What to do on a rainy day
Unique Experiences
Sir Walter Scott Steamship – Loch Katrine
Although the 120-year-old Steamship Sir Walter Scott is currently out of the water for repairs you can still cruise Loch Katrine in her sister craft Lady of the Lake or book a family group charter for up to 8 people on Osprey. Loch Katrine is a National Nature Reserve and a cruise around the loch will reveal the surrounding woodlands, moorlands and high peaks. There are also a range of activities, events, shops and cafés at either the Stronachlachar or Trossachs Piers. Why not hire a bike and take it on board for the morning sail and cycle back along the shores?
Hamilton Toy Collection – Callander
One of Scotland’s hidden gems, this family run, private, museum offers visitors a chance to revisit their childhood. One of the largest private toy collections in the UK, the museum is housed in a small terrace and is packed to the rafters with Matchbox cars, Hornby trains, Teddy bears by Steiff and a huge collection of actions figures. Inspired by the toys of the 1950s the collection is a labour of love for the Hamilton family and their enthusiasm spills out over 3 floors. In the book, Uncommonly British Day Out, the authors perfectly sum up the Hamilton Family: Not dour collectors or traders in false memories, but real enthusiasts, they have built a very big toy cupboard for all of us. They have surrounded themselves with their (and our) playful past for common good. And then they have poured it all over their house. This is the loft of dreams. Go and have a poke around.
The world’s first and only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel is a marvel of engineering and ingenuity. The Wheel was Designed to connect the Forth and Clyde Canals, which before the lift was opened, were connected by 11 locks and took a day to pass through. The Wheel has attracted more than 5.5 million visitors since it opened to the public in 2002. From the comfort of a covered canal boat you can see right across central Scotland and get a bird’s eye view of the neighbouring Kelpies. Visitors can opt for the short, 35-minute spin through one rotation of the wheel, or a 60-minute mini cruise starting and ending with a turn on the Wheel.
Heritage & History
Once the home of the Stewart kings and queens, built high on a volcanic outcrop, there has been a castle on the site since 1490. Stirling Castle was originally built by James IV and was the principle residence of the Scottish monarchy until 1603 when James VI ascended to the English throne. The interiors of the castle have been painstakingly restored over the past 20 years and are now faithful to their Renaissance origins. Highlights include the Royal Palace, The Great Hall, The Chapel, the Great Kitchens and the Stirling Tapestries. There are plenty of activities for children throughout the high season as well as guided and audio tours.
Famous for its starring role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail in 1975, more recently Doune Castle has made appearances as Castle Leoch in Outlander and Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Built in 1361 by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, no expense was spared in its construction and it is one of the most complete medieval castles in Scotland. Many of the interior spaces are still intact and you can visit the Lord’s Hall, Upper Hall, Great Hall and kitchens and explore the labyrinth of smaller rooms, connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. Be sure to take the audio guided tour narrated by Monty Python’s Terry Jones.
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre - Bannockburn
Built to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn this £10 million, state-of-the-art immersive visitor centre harnesses 21st century digital technology to to virtually recreate the experiences of those who took part in the original battle. Using interactive role play, visitors are encouraged take command of their own virtual battlefield and interact with your troops.
National Wallace Monument – Stirling
This gothic monument to Sir William Wallace was built in 1861 at the height of Victorian Britain’s obsession with all things Scottish. The fact that the monument celebrated Wallace’s victory in the First War of Scottish Independence being rather lost on the English tourists, who flocked there in their thousands. The 220ft sandstone edifice must be climbed up 246 steep spiral steps to reach the summit where you can visit the galleries or admire the view across the Ochils and Forth Valley. Those who are unable to make the steep climb can visit the Keeper’s Lodge and Visitor Centre at ground floor level.
Arts & Environment
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum - Stirling
Founded as a contemporary art gallery, museum and library in 1874, the Stirling Smith continues to exhibit works by contemporary artists along with works from their own extensive collection of Scottish artworks and artefacts- including the world’s oldest football. The Smith is also home to the Cunninghame Graham library, dedicated to the life and work of Bontine Cunninghame Graham, the Victorian adventurer who became the first ever socialist MP and founder of the National Party of Scotland.
