Travel news
With October half term on the horizon, Visit Scotland has come up with a list of activities, attractions, events and things to do with kids during the holidays that will allow you to stimulate, educate and tire out even the liveliest little rascals...
Besiege a castle
The Border clans and Highlanders aren’t roaming the wilds these days, but throughout the country you can see the historic buildings designed to keep them out. Our castles can have dark pasts with gory details and there are fascinating stories that you wouldn’t believe to be true – but they are! See the settings where knights in shining armour once stood. There are spectacular halls and ballrooms, as well as vast grounds with immaculate gardens and sometimes mazes where you’ll get lost in for hours. Visit Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire, Kelburn Castle in Ayrshire or Stirling Castle.
Embrace nature
Scotland is one big natural playground and taking a walk on the wild side will set you and your kids up for some enriching experiences. You might spot a host of wildlife, such as deer on hillsides, red squirrels in forests, and birds of prey in the sky. As you explore, take time to learn about the trees and plants around you and be inspired by the incredible colours of the season. Actively embracing nature is so important for our little ones, getting out into the great outdoors is not only good for their physical wellbeing, but their mindset too! Try Aviemore’s Glenmore Forest Park, Dawyck Botanic Gardens in the Borders or Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway.
Be a coastal explorer
You won’t just find thriving life and activity on the hills, Scotland’s beaches and coastline are some of the world’s most unique and are home to wildlife range of creatures. The coastal waters and rock pools are teeming with life, and autumn offers the best chances of seeing seal pups playing in their natural habitat. Whether they are stone skimming or chasing waves, younger children will love every moment down by the water.
Some good places to explore are Lunan Bay and St Cyrus Nature Reserve, Aberlady in East Lothian and Carrick Shore in Dumfries and Galloway.
There are many more fun-filled family attractions across the country. For more inspiration, see visitscotland.com