CLIMB ABOARD AND VENTURE INTO SCOTLAND’S HEROIC PAST
Journey through mythical tales, discover our legendary heroes and live the stories surrounding our beloved cities, all by train – and with Scotrail’s Kids for a Quid tickets, you can bring mischiefmakers of all ages along for the ride.
When it comes to legendary mischiefmakers and wild icons, Dennis is certainly a candidate for top spot. But in real life, Scotland has also been home to some seriously heroic characters who’ve definitely earned their stripes! So, with Kids for a Quid tickets up for grabs on Scotrail services across the country, it’s the perfect time to discover some Scottish legends and explore the settings to myths that have been entertaining and baffling people throughout history.
When you go by train, up to four children can travel with each adult for just £1 return, anywhere in Scotland. And the adventure starts when you get on the train; in between admiring the views (train really is one of the best ways to see more of Scotland!), enjoy some quality bonding time over games and chats. Or you could always get a head start on some of the mysterious places you’re visiting by reading up on all the facts.
All that’s left to decide now is where to go! Spooky, epic and sometimes a little bit gruesome, here are just three Scottish day trip or staycation locations to enjoy a totally blamtastic adventure as a family.
THE KNOTS AND THE KNIGHTS
The legends of King Arthur tell us all about his quests, battles and knights, but are they true or not? Well, some think that perhaps the Round Table was real – and that the grass covered mounds that sit below Stirling Castle (called the Knots) are the remnants of the legendary table where King Arthur and his knights met. Whether that’s correct or the mysterious shapes are simply the remains of very old royal gardens, it’s a popular spot and ideal for soaking up some spring sunshine after a day exploring the historic castle.
Book a train to Stirling train station, right in the city centre, and the castle is roughly a 15 minute walk away.
MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Dennis and Gnasher are a truly iconic duo who have faced many a challenge and completed many a prank together. But Edinburgh also has its own story of a loyal furry canine and human best friend – Greyfriars Bobby! It is said that, in the 19th Century, the dog’s owner died. Bobby refused to leave his owner’s side and stayed watch over the grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years. Kind locals helped keep an eye on him during that time and now there’s a statue in Bobby’s honour that people still visit today. Pop along to see the statue yourself and afterwards, learn about Edinburgh’s more gruesome history in The Edinburgh Dungeon or the Surgeons’ Hall Museums.
Get the train to Edinburgh Waverley for a day of exploration – and if you’ve got your own Greyfriar’s Bobby or Gnasher you simply can’t leave behind, remember you can bring up to two dogs on Scotrail services.
TEETH TO RIVAL GNASHER?
Glasgow is a vibrant, fun and busy city – after all, it’s not just home to lots of people. There are plenty of ghouls and spooky creatures said to roam the city’s streets, too. Take the Gorbals, for example. Now, some say that Gnasher’s teeth are the strongest thing known to science, but one Glasgow myth may have been able to give him a run for his money in that department. We’re talking, of course, about the Gorbals vampire and its iron teeth! It had been terrorising the area in the 1950s, so local kids united (with their dogs!) to hunt down the vampire in the Southern Necropolis. You can see a mural at St Luke’s Place depicting the local legend and learn more about other mysteries with the Glasgow: Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour.
Download the interactive city exploration app in advance and then catch a train to Glasgow Queen Street station, for a day of adventures.