Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
This is a friendly log cabin style coffee shop situated in open countryside. Most of the food is home made and they specialise in ice cream, which is made on their dairy farm. Also on the menu is a delicious range of savoury food.
This inn is a favourite with families and tourists and is friendly and informal with a tranquil atmosphere. House specialties include locally reared sirloin steaks.
Set in the Scottish Borders, and first opening its doors in 1995, The Prince of India Restaurant promises unique Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine that will warm your heart.
With a reputation as one of Scotland?s finest restaurants, Enterkine will provide an exceptional culinary experience. The food is creative and offers a taste of Scotland at its best, whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Casa Mia - 29 Miles (46.4 KM)
Enjoy the authentic flavours of Italy at this friendly and relaxing restaurant. The food is freshly prepared and delicious with a range of options to cater for all tastes.
Fun Days Out
M & D's family theme park is set in 20 acres of beautiful Strathclyde Country Park. It's loads of fun with rides and attractions for kids and adults. There's a section of fun rides for the kids outdoors too.
There's so much to see and do — from rollercoasters and jammy dodgems, to pirate swing boats and log flumes, not to mention some unusual and friendly animals up on 'McDougals' Rare Breeds Farm as well as exciting Birds of Prey demonstrations.
Mabie Farm Park is a former dairy farm set in 77 hectares that now serves as a Farm Park that offers its visitors hours of fun and enjoyment, with the usual sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Located under the stunning Mabie Forest, it is an ideal setting with large flat areas for play, fields for the animals, a pretty stream flows through the land and a large pond that is brimming with wildlife. There is loads for children of all ages to do here and it is suited to all weathers with both indoor and outdoor play areas. The Playbarn has softplay equipment, bouncy castles, trampolines and a traversing wall. The Straw Barn is a great place to hang out with rope swings and straw bales to clamber over. Outside there is an astroslide, paddle boats, bouncy castle and jumping pillows, grass slide, pedal go karts, play park with the usual favourite play equipment, quad bikes, a ball park and the much loved choo choo express. You can get close to the farm animals here and can buy animal feed in the shop to feed them, a selection of the animals to be found here are cattle, cows, horses, llamas, alpaca, pigs, goats, donkey, sheep, lots of birds as well as mice, rabbits, ferrets and much more. Donkey rides are very popular here, and you will be given a hat before you ride, the staff then lead you around the grounds. The staff are so friendly and helpful and are always at hand if you need them, they are very patient with the smaller children, and have lots of knowledge on the animals. The cafe is lovely, plenty of space and seating and a good selection of food and drinks that are reasonably priced and excellent. The entrance price is very good and reasonable for all that you get, there is a small additional charge for the donkey ride, peddle boats, quad bikes and train. The facilities are clean and well maintained as is the overall farm. Mabie Farm Park is a fantastic family fun day out can't recommend enough, definitely must visit if you are in the area.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Pedal Away - 16.4 Miles (26.2 KM)
Do you enjoy cycling but want to leave your bike at home? Pedal Away could be the answer! Hire a bike, follow a route or take a more challenging trail with a qualified guide. There are miles and miles of long country lanes in the Forest of Dean or the Wye Valley or, if you're feeling adventurous, head off on a mountain bike into the Brecon Beacons. Pedal Away have routes and trails for all ages and abilities.
This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a 8 mile range of ancient rocks offering ideal conditions for walking. The top ridge provides the best views whilst waterfalls and fountains can still be seen from lower down the hills. There are various cafés and pubs throughout the area for those in need of refreshment!
7 Stanes Ae - 22.1 Miles (35.4 KM)
The Forest of Ae is a popular venue for mountain bikers, and there's a great range of trails here to suit all abilities. There's also a well-established downhill scene and the 'Ae Up' uplift service for those with the skill to tackle a competition downhill course.
This mountain biking centre has trails of all grades, a cafe, a bike shop with bike hire, and changing and showering facilities.
There's 45 miles of graded trails here. The Green and Blue Routes, skills area and trail quest loops are a great introduction to mountain biking for less experienced riders, novices and families.
