The small and charming town of Dalbeattie is picture-postcard perfect with its sparkling granite buildings and wealth of outdoor activities; it''s the ideal place for an active yet relaxing cottage holiday in Scotland.

If you love the great outdoors, you''ll find Dalbeattie fits the bill. There are lots of things to see and do in the area including good walking and cycling trails, golf courses, picturesque lochs and a large park for the children to explore. Not to mention miles of quiet coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and the challenging mountain bike trails of the Town Wood.

Take day trips to the nearby Colvend Coast and you''ll come across quaint seaside villages such as Rockcliffe and Kippford. Nature lovers should head straight for Rockcliffe where you''ll find the Rough Island Bird Sanctuary. The perfect location for a spot of exploring, the island is accessible by foot at low tide and you''ll have the opportunity to spot ringed plovers and nesting oystercatchers, if you''re lucky.

If all that cycling, walking and golfing has worked up an appetite nearby Castle Douglas is home to specialist seafood shops where you can pick up shellfish, Scottish smoked salmon and trout, perfect for whipping up a home-cooked meal that the whole family will enjoy, or why not treat them to some traditional fish and chips?

Whatever your idea of the perfect holiday, you''re sure to find it in this corner of Scotland, so take a look at Dalbeattie holiday cottages today.