by ssc | Jul 3, 2014 | Blog
Nothing puts you in holiday mood like messing about on the water. Boats slow life down, make us appreciate our surroundings, or get us to secret places we might not otherwise see. For this week’s blog, we look at three great little boat trips not far from Stirling that make a memorable day out – and no nautical skills required!
Inchcolm Abbey is reached by a rewarding boat trip from South Queensferry
Inchcolm Abbey: Established as an Abbey by David 1 in 1235, Inchcolm Abbey is the best preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Abbey enjoys a spectacular setting on the island of Inchcolm, which sits in the Firth of Forth and is reached by a regular ferry service from South Queensferry (just 29 miles or 34 mins drive from Stirling). The boat trip out is rewarding in itself; passengers will invariably spot seals, puffins, cormorants and other estuarine wildlife, and the boat’s guides will bring you close to the striking coastal defences from the two World Wars that also remain preserved in this area. Two main providers leave from South Queensferry – Maid of the Forth Boat Tours and Forth Tours. Each of these well-managed providers offer an optional stay on the island, a tourist commentary, enclosed viewing decks, and refreshments on board. A beautiful trip well worth the ticket fare. This attraction closes November to 1 March. See: http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ and http://www.forthtours.com/inchcolm.asp
A short ferry boat trip takes you to tranquil Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith
Inchmahome Priory: Not to be confused with the trip above, Inchmahome Priory is an Augustinian Monastery dating from 1238, which sits on the tranquil Lake of Menteith, just 17 miles or 25 mins drive from Stirling. The ferry service operates from the Port of Menteith and is a lower-key affair, with the ferry seating only 12 passengers and running on an on-demand basis. If the boat is not waiting at the pier when you arrive, turn the wooden board so that the white side faces the island, which will prompt the ferry to return. While the small scale of this operation is part of its charm, it does mean that visitors in wheelchairs are unlikely to be manage the visit. The peaceful island is rich in wildlife (look out for ospreys) and is a fabulous place for a picnic with stunning views. There is a small visitor centre. This attraction closes November to March. For tickets and more information: http://tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=TKTS&C=WSCW#inchmahome
Linlitghgow Canal Centre offers boat trips for those who love just being on the water
Linlithgow Canal Centre: If you like spending time on the water purely for its own sake, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on specified dates, while the town cruises run daily throughout the summer from 30 June. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 17th August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/
If these trips have whetted your appetite, visit this website http://www.visitscotland.com/ and search for ‘boat trips’ to find hundreds of options on offer.
Photo credits:
by ssc | Jun 26, 2014 | Blog
We’ve put together a list of some of the best summer family days out there are in Stirling (without even mentioning the Castle and the Wallace Monument!). If you are in Stirling with kids in the summer holidays, you will be looking for a mix of ‘big day out’ and ‘cheap and cheerful’ days. Here are some ideas to help you build your own itinerary to suit your family, your pocket, and the weather.
Big days out
Zebras at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Blair Drummond Safari Park: Less than 7 miles from Stirling, you can see lions, tigers, chimps, llamas, meerkats and much more, alongside home-grown species like Clydesdale horses and otters. Included in the admission price are boat trips round Chimp Island, sea lion shows and birds of prey displays, adventure playgrounds and pedal boats. The bouncy castle, face-painting and fun fair will cost a little extra. Two adults and two kids online ticket: £45. Website: http://www.blairdrummond.com/
Briarlands farm, Blair Drummond: Outdoor activities include jumping pillows, tractor go karts, cable ride, mini diggers, tyre maze, sand pits, a football skills challenge and animal paddocks. Indoors there is a Busy Bees craft area, Farmers Den tearoom, and you can pick your own strawberries in polytunnels too. Family entry £20. Website: http://www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk/
Battle of Bannockburn Centre: Advance booking is essential for the new state of the art centre. With costumed actors, 3D battle games and battle shows, this is an immersive tour of medieval battle best for children 7 years and above. Family tickets (two adults and up to 4 children) £30, single parent family tickets £25. Website: http://battleofbannockburn.com/.
