Explore the Biosphere

Sustainable Tourism – What we’re trying to achieve

Our goal is to help visitors find an exceptional, memorable, and sustainable experience whether their time in southwest Scotland is long or short. We want to ensure that tourism here is nature-friendly and whenever possible, community-led. The UNESCO Biosphere ethos means creating closer connections between people and place, and we’re striving to make this part of the experience for everyone. Take a look at our Visitor Charter which encompasses what we’re trying to achieve.

The GSA Biosphere Partnership is proud to work in collaborative partnerships to promote and protect this amazing region, including with local authorities, VisitScotland, the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, the National Trust for Scotland, and the UK National Commission for UNESCO.

Why choose the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere?

The GSA Biosphere was named in National Geographic’s prestigious annual ‘Cool List’ and among Rough Guides’ ‘Best Travel Destinations’ for 2024 as part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail. It was also one of the first Scottish destinations to appear on the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map.

If you’re planning a trip, scroll down to find the Biosphere Experience for you. Biosphere Communities offer a warm welcome to all, while Biosphere Guides are available for bespoke itineraries. Our Self-Guided Discoveries are packed with ideas of where to go and what to see, and we have an exciting calendar of Sustainable Events throughout the year. Whenever you join us, an array of Biosphere-certified businesses will help you create the perfect stay.

Sanquhar A warm welcome awaits in this Biosphere Community

This beautiful small town sits towards the north of the UNESCO Biosphere and is absolutely full of history. On the main street among the shops, cafes and pubs, you’ll find Britain’s oldest working Post Office (established in 1712) and the <a href="https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/sanquhar-tolbooth-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tolbooth Museum</a> (free entry and well worth a couple of hours). Don’t miss the delicious lunches, coffee and cakes at <a href="https://atheairts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A’ the Airts</a>, a thriving community hub and a member of our Proud Supporter network which has hosted a variety of Biosphere events in recent years. There are some wonderful walks here, around the town and along the River Nith, and easy access to major attractions such as <a href="https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crawick Multiverse</a> and <a href="https://www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drumlanrig Castle</a>. If you’re looking to explore further afield, check out our Low Carbon Days Out itinerary for <a href="https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7622-Low-Carbon-Days-Out-Sanquhar-Wanlockhead.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanquhar and Wanlockhead</a> – the highest village in Scotland!

Gallovidia Books Something for everyone at Christmas time

Dark Space Planetarium Explore our world class dark skies - whatever the weather outside!

Winter is an astonishingly beautiful season in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere during the day and no less so after dark, when our Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park comes into its own. If you’d like to find out more about <a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/dark-skies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Galloway’s Dark Sky Park designation</a> and the world above us more generally, head for Kirkcudbright and visit the Dark Space Planetarium. Its interactive exhibits offer something for all ages, and don’t miss the 360-degree theatre show! The planetarium hosts special events throughout the year (including two Open Days and a Queen Heaven experience this month) and you can combine your visit with a tour of the <a href="https://www.darkartdistillery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dark Art Distillery</a>, located next door; both attractions are Biosphere-certified for sustainability. For those looking for an outdoor dark skies experience, take a look at our <a href="https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/explore-the-biosphere/biosphere-experiences/biosphere-guides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biosphere Guides</a>, several of whom specialise in nocturnal adventures, or follow our self-guided itinerary, <a href="https://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/the-sky-above/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sky Above</a>.

Glenquicken Farm Fine festive food and a cosy hearth

Biosphere Guides and Activity Providers: local operators who can introduce you to everything special in the UNESCO Biosphere – our landscapes, environments, and the culture and history within. Biosphere-certified Guides and Tours help ensure your environmental impact is as low as it can be.

Self-Guided Discoveries and Low Carbon Days Out: a selection of themed itineraries to help you to explore our UNESCO Biosphere at your own pace, with cycle routes and hire and other sustainable travel options.

Shared Passions: a range of unique experiences put together for you, through collaborations between Biosphere Guides and Certification Mark businesses. Authentic, immersive, and not available anywhere else!

Events: unique events taking place across the whole UNESCO Biosphere region; all those listed have signed up to our Sustainable Events Charter, a commitment to creating positive local impacts for people and nature.

Find your Experience

Businesses are awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark in recognition of their commitment to sustainable practice: minimising their environmental impact and supporting local communities. It is their passion and action for the UNESCO region that makes our Biosphere so special. Find out more about the businesses that have joined this dynamic and innovative enterprise network via the button below.

Meet Our Certified Businesses