Moffat is a small Dumfriesshire town in Dumfries & Galloway, just off the A74(M), with a long history and plenty of character. Whether you’re here for a weekend, a walking break or a few days exploring the south of Scotland, the Black Bull Inn on Church Gate puts you right at the heart of it.
Established in 1568, the Black Bull is not only the oldest hostelry in Moffat but one of the oldest in Scotland. In the 17th century it was commandeered as headquarters by the Earl of Dundee, “Bonnie Dundee”, whose company of Dragoons earned the nickname “Bloody Cleavers” for their persecution of Scottish Presbyterians. The infamous William Hare is believed to have stayed here while escaping to Ireland, after turning King’s evidence against his partner in crime, William Burke.
The inn even has a resident spook, occasionally seen by guests. Don’t worry: she’s friendly. Find out more in our history.
Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, was born in Ayr in 1759 and lived much of his life in nearby Dumfries. He often visited Moffat, and the Black Bull was a favourite haunt: he spent many a riotous evening in what we now call the Burns Room, or Poets’ Corner.
It was here that Burns engraved a window pane with a short verse, the Epigram to a Scrimpit Nature, inspired by Miss Deborah Davies as she rode past the window with her portly companion. The original pane was later presented to the future Tsar Nicholas I, who visited Moffat as a young Grand Duke in 1816, and it now rests in St Petersburg. The verse is displayed on the inn’s outside wall, so you can still read it today.
Burns fans can follow his story on to Dumfries, where he spent much of his life.
Moffat’s leading cask ale destination always has at least three cask ales on, from local breweries including Lowland Brewing of Lockerbie and the acclaimed Five Kingdoms Brewery on the Isle of Whithorn. The selection changes every week, from blondes and golden ales to amber ales, IPAs and stouts. Prefer wine? There are 33 on our list.
Every Saturday from 3pm, our resident band Old Friends play live in the bar.
Moffat is surrounded by hills, and some of the south of Scotland’s best-known landscapes are a short drive away. The Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall lies north-east of the town on the A708, and the Devil’s Beef Tub, a deep hollow in the hills, is just to the north. The Southern Upland Way, Scotland’s coast-to-coast walking route, passes through Moffat itself.
Dogs are welcome in our bar and in our pavement-level garden rooms, so the whole family can explore together. See our guide to dog-friendly breaks in Dumfries & Galloway.
After a day out, come back to one of our 15 individually styled boutique rooms, dinner in our bistro and a pint by the bar. If you’re travelling further afield, we’re an easy overnight stop on the A74(M), near Lockerbie, Gretna Green and Dumfries.
Book direct online or call us on 01683 221150.
