Morning: Meet the Animals at Blair Drummond Safari Park
Kickstart your day with a short drive to Blair Drummond Safari Park which is a must for animal-loving families. From lions and rhinos on the safari drive-through to playful penguins and lemurs, there’s plenty to keep kids (and grown-ups) entertained. Don’t miss the sea lion presentations and the dinosaur forest, where life-sized models take you back in time. With adventure playgrounds and picnic spots, it’s a whole day out on its own but also ideal for a morning visit before heading off to explore more of the area.
Afternoon: Step Back in Time at Doune Castle
Less than 10 minutes in the car from the hotel is the iconic Doune Castle. Towering over the River Teith, the castle is packed with history. Kids will love climbing the spiral staircases, exploring the great hall and listening to the entertaining audio guide while the grown-ups can act out scenes from Monty Phyton’s The Holy Grail or Outlander - both filmed scenes at the historic venue. It’s a brilliant way to introduce little ones to Scotland’s history while giving them space to roam.
Top tip - residents in Scotland can get FREE entry into Doune Castle and all other Historic Environment Scotland properties every first Sunday of the month until March 2026.
Evening: Relax at Apex Dunblane Hydro
After a busy day, return to Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel where the fun doesn’t have to stop. Kids can take their - yet to be named - Apex Duck into the pool for a splash about, you stroll around the landscaped grounds, or simply snuggle up in your room. For dinner, enjoy the hotel’s family-friendly dining options at The Kailyard before settling in for a good night’s sleep.
The Perfect Family Base
From wildlife encounters to castle adventures, Dunblane is bursting with family-friendly activities and with Apex Dunblane Hydro at the heart of it all, you’ve got the perfect place to relax, recharge and make memories together.
