Local Attractions
There is an abundance of places to see and explore in the immediate local area from ancient castles and monuments to modern feats of engineering such as the spectacular Falkirk Wheel. Of course you may decide to venture a little further afield to the great cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and all they have to offer. Here are just a few suggestions to whet your appetite.
McLaren Community Leisure Centre
A super local facility offering plenty to do, especially on those wet days! Activities include a swimming pool, spa and sauna, climbing wall, fitness classes and sports hall for badminton and tennis. Booking advisable.
Nick Nairn Cook School
Restaurateur, entrepreneur and celebrity chef Nick Nairn is well known as an ambassador of fresh Scottish produce and healthy eating, particularly for children. So, whether you are a serious foodie, professional chef or a toast burner, the school has classes to suit every level of expertise and every palate!
Segway Trekking, Quad Pods & Shetland Pony Driving
Segways are environmentally friendly and highly responsive to the movements of the body. You will quickly become confident on this unique method of transportation and will glide effortlessly over scenic tracks. Available to all over 10 years of age and under 17 stone in weight. Quad pods are great fun for children over 3 years. They are towed behind a quad and are able to travel safely over mixed terrain. Or why not try your hand at Shetland pony driving. you will be given basic training in carriage driving and as it is open to all ages it’s something the whole family can enjoy.
Go Ape, Aberfoyle
Go Ape is the number one Tree Top adventure. Enjoy the exhilaration of the giant obstacle courses up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the country’s longest zip line at 426 metres. Pre-booking strongly advised.
Action Adventure Activities
Offering a huge range of outdoor pursuits from kayaking, quad biking, archery, paint ball, canoeing, pistol shooting to the more unusual pursuits of axe throwing and blindfold driving! So if you are seeking action and adventure, look no further.
Go Country, Forest Hills Activity Centre
Go Country offers outdoor activites in the idyllic Trossachs on the shores of Loch Ard. Activities include a unique waterpark with an iceberg, hamster wheel and trampoline. There is also quad biking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, climbing/abseiling, cliff jumping, gorge walking, hillwalking, archery, white water rafting, horse riding, clay pidgeon shooting and 4x4 off road driving.
Argaty Red Kites
Come and see these wonderful and very rare birds of prey at Central Scotland’s only Red Kite feeding station, featuring ranger-led visits to the hide and guided walks.
Doune Castle
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle. Heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The castle was also used as Winterfell in the pilot of the award winning series Game of Thrones as well as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord’s Hall with its musicians’ gallery, double fireplace and carve oak screen. Discover the new nature trail in the castle grounds or take an audio tour of the castle.
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park offers one of the best value for money days out Scotland has to offer. Wild animal reserves, adventure playground, boat trip around chimp island, pets farm, lemur land, flying fox, giant astraglide, sea lion shows, bird of prey centre displays and pedal boats.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s great days out - it was created by kings and queens as a great royal residence. But at times of war it was also a formidable fortress. From the Chapel Royal and the Great Kitchens, to Argyll’s Lodging and the Palace Vaults, there is plenty for all the family to enjoy.
Wallace Monument
This is a place where history is something you can touch and feel, as you follow the story of Sir William Wallace, patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland. For over 140 years, this world-famous landmark has fascinated visitors with its exhibits and displays, telling the story of Sir William Wallace. Visitor centre, gift shop, cafe and car park on site.
Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre
Whatever the weather you’ll find plenty to see and do, with activities for all ages indoors and out with covered walkways to keep you dry round the main pens. 70 different species of animal, each with its own particular charm.
Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel was opened by the Queen in May 2002. Northing like it has ever been built before anywhere in the world. Boat lifts are nothing new, though the last built in the UK was in 1875. But a rotating boat lift? The result is awe-inspiring and beautiful: the largest piece of functional sculpture you will ever see. Visitor centre, cafe and cycle hire available. Why not combine your trip with a cycle along the miles of canal paths that take you as far as Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
A modest bird of prey centre, situated close to the village of Balloch on the shoes of Loch Lomond. There are over thirty birds of prey, representing more than twenty species including the Little Owl, Kestrels, Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles. Many activities available including Hunting Expeditions, Hawk Walks and Falconry Days. Advance booking required. A great day out for the whole family. Picnic and free parking.