We know it’s nice to have a day out now and then, or do something a little different. Be it alone, or with family and friends, there are many things on around Scotland all year round. We’ve collected some of the most recent events and days out below to help you decide what to do with your spare time:
Bisley At Braidwood
Bisley at Braidwood is Scotland’s largest clay pigeon shooting venue set in a beautiful estate in the Scottish Borders overlooking the Eildon Hills, just 45 miles south of Edinburgh, 71 miles north of Newcastle Upon Tyne and 57 miles from Carlisle.
Tarbert Harbour
Nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne, some forty miles inland from the Kyles of Bute, East Loch Tarbert is a natural sheltered harbour at the heart of a heritage fishing village.
The Black Watch
The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star multi-award winning visitor attraction located in the beautiful city of Perth, Scotland. Redeveloped in 2013 the venue now comprises of The Black Watch Museum, Bistro @ The Castle, Gift Shop and a learning and access programme.
The Crawick Multiverse Trust
The Trust’s objectives are:
To contribute to the regeneration of the local community in Dumfries & Galloway through the provision of a visitor attraction of national significance.
To advance the arts through the creation of a land art site for the benefit and enjoyment of the public,
To advance public understanding and appreciation of the role of the landscape and environment as both material and site for art,
Visit Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) is one of Scotland’s most vibrant communities with events, exhibitions and activities taking place throughout the year. A lively fishing port, Kirkcudbright makes an ideal location for a weekend break or as a base to explore the beautiful south west of Scotland.
Shambellie House
Here at Shambellie House we offer workshops and courses delivered by experienced tutors on a range of creative topics, be it arts, heritage or environmental. All courses benefit from the wonderful location and Shambellie’s retreat-like nature, with stunning views and glorious grounds and an abundance of flora and fauna which can’t fail to inspire.
Dolphin Spirit Boat Trips
View the dolphins of the Moray firth from our RIB Mischief, travelling at high speed, covering a lot of ground looking for wildlife in the water, on the land and in the sky. We spend two hours on the water doing our best to find the dolphins for you by covering as much water as possible and using our years of experience and local knowledge to head to the most likely spots.
Derwent Water Marina
We think Derwent Water is the prettiest lake, close to Keswick and surrounded by the hills of Skiddaw, Cat Bells and Borrowdale.
The sheltered coves and islands, along with an abundance of wildlife, make this a fantastic lake to explore by boat.
During the Summer Season we hire out a range of paddle craft to suit all abilities, young and old and provide Taster Sessions and Courses to help build confidence and improve your skills.
Mellerstain House & Gardens
One of Robert Adam’s finest works and one of Scotland’s top architectural glories, the interior decoration at Mellerstain is simply stunning, including the Library ceiling, considered to be one of his masterpieces.
Walk in the footsteps of Adam and the Baillie family and discover for yourself a masterpiece both inside and out.
Silversands Trekking
Here at Silversands we pride ourselves in providing amazing opportunities to experience the breathtaking Silversands of Morar from horseback. Our trek leaders and staff are fully qualified and trained to the highest of standards.
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
Philanthropist, steel tycoon, writer, lecturer, entrepreneur – Andrew Carnegie was one of the great Scots of the 19th century.
Crieff Visitor Centre
Crieff Visitor Centre was opened in 1984 as an outlet Shop and Restaurant by the owners of Perthshire Paperweights and Buchan pottery.
Bisley At Braidwood
With our Victorian Clubhouse steeped in tradition and our Cottesloe Heath ground home to the famous Grouse Butts, High Tower and Crane, this really is one of the most beautiful Sporting Clay Shooting schools in the country. Our Cottesloe Heath ground boasts an impressive 76 traps featured over 30 stands that will test and delight you.
The Real Mary Kings Close
The renowned Japanese psychic, Aiko Gibo, came to visit The Real Mary King’s Close while making a film about the haunted places of Britain. When it came to stepping inside a room off Allan’s Close,
Black Isle Show
The Black Isle Show is the largest one day show in Scotland and is held on the first Thursday in August. The show hosts over 200 trade stands with a mixture of agricultural, industrial, and forestry amongst others.
Berwick Boat Trips
We are a family run business operating sea Trips and river Trips from Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
The “Border Belle is licensed by The Maritime and Coastguard Agency to accommodate up to 60 passengers and is fitted with the latest safety and navigational equipment.
The “Border Belle” has a toilet onboard.
Glenshee Ski & Snowboard
It’s 3,504 ft of mountain adventure that beckons to skiers and snowboarders alike. From invitingly easy to the surprisingly steep, Glenshee offers the most extensive skiing and snowboarding in Scotland.
