Falkirk
The Helix · Photo: Robert Murray
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.
Park · 10:00–12:00 (2h)
Walk round the Kelpies and let the kids loose in the play park.
A large free park between Falkirk and Grangemouth, home to the Kelpies, two 30-metre steel horse-head sculptures beside the Forth & Clyde Canal. It has an adventure play zone, seasonal splash play, a lagoon and paths for walking and cycling, plus a visitor centre with a cafe and paid Kelpies tours.
Photo: Robert Murray
Food stop · 12:00–13:00 (1h)
Lunch at the visitor centre café.
The cafe inside the Helix visitor centre, a short walk from the Kelpies and the adventure play zone. Useful as a lunch or hot-drink stop with toilets and a gift shop in the same building.
Photo: Richard Dorrell
Landmark · 13:30–15:30 (2h)
Book a boat trip (about an hour) and watch the wheel turn from the basin.
An indoor and outdoor landmark in Falkirk, aimed at ages 0–12.
Photo: Sean Mack
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
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
