Lenymede Bed and Breakfast, Callander and is a perfect spot to start your explorations of The Trossachs and Southern Highlands but there are many places an hour or so away that warrant a visit. While we believe that Callander and the Trossachs offer much in the way of tranquil landscapes, beautiful walks and fascinating history, longer term visitors may fancy something different for a day or two. Stirling, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are within easy reach, but there are many interesting places to visit which are closer still. For details of opening times and tariffs for the attractions see Opening Times and Tariffs.
A fascinating guided tour takes you round these man-made caverns that once supplied the clay for making furnace bricks. Learn about the geology and see the remains of fossil trees. To visit the mine descend the step flight of stairs into the Avon Gorge, a beautiful spot. Combine a visit here with a trip on the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway.
Take a return trip on this steam railway line from Bo'ness to Birkhill where you can enjoy the scenic Avon Gorge and visit the fascinating fireclay mine (see above) before returning to Bo'ness. Please note that there is a long flight of steps down into the gorge to the mine entrance. Back at Bo'ness there is also an interesting Scottish Railway Exhibition to see. Food and drinks available. Want to try something really different? Then while you're there try the 'Footplate Experience' and learn to drive a steam engine.
A magnificently located castle at the head of Dollar Glen, which provides an exciting approach through a narrow gorge accessible from the car park about 1 mile below the castle or from lower down in Dollar. This walk is real Tolkein country - don't miss it, but take care especially if wet.
The castle is extremely enjoyable despite being known as 'The Castle of Gloom' . The oldest part is the well-preserved 15th century tower round which the later buildings were constructed. The location is magnificent and the adjacent footpaths offer some beautiful walks with the upper ones providing excellent views. There is a tearoom and toilets.
Britain's largest aquarium. Experience the depths of the sea travelling along the walk-through tunnel. Watch divers hand feed the fish, see Europe's largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks, get in touch at the hands on pools. An excellent trip for adults and children alike.
This is probably the nearest distillery currently open to visitor. If the fancy takes you they are open all year for tours and tasting. This provides a good afternoon trip less than 40 minutes from Callander on the A81 to Glasgow. Combine this with an ascent of Dungoyne and follow it with lunch at The Beech Tree. Alternatively visit Balmaha on the western shores of Loch Lomond and if feeling energetic climb Conic Hill for wonderful views across Loch Lomond.
Scotland's oldest distillery. Guided tours, free tasting, audio-visual presentation and 3-D exhibition. Bar, restaurant and shop.
Is the weather not too good for the outdoors or just feel like a different challenge? Then visit Hadrian's Wall in Falkirk, one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the UK. Four climbing areas including a beginners area, bouldering walls, an intermediate area to 6a and and advanced areas to 7c including multi pitch climbing, high level traverse and competition wall. All areas have ropes in place and all other equipment may be hired. Courses are available including introductory, lead climbing and advanced and also a kids club on Saturdays. Food and drinks available in the lounge area.
Dating from 1860 with fine stained glass and timbered wood, the highlight here is provided by the chancel furnishings designed in 1904 by the famous Scottish architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
One of Scotland's finest stately houses and ancestral home of the Marquess of Linlithgow. The fine architectural features house beautiful State apartments with 17th century tapestries, wonderful antique furniture.
Whether you are a spectator or a budding driver Knockhill has much to offer. There are a wide variety of motor racing events on most Sundays from April to October including Scottish Championship Formula Ford and motorcycles. A wide range of driving courses are available during the week including Skid Control, Defensive Driving, Performance Driving, Racing Drivers Trial, Tarmac Rally Stages Trail and Master Drivers Super Trail.
This is the birth place of Mary, Queen of Scots and the residence of all the Stuart Kings. The impressive Royal Palace is adjacent to Loch Linlithgow. An excellent historic site well worth visiting. Don't miss the below ground rooms or the roof tops. Lots to explore.
Take the ferry across to Deep Sea World or cruise to Inchcolm Island and visit its historic abbey. Nature watchers may see seals, cormorants, dolphins and puffins.
A collection of locomotives, carriages and wagons illustrating the history of Scotland's railways. A fascinating collection that will interest children and adults alike. Can be visited with an all in ticket that includes the Birkhill Fireclay Mine, and Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway.
For further information on places to visit see the following pages:
Contents
Introduction
Callander
The Trossachs
Activities
Maps
Stirling
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Walks
Photography
Images
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