Lots to do in the great outdoors at Drumlanrig

Families are being encouraged to make the most of the last few weeks of the summer holidays and get into the great outdoors.

Hands on Ranger activities at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, have proven popular this summer.

Junior Ranger workshops, heritage tours, nature walks, outdoor theatre and yoga classes are just some of the activities on offer for visitors of all ages.

Self-guided walks through the beautiful gardens and woodlands of Drumlanrig encourage families to explore the Estate and engage their competitive sides on the hunt for clues. Taking on a new theme each week from heroes and villains to I Spy or princes and princesses, the walks combine a healthy stroll with learning about the natural environment. Activity sheets are available from the gift shop and cost just 30p.

The countryside rangers at Drumlanrig are hosting an array of interactive workshops for children aged 8-16 in the coming weeks. This include investigating the world of mini beasts on Wednesday, 1 August, and map making on Wednesday, 15 August.

These workshops need to be booked in advance but there is also a choice of drop-in activities visitors can get involved with too. These include craft sessions at the playground where creative youngsters can take a break from the big slides and make their own dream catcher, grass head monster or survival bracelets.

Activities with the Drumlanrig Ranger service

For a zen start to the day this summer, take part in a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class on Tuesday mornings in the tranquil surroundings of Drumlanrig. The one hour classes – running from 9.45am and led by local teacher Jane Bailey – caters for all abilities and can improve physical flexibility, strength, posture and balance.

The castle will also provide the backdrop for Monday evening classes from 7-8pm aimed at sport enthusiasts to improve performance and avoid injury.

Claire Oram, castle manager at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, said: ‘Our summer calendar is action packed with activities suitable to a whole range of interests.

‘With lots more events and activities taking us through to September, we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to Drumlanrig over the coming months.’

Entry to Drumlanrig (including gardens, tearoom, café, shop, adventure playground, walks, cycle and mountain bike trails) cost £6 for adults, £4.50 for concessions, £3.50 for children (aged 5-16) and free for under 5s. A family entry ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £16.
Visitor season at Drumlanrig is from 10am–5pm daily until Sunday 30 September. The castle is currently open for house tours until 31 August from 11am – 4pm.

Visit www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk for further information.