Great staycations in Scotland

Indoor highlights

Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh 

Reawaken your inner child and see a collection of toys, games, dolls and books spanning over 200 years. From teddy bears and Raleigh Chopper bikes to Barbies, Lego and Buzz Lightyear, you're bound to have a day filled with nostalgia. For the little ones, let their creative minds spark joy at the dress up zone and puppet theatre.

Take a trip down memory lane at the Museum of Childhood 

Riverside Museum, Glasgow 

Learn about the evolution of Scottish transport all in one fantastic museum. Take a wander along the replica cobbled street showcasing Glasgow from the late 1800s – 1930s, where you'll get to experience history first-hand by stepping inside old shops, houses and even a subway station.

Of course, it wouldn't be a transport museum without many different modes of transport on show, ranging from horse-drawn carriages, vintage cars and motorcycles to trains, trams and bicycles.

The fun doesn't stop outside either, hop on board The Tall Ship Glenlee docked next to the museum and learn about life at sea.

Spend the day at Riverside Museum 

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Fife 

Learn about the humble beginnings of Scottish-born businessman Andrew Carnegie who later became one of the world's leading global philanthropists. This beautiful building oozes with historic charm where you'll enjoy interactive exhibits, local history and art and discover how Carnegie used his vast wealth to fund thousands of public libraries, support education and promote access to knowledge worldwide.

Visit Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries 

Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick, Scottish Borders

This beautifully restored 16th century tower tells the story of the Scottish Borders’ famous knitwear and tweed industry. Learn more about how the industry took shape through a range of fascinating displays of clothing, fabrics, photos and films with lots of hands-on activities added into the mix. With free entry, what more could you want? 

Enjoy a fashionable visit to the Borders Textile Towerhouse 

Perth Museum

New discoveries await you at Perth Museum. Inside, you'll find 10,000 years of history all in one place dating back from prehistoric Scotland through to the present day. Book a timeslot to see the Famous Stone of Destiny which was once used to crown Scottish and UK monarchs.

Other cool highlights you'll see during your day at the museum include impressive Pictish stones, a Strathmore meteorite fragment and a 3,000 year-old Carpow Logboat discovered by metal detectorist Scott McGukin on the River Tay estuary.

Visit Perth Museum 

Quick tips 

Before you embark on your big day out in Scotland, here are just a few things to keep in mind: 

• While permanent exhibitions are free across our museums and galleries, these attractions will regularly hold temporary exhibitions which will often require a small entry fee. 
• If you’re making the most of Scotland’s outdoors, be sure to wear good walking shoes. Many of our outdoor spaces can be quite steep or hilly. 
• The Scottish weather can be unpredictable at any time of year so make sure you have a good mix of outdoor and indoor attractions planned. 

Find more free days out in Scotland

South Queensferry and Forth Bridges Walk 

Best for: Scenic days by the sea 

The cobbled streets and colourful houses of South Queensferry create a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops for refreshments or a sit-down meal. 

The Forth Bridges area offers flat, well-maintained paths and is suitable for younger children and older adults who are seeking a gentle walk with lots of benches and rest spots to break up long sections. 

Of course, the main attraction is seeing the iconic three bridges in one view which includes the historic Forth Rail Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), The Forth Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. Kids will certainly enjoy watching the trains crossing while the adults will marvel at the history and quality of of the engineering. If you’ve got good sea legs, you might be tempted to head out into the water with boat trips available on the Firth of Forth. 

Follow the Forth Bridges Trail 

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Aviemore

Best for: Active families with boundless energy 

At Landmark Forest Adventure Park, you’ll find a mix of relaxing and more active experiences. From gentle woodland walks, the Butterfly House and maze, to exciting attractions like rope courses, zip wires and the water coaster. Younger children are well looked after too, with soft play areas and fun discovery trails. 

With plenty of places to sit, eat and take breaks, plus a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, families can explore at their own pace – making it easy for all, from grandparents to little ones. 

Take a trip to Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, West Lothian 

Best for: A relaxed day out 

Kids will love meeting and feeding the friendly farm animals, riding on the tractor train and exploring the large outdoor play areas with go-karts and adventure zones. At the same time, parents and grandparents can enjoy stepping back in time with the centre’s historic buildings, working farm displays and fascinating exhibitions. 

Spend the day at Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Lomond Woods Holiday Park, Loch Lomond 

With its spacious lodges sleeping up to 6-8 people, Lomond Woods Holiday Park is a great way to spend quality time with the family. It offers a good mix of on-site activities and easy access outdoor adventures from family-friendly walking trails and wildlife spotting to kayaking and paddleboarding.

You’ll also find some fantastic attractions just a short distance away including SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, Balloch Castle Country Park and Loch Lomond Shores. 

Book a family getaway at Lomond Woods Holiday Park

Comrie Croft, Perthshire 

Calling all adventure seekers, this one’s for you. Set on a 230-acre rewilded farm, book an eco-stay or enjoy a night under the stars while camping in ‘Nordic Katas’. 

For the kids, playtime is set to become a whole lot more fun with rope swings, woodlands and fairy houses galore. Older children and adults can hone their skills at the mountain bike trails or skills park and enjoy taking part in bushcraft activities. 

At night, gather round the campfire and toast some marshmallows or round off the evening with a BBQ feast. 

Make yourself feel at home at Comrie Croft

The Cuddies, Loch Lomond 

Relax and unwind with a glamping stay on a working farm. With its well-equipped pods sleeping up to 4-6 people, it's a great introduction for the kids to learn more about farm life. They'll get to meet lots of the four-legged residents including sheep, calves and goats. When you book a pod, you can expect a private hot tub, fire pit and outdoor seating, the perfect space for chilling out during the day or at night.

Discover the best of the Scottish countryside at The Cuddies

Coorie Retreats, Dumfries & Galloway 

Enjoy luxury glamping at its best. Upon arrival, you'll receive your very own welcome hamper with each cabin or dome offering everything from fully equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, private hot tubs, fire pits, a BBQ and even your very own cinema, perfect for family movie nights.

If you're looking to pamper yourself, head to the on-site spa facilities where you can relax in the sauna, dip into an Epsom salt bath or awaken your senses with a cold plunge. It's the perfect escape for those who want nature plus comfort.

Stay cosy at Coorie Retreats