Boness and Kinneil Railway: Take a ride on a steam train, even enjoy afternoon tea on board, or (if you are here late July) have a day out on Thomas the Tank Engine. A memorable day out with a range of tickets prices starting at Adults £9, under-fives free, with family tickets (2+3) at £25. Website: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
Jousting at Linlithgow Palace in July
Jousting at Linlithgow Palace: This spectacular annual event on 5 and 6 July sees costumed knights on horseback battle it out with real-life lances in traditional jousting and foot combat. There are lots of family activities too, with insights into medieval costume, a chance to meet court jesters and more. Family tickets booked online start start at £21.38. For details visit: http://www.historicscotland.gov.uk
Free days out
Callander House: Callander House in Falkirk is a brilliant free resource set in beautiful park gardens perfect for a picnic, with a kids play area on hand too. Inside the house’s restored and working Georgian kitchens, costumed staff share historic food samples, recipes and activities. The Park Gallery also runs a programme of arts and crafts activities for children of all ages. For details of the free summer programme, see this website and click at the top right to download the PDF: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/callendar-house/
The Kelpies at the Helix, Falkirk
The Helix: Scotland’s newest visitor attraction has something for everyone including cycleways, public art and outdoor events, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and nature activities. It’s all about connecting with our environment again, and learning about it while having loads of (free) fun in spectacular surroundings. Nestled under the shadow of sculptor Andy Smith’s Kelpies, this new park is definitely worth a visit. Website: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/
The Stirling Smith Museum: While small children may not be too interested the Museum’s exhibitions, the grounds outside have become a free visitor attraction in their own right. Ailie’s Garden comprises everything from a storytelling area to a willow garden, outdoor chess and draughts, a picnic area, sculpture, mosaics, labyrinth, and a children’s play area: a unique example of outdoor gallery and biodiversity garden combined. For more information: http://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/visitors/allies-garden
Kings Park Stirling: Very near many of our properties in Stirling, Stirling’s biggest park and playground is free entry and is fully equipped for children of all ages. There is putting, crazy golf, giant draughts/chess, tennis courts, a wheelie park for skateboards, skates and BMX bikes, toddler swings and sand areas, climbing frames, slides, helter skelter, a tyre swing and trampolines. There is plenty of space for picnics, walks and views across to the castle too. For info: http://www.visitstirling.org/AttractionDetails.aspx?docid=247
Photo credits:
by ssc | Jun 19, 2014 | Blog
If you’ve just arrived in Stirling for a holiday, you may not be aware that the weekend of 27, 28 and 29 June will arguably be the most important moment in Stirling’s calendar for many years to come – it’s Stirling’s Big Weekend. Over these three days, the city will be buzzing with a range of unique events commemorating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. It’s going to be an incredible few days – so get ready, and let us take you through what’s happening!
Provost Mike Robbins with young people taking part in Stirling's Big Weekend
Pipefest Friday 27 June: Starting the Big Weekend will be Pipefest – gathering hundreds of pipers, drummers, Highland dancers and clan members from both Scotland and across the world. If you want to immerse yourself in traditional Scottish culture (with a few contemporary twists) then now’s your chance! Make a date to watch the Pipefest parade, which will process from Stirling Castle and through the town on Friday 27 June from 7pm (though pipers will start gathering two hours before). There will be a Pipefest Ceilidh straight after the parade in the Albert Halls, Stirling, and you can book tickets for that here: http://www.pipefest.com/ceilidh/
The Armed Forces Day National Event is part of Stirling's Big Weekend
The Armed Forces Day National Event Saturday 28 June: The next day, Stirling will lead the nation in honouring Britain’s service men and women with a day packed full of military displays and activity in the Armed Forces Day National Event. A military parade will strike out at 11am, again from Stirling Castle, and wend its way through the Old Town to the event grounds just off Raploch Road. There follows a packed schedule of aerial displays including Tornado Flypasts, the Red Devils Parachute Team, and the Red Arrows Display Team. Underpinning activity in the sky, the main stage will see performances from The Kennedy Cup Cakes to Bags of Rocks, while the two arenas will stage military displays including The Royal Marine Band, working dog display teams and Royal Marine unarmed combat displays. For detailed information and also a brilliant list of free activities that are going on in the town at the same time, see http://www.stirlingarmedforcesday.co.uk/. Don’t miss the information under ‘more’ at the bottom of this web page!
