'STRAWBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES: THE HEALTHIER PICK'N'MIX'
School's out
In part two of our look at the fun to be had during the SUMMER HOLIDAYS, Kelly Apter goes in search of sandcastles, soft play, species and sea.
Where? North Berwick
Why? Less than an hour from lidinburgh. North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre (01620 890202 www.seabird.org). a fascinating interactive experience for all ages. Tantallon Castle (01620 892727). a dramatic ruin steeped in history. has dungeons ripe for exploring. And if the sun is shining. Yellowcraigs Beach (just before North Berwick on the A158) is perfect for all your rock pooling. building sandcastles and brave paddling requirements.
While you’re there Just a few miles round the coast. Dtmbar accrues the most sunshine hours in Britain. There you can feed animals and ride the Safari Train at East Links Farm Park (01368 863607 www.castlinks.co.uk). enjoy the wave machine and fiumes at Dunbar Leisure Pool (01368 865456) or take under-8s to soft play at Junglee l‘un (01368 864970 www.junglee-fun.com).
Where? (‘raigtoun Country Park
Why? Three miles outside St Andrews. Craigtoun Country Park (01334 473666) is great value for money. Acres of land to run around. a great adventure playground. miniature railway. pets corner. crazy golf. boating lake and swing park. While you’re there Head out to Allanhill Farm (01334 477999 www.allanhil|.co.uk) which boasts sortie of Scotland‘s finest fruit. You can pick your own strawberries. raspberries and other fruit and veg seven days a week; far healthier than the pick‘n’mix at Woolies. St Andrews Aquarium (01334 474786 www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk) is also worth a visit. with hundreds of marine species and two lively seals to observe. Then wander down to the beautiful sandy beaches nearby.
Where? lidinburgh Zoo Why? With over 127 types of animal. Edinburgh 200
(0131 334 917! www.cdinburghzooxirgtlk) is one of
the finest in the world. Take the Hilltop Safari bus and enjoy some of lidinburgh‘s most beautiful views: not to mention big cats. zebras and a host of other animals on your way down. Don‘t miss the legendary ‘Penguin Parade‘ at 2.15pm each day. The sea lion feeding is also worth a look. Regular talks take place at enclosures throughout the zoo and there are four play areas. two cafes. two shops and several ice —ream kiosks. Mid-August sees the arrival of two cuddly koalas. the first in Britain since 1992.
While you’re there Visit ()cean Terminal in l.eith. where you can explore the Royal Yacht Britannia (0131 555 5566 www.1‘oyalyachtbritannia.co.uk). let off steam at Molly’s Play Centre (0845 1235593, www.mollys.co.uk) or get creative at nearby pottery studio The Ceramic Experience (0131 554 4455. www.theceramicexperience.com).
Where? Discovery Point. Dundee
Why? This interactive museum has a five star rating. and no wonder. Discovery Point (01382 201245 www.rrsdiscovery.com) is filled with ftm exhibits and reams of interesting material to read. Then step back in time as you board the magnificent ship. Discovery. btiilt in Dundee to take (‘aptain Scott to Antarctica. While you’re there Buy a joint ticket at Discovery and head over to Verdant Works (01382 225282. www.verdantworks.com) a jute mill filled with original working machinery. interactive exhibits and the ‘Juteopolis‘ film show. ()r drop into Sensation (01382 228800. www.sensation.org.uk) an award- winning museum. home to over 60 hands-on exhibits based on the senses.
‘3: Harry Potter manta As that anaemic—sounding royal. The Half Blood Prince. hits the shelves. all manner of book shop frivolity will take place. Die hard fans can buy the book at midnight, while those with more sensible parents can head for the Harry Potter breakfast. Fri 15 Jul/Sat 16 Jul. See listings for details of shops and times.
"4 Blast of! with tho Slnglno Kettle Much like the Queen, you have to wonder whether this lot will ever step down to make way for some young blood. But then, while a nation of kids still love them, why should they? Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri 15 8. Sat 16 Jul.
~’ Julia Donaldson Children’s storybook writers the world over are kicking themselves for not being as clever as Julia Donaldson. Her engaging stories are making her nice and wealthy — but God
love her, she still turns up with a guitar. just like in her Playschool days. Borders Books, Glasgow, Sat 16 Jul.
" Noddy! Join Noddy. Big Ears and all the Toyland gang at this fun day out for little ones. Prepare to spend some serious pennies. both getting in and while you’re there. but if Noddy rules in your house. missing this is not an option.
‘1 SoYouWanttoBoa City Farmer? A taste of country life, right here in the city. Children aged 8+ can get their hands (and everything else) dirty at this fun foray into the world .of farming. Gorgie City Farm; Edinburgh, Mon 1 &Ffl 22 Jul.
7—21 Jul 2005 THE LIST 63