Moat Brae

Moat Brae

Moat Brae is located in Dumfries, Scotland and it is the home of the National Centre for Children’s Literature. The trust’s vision is to create a world where reading and storytelling are an integral part of growing up. Moat Brae was the Birthplace of Peter Pan.

The centre wants to ensure that children and young people are given the time, space and resources to encourage reading for pleasure and the skills to write and tell their own stories. The garden was declared by J.M. Barrie to be ‘the genesis of that nefarious character, Peter Pan’. From the ages of 13-18, Barrie played wild and adventurous pirate games with his friends in the garden surrounding the Georgian house at Moat Brae.

In the gardens amongst towering trees and flower beds, you might find a sleeping crocodile, a Wendy House or even a pirate ship. Garden entry is £3 and can be pre-booked. Inside there is a playroom with props, scripts and costumes. There is a magical room where you can peep inside the minds of the Darling children, catch Peter Pan’s shadow and follow the fairy dust in their interactive game. There are treasure trails with special torches that bring their stories to life with fun games and activities.

Further Information Moat Brae

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

A centre for reading and storytelling with a playroom, a magical Peter Pan room and gardens where J.M. Barrie once played. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

Adults £8, children 3-16 years £6, under 3 years £3, under 12 months are free. Garden-only entry is £3, family ticket £20.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

Most parking in town is free but you must display a disc and many spaces are limited to 2 hours. Discs can be picked up at most shops and offices in town and Moat Brae has a supply in the foyer.