From incredible beaches and iconic mountains to gorgeous gardens and super-fun play parks, we’ve got your summer sorted! We’ve put together some suggestions for ways to experience and enjoy the best of Scotland this year.
If you love Scotland and love making memories, you’ll love our membership offer. You’ll be able to access our places for free all year round, and enjoy the benefit of free car parking in Trust car parks ... plus so much more! We look forward to welcoming you.
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Tail-wagging trips
We know that dogs are precious members of the family. At the National Trust for Scotland, we have many brilliant places where you can take your furry friend to make treasured memories together.
That waggy tail is infectious; it’s hard to know who gets the most enjoyment from a lovely walk at one of our properties! Discover the towering woodlands at the Hermitage, stroll beside the babbling burn at Barry Mill or explore the extensive grounds at Fyvie Castle – where will you head first?
And don’t forget, Trust membership means you get free entrance to all of our places.
Magical castles
Some of the most recognisable castles in Scotland are in our care. Whether you’re bringing your own Cinderella to Craigievar, following the dodo trail (yes, really!) at Brodick, or playing hide and seek in the beautiful grounds at Brodie, visiting one of our castles is the perfect fun way to find out a little more about Scottish history.
Places to play
Our adventure playgrounds are a great way to introduce children to Scotland’s heritage while giving them the chance to let off steam. From exploring our brand new natural play area at Drum Castle to releasing your inner pirate at Culzean Country Park or crawling through a tunnel into our library-inspired playhouse at Newhailes, each of our play areas offers something unique.
And when (if!) they’re tired of climbing, crawling, sliding, swinging and bouncing, you can always take a look around the rest of the property. There are multiple elements to make a fun full day out, with trails (indoors and out) as well as regular special ranger-led events to find out about the plants and animals that we look after.
Adventures in nature
Scotland’s outdoor spaces are a natural playground where you can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to picnics overlooking your favourite loch. Play hide and seek in Greenbank Garden, join a wildlife Land Rover Safari at Glencoe or follow one of six nature trails at Crathes Castle.
Getting outdoors is a great way to keep active, try new things, and enjoy Scotland’s magnificent wildlife – from tiny caterpillars to large llamas, you can spot them all at our places!
Beautiful beaches
Scotland is home to some of the best beaches in the world, and some are right around the corner from Trust properties – a few of our places even have spectacular beaches of their own. Explore the rock pools at Culzean, experience ‘seabird city’ at St Abb’s Head, or simply build sandcastles on the white sands of Iona. This is what summers are made for!
And remember that being a member means you can enjoy free parking in our National Trust for Scotland car parks.
Rainy day fun
Rain does not stop play! From printing works and castles to interactive museums, we have something to suit everyone if you’re looking to stay dry on a rather soggy day. Try on costumes at the Georgian House, create your own shadow portrait at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and explore the interactive exhibition at House of Dun.
Or, you can pull on the raincoats and wellies and embrace a puddle-jumping walk. The rain just makes those plants even lusher at Threave Garden! Many of our places have cafés and tearooms where you can dry out at the end.
Tasty treats
Enjoy a hot or cold drink, some tasty home baking or a delicious lunch as you recharge for more adventures. Across the Trust, we make, bake, taste and grow the items on our menus, so there really is something to satisfy all types of taste buds!
Puzzle answers
Here are the answers to the puzzles on your Our Big Scottish Summer map that arrived with your newspaper – we hope you had fun solving them.
Wordsearch
Robert Burns maze
Now you’ve sharpened your detective skills, why not have a go at the different puzzles on the special Our Big Scottish Summer map that’s available from the following properties:
North East
Barry Mill, Castle Fraser, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle, Fyvie Castle, Haddo House, House of Dun, Leith Hall, Mar Lodge Estate and Pitmedden Garden
Ayrshire & Arran
Brodick Castle, Culzean Castle and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Dumfries & Galloway
Threave Garden
Edinburgh & The Lothians
House of the Binns, Newhailes and Preston Mill
Scottish Borders
Priorwood Garden and Robert Smail’s Printing Works
Perth
Branklyn Garden
Fife
Culross Palace, Falkland Palace, Hill of Tarvit Mansion and Kellie Castle
Forth Valley
Alloa Tower and Bannockburn
Glasgow and Argyll
Crarae Garden, Geilston Garden, Greenbank Garden, The Hill House, Holmwood, The Tenement House and Weaver’s Cottage
Highlands
Abertarff House, Brodie Castle, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Monument, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum and Inverewe
Message for members: Please follow the QR code on the Our Big Scottish Summer map that was delivered with the summer edition of the member magazine to find the answers to those puzzles!
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