Weather is too nice to stay indoors? Want to stretch your legs? Children need to run wild?  Then head to one of the UK's fantastic parks and playgrounds on offer and breath in that fresh air!

Parks and Playgrounds

The UK has a huge array of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. From the big hitters in London, such as the Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery, to exciting living museums where your family can step back in time (such as the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands or the Highland Folk Museum in the Cairngorms). These Museums let your kids get hands-on with history, attending School and learning about farming, crafts, and much more. Art Galleries are not just for the grown ups! They now have workshops and child-friendly trails to inspire even the youngest artists to start drawing.  So why not try out one of our Museums or Art Galleries on your next holiday?   

Museums and Art Galleries

Whatever your child's age there is always something to enjoy. Get cracking in  a multi-level play area where kids can climb, clamber and slide over all sorts of adventurous obstacles. What’s next? What about a ball pond where your children can dip and dive in a pool full of colourful balls? All of the above would make for serious family fun. Of course parents are not forgotten either as a cafe is never far away. You can relax with a tasty coffee and a slice of cake. What more could you want?

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

Feel like royalty and visit one of the UK’s beautiful palaces, castles or stately homes. We are lucky to be surrounded by amazing history and architecture here in the UK, and through several organisations we are able to visit and experience these amazing homes. Learn about the history of the buildings and residents, view the art and walk amongst the gardens. Many of these places also offer plenty of activities and guides for the children too! So why not visit one on your next trip?

Castles and Palaces

Whether you skate as a sport or just for fun, it's a great way to get your body moving when it's cold outside or to cool down during the summer months. It's also a wonderful activity to enjoy with your family or friends!  Ice skating has been a popular activity for centuries, and the act of gliding across ice on blades has probably been around for even longer! So why not head to the nearest rink today to have a fun filled session! 

Ice Skating

The number of heritage buildings still standing proudly across the UK is quite remarkable. Most of the UK's stately homes have hosted kings and queens, prime ministers, actors and poets – all manner of illustrious guests. Why not visit Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire which was built for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and  explore 2,000 acres of gardens. It’s no wonder UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987. Or Highclere Castle,  the backdrop to so many scenes of the Crawley family and their household in Downton Abbey!  Maybe Chatsworth takes your fancy? Better known to many as Pemberley in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. Don't forget Longleat House in Wiltshire, and make a day of it visiting the incredible Longleat Safari Park!  Stately homes frequently provide tours throughout the day as well as audio guides and information packs. Of course, let's not forget the children! Many of these stately homes have prepared children's guides, packs and quizzes so be sure to ask on your way in!

Stately Homes and Gardens

Art and crafting are wonderful pastimes and something the whole family can be involved in, whatever age and whatever skill!   Both children and adults can enjoy the wide range of things this relaxing (mostly!) hobby offers, from finger painting and clay modelling to sewing, woodcarving or basket making. As families are now looking for new things to do on holiday, many places are offering arty activities, or local artists will run day courses with lovely things to make.  And the bonus with this hobby is, there is always something to take home with you at the end!  Have a look at all the different art and craft activities to do in the area you are staying in and unleash your inner Michaelangelo!   

Arts and Crafts

Enjoy a day on the beach with all the family! The UK boasts some incredible coastlines, from the well-loved Cornwall coast to the secret sandy spots in Scotland. There is something for everyone!  Perfect for long walks, sandcastle making or laying back for some well deserved relaxation. 

Beaches

Explore the best caves, mines and caverns the UK has to offer! From the calm and the easy-going to the hard-core cave diving and abseiling, there is something for everyone. From Air Raid shelters and coal mining to discovering hidden Ice Age art and cathedrals, there is so much to uncover.

Caves and Mines

Enjoy your Escape to the countryside at an Activity Farm. Activity farms offer hands-on feeding with lots of  animals including workshops and experiences that help get you even closer to farm life.  Or Visit a fantastic and wild Zoo where you can see Rhinos, Bears, Lions, monkeys and more!

Childrens Farms and Petting Zoos

Trying to find shelter on a rainy day or enjoy a fun evening filled with laughter and popcorn? Visit one of the 775 cinemas in the UK to catch up on the latest blockbuster film releases!  Or fancy watching some live theatre, a music concert, a ballet, or comedy act? Then head to one of the UK's 1300 theatres!  Whether the West End, London is where you want to enjoy some of the UK's finest productions on offer, or Shakespeare's Globe where you can experience incredible performances and actors. Maybe you want to head to the  Festival Theatre in Edinburgh which stages some of the finest operas and ballets. There is something for everyone and definitely not to be missed!    

Cinemas and theatres

Climbing is a great way to test your strength, balance and agility. As both an indoor and outdoor sport it can be done whatever the weather! You can try out bouldering, climbing and traversing lower walls (around 3 meters) without the assistance of rope. Bouldering basics can be mastered in a few hours and climbing centers will have graded routes allowing you to start out on the easier paths and work your way up. Rock climbing or high ropes is climbing vertically with the assistance of ropes and using safety harnesses, the walls are around 15 meters tall. You will need a good nerve for heights for this activity! Again, beginner sessions are available as are graded routes.

Climbing

Crazy golf is a great way to spend an afternoon with freinds and family. There are loads of different types of courses, from simple to complex with different kinds of features. It's a great way to get started with golfing, and requires no previous experience to get going. 

