We have basked in splendid sunshine for weeks and weeks, but what to do when faced with rainy days?
Never fear, there are any number of rainy day activities to entertain all ages from Mansefield House.
A day in Inveraray is a winner for everyone. Experience one of the finest and best preserved jail and courtrooms in the world at Inveraray Jail and step back in time to a 19th-century prison. Experience what life was like for the real men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up here. Explore the atmospheric historic buildings at your leisure and meet the costumed characters who animate the past in this unique living museum. Guests at Mansefield House benefit from 20% off ticket prices. Just enter ‘Mansefield’ at check out. Dogs are welcome too! Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. There is even a small pool at the Loch Fyne Hotel, open to non-residents. Break up the day with lunch at The George Hotel (http://www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk). Originally two private houses completed in 1770, they were part of a project by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, started in 1744, to build a whole new town in Inveraray. This was to be the first example in Scotland of a planned town. In 1860 the two private houses were amalgamated into the George Hotel by the Clark family, in whose possession the Inn still remains. Excellent food, and dogs are welcome.
Glencoe is an atmospheric wonder in any weather. Glencoe is perhaps Scotland’s most famous and most scenic glen. Glencoe is also arguably Scotland’s most historic glen, and it was recently voted as Scotland’s most romantic glen. Over many years a number of well known and very successful films have been shot in the glen. Some of these have featured brief scenes, whilst others have involved elaborate sets and a considerable amount of filming. Filming for the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place on location in Glencoe in May and June 2003. Other films that you may well have seen include Highlander, starring Sean Connery & Christopher Lambert, Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail and Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson. Find out more. Set within traditional 18th century thatched cottages in Glencoe Village, Glencoe Folk Museum holds an eclectic array of objects celebrating local heritage and providing an insight into the history of the area and its people. To eat, the Clachaig Inn is an award winning bar and restaurant offering great hospitality in the heart of Glencoe.
Hidden deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan on the shores of Loch Awe is Cruachan Power Station, one of the country’s most amazing engineering achievements. Discover one of the hidden wonders of the Highlands: a power station buried one kilometre below the ground. At its centre lies a massive cavern, high enough to house the Tower of London. Enormous turbines convert the power of water into electricity, available to you in your home at the flick of a switch. Not far away is Inverawe Smoke House and Fisheries. An exhibition tells you all about the history and ancient craft of smoking fish. An amazing collection of models show the old ways of catching or poaching salmon. Learn about the extraordinary life cycle of the salmon. On site, a shop and café offer spectacular local produce.
Visit Oban Sea Life Sanctuary to see exciting marine displays, talks & feeding demonstrations. The Sanctuary opens a window into a watery wonderland . . . teeming with amazing sea creatures of astonishing variety. Nestling amidst the pine trees on the shores of picturesque Loch Creran, the Centre combines a spectacular aquarium with a busy rescue and rehabilitation facility for both common and grey seal pups. Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Founded in 1794, the distillery is the heart of the town. In fact, there wouldn’t have been an Oban town if it weren’t for entrepreneurial brothers Hugh and John Stevenson. Take a tour, simple the malt, and shop to take some home! To eat? Ee-usk is an award winning seafood restaurant, situated in the heart of beautiful Oban Bay, overlooking Kerrera, Lismore, and the mountains of Mull and Morven beyond. Caledonian Macbrayne ferries and fishing boats ply the bay amongst the yachts and dinghies. There is always something to watch. Just next door is Piazza, a family friendly pizza/pasta restaurant.
Head towards Glasgow for a day of culture and fun. Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there’s everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands on with the interactive displays. Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow’s rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with the interactive fire engine. Kelvingrove Museum opened in 1901 and is a firm favourite with local people and visitors. It has stunning architecture and a family friendly atmosphere. Explore 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more. There is an ever changing programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. The Grosvenor Cinema is Ashton Lane’s Independent Cinema showing the latest films and old classics. A fabulous old restored cinema with a great family friendly café upstairs. In fact, with any number of great restaurants and bars in Ashton Lane, you will be hard pushed to choose between them!
Need any other suggestions? Just let us know!