Top Rated Parks to Visit in Airth

"In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and at the very centre of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Princess Street Gardens is another of Edinburgh’s important parks. Here you will see the world-famous Floral Clock and an array of public monuments such as the David Livingstone Statue and the Scott Monument, to name a couple. Please note this is a gated park and the gates are opened and closed according to the opening times."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a..."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the edges of Glasgow’s East End, with its principle attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A-rundown structures. With both going back to the fifteenth century, Provanhall House specifically has increased some appeal because of its set of experiences as the past chasing cabin of King James IV and flaunts numerous vivid phantom stories. The main room is said to have been the setting of various paranormal sightings, and purportedly houses the apparition of a warrior who killed his better half when he got back from battle to locate her pregnant with another man’s kid."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A listed buildings. With both dating back to the 15th century, Provanhall House in particular has gained some allure due to its history as the previous hunting lodge of King James IV, and boasts many colorful ghost stories. The master bedroom is said to have been the setting of a number of paranormal sightings, and allegedly houses the ghost of a soldier who murdered his wife when he returned from war to find her pregnant with another man’s child."

"Auchinlea Park is located on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two listed 15th century buildings. It’s also one of the parks in the area with a lot of spooky history. If you are feeling brave enough to enter former hunting lodge, Provanhall House, you can discover the ghost stories about the manor, or if Halloween is enough spookiness for you, steer clear by walking through the pretty garden grounds."

"his 4 Star Visit Scotland certify movement focus makes for the ideal outing in East Kilbride, an enormous town toward the south of Glasgow. The recreation centre’s 16 section of land loch plays host to various energizing water sports exercises, including windsurfing, power-drifting, kayaking and untamed water swimming. These exercises are given by outstanding associations, for example, the Royal Yachting Association and the Scottish Canoe Association, who try to guarantee that the recreation centre’s common offices are effectively utilized."

"This activity centre in East Kilbride, south of Glasgow, makes for the perfect day. It’s got the seal of approval from Visit Scotland with its 4 star accreditation so it is definitely up there as one of the best parks. It features a 16-acre loch, which provides beautiful and tranquil surroundings for an exciting range of water sports, including windsurfing, power-boating, kayaking and open water swimming."

"Frozen Loch at James Hamilton Heritage Park|© Patersor/Flickr. This 4 Star Visit Scotland accredited activity center makes for the perfect day out in East Kilbride, a large town to the south of Glasgow. The park’s 16 acre loch plays host to a number of exciting water sports activities, including windsurfing, power-boating, kayaking and open water swimming."

"The ancient King’s Park was, as its name suggests, founded as a royal pleasure ground in the 12thcentury, when it was used for aristocratic pursuits such as jousting and hunting. Today, everyone can enjoy the park, and it is one of Stirling’s best-used recreational areas. Many activities take place there, including swings, trampolines, a tennis court, a wheelie park for bikes and skateboarding, and outdoor gym equipment."

"Kings Park is a very popular walking spot, especially for those of us that own dogs (including a few of the SCHT Team). King’s Park is Scotland’s oldest Royal Park, and was owned by the Crown for at least 900 years. It was used by Scottish monarchs and nobility for jousting, hunting, and hawking, and is comparable in importance to Windsor Castle’s Great Park."

"Enjoy a day of outdoor leisure with the whole family at Kings Park in Stirling. A skate park and BMX bike path keep older kids entertained while various play areas are open for all ages. Sports facilities, tennis courts, picnic tables, walking trails, and greens are just a few of the amenities."

"Stand in awe at the massive 30 m tall Kelpie statues rising from the canal. Once you admire the world’s largest equine structures, make sure to enjoy the park’s 17 miles of pathways."

"The Cuningar Loop offers up the perfect natural landscape for kids to walk and play. Take the whole family on an over 3 miles of accessible paths (mixed surfaces) to enjoy some of the many play areas. The bouldering area offers up a chance to play on the rocks while the adventure play area has designed challenges for all abilities."