Bannockburn Live will be the dramatic cornerstone of Stirling's Big Weekend
Bannockburn Live Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June: The new Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre and its surrounds will host Bannockburn Live on 28 and 29 June. During Bannockburn Live, around 300 re-enactors will recreate the spectacle of battle three times a day. Interactive medieval encampments will demonstrate how battle preparations were made, with working blacksmiths, kitchens, armouries and living quarters. Visitors will be able to trace their ancestry in the Clan and Family Village, as well as listen to the stories of around 40 Clans from Scotland, the UK and overseas. A food and drink village will not only provide visitors with the artisan and seasonal flavours of Scotland, but offer demonstrations of both modern and medieval cooking. Visitors will be able to both hear and create their own Scottish tales with music, song and storytelling workshops, as well as try their hand at ancient crafts. Meanwhile, the Main Stage will provide a musical backdrop to the festival, with a fantastic line-up of live music just announced, featuring artists including Dougie MacLean, Julie Fowlis and much more. For tickets to Bannockburn Live, and much more information, visit: http://www.bannockburnlive.com/
And it doesn’t end there – venues throughout Stirling will be celebrating the Big Weekend with their own unique events. Here are just a few:
Be prepared – it will be a busy weekend, but one you will never forget!
by ssc | Jun 5, 2014 | Blog
One of the best things about Stirling is its location – centrally located in Scotland, it’s not only a beautiful and historic town that merits thorough exploration, it is also an ideal stepping stone to other places that might otherwise be just out of reach. In this week’s blog, we look at easy day trips from Stirling that have something for everyone, no matter who is in your holiday party.
Callander Meadows by the River Teith
Callander: Just 25 minutes’ drive north-west from Stirling is the picturesque town of Callander on the River Teith. This stunning little town provided the original filming location for the Dr Findlay’s Casebook series in the 60s. These days, it’s a town full of character, with lots to offer the day tourist. The shops are small, independent and quirky, ranging from tea shops to sweet and ice cream shops, cafes, restaurants, gifts and crafts, second hand bookshops, specialist walking and outdoor, health food and much more. There is ample parking by the River Teith at Callander Meadows, an ideal picnic spot and base for your day. For those with families, there’s also a large, well-maintained adventure playground right there. The Tourist Information Centre is helpful and well-stocked; ask about riverside walks along the Teith or the walk up to Bracklinn Falls – you may also want to visit the 13th-century Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith, just 8 miles away. For more information on Callander see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callander and for walks in Callander, see: http://www.incallander.co.uk/walks/easywalks.htm
The Lake, Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff
Crieff: Just a half-hour drive or 23 miles from Stirling is the town of Crieff, recent hosts to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, or William and Kate as they are better known. The royal couple were there primarily to visit the just re-opened ‘Famous Grouse Experience’ at the Glenturret Whisky Distillery, well worth a visit for the whisky connoisseur. Gardeners will appreciate the stunning Drummond Gardens, two miles south of Crieff at Drummond Castle, while nature watchers won’t mind an extra 8 miles’ drive north beyond the town to Buchanty Spout. Salmon leap dramatically up these falls in autumn, but Buchanty Spout is worth a visit any season, especially after rainfall. All that said, you needn’t visit Crieff with a particular visitor experience in mind – it’s a beautiful town in its own right and well worth a wander at your leisure.