Golf & Sports
Bothwell Castle Golf Club has a long standing reputation and is located about ten miles from Glasgow city centre. It is an 18 hole par 70 mature parkland golf course. The course is pretty flat, and is well maintained and they have invested heavily in the past number of years and the result is excellent greens. The course offers a number of challenges with deep bunkers and burns. The fairways are wide and the greens can be very fast, it offers a testing but fun game of golf. The staff are really friendly, attentive and professional. The modern Clubhouse has excellent facilities and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it enjoys lovely panoramic views out over the course. The menu is varied and offers good home cooked food that is freshly prepared and well presented and offers excellent value for money. Bothwell Castle Golf Club offers a warm welcome to visitors to this superb club, the green fees are reasonable the facilities are very good and the golf is excellent, highly recommended.
MB7 - 26.7 Miles (42.7 KM)
Whether you want to try mountain biking for the first time, or test your skills to their limits, MB7 is the link between you and the experts that have created one of the most exciting mountain biking trail networks in Europe.
Energetic paintballing fun in over 50 acres of mixed woodland situated just 20 minutes south of Glasgow. The games are mission based and get progressively harder. These include the taking back of a VC village, landing with your comrades on D Day, protecting your VIP at Checkpoint Charlie and securing a crash sight in Blackhawk Down.
Dumfries and Galloway is Scotland's most heavily forested region and these forests are perfect for the sport of sled dog racing. See website for details of events.
Pollock Golf Club has a long and distinguished history and is conveniently located near to Glasgow city centre in the grounds of the lovely Pollock Estate. It is a first class parkland course with loads of natural beauty and natural hazards to enhance your game of golf. The course is beautiful and expertly maintained, it holds many challenges and appeals to both novice and seasoned golfers. The staff here are tremendous too, they are professional and helpful and the club has a welcoming and amiable ambience. They strive to ensure that all guests have a enjoyable visit. The clubhouse is excellent, lovely atmosphere and staff, the food is great too as good as any top restaurant and excellent value too. If you are looking to play golf in Glasgow then this course should not be missed.
East Renfrewshire Golf Club is a picturesque course amongst some of the most amazing scenery, it is located close to Glasgow city, being only a short drive away. It is a true parkland course with lots of natural hazards, with holes found around hills and through trees, it has many challenges even for the more experienced golfers, every hole is different and be prepared to use all your clubs. The course is tough and hilly so be warned. Overall the greens and the course are well maintained and make it a pleasure to play. The staff from the office, pro shop and clubhouse are great too, professional, jovial and helpful. The clubhouse has great facilities, a varied menu and a warm and amiable atmosphere. The costs here are very reasonable considering the quality of the course, amazing views and facilities, so if looking to play a round in Glasgow don't miss this East Renfrewshire Golf Club.
Nature Reserves
Visit Glenholm Centre for a wild day out on the farm. This is a 1,000 acre upland working farm and there is always something going on. There are four waymarked walks ranging from a pleasant burn-side stroll to a more strenuous walk.
Take a walk through the Cardrona Forest and enjoy the lovely mixed woodland and the Scottish countryside.
A great place to explore and have fun in. Enjoy the great outdoors in the top visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders. Go mountain bike riding or explore this stunning area on foot.
Gardens & Woodlands
With over 300 years of tree planting, Dawyck boasts a world famous arboreta with mature specimens of Brewer's Spruce, the unique Dawyck Beech and some giant trees from North America. Enjoyable trails make exploring fun.
Situated in the beautiful Tweed Valley, Kailzie is a large family garden with formal walled gardens, extensive grounds with walks, stocked trout pond, 18 hole putting green, gift shop, tearoom, plant sales, Osprey viewing centre and a children's play area.
