Robert Burns House
Free-entry sandstone house in Dumfries where Robert Burns spent his last years, with period rooms, manuscripts and handling objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
This plain sandstone house stands on a quiet street in Dumfries and is where Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, spent the last years of his life. He died here in 1796, aged only 37, and the house has been a place of pilgrimage for admirers of his work from all over the world ever since.
Today it is run by Dumfries and Galloway Council's museum service as one of the venues of DG Culture. The rooms show how the poet and his family lived in the late eighteenth century. Two rooms can be seen on the ground floor and four more on the first floor, reached by a narrow staircase. The displays include original manuscripts, such as a handwritten copy of the satirical poem Holy Willie's Prayer, letter fragments, portraits, prints inspired by his poems and household objects linked to Burns and his circle.
Visitors can also try on costume hats in the style of the 1790s and handle some objects, and there is a small sales area with books and gifts. Burns's mausoleum lies a short walk away in St Michael's churchyard, and the house helps to arrange access to its interior outside the regular summer visiting times.
Highlights
- Rooms where Burns lived in the final years of his life
- Handwritten manuscript of Holy Willie's Prayer
- Letters, portraits and prints connected with Burns
- Handling objects and 1790s-style hats to try on
- Access to Burns's mausoleum can be arranged through the house
Permanent exhibition
- The house of Robert Burns – Period rooms on two floors show how the poet and his family lived in Dumfries, with manuscripts, letters, portraits and household objects.
- Operated by
- Dumfries and Galloway Council (DG Culture)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Four steps with handrails lead from the cobbled street to the door. Two rooms can be seen on the ground floor; the four rooms on the first floor are reached by a narrow staircase with a handrail. The nearest public toilets, including accessible toilets, are in the Loreburn Shopping Centre nearby. Many items are in glass cases, so there are handling objects, and staff will describe and discuss the exhibits for visitors with sight loss. Staff have had basic deafness and diversity awareness training. Dogs are not allowed inside except assistance dogs.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
There is a family trail based on the children of Robert Burns, and visitors can try on hats and costume in the style of the 1790s. A range of handling objects helps visitors connect with the story of the house.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
There is a free car park on Burns Street just past the house and a larger free car park on Brooms Road behind it. Spaces are often available on the street outside.
The Burns mausoleum in St Michael's churchyard is a short walk away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A small sales area offers books, gifts and keepsakes with a Burns connection. The nearest public toilets are in the Loreburn Shopping Centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The interior of Burns's mausoleum in St Michael's churchyard is open from Monday to Saturday between April and September at 11:15 and 14:15. At other times access can be arranged through the house, in person or by phone. |
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