A hidden gem which your Julia Donaldson loving little ones will love to visit!…read moreWe call this Gruffalo Wood because of the Gruffalo-themed carvings dotted near the entrance of the Loch. The Loch itself is fairly small, taking only 15-20 mins to walk around. There is lots of nature and wildlife to explore here from toadstools to frogs to wild raspberries to dragonflies... We met a particularly large, and bold, swan today whilst feeding the ducks! On our last visit we stumbled across hundreds and hundreds of baby frogs migrating across the pathway to the Loch. This has become a regular location for us to visit with our little Julia Donaldson fan. There is a play park at the far end of the Loch from the little car park off Kilmardinny Avenue and if you need something to eat or liquid refreshments after your walk there is a recently opened Waitrose with a lovely cafe minutes away by car or foot!

We visited here after discovering Gruffalo Wood through Ali's review :)…read more My friend was visiting with her 6 and 3yr old girls and we took A in his pram. We really enjoyed walking round the loch in the sunshine, the path is pretty easy going for littles and the pram alike, and there are a few places to stop along the way and see the ducks or discover the awesome carvings. We couldn't find the play park, perhaps a little sign would help, but we asked someone and soon found the little path leading up to it. There were some different play areas to explore including an awesome rope swing that the adults enjoyed too! We had a great, free day out and it worked well to tire out the kids. Would highly recommend.

This is probably one of the nicest children's play parks in Carrickfergus, and strangely, a lot of…read morepeople don't know about it, as it is quite secluded! There are two entrances to Legg Park, one along the main Belfast Road, just up from the Model Primary School, and another entrance facing the Windrose. The park is fully fenced off and really well equipped with soft flooring, swings, slides and climbing frames. The park is also really nicely landscaped with lots of benches making it pleasant to sit around on a sunny day.

Was hoping to get to pet the Highland Cow but did get to pet the Black faced Sheep at least. You…read morecan pet a lot - Llamas, Goats, Sheep, Donkeys. Great experience for adults. Lots of many different kinds of birds, monkeys, reptiles, etc but also lots of things for kids to play on. Makes me with I was a kid to play on them. Excellent staff. Very professional and really care for all the creatures here.

This is a great place for a family day out. There is a lot of stuff for kids to do such as…read moretrampolines, big 'jumping pillows', (there are 2 of these and one is reserved for the under 5's, which is great as older children can be a bit more boisterous when playing and so this gives the little ones their own space to get their bounce on), mini diggers, quad bikes, and more. The 2 play areas are great, one is a pirate ship (there is a smaller version for the little ones) and the other is the best play castle I have ever seen, it has tunnels and everything! In the inside area they have soft play (to suit a range of ages) and huge slides (adults could go on these too but they looked quite terrifying to me!) However, as I went with another grown up woman and no children I didn't explore these areas too much, but it seemed like everything was working and in good condition. Be aware that some of the activites cost extra (sorry, I didn't notice which ones) but there seemed to plenty to do for free. What we went for though, was to see the animals, and there were a lot to see! In the first section (outside) there are monkeys (little ones such as squirrel monkeys and marmosets rather than chimps and apes), lemurs, meercats, otters, at least one giant tortoise, tiny fallow deer, racoons and fennec foxes. All the animals have inside and outside enclosures and seem well looked after. There are some windows into the inside enclosures but you can't see much so be prepared for the fact you might not see all the animals if some of them have decided to have an indoor day. Then, inside, there is the 'Little Critters Animal Barn' which has smaller creatures such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, parrots, snakes and insects. Going back outside there is a large selection of farm type animals - pigs, minature horses, goats, donkeys (including minature ones and one absolutely huge one, the biggest breed in the world), and many goats of varying sizes. There are also more exotic farm-ish type animals such as llamas and camels, and a big area full of wallibies which you could walk through and get up close. You can buy bags of feed for these animals for 50p, and one bag was enough for me to give a little to all of the animals. You can buy the food at the entrance and there is a feed hut in the park but it wasn't open the day we went, but it is easy enough to walk back to the front gate to buy more, or maybe stock up on your way in. There are lots of handwashing stations throughout the animal section, which were well stocked with soap and paper towels. There are 2 cafes, covered picnic areas, and a barbeque (this wasn't open on the day we went as it was a rather cold, grey day, not quite barbeque weather). The main cafe is a sort of cafeteria affair, selling sandwhiches, toasties, soup, etc. We both had paninis which were freshly made up, tasty, and arrived quickly. The other cafe is beside the soft play area, and does sandwhiches and snacks, but not sure about hot food. There is also a quieter section with booth type seating, away from the hustle and bustle. All of the staff we met were pleasant, helpful and friendly. When we first thought of going we thought the admission price of £10.50 for adults (£9 concession) might be a little steep as we weren't sure there would be a lot for adults to do, but the range of animals there was to see made it worth the price and we had a very enjoyable day out :)

