy in the heart of Dumfries.

A brief summary to Robert Burns House

Burns St, Dumfries, DG1 2PS, GB
+441387255297
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
Thursday 10 am-1 pm
Friday 10 am-1 pm
Saturday 10 am-1 pm

Local tips

Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with staff.
Combine your visit with the nearby Robert Burns Mausoleum and Dumfries Museum for a fuller cultural day.
Use the free car parks on Burns Street or Brooms Road for convenient parking close to the house.
Enjoy the family trail featuring 1790s costumes and hats to try on, ideal for engaging children.
Check seasonal opening hours in advance, especially in winter when the house is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Getting There

Bus

Local bus services run regularly to Dumfries town centre from surrounding areas, with stops within a 10-minute walk of Robert Burns House. Tickets cost approximately £2-£5 depending on the starting point, with services operating from early morning until early evening.
Car

Driving to Robert Burns House is convenient with free public parking available on Burns Street and Brooms Road, both within a 2-3 minute walk. Travel times vary depending on origin; from Dumfries train station, it’s about a 10-minute drive. Note that some street parking may be limited during peak times.
Train

Dumfries railway station connects to major Scottish cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh. From the station, a taxi or local bus can take you to Robert Burns House in approximately 10-15 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from £5 to £10.

Robert Burns House location weather suitability

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Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Robert Burns House

A Sanctuary of Scotland’s National Bard

Robert Burns House stands quietly on Burns Street in Dumfries, a modest sandstone building that was the final residence of Robert Burns, Scotland’s beloved national poet. Here, Burns lived from 1793 until his untimely death in 1796 at just 37 years old. The house preserves the atmosphere of late 18th-century domestic life, offering visitors a tangible connection to the poet’s personal world. It is a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts and literary scholars alike, drawn by the intimate setting where some of his finest works were composed.

Immersive Historical Experience

The house’s interior reveals a series of rooms that reflect the daily life of Burns and his family. Visitors can explore the study where Burns penned his poetry, complete with his original desk and chair, and the kitchen, the heart of the home, which evokes the rhythms of family life in the 1790s. Artefacts on display include original manuscripts, personal items, and period furnishings. The museum also offers handling artefacts and a family trail featuring costumes and hats from the era, encouraging interactive engagement, especially for younger visitors.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Robert Burns House not only celebrates the life of the poet but also his enduring influence on Scottish culture and literature. The site attracts visitors from around the world, many of whom come to pay homage to the bard who gave voice to Scottish identity and vernacular. The house’s proximity to Burns Mausoleum and other memorials enriches the cultural landscape of Dumfries, making it a focal point for those interested in Scotland’s literary heritage.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The house is accessible via a few steps from the cobbled street, with handrails to assist visitors. While there are no on-site cafes, the town centre nearby offers a variety of dining options. Free parking is available on Burns Street and at Brooms Road, both a short walk from the house. Nearby public toilets, including disabled facilities, are located in the Loreburn Shopping Centre. The museum staff are trained in diversity and deafness awareness, providing welcoming assistance to all visitors. Dogs are not permitted inside except for assistance animals.

Seasonal Opening and Practical Information

Robert Burns House operates seasonally with summer hours from April to September, open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm. In winter (October to March), it is open Tuesday to Saturday with split hours from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but visitors are encouraged to check for any restrictions.

Engaging with Robert Burns’ World

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the life and times of Robert Burns through the carefully preserved environment and curated artefacts. The house offers a unique opportunity to step back into the 18th century and appreciate the personal side of Scotland’s national poet, beyond his celebrated public persona. The experience is enriched by the surrounding historical sites and the annual Burns Night celebrations, which continue to honor his legacy with poetry, music, and traditional Scottish fare.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust

0.2 km

Discover the architectural heritage of Dumfries at the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust, where history is preserved for future generations.

Queensberry Monument

0.4 km

An elegant 18th-century stone column in Dumfries honoring the 3rd Duke of Queensberry and the town’s noble heritage.

Dumfries

0.7 km

Historic and accessible Dumfries Railway Station connects Scotland’s southwest with modern amenities and rich heritage.

