Inexpensive Family Days Out
With the school holidays ending in a few weeks, are you running low on family activity ideas—or perhaps the cash to carry them out? This is the article for you! We are sharing a few itinerary ideas that families can enjoy doing together—that won’t break the bank. Here’s what we’ve come up with:
Bookish Birnam
We’ve given our itinerary for Birnam a bookish theme, starting off with a look round the Beatrix Potter Garden, which is free to enter. Although not large, spotting all the different animal figures dotted about is fun for both kids and adults, and there’s a very good information board about the author’s experiences in the area. As an optional extra, entry to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition is relatively inexpensive, from £2.50 per child.
To keep the bookish theme going, take a walk down to the Birnam oak, said to be the last member of the woods mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. There’s a shady little beach along the shore just there that’s great for dipping your toes in the water on a hot day, followed by a picnic. Once you’re ready to return to the centre of Birnam, and if finances allow, drop into the Birnam Reader and choose a book to read together when you get home.
Historic Perth
Perth is a great destination for a rainy day, especially the new Perth Museum and the Perth Art Gallery, both of which can be entered for free, although there is also a paid exhibition option for the former.
Once you’ve seen all there is to see at the museum and/or gallery, a short walk will bring you to the river, from which you can access the Norrie Miller Walk and Rodney Gardens, within which is a historical burial ground. You’ll also have great views of Smeaton’s Bridge and St Matthew’s Church. This is a great place for a family picnic. Afterwards, enjoy exploring the Sculpture Trail, or visit the AK Bell Library, which has a children’s section.
Arty Aberfeldy
You never have to go very far in Perthshire to find something with historical, artistic or literary significance, and Aberfeldy is no different. Start your day by having a look at the Birks—you don’t have to do the entire walk if time, energy or ability don’t allow, but it’s worth at least getting a photo with the Robert Burns statue (being careful not to damage it).
In the summer, pebble beaches often form next to the River Tay at Aberfeldy and many families enjoy spending the afternoon on them and having a picnic. If you do have spending money available, the Birks Cinema is another option, the leisure centre and swimming pool, or the putting green. If there’s no budget, pop down to the park on Taybridge Terrace, or try the Aberfeldy Sculpture Trail.
Other free activities in Perthshire could include the Corbenic Poetry Path, Cateran Eco Museum, Loch Leven Nature Reserve, or Macrosty Park in Crieff. Do try try to support local businesses during your day out if at all possible—even if finances are especially tight, why not leave a positive review for somewhere you enjoyed, follow some businesses you spotted on social media or mention them to a friend?
We hope this summer you’re able to enjoy what Perthshire has to offer!
