Robert Burns’ home for three years, some of the poet’s best and most recognised works were written at Ellisland Farm, including Auld Lang Syne – an anthem to friendship known around the world.

Inspired by his beautiful surroundings and the inspiring sights on the banks of the River Nith, Robert Burns produced about a quarter of his songs and poems whilst he and his family lived at Ellisland Farm. See the spot where Burns was moved by the plight of a hare shot by hunters and the path where he wrote Tam o’Shanter in a just one productive day.

As well as writing poetry, Burns worked the farm before taking a job as an exciseman, which meant his wife Jean took on much of the farm work herself, as well as looking after the couple’s four children.

You can visit the farmhouse built by Burns himself and experience what life would have been like for a family in the late 18th century. Warmed by the heat of the stove, the kitchen would have been a focal point for the family. See if you can spot the ingredients in the larder and find out what you would have had for lunch in the 1700s!

Take a look around the spence (or parlour) where many of Burns’ famous poems were written . Discover some of the fascinating objects Ellisland is still home to or watch the film to find out more about Robert and Jean’s life on the farm, in the onsite Granary Museum.

There are plenty of other areas to explore too, from the banks of the River Nith which Burns found so inspirational, to the farm buildings, stable and even the outside toilet that Burns would have used! The grounds at Ellisland are a lovely place to walk. You can bring a picnic to enjoy outside in the orchard where Burns harvested apples, his first ever crop at the farm!

Find out more about Ellisland Farm below, or visit the website.