Local Attractions
Gouldings Garden Centre is located in Rosebank which is found in the lovely Clyde Valley. This family business has evolved from a prominent fruit growers to an award winning garden centre that has a wonderful range of indoor and outdoor plants, furniture and homewares. With their background they ensure that all produce is of the highest quality. The centre is bright and well laid out into individual departments where all items and products are nicely displayed. The garden shop has a vast collection of plants, shrubs, fruit trees and lots more. The Farm shop stocks only the highest quality produce, you will find seasonal fruit and vegetables available, sourced from local suppliers as well as a good choice of fish, meats, jams, drinks and savoury products. The Gift shop is a real delight with a wonderful choice and variety of goods, with many unusual items including ornaments, toiletries, table settings, jewellery, clothes and lots more, you are spoilt for choice and everything is competitively priced. The restaurant is the real gem here the food is seasonal, fresh and home cooked. The menu is extensive and whatever you choose it is well cooked, presented, tastes delicious and is excellent value. You must try the homemade cakes they are divine. They are open seven days a week. Another strength of Gouldings is their commitment to excellent customer service, staff are really friendly and helpful with advice on plants. Gouldings Garden Centre is a great place for a day out, you can pass several hours wandering about the centre and then enjoy a bite to eat in the restaurant, you won't be disappointed.
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, is located on a fabulous hilltop setting at the edge of the Galloway Forest Park. It is located down a long bumpy dark road so care is needed when driving. Its location was chosen as it is under some of the darkest skies in Ireland offering the best viewing opportunities. They offer tours of the observatory and have resident astronomers who are knowledgeable, passionate and animated who give these tours, they also involve video presentations. then you go to the observatory deck where the telescopes are located. On the viewing deck the guide points out the different stars and constellations. In addition they organise a range of events, activities and sessions that involve special guest speakers and cover a range of topics throughout the year, full details are available on the website. There is an entry charge but it is very reasonable and you must book in advance as numbers are limited. It is not the easiest places to find although if you follow the directions the Observatory gives then you should not have any difficulties. There are some astronomy related souvenirs on sale here. Also if you are a keen amateur astronomer you can rent the equipment and use the facilities. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is very informative and educational and will delight those who have an interest in astronomy although is intriguing even if you don't have an interest, you can't help but be impressed by what you are shown and told here, highly recommended. A must if you are in the area.
Bubsy Equitation Centre offers an excellent experience for horse lovers. The facility provides stabling for up to 50 horses with an American barn style stables, pony barn, outside boxes and much more. Riding lessons are offered for all ages with quarter, half, one and two hour durations plus group options.
The Theatre hosts on average three performances per week, with an interesting and diverse programme all year round. It is primarily focused on drama, but there are numerous music, literary, comedy and dance performances, as well as films.
Scottish Football Museum will give you a real insight into the much loved sport of football, there are in excess of 2,500 exhibits over 14 galleries, that include photos, artefacts, videos, a research section and interactive games. The audio tour has all the details and descriptions you need to get around, also the museum is excellently laid out. In the Hall of Fame you can stroll amongst Scotlands footballing greats and there is also a Stadium tour where you get to go behind the scenes, experience the Stadium as players do on a matchday, see the underground roadway, team changing rooms, indoor practise pitch, walk down the tunnel, hear the Hampden roar and ascend the stairs to the Cup Presentation Area. During the Hampden Experience, the sights, sounds and stories of this great game will be revealed to you. The staff are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. After your tour you can visit the Museum cafe and enjoy a drink and a light snack as you take in these great surroundings. There is also a nice gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs of your time here. Regardless of age or whether you are a fan or not of football you can't help but be impressed and intrigued by all that is on show here. The Scottish Football Museum is a great day out and offers great value for money, highly recommended.
Built in 1792, it is the oldest working theatre in Scotland, run on a voluntary basis by the Guild of Players. A varied programme of events including Guild of Players' own productions and performances from visiting companies.
You'll find favourite high street stores at The Loreburne Shopping Centre — quality shopping in a modern air conditioned environment.
