TRUST US FOR A FAMILY DAY OUT
We tried the National Trust for Scotland's Culzean Castle, from history to adventure, there's something for everyone
ASK any parent - finding a place all the family will enjoy for a day out can be tricky.
But we may just have found the answer - Culzean Castle.
And the best bit is, as well as having great fun family day out, visiting the stunning spot in Maybole, South Ayrshire, also means you are supporting the incredible work of the National Trust for Scotland.
“The National Trust for Scotland is all about protecting and conserving our heritage and special places and keeping the stories of Scotland alive so that we can all enjoy them.”
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The charity cares for more than 100 of the country’s stunning historic sites and natural landscapes, protecting them for future generations and allowing everyone to share in their beauty.
And there truly is something for everyone.
My daughters, Molly, 13, and Maisie, 10, and I were eager to explore Culzean Castle – and we had a blast there.
Perched on the cliff-tops, Culzean was the seat of the Kennedy family, one of the oldest clans in Scotland, and the castle was clearly built to impress, with opulent décor and a sweeping Oval Staircase at its heart.
The imposing entrance hall, where Trust staff Gordon Nelson and Karolyn Miller, both in 18th century costumes, welcome visitors, is home to one of the largest collections of British military flintlock pistols in the world.
Exploring inside a historic house may not appeal to kids at first but a brilliant LEGO Explorer Trail had my girls hooked as we hunted for wee figures from Culzean’s past.
Tucked into curtain folds, perched on top of ornate picture frames or inside book cabinets, this fun challenge makes it super easy to enjoy the treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.
Our favourite places were the spectacular Round Drawing Room, with its panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde to Arran, and the busy kitchen, which boasts an impressive collection of copper pans and other utensils.
The last of the LEGO figures found, we were keen to head outdoors.
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You do not need to make an appointment or attend yourself – the vaccines are given to young people at clinics run in schools. And if you’ve missed vaccination day don’t worry, there will be time to catch up.
Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland, said: “Before these vaccinations were available, diseases like diphtheria and tetanus were responsible for a large number of deaths, including among children, every year.
“Some of the diseases these vaccines protect against have almost disappeared from the UK as a result of so many people being vaccinated against them over the years.
“But we need to maintain high vaccination uptake rates to reduce the risk of infections occurring.
“Cases of meningitis still occur throughout the year and young people have a higher risk of getting and spreading this disease because they are likely to have lots of close contact with other youngsters.
“Being vaccinated is the best thing you can do to help protect your child against serious vaccine preventable diseases.”
The most recent data shows that boys are less likely to get the MenACWY and DTP vaccines than girls. They are also less likely to get the HPV vaccine, even though it is now offered to all S1 pupils in Scotland.
"My daughters, Molly, 13, and Maisie, 10, and I were eager to explore Culzean Castle – and we had a blast there."
Gordon Nelson
Culzean is set in almost 300 acres of mixed woodland, with a network of pathways, three miles of cliffs, rocky shore, sandy bays and two playgrounds.
Adventure Cove is perfect for younger ones – a massive wooden fort-style play park with swings, slides, sand and turrets to climb up – while the Wild Woodland is more challenging.
The girls loved whizzing through the trees on the zipline there and climbing the scramble net, while I edged along a series of wooden walkways through the trees.
Both play areas are fenced and feel very safe, and the girls would happily have spent all afternoon there – but for the promise of ice creams from the nearby Swan Pond Café.
Refreshed and ready for more, we walked down to the Walled Garden, which has two distinct parts: one full of pretty flowers and shrubs, the other where a wide variety of fruit and vegetables are grown.
The girls were also keen to stop at the Deer Park, to admire the herd of red deer and fallow deer, as well as llamas, there.
We’d had such a wonderful day but all too soon it was time to head home.
WHAT IS THE
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND
AND HOW CAN I SUPPORT IT?