"This playpark is mostly made out of tree trunks and other bits of wood. It has swings, a slide and a few different bits for climbing. There’s a good sized sandy area around the swings and slide, and a den made out of climbing vines."

"Anyone with a historical interest in medicine, or a taste for the gruesome, will enjoy the three medical museums collectively known as the Surgeons' Hall. They include the Wohn Pathology Museum, one of the largest collections of anatomical pathology in the world; The History of Surgery Museum, where you can learn about the history of murderers and body snatchers who provided teaching "samples" to surgeons in training; and The Dental Collection, with paintings, Japanese woodcuts, and dental instruments illustrating the development of everyone's least favorite medical profession. A highlight is the story of murderers and body snatchers Burke and Hare, who provided bodies for dissection."

"Housed in a grand Ionic temple designed by William Playfair in 1832, these three fascinating museums were originally established as teaching collections. The History of Surgery Museum provides a look at surgery in Scotland from the 15th century to the present day. Highlights include the exhibit on murderers Burke and Hare, which includes Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin, and a display on Dr Joseph Bell, who was the inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes."

"Be Mystified at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura Almost opposite the Scotch Whisky experience is Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura, also home to the World of Illusions attraction. Being a photographer I was particularly interested in the Camera Obscura at the top of the building, but I have to admit to finding the World of Illusions a lot of fun."

"The eye-catching Camera Obscura building stands at the top of the Royal Mile and contains an amazing range of optical experiences across five floors. The 'camera' itself is a giant Victorian periscope offering an interesting 360° perspective on…"

"Swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of never-ending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes. Enter a world of illusions where seeing is definitely not believing!"

"If you like fun, interactive science museums, then Dynamic Earth is a must-visit. Right next to the Scottish Parliament building and underneath the stunning backdrop of the Crags and Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the history of the Earth."

"Café Portrait has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s best art venue cafés, and, with its striking gothic windows, consistently good food and creative buzz, it’s easy to see why. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but the likes of Moroccan spiced salmon on a bed of chickpea and spinach, or goat’s cheese roulade won’t disappoint."

"Located inside the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Cafe Portrait keeps culture vultures engaged with dramatic gothic windows and archways. Painted and photographed portraits adorn the walls, as if to suggest that you're sipping in good company. There's a standard mix of coffees, steeping teas, and hot chocolates."

"Describing themselves as the perfect pub & restaurant, The Allan Pub Park & Restaurant in Stirling is deffo worth a visit. Whether it’s a hearty brunch after a night out or some home baking beside their cosy wooden stove, you’ll love it!. They have an incredible lunch and plant-based menu to suit all tastes, including afternoon tea if you’re feeling #extra."

"A beautiful boutique hotel located in the stylish village of Stockbridge, Nira Caledonia is dedicated to celebrating life’s pleasures, through individually styled rooms with unique soft furnishings, including goose feather beds and goose down pillows, 42-inch plasma televisions, and slate bathrooms. Some rooms offer delightful views from floor-to-ceiling windows or an exquisite spa bath for the ultimate in relaxation. In the bar, guests can choose from over 25 Scotch whiskies, while fresh dishes crafted from organic Scottish ingredients can be enjoyed in the restaurant."

"Best for Local lifeIn a nutshell Many Edinburgh hotels are located on historic cobblestone streets, but none are located so close to time-stopped Dean Village, the city’s forgotten cluster of 19th-century mills and crooked houses where the past ghosts into the present. The Water of Leith attraction is just one of many sights a short walk away from this period Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge, so make sure to bring comfy shoes. Meanwhile, into the public rooms and suites, the owners have poured ideas, design furniture, inviting baths and plenty of breathing space."

"Nestled in the heart of Edinburg, Nira Caledonia flaunts Georgian splendor with modern amenities. The hotel is only 4 minutes walk to the Water of Leith River, and 5 minutes walk from Patriothall Gallery and Alpha Art Gallery. Beautiful guest rooms are individually styled with antique furnishing highlighting heritage features, flat-screen TVs and coffee machines."