The Robert Burns Centre is an intimate and welcoming arthouse cinema in Dumfries with a dedication to bring great films to the theatre. They aim to enhance the communities cultural experiences by bringing a diverse and interesting mix of films, to include big budget films, blockbusters, foreign language films, low-budget independent films, documentaries, short films, archive and animation films. It is not uncommon to have a speaker here to introduce the films and they also run a programme of film related and workshops and courses, in addition to a film club. The cinema has all modern features, and the seating is very comfortable. There is a shop in the foyer that sells a range of drinks and snacks. The staff are jovial and helpful. The cinema operates Tuesday to Saturday evenings with some special daytime showings and the ticket prices are very reasonable. All seats are unreserved so best to arrive early if you want to sit together, with only 60 seats, space is limited. The Robert Burns Centre is a real cultural gem in the heart of Dumfries.
Historical & Heritage Sites
The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway supplies a relaxed, unique way to explore. The official society was established in 1983 and worked to create a 2 ft gauge tourist railway that ran between a pair of villages on an existing standard gauge track bed. Each train is currently moved with diesel engines with an Orenstein and Koppel steam model currently undergoing restoration.
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the stunning 90,000 acre Queensberry Estate that also includes a Country Park and Victorian Gardens. The castle itself is a perfect example of late 17th century Renaissance architecture in Scotland and has a worldwide acclaimed art collection. Past the castle are more than 40 acres of charming gardens and a huge choice of activities that include, walking, mountain biking, an adventure playground, wildlife watching, salmon fishing, Scottish Cycle Museum, Landrover tours and Ranger-guided tours. Drumlanrig Castle offers something to visitors of all ages and interests, you will not be short of things to see and do here. The castle itself is by guided tour, the interior is large and luxurious, with 120 rooms, full of fine furniture, furnishings, antiques and paintings, you will get a feel of what it would have been like to live here more than 400 years ago, the guides are amiable and knowledgeable and give a real insight into the history of this stunning building, you also get the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the gardens. There are a shop and cafe onsite, the food is homemade and very tasty and offers good value for money, certainly worth a visit whilst here. They have quite an extensive events programme here so if thinking of visiting do check to see what is on. Drumlanrig is suited to all ages, there are activities to entertain little visitors right up to the grown ups, children will love the play area and open spaces to play in. Drumlanrig is a fantastic day out and can't be recommended enough, take time to see for yourself this fantastic attraction.
Bothwell Castle is the biggest and best 13th century stone castle in Scotland and has an enviable location overlooking the River Clyde, in a wooded setting. It has a long and varied history as a mediaeval stronghold and saw many attacks especially during the Wars of Independence. Although much of the castle is in ruins, a section of the 13th century donjon, a circular keep tower is still intact. During a visit to this monumental and impressive castle you can discover all about mediaeval Scotland by exploring the 13th century prison tower and the 14th century great hall and chapel. There are lots of display boards to advise on the history of the castle, as well as a quiz sheet for children to complete, and there are books to buy. The castle is open daily from April through to September and from Saturday through to Wednesday, October through to March and there is a small admission charge to enter the castle, the grounds are free. The grounds are a little uneven but will accommodate wheelchairs making it accessible to all. There is a castle shop selling a range of gifts, souvenirs and books in addition to other items. The staff are really friendly and helpful as well as being happy to answer questions put to them. In addition Historic Scotland arrange a series of events at the castle during the year so worth keeping an eye out for these. Bothwell Castle has a very interesting history and gives a real glimpse into the past, everyone can enjoy a visit here , with lovely views and walks, also children will love running around exploring the ruins.
This great museum houses a varied collection of exhibitions throughout the year in this beautiful, historic building. For example, in The Chambers' Room, a collection of friezes which were originally commissioned by William Chambers can be see. Alongside these extraordinary pieces is a fantastic exhibition on Peebles; its history and traditions.
An impressive tribute to the brave men and women of the First World War. It was erected in 1922 on 5th October by Field Marshall Haig, a founding member of the poppy appeal.
