Caerlaverock is unusual both for its triangular design and its pink limestone. Both make it quite…read morea striking sight (see photographs). The castle is technically ruined, but the two front-facing walls and most of the rest of the superstructure remain intact. There is a classic moat surrounding the building, and a narrow wooden bridge gives access to the main gate. Like Dryburgh Abbey, this property is administered by Historic Scotland, so the grounds have been landscaped and the interior courtyard paved and gravelled, with railings added in spots. It's fun to climb around inside the towers and interior buildings, which are labelled to explain their original purpose and use. Like many castles, different portions date from various eras, so the design is a bit of a jumble. The main attraction is a 17th-century residence, with servery, kitchen, and private rooms. On the opposite side is a 15th-century structure which apparently contained a great hall and other residences. The two towers bestride the main gate were used as lord's residences in the 13th and 14th centuries. One interesting bit of history: in 1300, Edward I himself, with a 3000-man army, besieged the castle. The garrison of only sixty men held out for 36 hours. When Edward learned how few his enemy had been, he was so impressed that he allowed the Maxwell family to keep the castle after swearing an oath of loyalty to him. As wonderful as the castle is, the visitor's centre boasts a "museum" which is nothing but a sad joke. Breeze through it, just enough to get the story of the castle, the Maxwells, and the various military actions over the years, and then get right out onto the grounds. There is also a "nature trail" which leads about 200m to the site of the previous castle, used for only a few decades in the mid-13th century and abandoned due to the marshy ground (Caerlaverock is very near the Solway Firth). There are picnic tables, and on a day with good weather, this would be a great site to bring the family for an afternoon.

My all time favorite castle! 'Home Sweet Home' to Clan Maxwell! All kinds of history pours from…read morethis property, we spent hours here at the castle & in the woods. Take your time climbing in the castle, there is a lovely tea room on site to rest. Absolutely precious architecture. A must see for castle hunters. #myfamilytree

After dashing back to Dumfries from Caerlaverock Castle, I was afraid that I had missed my chance…read moreto see this museum. However, the two ladies tending shop not only let me in less than ten minutes before closing, but they very kindly gave me a parking disc for my car. The house is small, but it's worth seeing just to BE in Burns' house. There are several artifacts, including books owned by Burns, both his and others'. Most interesting to me was his desk and chair, at which he wrote much of his famous work, including "Tam O'Shanter." Just imagine him sitting there. Very cool. Burns lived in this house for the last three years of his life, and died here in 1796. His widow continued to reside here until 1834. His son purchased the home in 1851 and placed it under the care of trustees, to be preserved for perpetuity as a memorial to his father. If you visit the house (actually, whether you do or not), take a stroll up the road to St Michael's Churchyard, where you will find the Burns Mausoleum. You can't miss it, as the white marble structure stands out like a beacon among the shabby brown and rust-colored gravestones all around.

This is a huge 18th century Mill Village that focused on education and the welfare of mill workers…read moreboth young and old, I loved the Annie McLeod ride which was fun but also very touching hearing the ghosts of mill workers and of 12 year old Annie McLeod talk about her life as a mill worker in 1820 in New Lanark and of the mill manager Robert Owen who also created the first Infant School in the world. I enjoyed visiting the historic classroom and writing on slates with chalk. You will also see an exhibition of cotton production and working conditions in the cotton industry and see the 19th century textiles machinery in action, spinning wool into yarn which is noisy. We didn't have time to visit Robert Owens home but we wandered the beautiful roof terrace with panoramic views of the falls of Clyde, so all in all a very pleasant day out and well worth a visit!

I think every schoolchild in Glasgow has visited bew lanark at some point and I have to say i…read morecouldn't really remember that much from my visit myself apart from the Annie Mcleod experience! We visited yesterday on what was a brilliant sunny day and we were totally able to appreciate how pretty new lanark is and I can see why this is becoming a popular wedding venue. I didnt actually realise that the village is still very much a working mill and you can see that for yourself as you walk around. When you enter the car park there is a sign telling you its a 7 min walk to the visitor centre and its all downhill. There are some disabled spaces outside the visitor centre so worth keeping that in mind if you have mobility issues. The Annie Mcleod ride was just as i rememberd and the visitor centre is really well laid out. A lift takes you up to the roof garden where the views are simply stunning! We stopped off for lunch in the cafe and i was pleased to see some gluten free options available and the prices were really reasonable. The gift shop is attached to the cafe with some lovely items and this is where you can buy your wool. New Lanark is a great day out for all the family and dogs are welcome in the main grounds too.

