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DOUNE CASTLE
Castle Road. near Stirling, 01786 841742
Deune Castle. one of Scotland's best preserved medieval castles. can give y0u all the atmosphere of a Hieland ruin Without the bother of driVing to the Highlands. Fans of Monty Python's Holy Grai/ Wl“ recognise the castle and surroundings instantly as the setting for the film and can spend a happy afternoon saying ‘Ni' as they enjoy the castle and its grounds.
OUR DYNAMIC EARTH
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, 0131 550 7800. www.dynamicearth.co.uk
Opened tor the millennium. Our Dynamic Earth charts the earth's evolution from the Big Bang to the modern day though a series of interactive exhibitions. including an earthquake Simulator and a tropical rainstorm. There are enough buttons to press to keep young children happy. while older kids will enjoy the quirkier aspects of the exhibition such as touching an iceberg and seeing models of the animals that have died out during the course of the earth's evolution. See Kids. page 58 for Edinburgh International SCience Festival preview and listings.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Castle Hill. Edinburgh, 0131 225 9846, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
From a medieval fortification to a temporary prison. seat of parliament. royal residence. and now world- renowned symbol of Scotland. the castle is pretty much a must-see whether you know the city or are just visiting. The views are spectacular. even if the viewpoints can be windy and. on a clear day. there's a 360-degree panorama over the city. There's also more to the castle than royal memorabilia. with a chance to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. the tiny St Margaret's Chapel. the Scottish War Memorial and War Museum. as well as a slightly off the wall ‘dog cemetery' for regimental mascots. Look out too for special events year-round.
EDINBURGH 200
near Corstorphine, Edinburgh, 0131 334 9171 www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
There's plenty to while away an afternoon at Edinburgh's Zoo and a slew of special events running month to month. Check out the Firewalk Challenge on Fri 24 Apr and help raise $2150 for The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and have the pleasure of walking over a bed of hot cinders. Keep your eyes peeled too for special Edinburgh International Science Festival events.
ELECTRIC BRAE
A719, 8 miles south of Ayr
Everyone loves an optical illusion. and the Electric Brae is one in three dimensions — and a naturally occurring one to boot. Rounding the corner on the road winding south from Ayr. every instinct in your
20 THE LIST 2—16 Apr 2009
PARKLIFE
From woodland walks to adventure playgrounds, Scotland’s country parks offer a treasure trove of possibilities
With a family ticket to the average theme park costing close to 53100. it's worth remembering that a day out at one of Scotland's country parks can offer just as much fun — for no money at all. None of the parks listed here charges for admission or parking. 80 whether it‘s a brisk woodland walk With the dog. a leisurely stroll through a walled garden or fun on the adventure playground you‘re after. country parks can adapt to suit all generational needs.
Set in the Bathgate Hills. near Linlithgow. Beecralgs (www.beecraigs.com) has an adventure playground that suits toddlers to teenagers and orienteering for all abilities at $31.10 a map. One of three country parks in West Lothian. Vogrle near Gorebridge (01875 821990) has a softplay for under 55 (122) in the Cedar Tree Cafe. adventure playground. miniature railway (Sunday afternoons). woodland walks. meadows and streams. Look out for the giant bike and chair for great photo opportunities.
For country parks. the west coast has an embarrassment of riches. with Glasgow's Pollok (0141 276 0924. see page 19 and 24) containing the Burrell Collection. Food and Wood Trails. Highland Cattle. play park and annual Family Day each August. Calderglen in East Kilbride (01355 236644) has a zoo filled with cute meercats. wallabies and rabbits. adventure playground. toddler play area. river walks. nature trails. visitor centre and cafe. Mugdock near Milngavie (0141 956 6100) has 750 acres of countryside. Victorian garden. crafts gallery and fantastic discovery packs for $23. including the Scavenger Hunt and History Experience. Chatelherault near Hamilton (01698 426213) is a 5 star viSitor attraction with ten miles of trails. Strathclyde in Motherwell (01698 402060) offers pedalos. bumper boats. boat trips and land train. with mountain bikes hired by the hour. Drumpelller in Coatbridge (01236 422257) has two Iochs. visitor centre. play area. peace garden. road train and rowing boat hire. Clyde Mulnhlel in Renfrewshire (www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk) has nine visitor centres. Iochs. waterfalls. miles of cycle paths. rockpools. farm, play area and more. While Palacerlgg near Cumbernauld (01236 720047) offers woodcraft demonstrations. treetop walkway. orienteering. play area and rare breeds collection. (Kelly Apter)
possession tells yOu that you are drIVing uphill. However. stop the car. take off the handbrake and behold as y0u roll ‘uphill‘.
FALKIRK WHEEL
Lime Road, Tamfourhill, Falkirk, 08700 500208, www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk
The Falkirk Wheel emerged in 2002 as a desrgn solution to the problem of reconnecting two of Scotland's long abandoned industrial arteries. The wheel raises and lowers boats 35 metres from the Union Canal above. to the Forth and Clyde below. It's made of 7000 cubic metres of concrete and 1000 cubic metres of steel. Catch a boat from the visitor centre or Simply wander along the banks of the canal and around the wheel itself. Over the holidays. check out Easter at the Falkirk Wheel from Sat 4—Sun 19 Apr. and enjoy the egg-decorating. colouring-in. face painting and an Easter treaswe hunt.
GLAMIS CASTLE Glamis, 20 mins north of Dundee, 01307 840393,
www.g|amis-castle.co.uk
A few miles north of Dundee through the village of Glamis lies Glamis Castle. perhaps better known as the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. The imposing structure is worth a Visit. as much for the legends abOut the place and the architecture and history. Be warned though. ghostly sightings have been commonplace over the years .