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The best Easter Egg Hunts in Stirling 2018

by ssc | Mar 15, 2018 | Blog

Easter. Scotland is on the verge of bursting into bloom, and the days are noticeably longer. It’s time for getting outdoors, and catching up with the kids now the school term has finished. To help you plan an Easter to remember, we’ve rounded up some of the best family events throughout Stirlingshire.

Take an Easter Egg Special steam train at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Take an Easter Special steam train at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Fancy an Easter egg hunt at Culross Palace – for Outlander fans too!

Extra-special Easter days out

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway: The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 30, Saturday 31, Sunday 1 April and Monday 2 April. The journey from Bo’ness to Manuel takes around 70 minutes, but all tickets are Day Rovers, so you can hop on and hop off as you like. All children will receive an Easter treat on board. Stay all day and explore the Museum, Model Railway and the railway site via the Visitor Trail at Bo’ness and the stations along the line. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet, and an Easter egg hunt in the Museum, and loads of fun activities, too. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in the comfort of the picnic railway carriages alongside the platform. Help yourself to a free booklet to follow the brass rubbing trail from Bo’ness Station to the Museum. There are eight brass rubbings to find on the way. For more information, see: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/easter-egg-specials-2018-news/

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with National Trust: Cadbury have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland again this year to create Easter Egg Hunts in some of Scotland’s most historic settings. Chocolate and culture, combined! The nearest hunts to Stirling take place from Good Friday to Easter Monday. And they are at Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, Culross Palace, Fife, and House of the Binns in Linlithgow. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website. There are lots of free downloads on the site for fun Easter activities at home, too: https://easter.cadbury.co.uk/

Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Scotland: Not to be outdone, Historic Scotland are celebrating Easter too. Their Easter Eggsplorer Trails take place in iconic castles, abbeys, forts and palaces throughout Scotland. All you need to do is find the clues and complete the challenge to be a winner. Drop-in throughout the day, and the events are included in normal admission. The nearest participating venue to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, from Good Friday to Easter Monday. You can search for other venues here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=297608b0-3502-4fde-9195-a6cc00fa3d0c

Brilliant, budget, Easter fun

Easter Egg Hunt at Muiravonside Country Park: For just £1, collect your trail map from Muiravonside’s café and follow the clues left by the Easter bunny. Find all the eggs that he has hidden around the park, complete all the challenges and collect your prize from the café. Take some time to see the animals in the farmyard too! From Saturday 31 March to Monday 2 April. Muiravonside is around a 20-minute drive from Stirling. It’s definitely worth a visit on its own merit. For more information: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/event.aspx?eid=6122&did=31684

Easter Hunt at the Helix: Again, for the princely sum of £1, hop on down to The Helix this April to take part in their Easter Hunt! Collect a clue sheet from the Plaza Cafe or Visitor Centre and follow the trail around the park to see if you can find the hidden treasures. Clue sheets will contain a number of puzzles, and a map to help you find the clues which are hidden around the park. Participants will receive an Easter treat, and there will be dairy-free alternatives for children with allergies. From Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April. The Helix is around a 15-minute drive from Stirling. It’s a spectacular place, with free entry and activities for all. For more information: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/event.aspx?eid=6119&did=31681

See the Kelpies on your Helix Easter egg hunt

Egg hunts, farm animals, and fresh air at Muiravonside Country Park

Photo credits:

Boness and Kinneil: By Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Kelpies image: Kindly supplied by the Kelpies Team.
Muiravonside: By Mike Smith [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Light up November

by ssc | Nov 8, 2017 | Blog

The clocks have changed and the mercury’s falling – November is always the month when we realise we’re on the road to winter. But there’s plenty to celebrate in November, so throw another log on that fire and huddle up with your diary!