Faulty Towers Aberdeen
Be part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a 3-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter at the Palm Court Hotel.
Scone Place
Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s favourite visitor attractions. It offers a great day out for all, full of history, art, outdoor activities, Gift & Food shops, and a Coffee Shop.
Explore the stunning art and architecture of the Palace, follow in the footsteps of 42 Scottish Kings across the Moot Hill, adventure through 100 acres of Gardens and Grounds, and relax in our Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop with a famous Scone at Scone.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre lies within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Located in the loch-side woodland adjacent to the Lomond Shores visitor complex, the unique setting and layout provide the perfect backdrop for a family day out.
Highland Fling Bungee
However you spell it: bungee jump, bunjee jump, bungy jump or bungi jump, it is the same thing and the most awesome adrenaline experience Scotland has to offer in the most iconic jump locations in the UK.
The Trimontium Museum, located in the heart of Melrose in the Scottish Borders, explores the story of Roman and Iron Age Scotland, a truly turbulent time in Scottish history. Awarded as a 5-star visitor attraction by Visit Scotland, Trimontium Museum displays one of the largest collections of Roman military artefacts in Britain, together with stunning immersive interactives that help bring the story to life.
The site oft he fort, which predates Hadrian’s Wall lies close to the nearby village of Newstead and is one of the largest Roman forts in Scotland, lying at the very edge of the Roman Empire. ‘Trimontium’ was the name given to the site by the Romans themselves, meaning ‘place of the three hills’, referring to the iconic Eildon Hills, a notable landmark of the central Scottish Borders. This group of hills was home to a large Iron Age native hillfort, high up on the slopes, overlooking Trimontium.
Previously lost in the mists of time, the fort of Trimontium was excavated between 1905 and 1910 by local solicitor, antiquarian and amateur archaeologist Dr. James Curle. Over 100 pits and wells were discovered containing a wealth of Roman material, including domestic items, cavalry and military equipment. Curle wrote a detailed and beautifully illustrated report, A Roman Frontier Post and its People’, first published in 1911, summarising his fantastic finds – and theorising why the fort had been abandoned by the Romans at least twice during its existence. Over the following decades, additional investigations and archaeological digs have taken place at the site, revealing further hidden secrets and adding new details to Trimontium’s story.
In 1989, a museum was established by the Trust to tell the story of Trimontium and bring its history to life. In recent years, the museum has undergone a major refurbishment – thanks to support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise Partnership, National Museums of Scotland, LIVE Borders, Scottish Borders Council and Museum & Galleries Scotland, the new Trimontium Museum opened at the Ormiston building in Melrose, in August 2021, with a greatly expanded gallery and collection, featuring items from the Newstead/Trimontium collection from the National Museums Scotland, as well as artefacts on loan from private collections. An official opening event took place in 2022 with the Duke of Gloucester, patron of the Trust, in attendance. In the Spring of this year an extension to the museum was completed, which is dedicated to education, research, community archaeology and digital technologies.
With one of the finest displays of Roman military objects in Britain, a beautiful shop, guided walks to the fort site, children’s activities, a series of talks, workshops and a myriad of community and outreach events, Trimontium has something for everyone.
Come and see for yourself and learn more about life at the very edge of the Empire. The museum is fully accessible and dog friendly.
Shambellie House
Shambellie is a Scottish Baronial style house built for the Stewart family in the 19th century. It is now a creative centre for arts, heritage and wellbeing courses and activities. Set in the historic village of New Abbey, Dumfries, the home of Sweetheart Abbey and New Abbey Corn Mill, it has panoramic views across to the Solway coast and the magnificent hill of Criffel.
At Shambellie House we offer workshops and courses delivered by experienced tutors eager to share their knowledge and skills. All courses benefit from the wonderful location and Shambellie’s retreat-like nature, with stunning views, glorious grounds and an abundance of flora and fauna which can’t fail to inspire. You can unleash your creative potential with courses in art, textiles, photography, writing and storytelling, or relax with some yoga, meditation or pilates. The workshops run year-round and new subjects are being added all the time. There is also an exciting programme of tours, trails, talks, concerts, exhibitions and family friendly workshops and events to inspire you. Set in ancient woodland, Shambellie has some great walks and trails to help you observe its rich ecosystem with many of the activities on offer making use of both the beautiful indoor, and the fabulous outdoor spaces.
So, whether you want to learn how to make your mark in drawing, try your hand at playing the harp, be creative with animation, paint, sew, write, there is something for everyone at Shambellie House.
For details of our programmes visit shambelliehouse.org
