Architectural Legacy

A walk along the High Street will introduce you to the Annandale Arms Hotel (built as the King’s Arms as the result of a 1762 contract) and the Balmoral Hotel, both of which were major coaching inns at one time, the Moffat House Hotel (illustrated above) built for the Earl of Hopetoun in 1762 and designed by the famous Edinburgh architect John Adam. The Town Hall was built in 1827 and was, formerly the ‘Bath’s Hall’ that provided hot and cold mineral baths for visitors to ‘take the waters’.

You will see the Moffat Ram (Colvin Fountain), the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, Dickson House and several others which have strong connections with the town’s spa and coaching history.

Elegant Houses

A short stroll from the broad main street will find you amongst elegant houses in Moffat. These were originally built as guesthouses or as private residences for well-to-do local merchants. Do have a walk up to Hartfell Crescent, which has an elegant sweep of the elegant houses, all with views over the Southern Uplands.

Outstanding Conservation Area

The town has been designated an Outstanding Conservation Area with Article 4 status and boasts an impressive selection of listed buildings.

Pictured below is Archbald Moffatt House, an 18th century house built in 1751 that is in the course of refurbishment. The owners are passionate about restoring it as it would have been when built (although sympathetically including modern improvements)

A Favourite Haunt of Robert Burns

Jumping back in time we have the Black Bull Hotel, built in 1568 that for a while was the headquarters of 'Bloody Clavers' and his dragoons.

In more peaceful times it was a favourite haunt of Robert Burns.

A short walk away you can see two paved circles with a cross of stone set within, these being markers for the market place, a charter for which was granted in 1662.