5 days for the Family

Description:

Nestled in a pleasant riverside site with woods and green spaces that extend for almost a mile, there's so to do and see. The picturesque buildings and paddocks of Mill Farm are home to many friendly farm animals, including Highland cattle, rare breed sheep, goats, ponies, horses, and some very inquisitive ducks.

There's always something happening, with milking, feeding, talks and handling sessions throughout much of the year, and a programme of seasonal crafts, games and activities for children during the school holidays. Kids can let off steam and engage their imagination in a range of unique play facilities including a simulated archaeological dig, a play mine, toy tractors, pedal carts and trampolines. Even if the sun isn't shining there are indoor play areas for all ages, and secrets to be discovered in the museum.

But you don't need to be a kid to enjoy Almond Valley. Seasonal tractor rides and trips on the narrow gauge railway transport you through a pleasant landscape to peaceful riverside walks. The working watermill and machinery shed provides an insight into West Lothian's rural past whilst the museum tells the fascinating story of Scotland's famous shale oil industry.

Whether you're aged one or a hundred and one, we're certain that you'll leave Almond Valley with a smile on your face.

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Description:

Just make sure you haven't eaten for a few weeks before you come here as Bell's has built up quite a reputation for their huge juicy burgers! They come in 4, 6 and 8oz sizes - chicken or beef - and with a selection of tasty little variations on the traditional burger theme. Try a garlic version of an old favourite. Don't worry if large hunks of animal aren't your thing as the vegetarian options here are nurtured just as well as the meaty ones. This diner serves good, simple, well-prepared food.

Description:

Beautifully situated overlooking the Firth of Forth, close to the beach, yet within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, this caravan and camping park offers all the facilities needed for a relaxing and peaceful break. There are lots of facilities on site, including showers, laundry room, putting green and the adjacent Glen Golf course. You can hire a fully equipped holiday home caravan, bring your own or pitch a tent. Edinburgh can be reached via a short car or train journey, giving the visitor the chance to enjoy both city and countryside from one base. Open March-October.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Discover creepy crawlies and beautiful butterflies on this family day out.

Description:

Butterfly and Insect World is a unique attraction that is fun for the whole family. Where else do you get a chance to explore lizards, scorpions and more, as well butterflies flutter around you throughout the landscaped areas? Touch and hold snakes and other tiny creatures in one of the handling sessions at 12pm and 3pm every day. Be sure not to miss the Leaf Cutter Ant Parade, the Glowing Scorpion Display, the Honey Bee Hives and the Tropical Gardens. 

Description:

Beautifully situated overlooking the Firth of Forth, close to the beach, yet within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, this caravan and camping park offers all the facilities needed for a relaxing and peaceful break. There are lots of facilities on site, including showers, laundry room, putting green and the adjacent Glen Golf course. You can hire a fully equipped holiday home caravan, bring your own or pitch a tent. Edinburgh can be reached via a short car or train journey, giving the visitor the chance to enjoy both city and countryside from one base. Open March-October.

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Description:

Leith Waterworld is the only leisure pool in the city which means flumes, fast flow channel, wave machines and the river run, but most importantly fun!

Monday to Thursday 10.00 – 16.45
Friday 10.30 – 16.45
Saturday to Sunday 10.00 – 16.45

Facilities include:

• Leisure pool
• Swimming Pool
• Wave Machine
• Bubble Beds
• River Run
• Spa Pool
• Flumes
• Jacuzzi
• Soft Play
• Party Room
• Multi Sensory Area

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Description:

This is a clean, simple chippy which serves traditional British food overlooking Newhaven harbour. Starters include Yorkshire pudding and lobster tails, while for the main course choose between cod, haddock, plaice, halibut and fish cakes. Take up Harry's Challenge and attempt to consume a whole prime cod or haddock - if you succeed you will receive a signed certificate and a sweet of your choice, gratis. If the seafood doesn't tempt you, try something different like sausages and mash, ale pudding or escalope of chicken. If you've got room, enjoy some bread and butter pudding or chocolate sponge. Wash down the hearty fare with a lovely cup of tea or a choice of soft drinks, beers and wines. Keep the kids happy with the indoor play area, children's menu and a play ship outside.