Dumfries Tours

2.6 km

Explore Dumfries with immersive tours that blend history, culture, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

Kingdom Scotland

4.0 km

Discover tranquility at Kingdom Scotland, a serene religious institution in Dumfries that invites spiritual reflection and community connection.

Fourmerkland Tower

8.2 km

Discover the tranquil charm and rich history of Fourmerkland Tower, a secluded 16th-century Scottish tower house near Dumfries.

Isle Tower

8.7 km

Explore Isle Tower, a serene 17th-century Scottish tower house ruin guarding historic routes near Dumfries in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway.

Comyn's Tower

8.7 km

Explore Comyn's Tower near Dumfries, a medieval stronghold entwined with Scotland’s dramatic history and the legacy of the Comyn clan.

Wardlaw Hillfort

10.4 km

Explore the ancient moated triangular hillfort near Dumfries with panoramic views and rich prehistoric heritage.

Waterloo Monument

10.4 km

A 150-foot stone tower on Peniel Heugh, built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo and offering panoramic views across the Scottish Borders and Solway Firth.

Little Dalton Kirk

11.5 km

Discover the evocative ruins of Little Dalton Kirk, a medieval parish church nestled in tranquil Scottish countryside near Lockerbie.

Mossband Residential Park

13.7 km

Tranquil rural living with modern comforts and scenic views near Dumfries in the heart of Scotland’s countryside.

Orchardton Tower

25.9 km

Discover Scotland’s only free-standing circular tower house, a rare medieval fortress steeped in history and legend near Castle Douglas.

Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens

26.4 km

Explore the stunning Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens, a historical gem in Scotland boasting art, beautiful gardens, and rich heritage.

Threave Garden

26.8 km

Discover the tranquility and beauty of Threave Garden, a botanical paradise in Castle Douglas, Scotland, perfect for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

Unmissable attractions to see

St Michael’s and South Parish Church

0.2 km

Discover Dumfries’ oldest church, a historic landmark rich with medieval pillars, stunning stained glass, and the Burns’ Mausoleum.

Burns Mausoleum

0.2 km

Final resting place of Robert Burns in a historic Dumfries churchyard, surrounded by centuries of Scottish stories and monuments.

Dock Park

0.2 km

Historic riverside park in Dumfries with family-friendly play, mini-golf, bowling, and scenic picnic spots beside the River Nith.

Dumfries Fountain

0.2 km

Discover the Dumfries Fountain, a stunning historical landmark in Dumfries, showcasing the town's rich culture and architectural beauty.

VisitScotland Dumfries iCentre

0.4 km

Friendly and knowledgeable visitor centre offering expert local advice and resources in the heart of Dumfries.

Robert Burns Centre

0.4 km

Discover the life and legacy of Robert Burns in Dumfries’ historic watermill, featuring immersive exhibits and a vibrant independent film theatre.

Dumfries Museum

0.4 km

Explore Dumfries’ rich heritage and the world’s oldest working camera obscura in this captivating museum of history and science.

Robert Burns Statue

0.5 km

A majestic marble tribute to Robert Burns, standing proudly in Dumfries’ historic Burns Statue Square.

Devorgilla Bridge

0.6 km

Explore the captivating Devorgilla Bridge, an architectural masterpiece and historical landmark nestled in the heart of Dumfries, Scotland.

Old Bridge House

0.6 km

Explore Dumfries’ oldest house ingeniously built into a historic bridge, revealing centuries of local life and heritage by the River Nith.

Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society

0.8 km

Discover your roots and explore South West Scotland’s rich heritage at the Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society Research Centre.

HMP Dumfries

1.1 km

Historic 19th-century prison in Dumfries serving local courts and national sex offender population with a unique castellated architecture.

Castledykes Park

1.1 km

Discover Dumfries’ historic green heart where medieval heritage meets tranquil gardens and vibrant wildlife habitats.

Lockerbie Road off-road driving course

1.3 km

Experience the thrill of off-road driving on varied terrain with expert guidance at Dumfries’ premier off-road course.

Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park

1.5 km

Dumfries’ main retail park with Tesco Extra, B&M, Dunelm, KFC, Costa and more – a practical, car‑friendly hub for everyday shopping and essentials.

A friendly, affordable cafe nestled in Dumfries Railway Station, perfect for a comforting breakfast or coffee break on your travels.

