A new campaign is set to encourage people across Scotland to experience a day out across the country this autumn and winter.
Launched by VisitScotland in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and ScotRail, the initiative promotes discounted tickets to more than 50 participating properties.
A total of 21 Historic Scotland properties, including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, are offering children's tickets for £1* until the end of March 2023. In addition, around 30 members of ASVA including Trimontium Museum in Melrose, Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh and The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth are offering a range of reduced rate tickets.
A dedicated Days Out in Scotland landing page on VisitScotland's website allows visitors to browse the offers, as well as showcase the vast range of paid and free visitor attractions, adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures and food and drink experiences on offer throughout the country during the winter.
Attractions joining the campaign include.
A Wee Pedal Cycle Tours – Based in Edinburgh, this small family-run business offers bicycle tours for all the family in and around the city. Located on the cycle path network, A Wee Pedal prides itself on sustainable and active tourism, offering small, safe, friendly tours from experienced, qualified and passionate guides offering a unique insight into the city and surrounding area on two wheels. As part of the Great Days Out offer, children go half price with every full adult price booked between November 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023.
Doune Castle – Best known for its starring roles in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This 14th-century courtyard castle, with striking 100 ft high gatehouse has one of the best-preserved great halls in Scotland. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult. Families will enjoy exploring the Stirlingshire site's historic links, finding out how grand banquets were prepared, and enjoying stunning views of the River Teith and Ben Lomond.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street – One of Edinburgh's hottest new attractions. Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy world-class cocktails with sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle in the 1820 rooftop bar and sought after whiskies in the Explorers' Bothy bar. As part of the Great Days Out Campaign, visitors can enjoy a 2-4-1 experience on the Journey of Flavour Tour.
Glenkinchie Distillery & Visitor Centre - This Victorian distillery is the Lowland Home and one of the four corner distilleries of Johnnie Walker within the abundant farmland and sweet-scented orchard gardens of East Lothian, this is where the Edinburgh Malt that is a vital part of Johnnie Walker whiskies is distilled. Visitors can enjoy a range of tours of the distillery as well as a visit to the bar for cocktails, drams, coffees and sharing platters. As part of Great Days Out, there is a two-for-one offer running on the journey of flavour tour on Sunday to Thursday during November.
Trimontium Museum - As Scotland's only museum dedicated to Roman and Iron Age Scotland, the Trimontium Museum in Melrose tells the story of one of the largest Roman fort sites north of Hadrian's Wall. On display, there are many of the treasures excavated from Trimontium over the last century, illustrating what life was like at the very edge of the Roman Empire. As part of Great Days Out children can visit for £1 when an adult ticket is purchased.
The Black Watch Museum and Castle Museum - Housed within the historic Balhousie Castle in Perth, this award-winning attraction brings the history of Scotland's oldest Highland Regiment to life, through artifacts, paintings, photographs, personal stories and interactive displays. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, it is offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult.
The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements - One of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement is located at Sumburgh Head. This fascinating site has a complex array of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. Discover a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird's house. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult.
Cullen Sea School – Located in Moray, Cullen Sea School sees skilled and experienced instructors help visitors to learn a range of exciting water activities. From kayaking and stand -up paddle boarding to sailing, coastal rowing and beach cleans. Enjoy amazing activities set against the stunning backdrop of Cullen Bay and Cullen's historic harbour. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, save 25% per person off a SUP, kayaking or sailing session booked between October 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023.
Stirling Castle- One of Scotland's most historically important sites, it was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations. Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult.
Puffin Croft Petting Farm & Craft Shop - Located in John O'Groats, this is the most northerly petting farm and farm shop in the UK. All the family can enjoy a visit to meet the friendly animals, which include donkeys, goats, pigs, miniature ponies and sheep. There's also a rabbit enclosure – Rabbit Town – where you can get close to the rabbits that live there. The farm shop stocks a range of local produce and home baking. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, a free voucher for the petting farm is available for every £5 spent in the shop between November 1st and December 31st.