Holidays in Scotland do not have to cost a fortune – there are many things to do which are free including visiting National Parks of Scotland, museums and galleries, award winning beaches, historical sites and wildlife watching to name but a few. Hopefully the following information will inspire you to take advantage of the many free attractions to be found here in central Scotland.
Free Days Out, Museums and Sights in Central Scotland
The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
1,865 square kilometres of mountains, lochs, rivers and forests. The website for the park has an abundance of information on things to do, where to go and organised events.
Sustrans National Cycle Network
Offers great routes for walking and cycling between various towns of the National Park. Following lochs and rivers, through forests and valleys, experiences the sights of rural Scotland. The routes connect many villages where you can stop for a bite to eat.
National Museums and Galleries
A popular source of interest for many visitors to Scotland. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is Scotland’s second most visited tourist destination and is the biggest civic museum and gallery in the UK.Glasgow is home to one of the most impressive collections of art in Europe. National Galleries of Scotland have five galleries in Edinburgh which contain art by many famous artists including Botticelli and Andy Warhol.
Innerpeffray Library
Scotland’s oldest, free public lending library. A museum where you can touch the past. At a site steeped in history from Roman times to living memory. The library offers visitors a hands-on unforgettable experience of Scottish heritage. Open: Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat 10- 12.45 and 2.00 to 4.45. Sunday 2.00 til 4.00. Admission by donation.
BLiSS Trail
Established in 2016 as part of Scotland’s year of Architecture, Innovation and Design brings a spark of creativity to the villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, St. Fillans and Strathyre. Look out for the fabulous art installations as you make your way through the park.
More Free Days Out
Riverside National Transport Museum for great examples of design and engineering.
Kinneil House offers free open days throughout the year as the “Friends of Kinneil” group will give you an insight on this historic building. Combine your trip with a visit to the famous Kelpies too for an enjoyable day out.
Historic sights abound in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Popular attractions include Rob Roy’s Grave in Balquhidder, the Fortingal Yew Tree, Melville Monument in Comrie.
Natural wonders such as the Falls of Dochart at Killin, the Crags and Bracklinn Falls in Callander are wonderful to see, especially after heavy rains. Due to the highland boundary fault there are a number of spectacular waterfalls.
Local parks offer a great place to while a way a lazy afternoon. Parks in Lochearnhead, Callander and Killin also have play areas for children.