Crazy Golf Courses

Thinking of delving into the world of karting? We're sure you're raring to go! Well don't think twice and book yourself and friends or all the family on an ultimate go karting experience! Once you're kitted out with the appropriate gear, you'll have your safety talk that tells you everything you need to know about racing, so listen up! When that's over and you're out on the track,  go karts pack a mean punch...  On your mark, get set, GO!  

Go Karting

Ever imagined galloping along a beach?  Maybe you're more of a fantasy fan or just enjoy spending time with animals, either way horse riding might be for you. A great outdoor activity for the whole family with children able to start from as young as 4. It is an amazing way to take in local scenery, connect with nature, have a little adventure or enjoy at a relaxing pace.   

Horse Riding

Discover some of the  UK's most beautiful lakes... Some of the most picturesque lakes and lochs can be found in Scotland, Snowdon, North Wales and the Lake District.  The UK's largest lake is Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland and England's largest lake is Windermere. England's deepest lake is Wastwater at a depth of 79 metres!    A vast amount of activities can be enjoyed including walking, sailing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and not forgetting fishing!  Enjoy a picnic at these ideal locations for family and friends outings! 

Lakes around the UK

Learn to paint or refine your skills... Painting is a completely inclusive activity for the whole family!  Head to a pottery painting class with your friends and take away a keepsake from your holiday! Or let the kids express their creative side with some hand painting!  Maybe you're already proficient and want to polish your brush technique. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Painting workshops

Pottery is an ancient craft and great fun! Sometimes a little messy, anyone can have a go at either hand building a pot, or getting to grips with a throwing wheel. You can create something beautiful and uniquely yours in no time at all. Families can enjoy together and kids as young as 2 can play with clay, or have a go at painting a pre-made pot. It’s the perfect wet weather or winter activity.

Pottery

Spend the day creating your very own handcrafted pot, vase, or bowl. Or if you have less time on your hands why not try painting a premade version?  A relaxing, indoor family activity. Perfect for creatives and on a rainy day visit one of the many ceramic cafes for coffee, tea, cakes, and of course, crafting!   

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Dumfries and Galloway is an area in Southwest Scotland - not too far from the boarder with England - and encompasses the counties of Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbright and Wigtownshire.   It is a beautiful part of Scotland, with a rolling coastline of rocks and sandy beaches and further inland, acres of forest and green space. There are some stunning castles to explore around here, and whether you are a history lover or not, you cannot help be impressed by some of these Scottish fortresses.  The fairytale Caelaverock Castle in Dumfries is a stunning example of a medieval stronghold, surrounded by a moat and a twin gatehouse.  It is great to explore around and kids will love the castle themed adventure park.  Threave Castle is a large tower structure situated on an island on the River Dee and is only accessible by boat.  If you'd rather a fully intact castle then take a day trip to Drumlanrig, a beautiful 17th century castle with a lavish interior.  This is a full day out affair; you can explore inside the castle (it has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and 4 towers) or around the 90,000 acre estate - every effort has been made to make sure you have fun!  You can go on a ranger-led wildlife walk, try salmon fishing, go mountain biking or just run wild at the adventure playground, there is masses to do here for everyone.  There are many other family friendly parks and attractions across the district, Mabie Farm Park, Dino Park, Cream O'Galloway and Dalscombe farm, just to name a few.  You will never be short of things to do with all the family if you plan a holiday here.   When you come to Scotland, make sure you include Dumfries and Galloway in your visit! 

Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland, UK

East Ayrshire, South West Scotland, UK

East Dunbartonshire

East Renfrewshire, South West Scotland, UK

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Helensburgh and Lomond

Inverclyde, South West Scotland, UK

North Ayrshire

North Lanarkshire, South West Scotland, UK

Renfrewshire, South West Scotland, UK

South Ayrshire, South West Scotland, UK

South Lanarkshire, South West Scotland, UK

West Dunbartonshire

Southwest Scotland is a great place for holiday to remember and has something for all the family.  From scenic road trips to adrenaline-laden adventures, this extraordinary part of Scotland has a huge amount to explore and enjoy. 

South Western Scotland

Scotland is an extraordinary and diverse country.  The beautiful countryside, the vibrant cities, icy mountain peaks, white sandy beaches and picturesque towns and villages combine to make a truly awesome holiday destination, whether you are looking for an adrenaline filled adventure, a cultural trip or a relaxing beach break.  You can see all sorts of wildlife; deer, birds, puffins, seals, whales and dolphins.  There are hundreds of castles to explore; Dunrobin, Eilean Donan, Craigievar, Bannockburn and Caerlaverock to name a few; these fortresses are testaments to Scotlands rich past - a place where all corners are steeped in history.  Scotland is an adventure playground; skiing in the Cairngorms National Park, kayaking in the outer Hebrides, scaling waterfalls in Kinlochleven - it is a land of outdoor pursuits.  Whatever kind of holiday you are looking for, Scotland has it all. 

Scotland

England, UK

Northern Ireland

Wales

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

Places nearby

east-ayrshire

east-dunbartonshire

east-renfrewshire

glasgow

helensburgh-and-lomond

inverclyde

north-ayrshire

north-lanarkshire

renfrewshire

Things to do in dumfries-and-galloway