Join the Supernova 5K to light up the Kelpies at dusk

Join in the fun of Stirling’s Christmas lights switch-on

Supernova 5K

What better way to light up the darker evenings than with a run, jog or walk round the Helix Park? There are still slots left in the Supernova 5K for this Sunday, 10 November. Round up everyone – grandparents, uncles, aunties, parents, kids, friends and dig out anything that glows or flashes. Get yourselves suitably sparkly and set off at your own pace – there are no time limits at all. And by the way, fancy dress is strongly encouraged. This event is for everyone – from runners striving for a personal best, to the toddler taking their first steps. Enjoy. For more information, and booking (hurry!), visit: https://www.supernovarun.com/kelpies/

Christmas Lights Switch On

Come and see Santa and his reindeer start the festive celebrations in Stirling City Centre on Sunday 17 November. Santa’s reindeer will be outside the Albert Halls from 1.00pm. They will then join Santa and some special friends and set off through the city centre at 2.00pm, winding their way through Corn Exchange and down King Street, Murray Place, Friars Street, Baker Street, Corn Exchange then returning to the Albert Halls for a well-earned rest until 3.15pm. Host Jennie Cook will keep everyone entertained with festive fun at the foot of King Street from 3pm. The entertainment will include performances from Stirling High School, the Tolbooth Young Performers, Funbox and local singer Alix Muir, who will keep the crowd dancing with her pop covers until the big switch on at 5.00pm. And it’s all free! For more information, visit: www.stirlingwinterfestival.com

Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure

November 22 opens the annual Macrobert Panto Extravaganza, whose tickets sell like hot-cakes, so it’s wise to choose your dates now. This year’s panto is written by, directed by and starring the fabulous Johnny McKnight in ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life with no telly, no Wi-Fi and no dry shampoo! But she has dreams – of walking barefoot around the mythical land they call Tullibody, of meeting her one true love and singing a duet, and of getting her hair cut. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco is armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. The show runs 22 Nov to 31 Dec. For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/

St Andrew’s Day

Scotland’s patron saint was known for his thoughtfulness and concern for others – so this St. Andrew’s Day the National Wallace Monument will follow his ethos to share with others by providing all visitors FREE ADMISSION. You’ll want to be at the Monument bright and early on Saturday 30th November to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day 2019 with free admission (Saturday only), face painting and performances of ‘Scotland’s National Hero‘. The Monument and Legends Coffee House will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and there are lots of great ideas for some early Christmas shopping in the Souvenir & Gift Shop. Wrap up warm and celebrate the country’s patron saint while learning more about another national treasure – Sir William Wallace. For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/st-andrews-day/

Panto fun at the Macrobert

Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew’s Day

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Summer holiday fun in Stirling

by ssc | Jun 15, 2017 | Blog

From Highland Games to ceilidhs, to summer storytelling, music festivals and even Jedi training – Stirling has everything you could ever want for a school holiday your family will never forget!

Traditional events at Stirling Highland Games

Whether at Bridge of Allan’s Highland Games, or Stirling’s, you’ll enjoy some local colour!

Bridge of Allan Highland Games

Visit this beautiful Victoria spa town for a unforgettably Scottish day out on Sunday 6 August. There will be Highland dancing, pipe bands, and a full programme of traditional Highland Games competitions covering athletics, cycling, heavyweights, tossing the caber, and wrestling. There will be plenty of interesting stalls to browse as well as food stands and even an adjoining fairground for the kids. Bus and car parking is free and there are two car parks. That’s one day out sorted! For info: http://bofagames.com/

Summer fun outdoor sessions at the Helix

The Helix Park has organised a packed programme of fun outdoor activities for the wee ones from the 7th of July until the 17th of August. There are sessions for all ages and interests, from the Under 5s Hungry Caterpillar and Incy Wincy Spider, to 5-8 years Woodland Treasure Hunts and Jedi Training, right to Mad Scientists and Den Building for those who’re 8 plus, to Fire and Food Sessions for kids over 10! For these and even more ideas, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/all-events/helix-summer-outdoor-fun-sessions/

Summer Ceilidhs

These have become one of Stirling’s ‘must-do’ summer events and sell out quickly, so do book now. They are suitable for all the family, locals and visitors alike, and for anyone who likes a jig, no matter whether they know the dances or not. These ceilidhs will gently introduce you to ceilidh culture, with dances led by a ‘caller’ who will talk you right through the moves. The ceilidh band features some of Scotland’s finest musicians and is a brilliant way to meet new friends and enjoy a great night out. They run on 12 July, 3 and 23 August at The Tolbooth, Stirling. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/

