Hi Everyone, I can hardly believe the kids are off on Summer Holiday; it seems like only a few weeks ago I was writing exactly the same sentence!We’re not quite as tied to school holidays as we once were, with our kids now a bit older and all doing their own thing. However, I remember only too well the pressure cooker that came with keeping them entertained both at home and while we were away and so, this month, I’ve decided to knock out two birds with one stone and write about amusing kids in beautiful Strathearn!
Crieff Visitor Centre
With that said, The Crieff Visitor Centre is a fantastic, fun attraction regardless of age and child status! Home to the Caithness Glass visitor gallery and shop, you can view the world famous Caithness Glass paperweights being hand-crafted and enjoy a free factory tour where you’ll learn the fascinating story of Caithness Glass and see “up close” the beautiful items being made.
As the kids can run off a bit of steam in the enclosed outdoor seating area which has a small grassed area with a climbing frame and slide, you can browse the small picture gallery and antiques area or wander round the Highland Drovers Exhibition. With a huge restaurant serving up tasty treats, lunches and snacks all day long everyone can refuel and leave happy!
Macrosty Park
When it comes to keeping the kids amused, Macrosty Park is a must-visit destination. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this beautiful park has gorgeous views across Strathearn towards Ben Chonzie, and boasts everything from modern, well-equipped kids play areas to a Victorian bandstand, café and picnic area! The 100 year old attraction is named after its benefactor, James MacRosty and with its easy going walks and impressive collection of conifer trees there truly is something for everyone in your party.
Macrosty Park has some fabulolus events throughout the Summer
My kids LOVED a visit to Auchingarrich when they were younger and if truth be told, I’m sure I could still talk them into a day out there even now! There are loads of different species of animals to discover split between the exotic and the farm. The keepers have been in the park for a number of years and have devoted their time to all of the animals’ health and welfare sometimes hand rearing any orphaned babies. You can tell while you’re walking round that animals are happy and well cared for and this transfers over into the delighted faces of the children who are enjoying a day out.
As well as the many animals and birds you’ll find an adventure around every corner! There’s a soft play area and indoor playbarn as well as an outdoor pedal tractor circuit, games field and putting green. For the energetic kids out there you’ll find an outdoor playpark with flying fox, pony rides and fishing and as if that wasn’t enough you can try your hand at falconry, bushcraft, quad biking and paintballing.
You MUST try this great day out!
Fuelling The Masses
Crieff and Comrie have some fantastic restaurants with many award-winning chefs located in the area. However, I’ve stuck to the theme of blog and gone for a traditional café that will welcome kids, grannies and dads in equal measure! For me, a visit to Strathearn is never complete without a stop over at Cafe Comrie. You’ll find traditional Scottish breakfasts, homemade soups and hot filled ciabatta rolls sitting alongside proper home-baking and delicious Mackies ice-creams to enjoy on those long, lazy summer days.
There we go! A few ideas for enjoying a family holiday in Strathearn. Of course, as well as all of these great attractions I can also recommend accommodation via Home From Home Perthshire.
I’d love to hear your favourite Strathearn attractions – if you’ve been holidaying with us please do send me your photographs and I’ll be very happy to share them on our social media.
I hope to see you in Perthshire very soon,
Bea X
Excellent. By far the best accommodation in Pitlochry. Home from home, and is perfect to stay at any time of year. Will be spreading the word!
Tigh Monadh
Absolutely amazing cottage, decorated with love and thought in every detail. We loved to be back next time in Scotland. It's good to arrive by car, we managed arriving by taxi walking down the public footpaths and travel by bus otherwise. Thanks for sharing the place with us! Thomas and family, Germany
Balintuim Cottage
Dear Bea, We had a lovely break, the cottage was a very high standard, comfortable and well appointed. The weather was variable so unfortunately we did not get to have many evenings enjoying outside area however when we did it was very relaxing. We certainly hope to return in the future. Thanks so much, Rosemary.
By The Brae