Banchory
Royal Deeside Railway · Photo: Matt Buck
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.
Railway · 10:30–12:00 (1h30m)
Ride the train and look round the station shop.
A volunteer-run heritage railway at Milton of Crathes running short steam and diesel trips along a restored stretch of the old Deeside line beside the river. The station has a shop, memorabilia and a restaurant next door, and Santa Specials run in December.
Photo: Matt Buck
Food stop · 12:00–13:00 (1h)
Lunch beside the station.
The restaurant beside the Royal Deeside Railway station at Milton of Crathes, convenient for lunch between the train and Crathes Castle.
Illustrative photo: Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
Castle · 13:15–16:00 (2h45m)
Gardens, woodland walk and, if open, the Wild Wood play area.
An indoor and outdoor castle in Aberdeen.
Photo: Stanley Howe
ScotlandEdinburgh (Corstorphine)
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.
Edinburgh Zoo → Lauriston Castle
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
