Drop into a VisitScotland Information Centre
There are 100 VisitScotland Information Centres throughout Scotland, and with most of them open all year round, there's no doubt one will be close by wherever you are to help you make the most of your visit and get the best out of Scotland - they’re not just for tourists!
Stuck for ideas on where to go and what to do?
Whether you want a fast-actioned day or a restful day with some exotic animals, A Grand Day Out has all the information for you to decide on how best to entertain the family, and there's something for everyone!
Please visit the A Grand Day Out map for all places to visit in your area!
This Week's Grand Day Out Ideas...
Doors Open Days gives you free access to over 900 ancient and modern buildings across Scotland. Many are normally closed to the public while others give you behind-the-scenes tours of well-known buildings. Doors Open Day is taking place in Ayrshire on 4 & 5 September, and Dumfries & Galloway on 25 & 26 September. Enjoy access to Irvine's Harbour Arts Centre, Auchinleck House, Maybole Castle and many more. (FREE)
Fancy doing something a little different for charity? It doesn't come much more different than Firewalking as part of the Largs Viking Festival. For those brave enough to take up the challenge, there's a training session before the event and a party afterwards to celebrate. (£100 sponsorship, £25 deposit payable on registration).
The Return of the Vikings
As part of the famous Largs Viking Festival, the Vikings are making an exciting stop off at Kelburn Country Centre to demonstrate how the Vikings lived with a range of child friendly re-enactments. (Adult £7.50, Child £5)
Celebrate Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight in Lochwinnoch with a variety of fresh local produce to tickle any tastebud. The market is situated in a scenic loch side location with stalls indoors and outdoors. (FREE)
Enjoy Dumfries & Galloway's finest produce and products at Lochinch Castle. Sample sumptuous food and browse a diverse range of stalls selling artwork, crafts and plants. In keeping with its glorious surroundings, top off your day with a delicious cream tea provided by the ladies of the Women's Rural Institute. (£1)
Join local rangers for this popular day of fishing on Loch Grannoch. Beginners are welcome and for those without equipment a rod and bait are available to hire. All children must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult. (£5)
Join around 8000 cyclists for Scotland's biggest bike ride. Choose to cycle one of three routes; the classic 51 mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh, a brand new 100 mile route for the more experienced or enjoy a day of family fun with a short off road cycle around Glasgow Green. (Registration fee and charity sponsorship).
One for the children - the phenomenon that is Peppa Pig is recreated live on stage in Dumfries. Come and join the fun with Peppa and George, Suzy Sheep, Danny Dog and Emily Elephant in a charming and imaginative show full of brand new songs and lots of laughter. This is sure to be popular so remember to book ahead! (Adults £14.50, children £12.50)
Four painters, three jewellers, a ceramicist and a poet colloborate to create an beautiful exhibition of the sea. Most pieces will be available to purchase. (FREE)
Travel from Ayr, Prestwick Town, Troon, Irvine, Kilwinning, Johnstone and Paisley Gilmour Street along the scenic West Highland Line to Fort William and Mallaig. £59 Standard Class, £85 First Class. Pre-booking required.