Looks after more than 100 stunning sites
THE National Trust for Scotland is an independent charity, mainly funded by members and supporters.
Its purpose is to protect, care for, share and champion Scotland’s heritage, treasured places and natural landscapes – now and for future generations.
Cares for 76,000 hectares of countryside
Maintains 10,000 archaeological sites
Takes care of 245 miles of mountain footpaths
Tends to 100,000 plants in its gardens
Protects eight National Nature Reserves
THE NATIONAL
TRUST FOR SCOTLAND
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND
AT NTS.ORG.UK
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Next time we’ve decided we’ll go down to the beach to search for sea creatures, like urchins and starfish, in the rock pools first.
I’m also keen to explore the large caves there, where people lived back in Neolithic times. They are a Scheduled National Monument and an important part of the area’s ancient history.
It’s amazing to think of the sheer range of activities and things to see and do at Culzean, but none of it would be accessible for everyone to enjoy without the Trust and their dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Gordon, who welcomed us at the start our visit, is the Collections Care Officer at Culzean. He is about to start a major cleaning operation – using specialist conservation brushes and mini vacuum cleaners to clear all the dust away from the castle’s many artefacts over the winter.
Born in Maybole, Gordon, 67, loves his work and says no two days are the same. He says: “As a boy Culzean was my playground – it’s a joy to help look after this place that I’ve known all my life.
“The National Trust for Scotland is all about protecting and conserving our heritage and special places and keeping the stories of Scotland alive so that we can all enjoy them.”
"Adventure Cove is perfect for younger ones"
NATIONAL Trust for Scotland’s adventure playgrounds are the perfect way for kids to discover our fascinating heritage – and let off steam at the same time.
Here are five of the best:
Weehailes is themed on the Newhailes story and has been specially developed for younger children. Little ones will love climbing, crawling, sliding and exploring in this amazing space, which also has turrets and high-level walkways.
Inspired by the island’s rich natural heritage, this playground offers an amazing experience for children of all ages. Clamber up the Squirrel Tower and run through the trees on the high-level walkways, cross rope bridges, then explore the Otter area as you crawl through the glass-bottomed tunnel.
Created using storm-felled trees from the Drum woodland and wider estate, this brand new natural play area encourages children and families to explore and re-imagine ‘traditional’ play in exciting new ways. Clamber and climb over giant tree structures and carved oak sculptures set in an acre of space.
This fabulous Burns-themed play area is perfect for young visitors – it’s full of fun features including a mini Burns Cottage, Tam o’ Shanter zip wire, Witches’ Cauldron roundabout and Auld Kirk climbing wall.
Conquer the heights of the Green Lady’s Tower, scramble up the rock face challenge and zoom between the trees on the zip wire. There are also slides, sandpits, high-level walkways and a see-through walkway to keep youngsters entertained.
1. WEEHAILES, NEWHAILES HOUSE & GARDENS EAST LOTHIAN
2. ISLE BE WILD, BRODICK CASTLE, ISLE OF ARRAN
3. LITTLE OAKS, DRUM CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE, DRUMOAK ABERDEENSHIRE
4. SCOTS WA-HEY, ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, ALLOWAY, SOUTH AYRSHIRE
5. WILD WOOD, CRATHES CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE, BANCHORY, ABERDEENSHIRE
THE National Trust for Scotland is an independent charity, mainly funded by members and supporters.
Its purpose is to protect, care for, share and champion Scotland’s heritage, treasured places and natural landscapes – now and for future generations.
Since 1931 it has pioneered public access to and shared ownership of an incredible range of buildings, collections and habitats – from houses, castles and battlefields to gardens, coastlines and mountain ranges.
You can support the Trust by becoming a member, making a donation or visiting one of the 100-plus places it looks after across the country. And with your help, the Trust can make sure generations to come can discover all of Scotland’s stories and special places.
