With May the month of bank holidays and long weekends, we’ve taken a look at the best place in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas to take the kids for a day trip.
We asked our readers for their recommendations for day trips in the Capital, and they didn’t disappoint! With suggestions ranging from a rare day in the sun at Portobello Beach to family fun days at East Links Family Park, Dalkeith Country Park, Conifox Adventure Park and Blair Drummond Safari Park. The most popular day trip recommendation was undoubtedly the National Museum Scotland on Chambers Street, with the free entry a great incentive for families as the cost of living crisis bites.
9. Portobello Beach
Obviously weather dependent, Joyce Murphy suggested a trip to the seaside. She said: "Portobello beach with pail and spade (if it's a nice sunny day)." Photo: Lisa Ferguson
10. Lauriston Castle
Christine Tromans recommended Lauriston Castle, a 16th-century tower house with 19th-century extensions overlooking the Firth of Forth. It lies on Cramond Road South, between Cramond, Davidson's Mains, and Silverknowes. The substantial grounds, Lauriston Castle Gardens, operate as a local park. Photo: Lisa Ferguson
11. Dalkeith Country Park
Judy Brims recommended a day trip with the kids to Dalkeith Country Park, which has plenty to do for all the family to enjoy, including the Restoration Yard restaurant, shop and wellbeing lab and Fort Douglas Adventure Park. Photo: Lisa Ferguson
12. Edinburgh Zoo
So many of our readers suggested a day trip to the zoo with the kids. Highlights at Edinburgh Zoo include Penguins Rock and of course the giant pandas, Yang Guang and Tian Tian, who are due to return to China this year, after arriving in 2011. COVID 19, CORONA VIRUS - Edinburgh Zoo re-opens its doors today after being closed for over 3 months due to COVID 19 Photo: Lisa Ferguson