Edinburgh (Corstorphine)
Edinburgh Zoo · Photo: N Chadwick
Edinburgh Zoo fills most of the day, with its hillside paths leading from penguins near the bottom to big cats and views near the top. Finish with a gentle wander and picnic in the free grounds of Lauriston Castle, which run down towards the Forth.
Zoo · 10:00–14:00 (4h)
Buy tickets online for the cheaper price; the hill is steep in places, so pace yourselves and eat lunch inside the zoo.
An indoor and outdoor zoo in Edinburgh.
Photo: N Chadwick
Nature & gardens · 14:30–16:00 (1h30m)
Free grounds for a run-around and late snack; the house is by guided tour only.
A council-run castle in north-west Edinburgh whose house is shown as it was left in 1926. The surrounding grounds, including a Japanese garden and lawns looking over the Forth, are a quiet free run-around stop; the house itself is seen on a guided tour.
Photo: User:Supergolden
ScotlandFalkirk
Start at The Helix park, where the giant horse-head Kelpies sculptures tower over the canal and there's a big play area. In the afternoon, take a boat into the air on the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift.
The Helix → The Helix Visitor Centre cafe → Falkirk Wheel
ScotlandSt Andrews
St Andrews Castle has a clifftop ruin and an underground mine and counter-mine for brave explorers. Fuel up with gelato in town, then drive out to Craigtoun Country Park for a picnic, play areas and, in season, its family attractions.
St Andrews Castle → Jannettas Gelateria → Craigtoun Country Park
ScotlandBanchory
On a running day, take a short heritage train ride along the River Dee from Milton of Crathes, then eat at the brasserie by the station. In the afternoon, head a mile down the road to Crathes Castle for the gardens, woodland trails and the adventure play area.
Royal Deeside Railway → Crathes Castle Garden and Estate
