ABERDEENSHIRE’S CASTLE TRAIL
Visiting a castle is always fun for families as youngsters enjoy hearing tales of gruesome or heroic deeds, get a sense of adventure and history and the chance to possibly waken up a ghost or two.
Often referred to as castle country, the north-east of Scotland is home to hundreds of castles or castle ruins, each with a different story to tell.
Aberdeenshire is also home to Scotland’s only castle trail which features a selection of 14 restored castles where families can experience the romance and history of these stately homes, simply by following the trail.
Visitors can let their minds wander back through the centuries or lose themselves among the beautiful walled gardens where, if they’re fortunate, they might just come across a traditional tearoom offering delicious home baking.
Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail is ideal for those taking a holiday at home this year and looking for a family day out.
Castles featured include Crathes, Fyvie, Castle Fraser, Kildrummy, Huntly, Balvenie, Corgarff, Craigievar, Delgatie, Drum, Duff House, Haddo House, Spynie Palace and Tolquhon Castle.
For further details and to download a free brochure and map visit www.aberdeen-grampian.com/area-guide/trails/castle-trail.aspx. Alternatively visit www.visitscotland.com/ perfectday.
SUMMER ART ACTIVITIES AND FREE FAMILY FUN
Keeping the family entertained this summer need not cost a fortune. In fact, it may not cost anything at all.
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums are offering a range of free family activities this summer including workshops with a Victorian theme as part of the Schoolhill Art Gallery’s 125th birthday celebrations.
Gallery events include the chance to take a trip down memory lane today and on Thursday, August 5, at 1pm and 2pm, when visitors can create a beautiful Victorian photograph album of photos of friends and family.
Tomorrow and on August 6 at 1pm and 2pm, youngsters can create their own magical Victorian photograph, complete with spooky ghosts or fanciful fairies.
On August 3, visitors can step back in time and hear fantastical Victorian tales told by storyteller Margot Henderson with sessions at 1pm and 2pm while, on August 4, there are Victorian dance workshops at 1pm for five to seven-year-olds and 2pm for eight to 11-year-olds.
Activities are particularly suitable for families with primary school age children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking for workshop places will open at 10am on the day of the workshop, but cannot be done in advance. You can book on the day in person at the gallery or by calling 01224 523700.
Across the city at Aberdeen Maritime Museum on the Shiprow, younger visitors, with support from parents and carers, can haul anchor and have fun at drop-in art and craft sessions based around a pirate theme.
Pirate Fridays take place on July 30, and August 6 and 13 from 10am to noon. call 01224 337700 in advance to book your free place.
GET OUTDOORS
People in Scotland are being encouraged to get outdoors more often and enjoy nature’s simple pleasures.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has launched a new campaign, Simple Pleasures, Easily Found, to show how easy it is to get close to nature, wherever you live.
It aims to change the way people think about the outdoors and get people exploring green spaces close to home, from urban walkways to parks, allotments, gardens and even window boxes.
The campaign also highlights a whole range of simple pleasures that can be enjoyed without the need for excessive planning or spending money, such as making a daisy chain, watching the sunset or blowing a dandelion clock.
Eleanor MacDonald, SNH campaign manager, said: “It doesn’t need a lot of preparation or planning to enjoy the outdoors in Scotland and you don’t have to travel far, either.
“Whether you live in a small town or a busy city, simple pleasures can be found close to where you live.
“I like getting away from my desk at lunchtime and enjoy sitting outside under a tree while I eat my sandwiches, listening to the birds.
“We want to encourage more people to take a new look at the green spaces in their neighbourhoods – and it’s fun, easy and free.”
These can be enjoyed wherever you live in Scotland. Examples include:
Find out the age of a living tree, write your name in the sand, make the sound of an owl in the woods, go rock pooling, collect wild fruit, make a daisy chain, freewheel down a hill on a bike, collect seeds, take a magnifying glass for a close look at flowers and beasties, make a sea picture on the beach with shells, pebbles and driftwood, feel the wind in your hair, see sunbeams coming through trees, make shadows of funny-looking animals, sit on a bench and watch the world go by, lie in a field and watch the clouds go by, smell wild flowers, watch a river flow, chase butterflies, watch the sunset, watch the sunrise.
Those looking for more inspiration can log on to the website www.snh.gov.uk/ simplepleasures.