Some of the best places to visit with or without children in Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire in Scotland.

I can only presume that the reason you have come across this hub is that you are thinking of visiting the Perthshire, Angus and Aberdeenshire areas of Scotland, or at least just thinking of visiting Scotland. Hopefully, by the time you have finished reading this hub you will have a good idea of some of the places you can explore in the west of Scotland. There are many places you can visit if you have a young or older family and also the Scottish scenery is absolutely fantastic whether you are young or old, although it is of note that when planning a journey double-check the roads as some roads are not for the faint hearted!

Balmoral Castle, home to Queen Elizabeth II, can be found mid-way between Ballater and Braemar on the south bank of the River Dee. The castle was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848 after she and Prince Albert fell in love with the highlands. It has been the British Royal familys Scottish home ever since.

Admission is a reasonable price at £9 per adult and £5 per child (5-16). Family tickets are available at £25 and there are also concessionary tickets available. This ticket enables you to take advantage of the magnificent castle grounds which include the vegetable gardens as well as the pond areas and various buildings. There are signed walks around the castle which take you along the River Dee (you may even see the famous red squirrels in their natural wild environment, the Grey squirrel has not as of yet managed to reach as far north as Balmoral.. Once you have gained entry to the grounds an audio tour is recommended. You pay a small fee to purchase the audio machine which takes you round the castle and grounds informing you of the history and present day goings on. The fee paid for the tour is refundable on its return.

If you are able to visit Balmoral, it comes highly recommended for any age group. As long as the weather is good children can run around on the grass, dogs can be walked along the river banks while you just enjoy the scenery.

Dundee is a fantastic place to explore and learn new things, or just to relax and have fun. Here are a few places you could visit while you are in Dundee.

1. Sensation

Sensation is the only UK science centre ans is a fantastic place for children who want to know more about how the human body works. Most of the things that you explore in the centre are based on one or our five senses, helping to explain to children (and adults) how we do the things we do. It is best to check their website to find out what exhibits they have on as this does change. If your brain needs a rest from all the information that you are taking in then you can always enjoy the cafe for a quick drink. There are three different admission rates depending on whether you wish for a day pass, holiday pass (April,July, August, October) or an annual pass. An adult day pass is £7.25 with concessions available. When you go, expect to be there for at least 2-3 hours.

2. Discovery Point & RRS Discovery

Discovery Point takes you on board Captain Scott's ship the RRS Discovery on a journey to Antarctica. Through visual tours you can see actual artefacts that Captain Scott and his crew would have worn and used on their journey. When you have made your way through the indoor exhibition watching the visual aids and multimedia films you can board the RRS Discovery to see how this magnificent ship worked and how the Captain and his crew lived on board. Admission prices start at £8.25 for an adult but there are family tickets available and Discovery Point offer you the pleasure of a free annual pass. This basically means that once you have visited Discovery point and paid you can then claim your annual pass and visit as many times as you like in that year.

3. Olympia Leisure Centre

Olympia is a leisure centre for everyone. It holds a leisure pool which includes a wave pool and dive pool as well as the water slides. You can also find a training pool here which is used for local swimming teams as well as the general public so best to check timetable before going to use this. If you would rather go to the gym than swim then check out the fitness studio and health suite. Admission charges are all different so checkout their website for more information.

Blair Drummond Safari and adventure park

If you fancy a day at a Safari park then this is the one for you. Not only are there all the animals you would expect to see at a park but the fact that you do not have to drive the car round to see these animals. All animals can be viewed from close (yet safe) walkways. If you want to take it easy why not take a trip on the boat to see the chimps. Zip wire over the pedal boats into the lemur enclosure if you are feeling daring enough. Watch the Sea Lions do their act and when all of that is over, adults you may need a rest so put your feet up and let the children play on the wooden pirate boat or fort. Although be warned if your child goes into the wooden fort you may well not see them for some time!! Admission to the park is £12.95 for an adult which seems quite expensive but this park is well worth the money. To save on costs you can always take a picnic as there is easy access to the car park at all times. This park comes recommended.