Falkirk area Parks Voted Tops for Free Days Out

TWO local parks have been given the seal of approval by internet-savvy mums.

Muiravonside Country Park and Callendar House and Park have earned gold and silver awards respectively - in a poll of the best free destinations for family days out in Central Scotland.

The parks are run by the new Falkirk Community Trust on behalf of Falkirk Council.

Top of the poll, for website Netmums, was Muiravonside Country Park, by Whitecross, which covers 170 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens.

The gold award winner offers nature trails, picnic sites, guided walks, a visitor centre and tearoom.

The park also features restored farm buildings housing ponies, pigs and goats as well as a well stocked duck pond and chicken runs. The park itself is beautiful with rolling hills in the distance and woodland walks down to the river. In addition to the farm, the other children's favourite is the playground - one area for younger children and an adventure playground for older children.

Some of the comments made by visitors included: "The wee farm is lovely and then the play parks are a real hit - there are plenty of lovely places for a picnic and space to play games. Great for conkers in autumn too!" Another said: "I love Muiravonside Park and so does my family."

Coming in a close second was Callendar House and Park in Falkirk. The park is well-known for its beautiful spring displays of daffodils, its spectacular early summer shows of rhododendrons and azaleas and the beautiful autumn foliage of its wonderful woodlands.

Centre-piece of the park is the magnificent chateau style Callendar House - now a free museum telling a story spanning 2000 years. Costumed interpreters bring history to life, creating the most exciting kind of interactive experience and are really popular with children. Open daily, the 1825 Kitchen is where you can sample authentic Georgian food, listen to stories about life below stairs, and watch kitchen staff go about their daily tasks.

The House also offers internationally renowned contemporary art through its Park Gallery.

Other attractions in the surrounding parkland include a Par 3, nine-hole golf course, and acres of open grass for games and picnics. During the local school holidays a large play area with bouncy castle, giant slide, crazy golf and electric cars, and swan pedalos on the boating lake operate (there are charges for these activities). There is also a kiosk selling snacks and the Teashop in the Stables offering an exciting range of lunch dishes, often with a pleasing traditional Scottish theme inspired by the Georgian Kitchen.

Julie Buckingham, Central Scotland Site Editor for Netmums, said: "Callendar House and Park coming out as one of the favourite free places to go in our 'Mum's Vote' shows that it is a firm favourite with local families who enjoy exploring the museum and grounds, sharing a picnic, burning off energy in the fantastic bouncy castle or going on the pedalos. We know from reading the comments on Netmums that families also really love the special events and exhibitions that are organised throughout the summer months. What better recommendation can families get than one voted for by other local families?"

Cllr Adrian Mahoney, the convener and leisure, tourism and community at Falkirk Council - who is also vice chair of the Community Trust - said: "It's great to see two of our top attractions doing so well in this poll. Both parks offer great, free days out for tourists and local families and are fantastic to visit at any time of the year."

News of the parks' success comes as Falkirk Council makes a fresh push to attract more visitors to the Falkirk area. The area is keen to stress the wealth of attractions - including its many free things to do and see. For more information, visit: www.falkirk.gov.uk/visitfalkirk

Netmums is a UK based family of local websites set up and run by mothers. It includes a discussion forum and provides support and advice for parents on a national level. It has over 1,000,000 members and over 4 million visitors a month, making it one of the UK's most popular social networking, advice and support websites. Visit the site at http://www.netmums.com

Both parks are open throughout the year, entry is free and brown tourist road signs direct visitors from all major routes. Callendar House is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm all year (and 2pm - 5pm on Sundays during April - September), again entry is free. More information about the venues and their changing programmes of special events can be found at www.falkirkcommunitytrust.orgor from the central box office in the Steeple, Falkirk (01324 506850).

www.falkirk.gov.uk

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