Doune the Rabbit Hole

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to introduce your kids to Festival culture, then this it. Doune the Rabbit Hole is an intimate, independent music & arts festival located amidst the glorious ancient oak trees of the Cardross Estate, near the Lake of Menteith in Stirlingshire. The Festival started life in 2010, at a site near Doune (hence the name!) and for the last seven years has been growing in popularity and celebrating the very best of Scotland’s independent/DIY arts scene alongside amazing international guests. This is a fabulous event for all the family on the weekend of 18-20 August. For tickets: http://dounetherabbithole.co.uk/

Stirling Highland Games

One of the City of Stirling’s signature annual events, Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions. The games field behind Stirling Sports Village offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. There’s a full programme of traditional events that include running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. Enjoy piping performances throughout the day, too. In addition, the Traders Village will present its own foodie festival, with great Scottish fayre on offer. Sample from the hog roast, craft beers, Prosecco bar, ice creams, preserves, and whisky stalls. And get hands-on with some foodie activities with the experts. http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Summer Story Trails

Need something quieter for the very little ones? Then join storyteller Daniel Serridge for a story walk around some of Stirling University’s most interesting sculptures this summer. Dress for the weather and bring your sling or all-terrain buggies. A brilliant activity for kids ages 0 to 6 years and their grown-ups. These run on 1, 8 Aug 10-10:45am. 1, 8 Aug 11-11:45am. 1, 8 Aug 12-12:45pm. 1, 8 Aug 2-2:45pm from the Macrobert Arts Centre. For tickets, see: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/summer-story-trails-age-2—7/

There is a packed programme of events for families at the Helix this year,
and why not see the Kelpies, too

Storytelling on Stirling University Campus

Enjoy a story walk with your little ones in the beautiful Stirling University campus

Photo credits:

Stirling Highland Games images kindly supplied by Stirling Highland Games, and copyright Bryan Robertson.
Stirling University Image: By University of Stirling (University of Stirling) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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It’s Christmas! Dancing, singing, crafting, watching. You choose!

by ssc | Dec 8, 2016 | Blog

Many of us would admit that the journey to Christmas is as festive as the day itself – if not more so. So, if you love to stack up a few events to get you and your family feeling Christmassy, then why not try one – or all – of these four traditional Christmas pastimes?

Ceilidh magic at Ghillie Dhu

Theatre or ballet this Christmas? What's your choice?

Theatre or ballet this year? What’s your choice?

Dancing

There are still a few precious tickets left for the Tolbooth’s increasingly popular Christmas ceilidhs on 10 December. With a family-focused ceilidh at 3pm, and then a more grown-up version starting at 8pm, this is a brilliant way for everyone to get a taste for traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing. No experience needed – the band will talk you through everything, and mistakes are part of the fun! For tickets (hurry), see: http://culturestirling.org/whats-on/

If you miss out on tickets, why not plan a Christmas day out in Edinburgh before enjoying dinner and dancing at the Ghillie Dhu in Rutland Place, Edinburgh. You can dine and dance there right up till 24 December. And if you get together a group of six or more, they will throw in some fizz too. For details: http://ghillie-dhu.co.uk/ceilidh/

Watching

Nothing is more traditional than theatre at Christmas. And what could be more festive than a production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? On 16-17 December, this American family classic comes to the Tolbooth, Stirling. Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, six actors will play not only the radio actors, but the dozens of characters they in turn portray from Frank Capra’s heart-warming movie. In its fifth year, this production is gathering a fervent following, so book tickets soon: http://culturestirling.org/events/wonderful-life-radio-play-stage-3/

Prefer a fairy-tale at Christmas? Then watch the Macrobert’s screening of The Nutcracker, live from the Royal Opera House, from 8-15 December. For tickets, see: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/royal-opera-house-the-nutcracker-26/

Crafting

For many people, Christmas means crafting. If you fancy some grown-up crafting but want both the materials and guidance on hand, why not book a festive crafting workshop at Green Aspirations in Balfron Station? The sessions use natural, sustainable materials to create wreaths, wall-hangings, baubles, wrapping paper, cards and gift tags. To book, and to enquire about children’s drop in craft sessions, see: http://www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk/workshops

