Colour your Summer Stagecoach with

The summer holidays will soon be here and that means finding six weeks’ worth of things to do with the children. If you’re exploring the east of Scotland as a family this summer, why not add a splash of colour to your plans with Stagecoach?

Stagecoach’s award-winning Express City Connect network operates high-quality, frequent coach services to Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston, Perth and across Fife. The vehicles on the Express network offer comfortable seats, free wifi, air conditioning, device charging points and fantastic views.

Your family day out doesn’t have to break the bank either. Take a look at the stagecoachbus.com website for information on group tickets, which allow travel for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. That means you can hop on as many Stagecoach services within your chosen zone as you like, including both local bus services and coach services on the Express City Connect network. For tickets under £30 you can even pay using contactless!

From Aberdeen

● Visit stunning Stonehaven on service X7 for an ice cream, or some famous fish and chips! After a stroll around the picturesque harbour, walk along the coastal path to see the imposing ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched on the edge of a cliff. Stonehaven also boasts a beach and a heated open air pool.

● If you opt for a day out in Arbroath this summer, you’ll discover that it has so much to see and do for all the family – from exploring the ruins of Arbroath Abbey, to the funfair with its miniature railway, both of which are within easy walking distance of Arbroath bus station. Maybe even try the local delicacy “Arbroath smokies”. It’s so easy to reach Arbroath using Stagecoach service X7, and with their dedicated racks, you can even bring your bike.

From Angus

● Take a trip to the village of St Cyrus for walks along the shore and a visit to the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. In the summer you can spot butterflies, moths, bugs and even the odd lizard! The area is often visited by passing humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins, so keep your eyes peeled.

● Perhaps Dundee is more your thing – from the V&A museum and the HMS Discovery on Dundee’s recently renovated waterfront, to the fantastic mural trails, Olympia leisure pool, Dundee Science Centre, the McManus Museum and Art Gallery and Foxlake Aqua Park, all of which are just a few minutes’ walk from Dundee bus station. There are also many great familyfriendly restaurants in the city centre, so you can refuel after a day of adventure. With frequent local services, it’s stress-free to reach Scotland’s sunniest city.

From Dundee

● If the children are keen for a trip to the seaside, visiting St Andrews from Dundee is easy by bus. Enjoy the free WiFi on board the Taylink 99 service which

takes just 30 minutes. From the ruined castle and cathedral to the St Andrews Aquarium, there’s fun for all the family – not to mention the award-winning beaches, all an easy stroll from St Andrews bus station. Bucket and spade at the ready!

● What about a day out in Scotland’s historic capital? Perth can be easily reached from Dundee in comfort and style using service X7. Enjoy a picnic in one of Perth’s lush green parks or take a walk along the Tay. If you need a break from the sunshine (or the rain), pay a visit to the fantastic Perth Museum and Art Gallery. One of Scotland’s oldest established museums, their collection of fascinating objects and interactive exhibits will capture your imagination.

From Fife

● Escape to Edinburgh on one of Stagecoach’s regular Express services into the city. Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a trip through time and space that is not to be missed! There’s also lots to see and do on the Royal Mile, including the Real Mary King’s Close and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. And after all that, take your pick from the many fantastic familyfriendly restaurants in the city centre.

● Did you know that Fife has 14 award-winning beaches? From Aberdour Silversands to Kingsbarns Beach, you’re spoiled for choice. Stagecoach services 7 and 95 provide stunning views of the Fife coast and are the perfect way to explore parts of the Fife Coastal Path. Take a picnic and pack the sun cream because you won’t want to leave those gorgeous beaches in a hurry!

From Perth

● For a great day out, jump on board service X56 to Kinross and visit Loch Leven Nature Reserve and Loch Leven Castle. Walk the Loch Leven Heritage Trail around the loch and enjoy a picnic with a castle view.

● Explore North Queensferry for unmissable views of the Forth Bridge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then visit Deep Sea World, Scotland’s national aquarium.You can see silly seals, amazing amphibians and even go on an underwater safari. Service X56 stops just a short stroll from the village.

Wherever your adventure takes you, easily keep track of your bus using the handy Stagecoach app. With live bus times and a journey planner it’s now even easier to get around by bus.

Stagecoach has plenty more inspiration on its website for days out in the east of Scotland this summer. Don’t wait, plan your journey at stagecoachbus.com now and colour your summer! Hop on a bus and check out the attractions in the City of Discovery (top and left) and Arbroath (far left).