Description:

Beautifully situated overlooking the Firth of Forth, close to the beach, yet within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, this caravan and camping park offers all the facilities needed for a relaxing and peaceful break. There are lots of facilities on site, including showers, laundry room, putting green and the adjacent Glen Golf course. You can hire a fully equipped holiday home caravan, bring your own or pitch a tent. Edinburgh can be reached via a short car or train journey, giving the visitor the chance to enjoy both city and countryside from one base. Open March-October.

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Our Local Expert Says:

This museum is a favorite with people of all ages, children can enjoy seeing toys and games throughout the ages and adults can feel nostalgic on their youth. There is a great gift shop to take home a souvenir of the past.

Description:

The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane.

Its large collection is full of colour and variety. Visitors to the Museum can see optical and construction toys, cars from Dinky miniatures to child-size pedal cars, toy soldiers, puppets and dolls' houses. The Museum explores all aspects of growing up, so toys and games sit alongside items such as books, medicines and clothing.

Young people and adults will enjoy finding out about growing up through the ages, from toys and games to health and school days. Hands-on activities, including a puppet theatre and dressing up area, together with the fantastic museum shop, help to make your visit a memorable one.

Opening times:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm;

Sunday 12pm - 5pm.

(The shop closes at 4:45pm each day.)

Admission:

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

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Description:

This is an Italian restaurant serving excellent pizzas and an impressive choice of seafood. Pick your dishes from the blackboard or the extensive menu, which has classici alongside those with a little extra fantasia. Observe the flamboyant cooks as they create your meals behind a transparent partition. This is a great restaurant for families - kids are encouraged to decorate their own pizzas. From Monday to Wednesday there is live Italian music and dancing, including an appearance by the local piano-bar legend Roberto Enzo.

Description:

Beautifully situated overlooking the Firth of Forth, close to the beach, yet within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, this caravan and camping park offers all the facilities needed for a relaxing and peaceful break. There are lots of facilities on site, including showers, laundry room, putting green and the adjacent Glen Golf course. You can hire a fully equipped holiday home caravan, bring your own or pitch a tent. Edinburgh can be reached via a short car or train journey, giving the visitor the chance to enjoy both city and countryside from one base. Open March-October.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Our Dynamic Earth is an action packed educational adventure. With lots of interactive exhibitions charting the evolution of planet Earth, visitors are encouraged to discover fun facts about the environment. A café is available onsite as is a car park.

Description:

Our Dynamic Earth is an interactive and stimulating activity based in Edinburgh city centre. Popular with school children and families Our Dynamic Earth is a centre that teaches visitors about the formation of Earth, how it has developed and the possibilities of the future. Get involved in helping to save the planet, discover fascinating facts about the ocean or learn about arctic survival. Unwind in the afternoon at the Food Chain Cafe for a well deserved break.

Description:

You will find straightforward sandwiches, drinks and snacks with superb views of the Royal Mile at this establishment. Order one of their wonderful coffees and relax by the window. Evenings see this establishment metamorphose into a casual and cosy bistro-style restaurant. An a la carte menu is available from 6pm and there is a good choice for vegetarians. This is also a great place to bring the kids, as they are well catered for and it's not expensive.

Description:

Beautifully situated overlooking the Firth of Forth, close to the beach, yet within easy driving distance of Edinburgh, this caravan and camping park offers all the facilities needed for a relaxing and peaceful break. There are lots of facilities on site, including showers, laundry room, putting green and the adjacent Glen Golf course. You can hire a fully equipped holiday home caravan, bring your own or pitch a tent. Edinburgh can be reached via a short car or train journey, giving the visitor the chance to enjoy both city and countryside from one base. Open March-October.