Calderglen Country Park

A country park is a great place to spend those sunny days we all hope will follow the easing of lockdown, and Calderglen is one of the best close to Glasgow. With plenty to do, this park stretches along a wooded glen to the Rotten Calder River so it’s easy to spend the whole day here. There’s a variety of geological attractions and waterfalls to take in and, soon, we will hopefully be able to take a look at the residents of the mini zoo, and explore the tropical glasshouse and ornamental garden. The zoo and conservatory are normally open everyday from 10am-4pm (current restrictions will apply).

Calderglen Country Park, Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, G75 0QZ

Craigtoun Country Park

When most people think of St Andrews it tends to be golf on the Old Course, or a walk along the beach, that comes to mind. But many people don’t know about Craigtoun Country Park (pictured) situated right next to the coastal town with activities aplenty for visitors. Row around the boating lake; take a ride on the miniature railway; play crazy golf or check out one of their other many attractions – this park is certainly a hit with families

Craigtoun Country Park, Mount Melville, St Andrews, KY16 8NX

Polkemmet Country Park

This country park is near Whitburn and is bursting with nature to explore. See if you can spot a heron, deer or fox hiding in the woodlands. Take a stroll along the park’s riverside walk followed by some fun in the play area. The park is also home to a picnic area (with a BBQ available to hire) and a floodlit golf driving range.

Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn, Bathgate, EH47 0AD

Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park prides itself as being the best country park near Edinburgh. The park boasts a variety of activities including a host of outdoor activities like outdoor walking and cycling trails. The park also has its incredibly popular Restoration Yard, a shop boasting creativity and ethical sourcing of products. Alongside the Restoration Yard, the park also has an excellent (currently closed) restaurant and shop making it easy to spend the day wandering the grounds and discovering everything the park has to offer.

Dalkeith Country Park, Via King’s Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, EH22 1ST

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park

This park, bordering two estates offers two parks in one, each with it own distinct personality. The Calderwood side of the park is a nature lover’s haven, with stretches of unspoilt nature and wildlife making it perfect for walks and discovery. On this side of the park, deer, fox, heron and woodpeckers have all made their homes and the magnificent oak and hazel trees provide the perfect food for the squirrels and wood mice that roam the grounds. Almondell, on the other hand, is home to the more active side of the park, with the visitor centre and play park for visitors to explore.

Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, EH52 5PE

CHARLOTTE COHEN

All subject to current restrictions