{Storybook Glen, Aberdeen}

I loved Storybook Glen when I was a wee girl.

I have very fond memories of days out there, and have always been keen to take my kids there for a visit.

If you haven't heard of it, Storybook Glen is a "magical world of make-believe" (their words, not mine) just outside Aberdeen with around 100 nursery rhyme and fairytale characters amidst its 28 acres of parklands.

Next door to Storybook Glen is 'The Den" which is an indoor soft play area and cafe. At the moment, visitors to "The Glen" get free access to "The Den" for a session (not sure if this is an ongoing offer or not). I'd advise that you go into "The Den" first if you're arriving at 10am for the park opening, as apparently the soft play soon gets busy (it's not that big compared to the Glasgow soft plays that I'm used to!).

We had a bite to eat at the cafe before we went into the park itself. (The food was alright, I've had better lunches as soft plays elsewhere and I thought it was a bit pricey. But it filled a hole and the kids seemed to enjoy it.). The facilities at the soft play and cafe were lovely... it's clearly new and everything was spacious and clean. My two absolutely loved the racing slides!!

Auntie Ali at the Cafe

I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed with the Storybook Glen itself though. A lot of the buildings were locked and the kids were unable to explore the houses, which I remember doing as a youngster. I think the park has loads of potential, but for me it just wasn't cutting the mustard (as a 32 year old grown up I appreciate that I'm not the target market, but I didn't enjoy the morning as much as I had thought I would). The kids however did love it (which was the point of our visit). 

My sister and I found the characters to be a bit more like drag queens than Cinderella princesses! I know, you'd think I was expecting Aberdeen's version of Disneyland... which I understand is totally unrealistic, but seriously I do think there is so much more potential to be had here. I'm assuming the lack of upgrades at the park is down to the admission prices, which I think are reasonable (given that entry to "The Den" was included) but I'd have happily paid a slightly higher entry fee for a more magical experience.

There was plenty of space for the kids to run around, and lots of chutes, swings etc for them to play on and our four hour visit at the soft play, cafe and Storybook Glen certainly tired them out! I'm not sure I was convinced with the safety of all of the climbing frames etc., so be sure to keep an eye on your little ones whilst they're playing. 

Admission Prices (correct at time of publishing):

Adult - £5.60

Child - £3.85

OAP - £4.30

If I was to go back to park, I think we'd go elsewhere for lunch (or take a picnic which is permitted on the grass area outside the park's front entrance) and I'd put together some kind of tick box scavenger hunt to make it more interactive for the little ones... maybe a prize of some sort if they can find all of the characters on my list!

Little Miss Muffet

The castle


Cinderella and her carriage


The leopard


Tellytubbies


Sitting on the fairy toadstools


The climbing frame


Humpty Dumpty!

Shrek

Old MacDonald's Farm

Pirate Ship

Have you been to Storybook Glen before - what were your thoughts?

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{#JanuaryJoy - plan a trip}

We were very kindly invited to have a day out in Falkirk & finally the day came around for our trip.

It's not somewhere I've been before, either with or without the kids, and we'll definitely be going back.

I had in my head that Falkirk would take ages to get to, but it's actually not that far.

We started at The Falkirk Wheel and the kids were excited about the 'giant robot'. The weather was a bit miserable but we were well prepared in our hats, gloves & wellies.

Refusing to pose nicely for a photograph!

Captured on the sly in between silly faces!

Going through the tunnel!

After our boat tour, which lasted about an hour, we had lunch in the cafe.

The choice of food was good and everything was reasonably priced.

The kids had a lunch box each with 5 items (£3.95) and R & I had a baked potato each with cajun chicken (£4.95). R also had the soup, which was really good (£3.95). We also tried the chocolate muffins & they were yum! 

Baked potato with cajun chicken and side salad

We then jumped back in the car & headed to Muiravonside Country Park (The Loan, Whitecross, EH49 6LW), which took about 30 minutes.

It wasn't signposted very well and we drove past the entrance when we arrived, having to reverse back along the road, but I've been told the signage will be improved over the coming weeks.

The park is massive (170 acres) and unfortunately we didn't have enough time to explore it properly. We did have a walk round the animals at Newparks Farm...plenty of chickens, ducks, geese, four large pigs, a horse, llamas, cows (which were hiding!), a bull, sheep, and a few donkeys. As well as the park, the farm is free to access. The forest walk reminded me of my own childhood & I'll definitely go back when the weather is warmer. The park also has a cafe.

I've been told that the River Avon Heritage Trail around the park past the historic Avon Aqueduct is a must-see.

{Avon Aqueduct}

Littlest enjoying the outdoors!

The llamas

Our final stop was Callendar House, which was a 20 minute drive from Muiravonside. Admission to the house is free.

{Callendar House}

The house is a short walk from the car park through the park (the kids play park, Callendar Castle, looks good fun) and upon arrival we headed straight to the tea rooms. We sat in the window and had a lovely view over the park. I had an earl grey tea and a scone, R had a coffee (Java, very strong) and a scone, the kids had a pot of hot chocolate and a chocolate biscuit. The tea was lovely, as was the scone but my portion of jam was a little measly and it would have been amazing with some clotted cream. We then explored the house, although it was near closing and so we didn't get to see all the exhibits.

Chocolate biscuit was demolished quickly - thumbs up from the eldest :)

Alex Frost exhibition at The Park Gallery. These dog beds have been digitally printed to look like nappies and baby wipes... meant to represent that to some owners, their dogs are like children.

We had a great day out in Falkirk and definitely recommend the places we visited. 

If, like me, you've not really investigated Falkirk before, then you'll also be excited to hear about The Helix which is newly opened. 

The Splash Playzone will be reopening in the Spring... it features 15 jets and 6 mist sprays!

{Splash Playzone}

There's also the Helix Park with pathways round the lagoon, shingle beach and the Great Lawn. And in the summer the visitor centre will open.

All in all, there's lots to see & do.

So, what do you reckon? Worth a visit? We think so!

We received a complimentary day trip to Falkirk including our tour on the Falkirk Wheel, lunch in the cafe and afternoon tea at Callendar House. Opinions, as always, are my own and are honest.