Share it all. Support the National Trust for Scotland at nts.org.uk
Perched on the cliff-tops, Culzean was the seat of the Kennedy family, one of the oldest clans in Scotland, and the castle was clearly built to impress, with opulent décor and a sweeping Oval Staircase at its heart.
The imposing entrance hall, where Trust staff Gordon and Karolyn, both in 18th century costumes, welcome visitors, is home to one of the largest collections of British military flintlock pistols in the world.
Exploring inside a historic house may not appeal to kids at first but a brilliant LEGO Explorer Trail had my girls hooked as we hunted for wee figures from Culzean’s past.
Tucked into curtain folds, perched on top of ornate picture frames or inside book cabinets, this fun challenge makes it super easy to enjoy the treasures that tell the stories of the people who lived here.
Our favourite places were the spectacular Round Drawing Room, with its panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde to Arran, and the busy kitchen, which boasts an impressive collection of copper pans and other utensils.
The last of the LEGO figures found, we were keen to head outdoors.
Next time we’ve decided we’ll go down to the beach to search for sea creatures, like urchins and starfish, in the rock pools first.
I’m also keen to explore the large caves there, where people lived back in Neolithic times. They are a Scheduled National Monument and an important part of the area’s ancient history.
It’s amazing to think of the sheer range of activities and things to see and do at Culzean, but none of it would be accessible for everyone to enjoy without the Trust and their dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Gordon, who welcomed us at the start our visit, is the Collections Care Officer at Culzean. He is about to start a major cleaning operation – using specialist conservation brushes and mini vacuum cleaners to clear all the dust away from the castle’s many artefacts over the winter.
Born in Maybole, Gordon, 67, loves his work and says no two days are the same. He says: “As a boy Culzean was my playground – it’s a joy to help look after this place that I’ve known all my life.
“The National Trust for Scotland is all about protecting and conserving our heritage and special places and keeping the stories of Scotland alive so that we can all enjoy them.”
Weehailes is themed on the Newhailes story and has been specially developed for younger children. Little ones will love climbing, crawling, sliding and exploring in this amazing space, which also has turrets and high-level walkways.
Weehailes is themed on the Newhailes story and has been specially developed for younger children. Little ones will love climbing, crawling, sliding and exploring in this amazing space, which also has turrets and high-level walkways.
2. ISLE BE WILD, BRODICK CASTLE,ISLE OF ARRAN
Created using storm-felled trees from the Drum woodland and wider estate, this brand new natural play area encourages children and families to explore and re-imagine ‘traditional’ play in exciting new ways. Clamber and climb over giant tree structures and carved oak sculptures set in an acre of space.
3. LITTLE OAKS, DRUM CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE, DRUMOAK ABERDEENSHIRE
This fabulous Burns-themed play area is perfect for young visitors – it’s full of fun features including a mini Burns Cottage, Tam o’ Shanter zip wire, Witches’ Cauldron roundabout and Auld Kirk climbing wall.
4. SCOTS WA-HEY, ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM, ALLOWAY, SOUTH AYRSHIRE
Conquer the heights of the Green Lady’s Tower, scramble up the rock face challenge and zoom between the trees on the zip wire. There are also slides, sandpits, high-level walkways and a see-through walkway to keep youngsters entertained.
5. WILD WOOD, CRATHES CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE, BANCHORY, ABERDEENSHIRE
Gordon Nelson
"My daughters, Molly, 13, and Maisie, 10, and I were eager to explore Culzean Castle – and we had a blast there."
"Adventure Cove is perfect for younger ones"
Since 1931 it has pioneered public access to and shared ownership of an incredible range of buildings, collections and habitats – from houses, castles and battlefields to gardens, coastlines and mountain ranges.
You can support the Trust by becoming a member, making a donation or visiting one of the 100-plus places it looks after across the country. And with your help, the Trust can make sure generations to come can discover all of Scotland’s stories and special places.
Share it all. Support the National Trust for Scotland at nts.org.uk