Get into the swing of summer at historic Dumfries House, Ayrshire

All aboard the Rio Grande Railway at Craigtoun Park, near St Andrews

SCOTTISH BORDERS

7STANES GLENTRESS near Peebles is Scotland’s most popular mountain biking centre. There’s a range of trails here for all abilities and plenty of options for all the family. On-site, Alpine Bikes provide hire bikes and spares, kit and clothing for sale and there’s a big café. There’s also a GoApe! adventure course for older kids and over the next two years an additional ten miles of trails will be added and more than 50 ‘eco-cabins’ will be built.

BORN IN THE BORDERS near Jedburgh is the ideal stop-off for all the family. For the kids there are mini-beast safaris, grass mazes and grass sledging to stimulate young minds. Mums and dads can enjoy a selfguided walk, a tour of the brewery, and also a tour of the Lilliard Ginnery (please prebook via enquiries@lilliardgin.co.uk). There’s also a café and restaurant and food and drink shop.

ST VEDAS SURFING at Coldingham has been looking after novice and experienced surfers since 2003. They offer two-hour surfing lessons in Coldingham Bay for ages eight and over. They also have an extensive surf shop, beachfront B&B accommodation, a licensed restaurant and beach café.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

WOnderFuLLy situated on the shores of lovely Loch Ken, GALLOWAY ADVENTURE

CENTRE offers a great range of family outdoor adventures including laser tag, archery, sailing, stand-up paddleboards, wobbly waterpark and more. They also offer Kids’ Summer Camps and Lads & dads sessions – and there’s accommodation and a waterfront café, too.

NORTHERN ISLES

There’S a fine range of walks in BIRSAY in the north-west of the Orkney Mainland. Take a short walk across the causeway to the tidal island of Brough of Birsay (be mindful of the tides) and explore the remnants of Pictish and norse settlements and a 12th century monastery. Alternatively, just go rockpooling on the shore when the tide goes out. Another great walk takes in Marwick head and the Kitchener Memorial.

SHETLAND offers a great line in two for one shores. St ninian’s tombolo is arguably one of the finest in europe and connects the main island with St ninian’s Isle. The tombolo is ideal for a relaxing stroll with the kids and there are also the ruins of an ancient chapel on the island to explore, which is not too far from the beach.

THE HIGHLANDS

KNOCKAN CRAG NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE in the north-west highlands is a fascinating place for all the family. At the visitor centre you’ll learn about the extraordinary geology of the area. There’s a fine collection of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, starting from the visitor centre, with amazing views over Assynt’s lovely mountains and glittering lochs. Car parking and toilets on-site. Long-established LANDMARK FOREST ADVENTURE PARK near Carrbridge in the Cairngorms national Park is a firm family favourite and one of the uK’s top ten parks, according to TripAdvisor.

There’s loads to do here ranging from the wild water coaster, the Tarzan trail or the wee monkey trail to the forest tower, the butterfly house and the red squirrel nature trail and it offers a truly great family day out. LOCH INSH WATERSPORT &

ACTIVITY CENTRE is an awardwinning activity centre located in the heart of the Cairngorms national Park, where you can eat, drink, play, explore and sleep. It offers a wide range of family activities on the water and on land. There are also adventure play parks for the kids which, when combined with the on-site restaurant and shop, all add up to a great family day (or stay) out.

ARGYLL

KILORAN BAY, on the Inner hebridean island of Colonsay, is arguably the isle’s loveliest beach and is perfect for a gentle stroll or perhaps a spot of body boarding with the kids in its shallows.

For a more challenging walk, climb CARN NAN EOIN to the northeast of the beach. At a modest height of 469ft it’s the highest point on the island.

GREATER GLASGOW AND THE CLYDE VALLEY

LITTLe known FINLAYSTONE

COUNTRY ESTATE near Port Glasgow offers a great family day out, not far from Scotland’s biggest city. here you’ll find woodland walks, play areas, falconry displays, gardens to explore, lots of events and a host of ranger-led activities. Kids will love the wooden pirate ship, big bus and train and there’s also a tearoom, visitor centre and gift shop here.

no family day out to Glasgow is complete without a visit to

GLASGOW GREEN. The park is centrally located within the city and there are two great play parks for kids. Afterwards, browse some of the fascinating exhibits inside the People’s Palace and wander among the exotic palms and plants or enjoy a coffee or lunch in the iconic Winter Gardens. you’ll find DRUMPELLIER COUNTRY PARK near Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. Set in 500 acres, there are two lochs with seasonal funboat hire and lots of wildlife to see in the woodlands here. Open all year round, this free visitor attraction offers a huge outdoor adventure playground, visitor centre with café, a peace garden and lovely picnic spots. It all adds up to a great family day out.

In east Kilbride, Lanarkshire, CALDERGLEN COUNTRY PARK is another ideal option for a great family day out. There’s loads to see and do including Calderglen Zoo, where you’ll find owls, marmosets, wallabies and meerkats, nature trails that extend into a scenic wooded glen, adventure and toddler play areas and much more besides.

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS

SeT in 260 acres of Midlothian parkland and woodland and only 12 miles from the centre of edinburgh, VOGRIE COUNTRY PARK offers more than 11 miles of walking trails, a great adventure playground and toddlers’ play park, a nine-hole golf course and even a miniature railway. There’s also a soft play area for the wee ones in the Cedar Tree café within Vogrie house itself.

Located ten miles to the west of edinburgh city centre, in the 80acre estate of Bonington house,

JUPITER ARTLAND is a fabulous garden of discovery full of sculptures and artistic earthworks that will enthral inquisitive young minds. Outdoor courses and events take place regularly.

effortlessly combining history, architecture and family fun,