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Top 5 activities to try in Scotland this summer with the kids

Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

6th July 2018

Contents

Summer has arrived and is (hopefully!) here to stay. We’ve put together some suggestions for fun things to do in Scotland with the wee ones that won’t break the bank. Throughout the summer ScotRail offer kids go free on all off-peak services, so it’s never been easier to get around Scotland. Remember to also keep an eye out for deals on sites such as Groupon and Wowcher on local attractions.

From safari adventures to gazing at the stars – we think this summer will be one they won’t forget!

5 activities to try this summer in Scotland

1. Take a walk on the wild side

There is no shortage of zoos and wildlife parks across Scotland where your kids can get up close and personal with their favourite animals from across the world. Near Stirling, Blair Drummond Safari Park  is a fantastic family day out where you can enjoy either a drive through and foot safari experience.

There are plenty animals to see from tigers, giraffes and meerkats, as well as the amazing sea lion show. Don’t forget to take the boat around chimp island! The kids can also zip through the sky on the flying Fox and hunt for treasure on the pirate ship – all included in the price of your ticket

2. Hit the beach

You don’t need to go abroad to experience some of the best beaches as Scotland has plenty right on your door step. Ayr’s award-winning beach – which stretches for almost two miles – is the ideal place to build a sandcastle and enjoy a picnic. There is also an esplanade on the north end which has an outdoor and indoor play area (in case the weather decides to change!).

In the picturesque town of St Andrews lies West Sands beach, where scenes of Oscar-winning firm Chariots of Fire were filmed.  The beach has a historic backdrop of the town on one side and the North Sea at the other. There are plenty tide pools for the kids to go wildlife spotting and lifeguards on call if they want to go for a dip in sea. After all the exploring you can pick up an infamous Nardini’s ice cream just along from the beach.

3. Be enchanted by castles

There are plenty of amazing castles in Scotland where your kids can bring the fairy tale to life. The most iconic is Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the capital. Download the family itinerary and let the kids can lead the way through the castle through a series of clues… who knows where you will end up!

After visiting the castle, you can enjoy a picnic in the Princess Street Gardens and take in the views of the city. Throughout August (3rd to the 27th) you can visit the fringe, there is a free CeilidhKids dance workshop – which is fun for all ages!

Your kids will also love a trip to Stirling Castle where costumed characters bring history to life as well as giving them a chance to feel like a real prince/princess by dressing up in medieval clothing. There is also the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and gardens for you to enjoy.

4. Explore the outdoors

You are never short of stunning scenery in Scotland so it’s the perfect excuse to round up the kids and get exploring! Drive an hour south of Glasgow and you will find The Falls of Clyde, a nature reserve at New Lanark. A footpath leads you along the banks of the River Clyde to a spectacular three-stage waterfall. There are also wildlife-themed events throughout the year.

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the east between Broxburn and East Calder. Take the kids and a picnic to relax in the gardens – there is also plenty of wildlife and walks to keep them entertained.

5. Gaze at the stars

For those kids – and adults – who want to experience something a bit different this summer why not visit The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which sits on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. Here the whole family can view some of the darkest skies in the UK using two of the largest telescopes. With the great weather the skies are clear allowing you to see the Whirlpool galaxy – 25 million light years away! Your kids will sure to be amazed.

If you are facing any financial difficulty and would like to speak to one of our advisors, give us a call on 0141 326 0391.

Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

Maxine is an experienced writer, specialising in personal insolvency. With a wealth of experience in the finance industry, she has written extensively on the subject of Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Protected Trust Deed's, and various other debt solutions.

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Our debt experts continually monitor the personal finance and debt industry, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

July 6 2018

Written by
Maxine McCreadie

Edited by
Ben McCormack

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