Discover handcrafted ukuleles and a vibrant music community at Unique Ukes, Dumfries’ premier ukulele shop on Gordon Street.

A welcoming and relaxed pub in Dumfries known for friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Railway Social Club

0.4 km

A friendly, community-focused social club in Dumfries offering affordable drinks, lively events, and a welcoming atmosphere near the town centre.

Black Box Music Institute

46.7 km

An intimate old-style nightclub and cultural hub in Carlisle offering live music, festivals, and art exhibitions in a vibrant setting.

Carlisle R A O B Club

46.8 km

Historic social club in Carlisle offering lively events and a welcoming atmosphere rooted in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes tradition.

Club Britannia

47.1 km

A vibrant social club in Carlisle offering live music, friendly vibes, and affordable drinks in a smart, welcoming setting.

Secret Carlisle

47.4 km

Experience energetic nights and vibrant music at Secret Carlisle, the city centre nightclub where Carlisle’s historic charm meets modern nightlife.

The Galloway Bar

57.7 km

Discover the charm of Wigtown at The Galloway Bar, where locals gather for great drinks and unforgettable experiences.

Square One

65.1 km

Vibrant Hawick nightclub with dynamic music floors and a welcoming atmosphere at the heart of Drumlanrig Square.

Base Nightclub

65.6 km

Experience Hawick’s energetic nightlife at Base Nightclub, where vibrant music and lively crowds create unforgettable Friday nights.

The Border Club

65.9 km

Experience the vibrant local culture at The Border Club, a friendly social hub in Hawick, Scotland, perfect for travelers seeking community spirit.

Bridge Inn

70.1 km

Discover the scenic beauty and warm hospitality at Bridge Inn, Peebles' favorite pub overlooking the River Tweed.

The Neidpath Inn

70.2 km

Discover The Neidpath Inn, a vibrant bar and bed & breakfast in Peebles, offering delicious cuisine, live music, and a cozy atmosphere for all visitors.

The County

70.2 km

A lively, dog-friendly pub and restaurant in Peebles offering hearty meals, great drinks, and warm Scottish hospitality in a central setting.

Union Club

70.3 km

A friendly, community-run social club with snooker and events, offering a welcoming and affordable night out in Innerleithen.

The Central Bar

70.4 km

Experience the heart of Peebles at The Central Bar, where local charm and refreshing drinks await every visitor.

The Cross Keys - Peebles

70.4 km

Historic inn and cozy hotel in Peebles town centre, blending traditional charm with modern comfort and a lively pub atmosphere.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Robert Burns House, Dumfries

A brief summary to Robert Burns House

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Car

Train

Robert Burns House location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Robert Burns House

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Robert Burns House

A Sanctuary of Scotland’s National Bard

Immersive Historical Experience

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Seasonal Opening and Practical Information

Engaging with Robert Burns’ World

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust

Queensberry Monument

Dumfries

Dumfries Tours

Kingdom Scotland

Fourmerkland Tower

Isle Tower

Comyn's Tower

Wardlaw Hillfort

Waterloo Monument

Little Dalton Kirk

Mossband Residential Park

Orchardton Tower

Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens

Threave Garden

Unmissable attractions to see

St Michael’s and South Parish Church

Burns Mausoleum

Dock Park

Dumfries Fountain

VisitScotland Dumfries iCentre

Robert Burns Centre

Dumfries Museum

Robert Burns Statue

Devorgilla Bridge

Old Bridge House

Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society

HMP Dumfries

Castledykes Park

Lockerbie Road off-road driving course

Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park

Essential places to dine

The Globe Inn Dumfries

Crumb

Truffles Bistro

La Dolce Vita

The Corner Eatery and Bar Store

The Bank Bar and Tapas

Granary

Home Restaurant

The New Oriental Restaurant

The Back Street

N'Dulge

Ivanos Italian Food

Cavens Arms

The Usual Place

The Station Cafe Dumfries

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Plum Boutique

Bonmarché

The Fragrance Shop

Loreburne Shopping Centre

Think Something Different

Mountain Warehouse Dumfries

Flourish

La Maison Home & Gifts

Circle Vintage

ALTERNATIVE CENTRE(DUMFRIES)

The Treasure Trove Dumfries