MacRobert Arts Centre –Stirling
Stirling’s art house cinema, art complex and theatre, they also screen new blockbuster releases throughout the day from 12.00 onwards. Perfect for keeping children happy on a rainy day, the Macrobert offers a comfortable and affordable cinema experience and is much used, and loved, by locals. The centre stages a year-round programme of comedy, music, dance and theatre productions and is well known for its spectacular Pantomime season.
Scotland’s centre for building conservation is much more fun than you’d imagine. With play areas, regular exhibitions, guided tours, courses and Wee Builders sessions for children there is always something to see and do. Adults can learn how to maintain older properties and see how Scottish interiors have evolved over the past 500 years.
Argaty Red Kites is Central Scotland’s only feeding station and offers visitors a choice of 4 hides, ranging from the public access hide, holding 30 people to 1-4-person private hire hides. Ideal for close up views of the red kite’s aerobatics, the hides are also ideal for wildlife photographers. Over 100 different types of birds have been recorded at Argaty as well as red squirrels and roe deer. There are also regular conservation events for children as well wildlife photography workshops for all ages.
Distillery Tours
The McQueen Gin Experience – Callander
Callander’s local award-winning distillery opened its doors in 2016. Since then they have developed 15 uniquely flavoured craft gins and moved into larger premises, increasing their capacity by 1000%. Pre-booking is essential on their guided tours and visitors will be rewarded with a tasting session when the tour is over. Adults only.
Opened in 1975 and housed in an 18th century cotton mill, Deanston is known for its Highland single malt whiskies. Visitors can book a place on a guided tour, whisky tastings or sample whisky straight from the cask in the Warehouse 4 Experience. Not suitable for children under 8 years old. Pre-booking essential.
Glenturret Distillery – Crieff
Home of the eponymous single malt, there has been a distillery on this site since 1775. Once better known as Famous Grouse Experience, the distillery was purchased by the Lalique group in 2018. The distillery offers 12 guided tours daily and pre-booking is essential.
Great for kids
Blair Drummond Safari Park – Blair Drummond
With a safari driving route as well as a safari walk, Blair Drummond also offers a range of covered areas in which to observe the animals. On a wet day why not take the safari drive and visit the sealions, macaques or take a covered boat ride around Chimp Island. With over 350 species of wild animals, from alpacas to zebras there’s enough at Blair Drummond to provide the family with a full day out.
McLaren Leisure Centre - Callander
Callander’s leisure centre offers a child -friendly, 20 metre, swimming pool, 8 metre climbing wall, Woodland Kingdom indoor soft play area and children’s swimming lessons along with a wide range of activities during the school holidays. For adults the centre offers an indoor sports hall, fitness centre and conditioning room, steam rooms, sauna and E Bike hire.
Shopping
Kilmahog Woollen Mill, Trossachs Woollen, Mill – Kilmahog
Twin outposts of Edinburgh Woollen Mills 2 miles from Callander on the A84 westbound. Expect to find Scottish clothing, gifts, Scottish foods and a Whisky shop (Kilmahog Woollen Mill). Both mills have a café serving coffee, tea and light snacks. In the spring and summer. you can visit the Highland Cows at the Trossachs Woollen Mill.
Scottish Wool Centre – Aberfoyle
Another outpost of Edinburgh Woollen Mills, in Aberfoyle, the Scottish Wool Centre offers free outdoor demonstrations by working sheep dogs, birds of prey and Indian runner ducks. Inside, this large outlet has a 150-seater restaurant as well as a Whisky and Food Hall. Expect to find Harris Tweed, James Pringle, Isle and PG Field clothing inside. There is also a kid’s play area and beer garden.
Scottish Antiques & Arts Centre, Doune
This cavernous converted barn is packed with antiques, collectables, gifts, homeware and fashion accessories and paintings. With something for every budget, you can spend hours browsing the dealer’s spaces and cabinets. Their restaurant, Café Circa, offers freshly prepared local produce, award winning home baking and is much used by Callander locals.