Days Out in Scotland?

Midger

We're going camping for a fortnight with a Belgian family we met when we were camping last summer. Last year they were here on an orienteering holiday but this year they are coming over to have a holiday with us - no orienteering. I've asked them what they want to do this year and suggested Landmark theme park and maybe M&D's (between us we have 3 children).

They'd like to visit a castle (Edinburgh?), go swimming (Perth leisure pool as it's not too far from where we're camping), a
Highland jeep safari (again fairly close to us), running, walking and biking. I don't mind the walking but we may have to let them do some of this on their own as our kids are younger than theirs. Running is a no-no as I just don't run!

Any suggestions for other day trips? Cheaper would be better since they want to do so much so any special offers would be great!

Weeyin

What about a day out to Loch Lomond? Lot's of nice spots to sit and have a picnic, nature trails etc. Balmaha also has a boat service too, were you can take a tour of the loch.

molerat

Where are you camping ? Highland Wildlife Park, Cairngorm Mountain Railway, Strathspey Steam Railway, Boat of Garten RSPB Ospreys. Loads of lochside picnic areas.

Violetta_2

Blair drummond is supposed to be good, there is a facility online to get a free child's ticket. The Visit Scotland website can be useful. Theres quite a bit to do in Dundee, you could go up the Law with a view all over Dundee, there's the RSS Discovery the Captain Scott ship, warning, I've just tried to google that for a link for you & the discovery website seems to have some sort of trojan virus on it so don't go on the official website.

maiden_scotland

undiscovered scotland is a fantastic site, you should find some great places to visit from there http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/

having been at M&D's yesterday I would advise against it, there were alot of safety issues I spotted ( loose wiring on childrens rides etc, huge pothole in the carpark with an exposed copper pipe ) as well as needing a good make over

it advertises itself as Scotlands theme park, but at best it's an onsite fairground, infact all of the rides which were with the traveling fair which was here last month were all in far better condition.

ailuro2

We preferred Stirling Castle to Edinburgh even though they don't have any crown jewels there - it's also not far from Wallace monument which is a great way to see and understand the battle of Stirling Bridge as long as they are all able to climb big stairs.

Falkirk Wheel sounds like it's close by too, interesting for all ages.

If they're very into castles it might be worth considering Historic Scotland membership, the entrance fees add up very quickly.

Come to Dundee, officially the sunniest place in Scotland:) It has Captain Scott's ship Discovery, Sensation the science centre, large green spaces that are free to use for picnics with large play areas (Camperdown park is big, has it's own zoo<charge for this>) a blue flag beach with miles of golden sand bordered by a free to enter castle (Broughty Ferry castle run by Historic Scotland, not massive but the kids will like it.)
There's also lots of nice pubs and shops in 'the Ferry' and plenty of chippies and the wonderful Visocchi's ice cream but be prepared to queue for that in the summer months.

I think Monifieth allows people to camp on their caravan site, that's just along the road from Dundee & Broughty Ferry.

Hope you all have a great time wherever you decide upon ( just don't take them where the midgies are, they'll never want to come back!!)

bobhawke

maiden_scotland wrote: »

undiscovered scotland is a fantastic site, you should find some great places to visit from there http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/

having been at M&D's yesterday I would advise against it, there were alot of safety issues I spotted ( loose wiring on childrens rides etc, huge pothole in the carpark with an exposed copper pipe ) as well as needing a good make over

it advertises itself as Scotlands theme park, but at best it's an onsite fairground, infact all of the rides which were with the traveling fair which was here last month were all in far better condition.

I went there last year, watched a woman break her nose on the magic carpet ride. The guy operating it put it up to top speed, everyone was flailing about and she smacked her face off of the metal railing.

Nosht

A trip to Oban on the West Coast Railway Line is highly recommended.


N.

katglasgow

I dont think M+D is particularly attractive - not one of the things I am most proud of in Scotland!

Do you have a camp site booked? / Definite location in mind?
The safari park is really good. If there are quite an adventurous family, then you could suggest to thema visit to "go ape" its somewhere in perthshire and is an ariel walk in the forest tops, my family all rave about it. Cycling wise, there is a brilliant day circuit you can do round Loch Katrine, which even incorates a ferry, and hire bikes can be found at the start of the route.
If you are looking to do things on a budget then I think membership to Historic Scotland or National Trust could be a very good idea - perhaps purchased using Tesco Clubcard vouchers - then all you need is the ordance survey maps for the area you are staying in and just visit everywhere going!
East Lothian is also great for castles.

aidansmum_2

I live almost locally to M&D's and its embarrassing. Full of people on benefits who havnt anything better to do with their day IYWIM if you do decide to go to M&D's (and i would consider not going) do not pay to go to Amazonia. We took the children a few weeks ago, paid a handsome sum for it and had walked round it in ..................10 mins and that was walking slow with a toddler and 4 year old. i was particularly annoyed!! :mad:

Edinburgh has Dynamic earth, the castle, palace of holyrood, you can climb arthurs seat, the Zoo, there is also the butterfly world (you will find vouchers for free child etc) on the outskirts of edinburgh http://www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk/ its next to dobbies garden centre where you can have a fantastic coffee and choice of 30 odd difference cakes, scones etc all home made. My children love it. they do handling sessions and its more educational than just a wander round.

Glasgow has the science centre for a wet or indoor day. again the children always seem to love it. the food is crap so take a picnic.

Blair drummond safari park is good

Auchingarrich Wildlife park which is up near crieff. (crieff is also good for a wander small tiny town but the hydro has good facilities for a wander round)

https://www.auchingarrich.co.uk/
its not posh but its good family fun, great play areas, family owned and run. Auchingarrich is Nestled in the picturesque Perthshire hills located just outside of Comrie, seven miles west of Crieff and about half an hour drive from Perth. It is a wonderful 7 mile drive through Zero wildreness to reach it. utterly remote you would think you were on the top of the world getting to it. we saw a massive grouse just sitting on the banking starting at us when we drove past. one of those double take moments i think they are working on the new website at the moment because it doesnt give you much detail.

boost74

A low cost day out could be a treasure trail. I know you said no orienteering, but treasure trails are set in towns and brilliant fun for everyone, my nieces 7 and 11 are hooked. There's loads to choose from do a search for treasure trails and you will find the site (can't post links).

The museums are also fantastic days out. Particularly Kelvingrove and a great park nearby to keep everyone happy.