This lovely big area of parkland adjacent to Larkfield Road in Gourock used to be called 'Darroch…read morePark', but was renamed by the council some years ago. The lower slopes are great for walking amongst the trees and neat flower beds. The park staff seem to keep everything looking lovely and I enjoyed a stroll there a week or two ago. The Gourock Burn flows down the west side of the park and there is a 'Swan Pond' as well. Further up, there's a bowling green and tennis courts. There are marvellous views to be had across the Clyde from the top!

Deep into the South Side, Linn Park is absolutely enormous and due to it being used mainly by…read morelocals in what is one of the city's leafier suburbs, a somewhat tranquil location to spend time. Facilities wise, there's a couple of adventure playgrounds, a large equestrian centre, and a golf course, which in all honesty isn't very much for a park of this size, but it's main attraction is the woodland walks. There are large chunks of forest in the park, waterfalls and a good few picturesque little bridges over the river, so it's a very relaxing and peaceful place for a stroll. We got caught in a thunderstorm on our last visit here which is probably a negative but it did provide a bit of excitement. There's also an old mansion in the park which was derelict and thus wonderfully spooky until recently, but it's since been done up and turned into admittedly impressive houses. The Snuff Mill Bridge walkway just at the edge of the park is in my opinion one of the nicest spots in Glasgow. Hardly anyone has heard of it yet I was quite taken aback when I first stumbled upon it. On a nice day it can genuinely feel like you're in a quaint little English village, there's even old Victorian-style street lighting.

Agan, Gavin is spot on: this park is an undiscovered treasure, and has a beautiful bridge, plenty…read moreof walks through the forest (best when I am acting out some late romantic torment) and one of the most pastoral atmospheres in Glasgow. I tend to make the pilgrimage during the summer- when I can find someone with a car to carry the picnic stuff- and sit out in the open field for a lovely, restful afternoon. The lack of facilities is what has made it so peaceful- the golf course, I am glad to say, is under-nourished.

A lovely park between Greenock and Gourock with fantastic views across to the mountains of Argyll…read more There are children's play areas, a skateboard park, and two grass football/rugby pitches. There is also a pavilion with toilet facilities and a cafeteria. A popular place for strolling to admire the views. There are also various events staged here from time to time, like firework displays. It's very close to the Fort Matilda railway station, too, though you can scarcely see it from the park.

Again, loved going there for a walk, and it is bit small, but great for wee children, as it is big…read moreand well enclosed away from the road. Great for the kids to play football around the green. The views are great. Even there is a wee play park provided for the kids. And there is a cafe with selections of foods/ drinks as well. it is a nice place to go out for a day. Even the views across the Clyde are still beautiful

Relaxing Gardens with established trees & kids play area. During the summer putting green, red ash…read moretennis courts & bouncy castle.

A well kept clean park suitable for children aged 1-8years approx. There are two play areas, one…read morewith swings and one with a few climbing frames which have chutes and firemans poles on them. There is a large grassy area suitable for picnics in the summer. During summer time and at weekends there is a little shop open which sell tickets for a bouncy castle, tennis and mini golf. They also sell a small variety of snacks. The park is clean, though parking is limited.