If you’re getting ready for Stirling’s New Year, there are a series of lantern making workshops to get you all set for the celebrations on the 31 December. The workshops take place in the Old Town Jail until 30 December. For details on the sessions, and the Hogmanay celebrations, see: http://www.stirlingwinterfestival.com/

Singing

It feels good to give your voice a rare outing at Christmastime. Why not clear your throat for a carol or two in the splendid surroundings of Stirling Castle on 11 December? Enjoy a glass of mulled wine as the Stirling contingent of the National Youth Choir of Scotland perform some classic carols and Christmas songs. Booking is essential! For tickets, visit: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/carols-at-the-castle/

If you’re after a medley of modern Christmas classics, some brass, and some famous faces on top of your traditional carols, then head to the Albert Halls on 16 December. There, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil Cunningham deliver a fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. Bring the family and get seriously Christmassy. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/

If you miss out on these or simply want more, then Stirling City Choir’s annual Christmas Carol Concert takes place at the Church of the Holy Rude on 10 December from 7.30 pm. For information, see: http://www.stirlingcitychoir.org.uk/

Stirling University’s annual lunchtime Christmas Carol Concert takes place on campus on 13 December. This event, along with refreshments, is free, but you should book your place: http://www.stir.ac.uk/events/2016/december/christmasconcert/name-138652-en.html

Create your own green Christmas decorations this year

Create your own Christmas decorations this year

The Church of the Holy Rude – just one of the many venues for Christmas carols this year

Photo credits:

Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling: By Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK (The Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling, nave) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Ghillile Dhu ceilidh image reproduced with kind permission from Ghillie Dhu: http://ghillie-dhu.co.uk/
Handcrafted wreath image reproduced with kind permission from Green Aspirations: http://www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk/

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Messing about on the water – in and around Stirling

by ssc | Jul 6, 2016 | Blog

There’s nothing that says summertime quite like messing about on the water. We’ve handpicked some brilliant ways for you to do just that, with the absolute minimum of travel from your Stirling base.

Paddling the waters of the Forth with Unicorn Paddle

Paddling beneath Stirling’s city centre bridges with Unicorn Paddle

A novel way to see Scotland’s most beautiful waterways

Fishing: If your idea of being on the water is sitting in a boat watching for a bite, then Swanswater Fishery may just be for you. It’s just 15 minutes from the centre of Stirling. This fishery boasts three ponds, of which the biggest is a full ten-acre expanse. You can fly fish from one of the three well-maintained fishing platforms, or hire one of the fishery’s three boats. Rainbow, Brown, Blue, Tiger and Golden trout are all stocked daily, to supplement the natural population of brown trout. For more information, see: http://www.swanswater-fishery.co.uk/

Stand Up Paddling: It seems that one of the best ways to see Scotland’s waters is by ‘stand up paddling’. And you don’t even know how to do it to have a crack. Unicorn Paddling offer lessons and nature expeditions throughout Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Fife Coast and many more locations throughout Scotland. And what makes their offer even more attractive is that they will pick you up free of charge from several locations throughout Stirling and the Stirling area, in order to get to your location of choice. Unicorn Paddling provide wetsuits, gloves, and literally everything you will need to keep cosy as you explore Scotland’s waters in this brilliant new way. Trips depend on wind speeds of less than 8 miles per hour. Check out their website here to create your own SUP adventure! www.unicornpaddle.co.uk

The Helix watersports: Home to the now world-famous Kelpies, The Helix in Falkirk offers water sports for all the family. It’s just 17 minutes’ drive from Stirling too. You will find everything from pedalos to canoeing and kayaking on the Helix plaza’s man-made ‘lagoon’. It’s a very safe environment for those less experienced on the water, with life guards on the shore at all times. During school holidays, explore the instructor-led water-sports events. For younger family members, there’s also the splash zone, with random water jets and waterfalls to play in on warmer summer days. For full information on these and more activities at the Helix, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

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 the last Sunday of June, July and August, while the town cruises run daily from 4 July to 12 August. 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 14 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/

Plenty of water fun at the Helix

Messing about on the water at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Photo credits:

Linlithgow Canal Centre: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Stand up Paddling Photos: Images kindly supplied by Unicorn Paddling, http://unicornpaddle.co.uk/, Copyright Unicorn Paddling.

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