This place is free now, which is an obvious inclination to go…read more The building looks great from the outside, an iconic landmark in Motherwell, and has a really fresh modern interior. It is closely tied with Motherwells apparent interest in geneology, with a great geneology section in the nearby Library. Motherwell and Wishaw has a rich history rooted in steelworks with the knock on effect of unemployment when the Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell closed still very apparent. In conjunction with this, a longstanding hatred towards Thatcher is also still vibrant. I once saw a man sporting an 'I STILL HATE MAGGIE THATCHER' t-shirt. I wonder where he bought it. There are some decent family research facilities in here and let's not forget, the viewing tower, where you can watch people scratching themselves at the bus stop. It's like a cheap version of the Bat Signal, and quite cool on a dark night.. (Worst Yelp joke of 2010 nominee?). A decent afternoon can be had in here, if what the place has to offer is of interest to you and The Bentley Hotel next door is a good shout for a bite to eat before or after.

If you want to know a little bit about the history of Motherwell, this is the place to be…read more Free entry, with an ever changing line of exhibitions being showcased in the lobby, it's not a bad shout if you are at a bit of a loss for something to do. The actual exhibitions need a lick of paint and a wee dust though, as they have not changed since i was a kid. The wee 'cinema' inside has a dummy lady that's supposed to give you a ticket, and she never has. Ever. Check out the website for details of exhibitions and workshops for kids which run throughout the school holidays.

This romantic garden is absolutely GORGEOUS! It rests bordered by the River Rothay and St…read more Oswald's Church. The stone tile pathway meandering throughout the garden bears inscriptions of fellow Wordsworth admirers (some on behalf of departed loved ones). The garden fittingly lies near Wordsworth's gravesite. This location is simply a MUST-SEE attraction!

This is is a grade B listed iron fountain (built in 1882) and one of the main landmarks in the…read moretown, standing today in a pedestrianised area surrounded by shops. It has three tiers (which always make me think of one of those old-fashioned cake stands), four demonic-looking cherubs squeezing water out of the mouths of crocodiles (I haven't been able to find out why) with a few dolphins and storks thrown in for good measure. I seem to remember this fountain looking much better before it was painted in the garish red and gold colours of today, although, to be honest, I never paid it much attention before. I couldn't help but notice it recently!

Seclusion is needed by the soul more than you think folks. Peace and quiet for a few hours to…read morecollate your thoughts is priceless. Hence forth I present to you a place where Wordsworth 'wondered lonely as a cloud' The best things in life are indeed free(ok,ok, not entirely free: you do have to pay and display in the car park) On a leisurely drive with some friends through the lakes one fine Sunday afternoon we discovered(completely by fluke incidentally) this little gem of a place. Aira Force is a water fall which drops an impressive 65 feet and is surrounded by woodland. The drill here is simple, and simplicity at times can be bliss. You park your car you grab something from the cafe or stock up your picnic rucksack of goodies and off you go. A hike up through the woods will take you back to your childhood state of mind. Either you'll be climbing the steep paths through the woodland wrestling with the firs, pines, spruces and cedars like Indiana Jones(moi), or gingerly moving along with a camcorder wide eyed as if you were filming a prequel to Blair Witch project. (fainthearted friend) None the less the fruits of your labour will eventually emerge in the shape of Aira Force waterfall. Now I am and always will be a massive fan of waterfalls. There is something extremely therapeutic about the sound of the water, it floats me, freshens me up. This particular waterfall is one of the most famous in the Lake district. When we visited there was hardly anyone there. The water was so fresh and clean, I could easily have just bathe under it and would have done had it not been for a slight chill in the air and two rather strange German tourists. By strange, I mean scary horror film strange, tailing us all the way upto the falls! Perhaps it was just the fear mongering camcorder blair witch friend... Once you've taken plenty of post card worthy pictures and enjoyed the scenery, on the way back there are plenty of amazing and potentially romantic picnic spots. Plenty of daffodils around also if it's the right time of year. I loved them and I loved my visit and so will you. Who knows they might even inspire you into poetic action as it did Mr. Wordsworth. For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

A beautiful National Trust site with walking paths through the woods and alongside a fast flowing…read moreriver. Main parking at the bottom of the hill close to the lake. There's toilets, a cafe and a small shop plus lots of picnic space. Beyond the two viewpoint bridges are beautiful rock pools perfect for paddling.

This is an excellent walk from the town of Largs to this tall memorial to the Battle of Largs…read more(1263) between the Vikings and the Scots. The monument itself has been nicknamed the 'Pencil' owing to its distinctive shape and the name has stuck! The views across the River Clyde are marvellous and you can watch the Cumbrae ferries coming in and out. It's an easy path for anyone to be able to follow and you can continue past the Pencil to the Marina for a coffee and snack (or full meal) at the nearby Marina.

A great place to visit the owner is really friendly and great value for money , see my full review…read moreand photos at http://www.kevinsimon.co.uk/?p=2303