I love this place so much! Whenever the sun decides to make a rare appearance I'm in the car and on…read moremy way for a lazy walk around the loch. The loch itself is huge. It has a fab path all the way around for an easy walk in the sun or there are plenty of little paths into the woods surrounding if you're feeling a little more adventurous. With loads of green space on all sides, even on the busiest days this park, Drumpelier can accommodate every need. Whether that be a picnic, a five-a-side game or even fishing, you won't feel anything but relaxed here. If you haven't packed a lunch there's a little cafe in the main building which unfortunately I've never tried. I just love a picnic!!! It also has a great play park at the far end of the car park, suitable for all ages. This area can get a touch busy on the sunnier days but I've never been and felt like we've waited long for my little one to have a go on the swings or in the sandpit. It's really dog friendly here too. I've found myself losing an afternoon on a trip with my hair baby just chatting to other dog owners on the way round. If you're finding yourself looking for somewhere to while away a sunny day then get in the car and head here. Don't forget the picnic basket!

Gorgeous country park with several large lakes, lots of walking paths and two large playgrounds…read more Picnic tables and a cafe on site but lots of open space to throw down a blanket and enjoy your own food, too. There are paddle boats in the summer months and lots of swans, geese, ducks and other water foul.

As you head out of Dunoon, through Sandbank and along the A815, it's almost impossible to miss the…read moreBenmore Botanic Garden on the left hand side. It's a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. However, about a mile before you get there, on the opposite side of the road, you'll spot a little car park marked "Puck's Glen", and it is every bit as charming as the name suggests. In my free time I like to write, and as I'm frequently on the road I do much of my writing on my netbook, in my car, often in quiet little car parks, and for over a year I've been stopping every so often in the Puck's Glen car park. I'd seen the trail leading up into the wooded hill, but didn't take the time to venture out of my car and explore it until one day, in Autumn of last year, when, in the late afternoon as I sat writing, a deer wandered out of the trees and so close to my car if I'd opened my window I could have reached out and touched it. When it left I got out of the car and made my way along the trail, but as I was pressed for time I wasn't able to explore too far. It wasn't until last week that I was able to walk the length of the trail in full, and my God I don't regret it. The first thing I will say is that it isn't a walk for those looking for a gentle stroll. Nor is it a walk for those with bad knees or hips. The first part of the walk is a steep climb, though you're rewarded with a nice little bench in a shaded area when you do make it up the first leg. Then you have another steep climb that seems to go on forever and by the time you reach the top you're too exhausted to appreciate the outstanding views, particularly if the sun is out in full force. However, the climb is essential if you want to enjoy what has to be one of the most spectacular sights I've ever seen. If you follow the path markers around you come to a crossroads. The main path goes straight ahead, but there is a narrower, shaded path that goes left to right across it. The path to the right goes uphill, and after all the climbing I'd done already that day I couldn't stomach another ascent, but the path to the right goes down. It's a combination of a dirt track, gravel track and wooden steps that lead down several hundred feet to a concrete track that leads back to the car park, but it is the most wonderful experience imaginable for alongside the path runs a little stream that breaks into a series of dozens of mini-waterfalls and pools. The path is shaded and cool, with wooden railings to help you keep your balance on the tricky spots. There are a few bits where you need to walk across large stones which can be slippery when wet, but believe me, it's worth the effort. The waterfalls are simply magical and though the path, complete with wooden bridges that crisscross the stream at several points, has clearly been constructed by the forestry commission, it's easy to believe that you're the first person to ever see these magical sights. My favourite spot was about halfway down where the moss-covered rock-face to the right was literally dripping with water, an endless cascading shower of droplets. Wildlife fans won't be disappointed either. I counted eight deer on my ascent - I believe five were red deer (one a stag) and three were roe deer, but don't quote me on that. I encountered a couple of birds I don't think I'd ever seen before, including one that was black and white with a beautiful red chin, and at least half a dozen red squirrels. As I say, it's not a gentle stroll, and while you'll certainly sleep afterwards I don't think I'd call it relaxing, but it is spectacular and an experience not to be missed.