Atmospheric Doune Castle, just a few miles from Stirling
Doune: For such a little place, there is so much to see here! Just 8 miles north of Stirling on the River Teith, Doune has recently gained some celebrity – its historic castle has been a much-favoured location for the filming of the cult tv series ‘Game of Thrones’. It’s not the first time the castle has been used in high-profile filming – it provided the backdrop for ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ too. Doune Castle is well worth a visit at any time of year, and a stunning example of 14th century architecture on the banks of the river. Good place for a picnic too. Just outside of Doune in Deanston, you will find Deanston Malt, a traditional distillery on the site of a former cotton mill, now clearly signposted with a visitor centre and tours beginning at just £8. For those more interested in nature than whisky, why not visit the Red Kites at Argaty, one of the few chances you will get to see these magnificent birds of prey up close and in flight.
Photo credits:
by ssc | May 30, 2014 | Blog
Stunning Loch Lomond, centrepiece to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
Every year, the BBC runs Springwatch and Autumnwatch, a series of live programmes that highlights the very best bits of the UK’s seasonal nature using webcams, local experts and stunning footage. This year the main crew are based in the RSPB Minsmere Reserve in Suffolk, with co-presenter Iolo Williams broadcasting live from Poltalloch in Argyll and Sutherland – an unspoilt stretch of Scotland’s west coast that boasts sea eagles, seals, otters, beavers, and sightings of wildcat. But is spotting such incredible examples of Scotland’s nature just the preserve of TV crews and conservationists? The answer is no, because Scotland has been voted Europe’s No1 wildlife-watching destination, and with the accolade, has become even better at getting the layman out there to enjoy the very best of the nation’s wildlife.
Osprey at Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld
Wild places near Stirling: If you’re staying in Stirling and want to see some of Scotland’s wildlife in unspoilt surroundings, then head for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, around a 30-minute drive from Stirling’s city centre. Throughout the year, Park Rangers organise and support wildlife watching events to teach the skills of successful and sustainable wildlife watching. Check their events calendar for information. Because the Park encompasses a wide range of distinct habitats, wildlife watchers can be rewarded with sightings of many different species within a relatively small area. The Queen Elizabeth and Argyll Forest parks areas are home to red squirrel, badger, red and roe deer, as well as hedgehogs and bats at dusk. Ospreys are summer visitors to the waters of Loch Lomond and the Lake of Menteith. On higher ground within the park, forest plantations provide ideal habitat for golden eagles and the fascinating black grouse – watching the black grouse ‘lekking’ in early mornings is a pursuit in itself for keen birdwatchers. Loch Long and Loch Goil are home to both seals and porpoises, with wading birds in abundance at the mouth of the River Eachaig at Kilmun. The Park provides a vital habitat to the endangered water vole, and observers may also glimpse otter. With the guidance of a ranger, or even just a little patience, there is no reason why even inexperienced observers can’t see at least some of Scotland’s fascinating wildlife in the Park. If you need any more inspiration, the Park’s Top Ten Days Out provides a list of easy outings, each with the promise of a nature sighting ranging from osprey to woodpeckers, fallow deer to butterflies. If you want a pretty much guaranteed osprey sighting, head for Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld, just one hour from Stirling (and a beautiful drive too).
Wildlife watchers can spot seals at Loch Long and Loch Goil
Knowing what to look for: For the most rewarding wildlife watching – wherever you are in Scotland – it helps to know exactly what you should be looking for at what time of year. The Scottish seasons bring migrating birds, as well as short-lived seasonal spectacles like carpets of bluebells, the deer rut, black grouse lekking and much more – moments in nature that can add a bit of magic to your stay. To help you plan your holiday around what nature is doing, Wild Scotland provides a nature-watching calendar explaining what you can expect to see when. The site also describes the wildlife you will typically find in each region of Scotland, including Perthshire and Stirling. Elsewhere you will also find helpful advice on successful wildlife watching, as well as details of guided nature watches for those who want to learn the ropes. The interactive adventure map is a brilliant resource to help pinpoint the tour guide nearest you, including providers right here in Stirling.
There has never been a better time to explore natural Scotland, no matter how inexperienced you may be. So, treat yourself to a pair of sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof and a pair of binoculars, and get out there!
Photo credits:
