Art and very good Art it is…read more You forget these Vaults quite easily on Market Street as they just merge into the city backdrop. They don't get used like this so it's a great way to use a space and i hope it's the start of something special for artists. The musty vaults host a series of arts and entertainment. I fell in love with two particular artist's work - David Martin and Miriam Mallalieu apart from the bit where I almost crapped myself going into Miriam Mallalieu's "Charnel House for Roadkill"!! We went in the daytime so know real entertainment to hear, but to see there were plenty of cool artists!

It's an exhibition - it's a party - it's a wonderland it's…read moreall of these things. And more. Every year Edinburgh's art scene opens the Vaults on Market Street and turn them into a world of its own. Sculpture, Fine Art, film, music, installation art and performances will take hold of you as soon as you step in. You will forget your everyday life for a couple of hours and feel like floating in a creative aquarium. I forgot that I was still in Edinburgh. the tickets at 10- 15 Pounds seem expensive but you'll be able to see several bands and DJ's and judging from their Opening Night yesterday, it's spectacular and I would (and will) happily spend it again. And they are a charitable fund! Oh and if you are too busy at night: the exhibition Vaults are open during the day - for free.

"You would have to be half mad to dream me up." - Alice in…read moreWonderland. There's a very good reason I felt like a mischievous gal fallen down the rabbit hole - this place has a touch of wonderland about it. As you can tell from my photos, I was not at all intrigued and barely found a hint to take a picture of (they really should have a dedicated sarcasm font don't you think?). Just a few weeks after arriving in Scotland, I hopped on a train for an overnight adventure. I wouldn't attempt this in a day - it's well worth a night's stay and that gives you a bit of time to wander through Pitlochry afterwards/before unrushed. The Enchanted Forest is a beautiful exhibit of light and music. I would definitely suggest you take a week day jaunt through and try for the latest booking time possible - less kiddies colliding about. Not that they were a bother, the ones that were on my tour time, but it was nice to have a less hectic crowd to wander through the lights with. That being said, if you have wee ones - this is a perfect evening out, as they have story huts and lots to keep little minds entertained. Definitely grab yourself a mulled wine and though you'll want to snap every moment imaginable, do take some time to get out from behind the camera and just watch. I had hoped there would be more aerial artists. The two that were there, were wonderful and it only made me wish there were more artists roaming in, up and around the trees. It would add a completely new element to the experience that would be pretty darn special. But what they've done so far is top notch. The blend of music and lights is exceptionally done and the walk is both exciting and contemplative. Well done Enchanted Forest - it takes quite the force to make me wax poetic confusion. I would love to get a behind the scenes peek at this installation - because it has to take an army to get all those lights up (and some sneaky generator work?). But it's efficiency, right down to the well choreographed bus transfers just makes it easier to get yourself lost in pretty, pretty lights. Go be Alice for an evening. It's well worth the adventure.

A yearly outdoor art installation of light and sound. This is held in a forest near Pitlochry,…read morewhich is in the Lower Highlands. We went as group and got tickets about a month before. Which is recommended as the evening we went was sold out. The organisation was tight and very efficient, buses left from the Fisher's Hotel every 10-15 minutes. The installation / presentation is a 10 minutes drive away from Pitlochry. In the bus you get a 'safety instruction' which is easy to follow and funny for children. On arrival you are greeted by a dark forest with many coloured lights in the tree crowns. Many balloons with neon flashers stuck in trees.. poor kids. Let's get this clear beforehand, it was a very wet, damp evening. The Enchanted forest was drenched. Alright, for true West Coasters this was no more than a persistent heavy drizzle, but it was WET. The theme this year was called 'absORB' and the light themes where just like that. The pathways are lit by small coloured orbs. We also got ourselves a couple diode balloons, which added to the magic effects. The route took us past many sound and light shows that are difficult to describe. All equally mesmerising and pretty. The main focus was a massive moon-like orb at the entrance. This was visible from all over the site. My personal favourites was the 'evolution' 3D light show projected on a rock face. This was very fluid and pretty. The other was the lake orbs. With the music it was a special showpiece which is reflected into the water of the central loch (lake) creating a mirror effect doubling the experience.. that was truly magical. I could have watched just that all evening. Then there was the (as we dubbed it) 'Dr Who' bridge, that looked like an infinity light speed entrance to another time & dimension. And a great opportunity to take some pictures that don't require night vision camera features. There are several toilets, resting places dotted around. If you do get lost the many stewards are able to guide you on your way. After a few rounds we were a little too wet and the rain was getting heavier. We went back to the bus queue, again fast and efficient. It was a good show and a great experience.

The second time we visited Scotland's Secret Bunker, this time with my parents in tow. It remains…read morean interesting and surprising place and a reminder of what we were worried about during the Cold War (and maybe should be again). You arrive via a country road to a country track at the end of which is what looks like a farmhouse and now is the entrance/giftshop. From there you descend via a staircase to come to a tunnel leading to the bunker which is full of historical equipment and information both new and from the time. A very worthwhile history lesson.

We went there yesterday, and there were very few people there (we went early) so go round unimpeded…read morere social distancing etc. Lots of history to this place and a great opportunity to explore our Cold War past.

Handily situated next to a car park, small visitor centre and tea room, this place has some really…read morewonderfull sculptures, paintings and also jewellery. The topics are mostly the local wildlife (birds, sea creatures, foxes etc.), but really beautiful. Even my husband was enthusiastic and he usually hates being dragged into such places. Was really tempted to take something home, but sadly it was at the end of our holidays (not a lot of money left ). Apart from that, it's also situated handily at a starting (or ending)point for some really nice walks. We saw a lot of birds: a lot of seagulls, many razorbills and even a few puffins.

We drove past them on the highway and I tried hard to take a good picture but as an added surprise,…read moreour tour guide stopped for an hour to give us time to explore the park. Entrance is free and a great place to enjoy. They are reported to be the to be the tallest horse sculpture in the world standing at 100 ft tall. They are an impressive sight!

Wow! We didn't even have to visit The Helix park in Falkirk to see them. They were there to greet…read moreus along the M9 Motorway on the way to Glencoe. What a sight to see on an early Friday morning. Their names are Duke & Baron. They are the steel sculptures (100 ft tall) modeled after the Clydesdale horses that were vital in moving barges along the canals. It's a perfect location for them being near the link between the Forth and Clyde canals. They are named after mythical shape-shifting spirits called "Kelpies" that would appear in the form of a horse. It's like the one that Newt rides in Fantastic Beasts. A very mysterious and mythical creature. Well, they certainly looked that way to me when seeing their heads peeking over the motorway through the morning fog. It was mesmerizing! So much so, that I didn't even think of taking a picture of it. I was too stunned at the sight we were seeing, as well as the fact that there is no viewing point to stop at from the motorway. I kind of regret not being able to visit the park to get the whole experience. There is even a tour that will take you inside one of the sculptures. I'm hoping we can visit the next time we're in Edinburgh on a cruise of the British Isles. I can only hope.

On a rainy day on our Perthshire holiday we decided to head to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition &…read moreGarden in Birnam for some indoor fun with our 1 year old. I have to be honest I wasn't expecting much, but I was proved wrong. This is a really lovely place that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to visitors with little ones. The exhibition is housed in Birnam's Arts & Conference Centre. Outside is a lovely garden with sculptures of the animals that Beatrix made famous through her books. Inside is a lovely gift shop with Beatrix Potter themed goods, and a great range of non-Potter related cards, books, gifts, toys, and trinkets... Downstairs is the exhibition area. This is relatively small compared to other exhibitions/museums, but it's appeal for us was the great range of play activities for the little ones. From drawing and colouring on blackboards and at old school desks, to playing shop, playing with puzzles, dressing up, and reading books - this was a great way to spend an afternoon with our little one. I feel this is really geared towards younger kids under 8, but was just perfect for our inquisitive 1 year old. Upstairs is the Foyer Cafe, where we enjoyed some lovely coffees. The staff here were really lovely too!

A lovely place to go adult and child alike! Personally, I love Peter Rabbit, Miss Tiggywinkle etc…read moreand this museum is a real tribute to 'Miss Potter', There is a large ish shop selling lovely books and other memorabilia. The 'museum' itself is quite small, yet informative and very hands on for the kids. There are also clothes for the kids to dress up in. Beatrix Potter took holidays in Dalguise in Perthshire (now a PGL centre) before her family changed their holiday destination to the Lakes.

Glenrothes Community Cinema run film just once a month in the Rothes Halls, Kingdom Centre…read more They usually have films in the afternoon from about 1.pm onwards, which are mainly for kids and this is fabulous, as they only charge £2 for kids and £3 for adults. They used to have films in the evenings for adults, but it was not so popular, but i am sure this will pick up if they advertise it better. They have a small tuck shop for sweets and drinks and the cinema is run by volunteers, so if anyone has any spare time, they would welcome any help. They have a facebook page and a website which is : Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glenrothes-Community-Cinema/344980405902 Website : http://www.glenrothescommunitycinema.co.uk/ They tend to advertise via flyers in the Rothes Halls, on Facebook or via their website. We've been as a family and the films were FAB, I would recommend to any family for an afternoon's entertainment.

I visited this time for Puff's toddler group trip and was delighted to go back. Smudge has now…read moredeclared herself far too grown up for this sort of activity much to my disgust as I loved our trips here when she was little. This visit was a beautifully sunny day so the perfect day to wander around checking out all the animals; goats, donkeys, GIANT bunnies, guinea pigs, cows, sheep, rats, collie dogs, geese and puff's favourite a cat - we have a cat at home!!! As well as a farmyard full of animals to check out, you can pet lots of the wee ones. A whole barn full of fluffy bunnies, chickens and guinea pigs to stroke. Unless like me you're allergic in which case not touching is a much better option - puffy eyes, manic sneezing and a snotty nose does not make for a fun day out. Once you have spent a happy hour trying to teach a stubborn one year old any animal noise other than meeow, and failed, there is still plenty to do here with an inflatable cow bouncy castle, indoor soft play area, tractors to ride, trampolines to bounce, fossils to uncover and a lovely cafe to eat cake and drink coffee in. It has to be said that a rainy day would not completely ruin a trip to Almond Valley. There is plenty to do under cover and even a big picnic barn to eat in, not to brag but we used it for shade because it was so hot.

This is a lovely little place, a great day out for all the family. Lots of animals to see, an lots…read moreto learn. they're upgrading it all the time so it just keeps getting better and better. They do lots of special activities, Christmas Fayres, Easter, all year round really. they have soft play for toddlers and a new bigger area for older kids. It's got a great little cafe too with friendly staff and good food. It really is worth a visit, you will undoubtedly learn something and have fun while doing it.

It should not take long to get there from Edinburgh (approx 1.10h), if you take the right junction…read moreof the A92 onto the A915 and B942. It also helps to have a car as I can't imagine it's an easy destination to get to with local transport. The car park is of good size. This property belongs to NTS, so if you are not a member they might ask you to pay £2 for parking. It's quite relaxed there with controls. During Easter the younger generation enjoyed a well planned Easter Hunt followed by an adventurous play in the children's playground in the woods. Entry is about £10.50. Please ask for family concession. National Trust members go free. I started with the building first and absorbed it's 650 years of history. Originally it was a tower house and belonged to one of the 5 families that once owned it. Amongst the owners or keepers during the 1800's were the Erskines and Lorimers (famous painters and architects). When walking through the building you can either read about the history of each room or ask a guide to help you. I believe the guides are multi lingual. One of the ladies gave me access to Henry Lorimers tower room in which he painted his famous paintings. It's a very intriguing room. The Lorimers made this castle their home and you can still feel the homely touch around this place. The tearoom is not cheap and you don't get much for your money. Not much food choice either. There are two rooms with tables inside and an outside sitting area, which is lovely when the sun is out. As the sun was shining I also enjoyed a stroll around the walled garden, which by the way is beautiful, even without the summer's touch. Last but not least I made my way out using the woodlands walk. There are also toilets to be found in an outside roundhouse building, which serves it's purpose. It's a lovely family outing for young and youthful adventurers!

The castle itself is a 3 start (especially if you get to go up to the artist studio way up at the…read moretop), but the gardens are absolutely heavenly and worthy of all 5. We went in early Sept and and it was like walking into a flower wonderland. In April, things are just beginning to bloom, but I would think anytime during the summer would be perfect. And you can visit the gardens any time you want--just pop a few quid into the honor box and enter the garden through the little door. Secret surprise the first time we went and discovered the castle was closed. Also fun places for kids to play and a nice cafe if the castle is open. Also a nice view of the sea from the front.

Worth it especially if the weather is nasty! This was a great place for us to hang out for 2 hours…read moreand beat the wind and cold. I wish it was a teeny bit cheaper, but it actually was a pretty cool museum with some interactive elements.

If golf is your thing then this place will be of great interest to you, if not then you will have…read morethe worst time of your life. There is all sorts of golfing history to be viewed in here from the anciant clubs once used to the ancient players that used to swing them. As a mild fan of golf I found it ok to a point but my friend who is a huge golf fan though this place was excellent so it really is a place only suited to golfing fanatics.