Crawick Multiverse celebrates 4-star accreditation and prepares to reopen at the end of March 2024
The team at Crawick Multiverse are counting down to opening day at the end of March, but they are also proudly counting the stars after receiving an upgrade to 4-star accreditation from VisitScotland.
2023 was an exceptional year for Crawick Multiverse, with a significant increase in visitor numbers. This has been attributed to greater awareness generated, in part, by an enhanced digital presence, an ambitious programme of events, a significant increase in media interest and partnership activities, greater collaboration with the local community and the resounding success of the third Music at the Multiverse music festival which was held in September.
To progress with essential site works and to give the land time to rest, Crawick Multiverse has been closed over the winter months, but will be open daily from Saturday 23rd March 2024.
The cosmic artland, located in the former open-cast coal mine in Upper Nithsdale, is a unique visitor attraction and outdoor venue, and is one of only two sites in Dumfries and Galloway inspired and designed by the late Charles Jencks. Crawick Multiverse, sits within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere community, and is nestled between Kirkconnel and Sanquhar. It is a scenic area, steeped in history and is home to many other attractions, walks, events and places of interest.
Gillian Khosla, Chair of The Crawick Multiverse Trust said:
“The Trust has, fortunately, attracted considerable investment over the past few years to improve facilities and customer services; to create an enhanced experience for our visitor; and to develop an ambitious destination and venue development plan. Additionally, we now serve as a motorhome stopover point and delight in meeting these intrepid travellers. Our events, whether curated for the local community or attracting others from further afield, also offer reasons for return visits. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteer Trustees are particularly delighted to achieve 4-star accreditation from VisitScotland; an important milestone in our development and a positive and most welcome start to the 2024 season.”
Gordon Smith, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said:
“The Crawick Multiverse is a wonderful attraction and a must-visit for any trip to Dumfries and Galloway, which is clearly reflected by the increase in visitor numbers over the past year. By engaging with the community and improving facilities, the attraction is contributing to our national sustainable tourism goals, and I wish the team well for the season ahead.”
While Crawick Multiverse is a local green space for dog walks and family days out for many, it is also one of the most popular places in Scotland to celebrate Solstice, and it has secured a late-summer spot for Music at the Multiverse in Scotland’s annual festival calendar too.
Coming up at Crawick Multiverse in 2024:
Easter weekend is just around the corner and what a great time to visit Crawick Multiverse. From Saturday 30th March to Monday 1st April, Knockenhair Hospitality will provide additional on-site catering and on Easter Monday, there will be lots of fun with facepainting, family-friendly storytelling tours from award-winning storytellers; Mostly Ghostly Tours, an opportunity to meet the fantastic Dumfries and Galloway Blood Bikes team and to enjoy an Easter Egg on the go! There will be no additional charge to attend the fun day or to take part in the tours, but General Admission charges will apply all weekend. For those likely to return, Annual Passes may offer the best value for money. Tours are bookable online for 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Looking ahead to Sunday 26th May, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival will host a family-friendly outdoor performance set within the Sun Amphitheatre. Those who want to celebrate the Summer Solstice on Thursday 20th June at Crawick Multiverse, can purchase a Solstice Day Pass online or from The Coalface, providing access from 4am to 6pm. On Tuesday 16th July, Illyria will visit Crawick Multiverse to deliver an early evening family-friendly outdoor theatre performance and later in the year, will see the return of Music at the Multiverse, which will take place on the 31st August and 1st September. More information about all forthcoming events can be found online.
Crawick Multiverse is dog-friendly and is perfect for families, couples, solo travellers and group travellers. It is an exposed site and is steep in parts, so outdoor shoes and appropriate clothing are always advisable! There are accessible toilets, ample parking, a small shelter and plenty of picnic spots. There are two main paths leading to the artland, with stunning views to be enjoyed across the valley. Vehicle access can be arranged to enable those with limited mobility to enjoy partial access to the site. For those travelling in a campervan or motorhome, Crawick Multiverse also has five bookable motorhome bays suitable for overnight stays. Visitors will be greeted by the friendly team at The Coalface, where they can purchase passes, tickets, refreshments, snacks and merchandise and access toilets, dog treats, e-bike chargers and maps.
Open daily from 23rd March 2024 – 10am to 4pm (Mon – Thurs) and 10am to 6pm (Fri – Sun).
For more information, to buy tickets and annual passes and to book tickets for events, visit https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/
Photo Credit: Mike Bolam
