Robert Burns Ellisland Museum & Farm

About the museum

Ellisland Farm was built by Robert Burns in 1788 as a home for his wife Jean Armour and their young family. It is the only house he designed and built himself, and it stands in a setting beside the River Nith that has changed little since the 18th century. Burns farmed about 170 acres here, with an orchard, around ten cows, four horses and some sheep, before taking a job as an exciseman, after which Jean did much of the farm work.

The years at Ellisland were among his most productive. He wrote about a quarter of his songs and poems here, including Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter, and worked on collecting and writing songs such as My Heart's in the Highlands and John Anderson. The paths along the river include the walk where he wrote Tam o' Shanter.

Volunteers built up a museum and a significant collection over about a century. It includes manuscripts, letters and personal items such as Jean's milking stool, and a large collection of farm machinery from two centuries. The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust has launched a campaign of 12 million pounds to repair the buildings, protect the collection and reimagine the site for future visitors.

Highlights

• Farmhouse built by Robert Burns, including his parlour, the Spence, and the kitchen
• Granary Museum with a film about Robert and Jean on the farm and a collection of manuscripts and personal items
• Stables, orchard and farm buildings, with a collection of farm machinery
• Riverside and woodland paths along the Nith, including the Tam o' Shanter walk
• Threshing barn used for music and literature events

Permanent exhibitions

• The Farmhouse – The house built by Burns for his family, with the Spence parlour where he wrote and entertained, the kitchen and a collection of manuscripts and personal items.
• Granary Museum – Displays and a film about the life of Robert and Jean Burns on the farm, with artefacts, memorabilia and manuscripts.
• Stables, orchard and farm machinery – The farm buildings, stables and orchard, with a collection of farm, dairy and domestic equipment spanning two centuries.

Operated by

Robert Burns Ellisland Trust

Admission & discounts

Ellisland members enter free. Car parking is free for museum visitors, and a small donation is suggested for visitors who use only the walking paths.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the site is accessible, and an access guide can be downloaded from the website. Dogs are welcome on the site and the walks, but only assistance dogs may enter the museum buildings that hold the collections. A complimentary water bowl is available.

Kids & families

Family tickets are available, and children under 5 enter free. The school programme includes hands-on history, and seasonal activities are listed on the events page.

Getting there & parking

The museum is 6 miles north of Dumfries on the A76, reached by a short private road of 0.2 miles from the A76.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells honey from the orchard beehives. There is ample car parking, an accessible toilet and seating for picnics.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The Threshing Barn seats more than 50 people theatre style, and outside caterers can be arranged for Burns Suppers and other meals. Exclusive use of the farmhouse can also be discussed.

Plan your visit