Our families top combination, when not talking about movie-pizza-ice creams, is woodland-river-playground. Well, any water will do (that’s Lilo talking), and all that is green, but when you add playground in the equation – best thing ever!
Now with Scotland going into Phase Two of lockdown exit and there is some indication playgrounds will open again – oh, the joy of planning to return to our favorite places near Edinburgh. Choosing from the following…
Dalkeith Country Park
Secret tunnels, treehouses, Sky maze…so many awesome things, my boys number 1 playground! If you ask them, every day would be a day for Fort Douglas.
As dogs are not allowed in the playground area, Lilo and I use that time to bond with the beautiful nature of Dalkeith Country Park. As mentioned before there is both woodland and a river so all heart desires are met. Plus horses and deers and magical scenery that changes with every visit – snowdrop or a bluebell trail, sea of wild garlic and a fairy or two. Once we’re Covid free, the park is also home to Restoration Yard restaurant and coffee bar – very yummy cakes! Note on the Fort Douglas – there is an entry fee, and it changes from time to time so best to check before coming.
Vogrie Country Park
Cool details of Vogrie Park are statues that may (always!), or may not, be used for games and plays, all along the park. Then ponds where we often befriend very cute frogs of all sizes, and of course a big enough adventure play area to satisfy energy bursts in children of all ages.
The Ranger Service has loads of info useful for exploring the park and there is also a caffe bar and toilets. Vogrie Park is great for picnics or just any outdoor family activities, very relaxed vibe and dog friendly.
Although, if you ask our dog, she might say there is not enough water around for her. She does love to swim. Oh yes, if it’s summer and a Sunday you’re in luck, because that’s the time when a miniature railway opens for hop on. If not, you can use it as we do – walk along the trails and sing Stand By Me. More on opening times and events here.
Beecraigs Country Park
All of the above mentioned criteria we found in Beecraigs with extra points for Animal Attraction and a chance to meet Scotland’s most iconic animal – the Highland Cow also known as Hairy Coo.
As the area is quite big with miles of criss crossing woodland paths and trails that range in difficulties, with picnic/bbq area, diverse playgrounds/adventure areas with spider net, slides, flying foxes, wigwams and mountain bike trails you could easily spend the whole day here.
Check the times for Visitor Center where a free map of park is available or download the map.
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
One more West Lothian woodland and riverside beauty of a walk area. Not so big with the playground, although there is one near the Visitor’s Center. Center itself has an aquarium and refreshments and educational materials. But the walk itself is pure magic. You could easily spend hours exploring one wee bit of the woodland or the river, mesmerized with its mysteries. No wonder people say it’s probably the best kept secret in West Lothian.
To make the most of it download the map before you go.