Major city · United Kingdom
GretnaGretna / Gretna Green
Go only if you want the wedding-history stop or a cheap motorway bed: 2–3 hours, or one night. Otherwise skip and stay in Carlisle or Dumfries.
Gretna and Gretna Green sit either side of the Scotland–England border, half a mile apart, and exist as a place to visit for one reason: 250 years of runaway weddings held over a blacksmith's anvil. The Famous Blacksmith's Shop, the Courtship Maze and the old parish church fill a half-day; the retail park and the motorway hotels fill the rest. It is a stop on the way to somewhere else, not a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (short days, ice on the border roads)
- Airports
- CAX · NCL · EDI · GLA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Gretna999 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)112
- NHS non-urgent advice111
- Police non-urgent101
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gretna, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the fast A74(M) and M6 junctions, unlit border lanes after dark, and ice on the old road in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 112 police, fire, ambulance (eu number) · 111 NHS non-urgent advice
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCAX Carlisle Lake District Airport (No scheduled passenger flights as of 2026: check before planning around it.).
- Getting aroundGretna and Gretna Green are half a mile apart and both are walkable in 10–15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of draught beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Gretna ↔ Carlislecheck£20–30 (≈ US$30–40)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B or guesthouse double, a night, per room£100 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedB&B or guesthouse double, a night, per room£150 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £90 (≈ US$120) · High £160 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CAX Carlisle Lake District Airport (No scheduled passenger flights as of 2026: check before planning around it.) · NCL Newcastle (About 1 h 45 min by road; rail via Carlisle.) · EDI Edinburgh (About 2 h by road; rail via Carlisle or Lockerbie.) · GLA Glasgow (About 1 h 45 min by road; direct trains to Gretna Green take about 2 h 30 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (16 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Gretna: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
16 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Gretna and Gretna Green are half a mile apart and both are walkable in 10–15 minutes on foot. Gretna Green station has hourly trains to Carlisle (12 min) and on to Annan and Dumfries; Stagecoach bus 79/179 runs from Carlisle via Longtown every 30 minutes. A car makes the day trips possible; without one you are limited to the village and the rail line.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Train from Gretna Green, 12 min, hourly
Cathedral, castle and a proper market-town centre; the obvious half-day.
Door to door: About 45 min
Train from Gretna Green, about 15 min, or bus 79/179
Small border town; the Devil's Porridge museum at Eastriggs is 5 miles west.
Door to door: About 1 h
Train from Gretna Green, about 40 min, or bus 79
Robert Burns' last home and the wider Galloway base.
Door to door: About 50 min
Train from Gretna Green, about 20 min
Thomas Carlyle's birthplace at Ecclefechan is the draw; the town itself is small.
Hadrian's Wall (western sections)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via A74(M)/M6, about 30–40 min to the nearest field paths
The nearby stretches are low field walls; substantial masonry and forts need 20 miles east.
Door to door: About 2 h
Car via A75, about 1 h 45 min
Too far for a return day; base there for the Rhins and the ferry to Northern Ireland.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gretna Green (north of the border)
Main Street hotels and B&Bs beside the Blacksmith's Shop; walk to the wedding sights.
Gretna (south, by the outlet)
Annan Road hotels and the retail park; closest to Gretna Green station.
A74(M) service area
Days Inn inside the Welcome Break services, a mile north; car-only, no village walk.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or guesthouse double1 × 1 night × £100 | £100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £90 | £180 |
| Blacksmith's Shop exhibition, adult2 × £7 · check | £14 |
| Train Carlisle ↔ Gretna Green, return2 × £10 · check | £20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 · check | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £33 |
| Trip total≈ £182 per person per day, bed included | £363≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Gretna excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Indian or takeaway main | £9–14 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pint of draught beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Blacksmith's Shop exhibition, adultcheck | about £7 (≈ US$10) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
| Taxi Gretna ↔ Carlislecheck | £20–30 (≈ US$30–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The village is cut by the M6/A74(M) and the railway: use the footbridges, not the carriageway.
- Gretna Green station has a ticket office and waiting room but no toilets.
- Weddings run most days at the Blacksmith's Shop, so parts of the exhibition can be closed to visitors without notice.
- Hotel and B&B rates jump on wedding and coach-tour dates: book ahead in summer.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU number)
- 112
- NHS non-urgent advice
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
GretnaGretna / Gretna Green
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- EU emergency number112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Gretna; the nearest US consulate-general is in Edinburgh, and most other countries keep embassies in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Gretna Green → Carlisle, train: about £5–6 (≈ US$7–8) single, 12 min, hourly (check)
- Carlisle → Gretna, Stagecoach 79/179: about 45 min, every 30 min (check)
- Taxi Gretna → Carlisle: £20–30 (≈ US$30–40) (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (English is spoken throughout)
- Thank you — Thank you (cheers works in pubs)
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (cards are accepted almost everywhere)
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet? (ask for the loo in pubs)
Gretna Green station has no toilets; the Blacksmith's Shop and the outlet park do.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gretna. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (short days, ice on the border roads) · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for NCL, EDI and GLA: last-train and last-bus cutoffs from Carlisle, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Blacksmith's Shop and Main Street, the station and old church, the outlet park, the border footbridge.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Blacksmith's Shop, Courtship Maze, old parish church, Quintinshill memorial, Lochmaben Stone) and eat pages with last orders.
- Border-crossing fixtures for the M6/A74(M) junction and the B7076 walk to England so gates A–D can go green.