The Scottish Industrial Railway Centre is voluntary run organisation that was established in 1974 to protect and preserve the industrial railway heritage here in Scotland. You will find this visitor attraction in the Ayrshires Doon valley between Patna and Dalmellington, please be aware before visiting that this centre is a work in progress and is continually improving. The centre is only open on certain Sundays in the Summer and at this time you can take a ride aboard one their carriages being driven by an industrial steam locomotives, the ride is about a quarter of a mile long and you can ride as often as you like. In addition there is an interesting industrial museum dedicated to all there is about this great age of transport and see the miniature railway. The museum itself is fascinating and authentic with lots of industrial life and loads of trains in differing stages of renovation. The staff are dedicated and enthusiastic and this shines through, they are more than happy to stop and answer any questions you may have. There is a nice cafe and shop where you can stop for a drink and snack in warm and cosy surroundings and lots of railway memorabilia on display. Even if you are not a railway enthusiast you will enjoy this attraction just bear in mind it is not as sleek as a normal museum but nevertheless still an interesting and informative day out that will appeal to all ages.
Holmwood House is a stunning house located in close proximity to the heart of Glasgow, this individual villa was designed by the renowned Alexander "Greek" Thomson and is considered to be his best domestic design. It was constructed in 1857/8 for a local businessman. The interior is sumptuously decorated in wood, plaster and marble, at one time it had the biggest plate glass window in Europe. There are ongoing renovations being done at the property to uncover and preserve the rooms back to their original designs. The grand exterior of the building is lovely and has beautiful architectural features, the riverside grounds are gorgeous and the little kitchen garden, is planted with an assortment of Victorian herbs, fruit and vegetables. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and will let you know all about the history of the house and surrounding area. The tearoom serves a nice selection of snacks and hot and cold beverages, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Although there is still lots of work to be done it is interesting to see the original features being uncovered and you get a feel of the wealth of the business men during this era.
Clapper Bridge is a one of the foremost visitors spots in Dartmoor and frequently features on postcards and is a photograph hotspot for the numerous tourists who visit here on a daily basis. This famous bridge is located in Postbridge in the heart of the Dartmoor Moors, within the most stunning and gorgeous surroundings, it is so peaceful here. It is one of the largest of Dartmoor's clapper bridges and has a long and tumultuous history. It was at one time known as the cyclopean bridge, and there is thought to have been a bridge here since the 1300's although the first documentation of its existence is in 1655, the current bridge was constructed about 1792. A clapper bridge is a term used locally to describe a bridge that has one or more flat slabs of stone that rest on stone piers and span a river or stream. It is a lovely piece of history and you must walk across it. It is in a perfect spot for a picnic and children can enjoy paddling in the river. It is only a short walk from the carpark to the bridge and is definitely worth a visit when in Dartmoor. There is a Visitor Centre nearby with toilets as well as a pub where you can stop for refreshments.
The Old Bridge House Museum is accessed by the crossing the 15th century Devorgilla Bridge, where constructed into the sandstone of the bridge itself in 1660, is Dumfries oldest house, where the museum is now located. Step across the threshold and into another era, in this historic house, witness a 19th century family kitchen, nursery and bedroom of a typical Victorian home. In addition you can pay a visit to an early dentist's surgery, see all the old equipment and even the replacement teeth! In the 18th century the house was used as an inn and it is likely that Robert Burns would have visited here. Each room tells the social story of a bygone era, there are also lots of exhibits relating to past times, including antique toys, a stove from the 1800's and much more. The staff are welcoming and friendly with a wealth of knowledge on the house and local area, so do ask questions. Entrance to the house is free making it a must see attraction. The Old Bridge House Museum will transport you back in time allowing you to experience first hand this bygone era, a delightful and interesting museum and most definitely worth visiting.
Robert Burns House is where the revered national poet Robert Burns spent the remaining few years of his life, dying here in 1796 at the age of only 37. Whether you are a fan or not you will be interested to see the house, it has been carefully restored and furnished to give an indication to how it would have been when he lived here. The house is very interesting with some nice artefacts and features, like the window where he engraved his name, or his desk and chair in the study where he penned many of his famous poems, as well as lots of exhibits on his life and work. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. The house has steps and stairs that are narrow so access isn't that easy but certainly worth the effort. The churchyard where he is interred is not far from the house and worth a visit also. The house is open throughout the year and there is no charge. If in Dumfries then would recommend that you take the time to see this small but informative museum.
