Image courtesy of cumidanciki via Flickr Creative Commons

There’s still a slither of Summer left so we thought it would be a good idea to round up the ten best free family days out in Scotland. Thanks to all the lovely people on Facebook and Twitter who inundated our social media volunteers with suggestions.

1. National Museum of Scotland – Edinburgh

You can explore the National Museum of Scotland all day and still not see everything. This place is simply mind blowing. A deserved top spot.

2. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum– Glasgow

Kelvingrove has something for everyone. Packed with 8000 objects you’re guaranteed not to be bored.

3. Seals at Dunbar Harbour – East Lothian

Seal spotting at Dunbar Harbour is a great way to spend the day. You can also explore Dunbar Castle right next door.

4. Beavers at Knapdale – Argyllshire

Beavers. In Scotland?!? Yup. Take a picnic and enjoy the walks or cycle rides on offer. Early morning or evening is the best time to see the beavers swimming.

5. Chatelherault Country Park – Lanarkshire

Built in 1732 as the huning lodge and summer house of the Duke of Hamilton, there’s 10 miles of gorge walks to ramble through as well as a great park for the kids.

6. Dolphin watching at Chanonry Point – Fortrose

Another animal-based day out, practice your best dolphin noises at Chanonry point. If the rain comes then Fort George is nearby.

7. Faery Glen walk – Rosemarkie

A beautiful walk through a wooded glen, taking in two stunning waterfalls. Fairies not guaranteed.

8. Pittencrieff Park – Dunfermline

Gifted to the people of Dunfermline by Andrew Carnegie, Pittencrieff Park is packed with woodland walks, greenhouses, play parks and more.

9. Summerlee, The Museum of Scottish Industrial Life – Coatbridge

Scotland’s noisiest museum has many attractions for all the family, including Scotland’s only operational heritage tramway and recreated mine, with guided tours, miners’ cottages, a great all-ages playpark and lots lots more.

10. Geochacing – Everywhere

Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.

 

Do you have a great free day out you’d like to share? Leave a comment, drop us a Tweet or head over to our Facebook page.

5 Comments

  1. Chris H on August 6, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Some great ideas there! I notice you mention an animal centre at Pittencrief Park. That shut down a while ago, although they’re looking at developing it into a peacock enclosure.

    http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.display&facid=3D027727-4747-4FC9-83E667386CF5D1D0&objectid=0D216CF9-F837-B1B0-28F43ADBF86077FC

  2. Relationships Scot on August 7, 2012 at 9:20 am

    Thanks for the feedback Chris, we’ll get the post amended. The redevelopment plans look great!

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