Ultimate Guide to Visiting Castle Campbell & Dollar Glen with Kids

Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen: A Family Adventure

Looking for a great family outing? Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen are perfect. They offer plenty of adventure and learning for kids. The castle sits above Dollar, surrounded by woods and ravines. It’s a journey back in time and a chance for kids to enjoy nature too.

The castle’s history and the trails of Dollar Glen make for a perfect day. We think this spot is a must-visit for families with kids.

Getting to Castle Campbell & Dollar Glen

By Car

Driving to Castle Campbell from Edinburgh, is about an hour. Take the M90 towards Perth, then exit at junction 6 and follow the A977 to Dollar.

From Glasgow, it’s a 50-minute drive. Take the M80, then the M9 to Stirling/Alloa/Dollar.

In Dollar, follow signs to Castle Campbell. Park at the Brewlands car park, a short walk from the castle. Parking is free but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

If full, there’s parking in nearby streets. For directions and parking info, visit the Castle Campbell Getting Here page.

By Public Transport

Public transport is a great way to get to Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen. It’s hassle-free.

From Edinburgh Waverley Station or Glasgow Queen Street Station, take a train to Alloa. Then, take bus 23 from Alloa bus station or a taxi to Dollar.

There are also direct buses from the major cities to Dollar directly. They run regularly, making planning easy.

Getting to Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen is part of the adventure. Enjoy the journey and the views!

Exploring Castle Campbell

Castle Campbell is perfect for families, especially kids who love exploring a real castle. Let’s explore some interesting parts of this historic site.

A Brief History

Castle Campbell sits high above Dollar Glen. It was once called Castle Gloom, which sounds a bit spooky. The Campbell family, a powerful clan, lived here in the 15th century. Imagine knights and grand feasts in the great hall!

This castle is strategically placed, watching over the beautiful Dollar Glen below.

Here are some fun facts about Castle Campbell:

• Name Change: It was renamed Castle Campbell in the 15th century by the 1st Earl of Argyll.
• Tall Tower: The central tower stands at an impressive 20 meters tall!
• Royal Visits: Mary, Queen of Scots, visited Castle Campbell in the 16th century.

For more historical info, check out Historic Environment Scotland

Top Features to Explore

Exploring Castle Campbell feels like stepping into the past.

• The Tower House: It’s the castle’s most iconic part. Climbing the spiral staircase is an adventure. It offers amazing views from the top!
• The Loggia: This covered walkway is perfect for imagining royal processions and medieval gatherings.

• Gardens: The castle gardens are peaceful and kids can run about, play and enjoy a picnic.

Interactive Activities

There are fun activities for kids:

• Children’s Quiz: At the entrance, this quiz teaches kids about the castle while they explore
• Medieval Costumes: Kids can dress up as knights or princesses. It makes their visit more exciting.
• Treasure Hunts: These hunts are great for learning about the castle’s history and layout. Kids love searching for clues! Ask the Historic Scotland staff for a copy of this month’s hunt.

Many events and workshops are organised, especially during school holidays. Check the Castle Campbell events page for fun activities.

Discovering Dollar Glen

Dollar Glen is a hidden treasure in Clackmannanshire. It’s perfect for families seeking adventure and fun. Let’s explore what makes it special.

Family-Friendly Trails

Dollar Glen has trails for all ages and abilities. These trails offer stunning views and adventure. Here’s what you can expect:

Exploring Dollar Glen

Dollar Glen has easy trails and lots of wildlife. Kids will love the adventure and learning about nature.

1. Mill Green to Castle Campbell: This trail is great for families with kids. It starts at Mill Green and goes up to Castle Campbell. You’ll see charming bridges, streams, and plants along the way. It’s about 1.5 miles long, perfect for young children.
2. West Burn Path: For older kids, the West Burn Path is a bit more challenging. It climbs steeply and offers waterfalls and rocky areas along the way. The greenery and sounds of the water make it both relaxing and exciting.
3. Mill Glen and East Burn Trails: These trails are longer and harder, but they offer amazing views. The East Burn Trail goes through dense woods.

Look out for great spots for family picnics as you explore. There’s a trail for everyone, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.

For more info on Dollar Glen trails, check out this guide to Dollar Glen trails.

Wildlife Watching

Dollar Glen is full of wildlife, making it exciting for kids who love animals.

• Birdlife: You can see many birds, from robins to owls. The woods are perfect for them, and you might hear their songs.
• Mammals: Look out for squirrels and rabbits. They might be near the streams, where they drink.
• Insects and Amphibians: The glen is great for spotting insects and amphibians. Kids will love finding frogs and colourful beetles.

The streams are perfect for seeing small fish and other water creatures. The Burns of Care and Sorrow are great spots.

Dollar Glen’s wildlife offers a fun way for kids to learn about nature.

For more wildlife info, visit the National Trust for Scotland.

Visiting Dollar Glen is a great adventure. It’s perfect for a fun and educational day out with the kids.

Planning Your Visit

Planning your visit to Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen makes your trip better. Knowing the best times and what facilities are available helps a lot.

Opening Times and Tickets

Castle Campbell is open from 1st April to 30th September. It’s a great time to visit Scotland’s beauty. The castle welcomes visitors daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Always check the Historic Environment Scotland website for the latest hours.

Tickets are affordable, perfect for family outings:

• Adults: £6.00
• Children (5-15 years): £3.60
• Family Ticket: £15.60 (includes two adults and up to three children)

Kids under 5 enter free. There’s a discount for Historic Scotland members too, making it cheaper for regular visitors.

Facilities

Castle Campbell offers great facilities for a comfortable visit:

• Toilets: Located just off the small kitchen area.
• Picnic Areas: Enjoy a packed lunch with beautiful views in the gardens if it’s dry or there are tables and chairs in a small room on the ground floor in the Castle itself. .
• Gift Shop: You can find souvenirs and refreshments at the entrance.

These amenities make your visit smooth and enjoyable, giving you more time for fun.

What to Bring

Here’s a list to ensure a smooth visit:

• Suitable Clothing: Scotland’s weather can change quickly. Wear layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes. The trails can be muddy.
• Snacks and Water: Pack snacks and water, especially for kids to keep their energy levels up.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen and hats on sunny days. The Scottish sun although rare, can be strong.
• Midge Repellent:  Don’t let these sneaky wee creatures ruin your day.  We recommend Smidge as the best midge repellent we’ve found!

Nearby Attractions

Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen are exciting, but there’s more to see nearby. Here are some attractions perfect for families.

Dollar Museum

The Dollar Museum is a small but fascinating museum in the town center. It’s great for learning about the town’s history and heritage.

• Exhibits: The museum has exhibits on the town’s past, local geology, and famous residents. Kids will enjoy interactive displays and hands-on exhibits.
• Local History: The museum tells the story of the Dollar Academy, one of Scotland’s oldest schools. It also covers the town’s development from its beginnings to today.
• Special Exhibits: The museum hosts special exhibitions and events for kids, including craft activities and storytelling sessions.

Visiting the Dollar Museum adds an educational and fun element to your trip.

Ochil Hills

The Ochil Hills offer endless outdoor fun and adventure. They’re perfect for families who love nature.

• Hiking Trails: The hills have trails for all levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes. The King’s Seat Hill offers stunning views.
• Outdoor Activities: You can picnic, bird watch, or mountain bike in the hills. Kids will love the adventure.
• Wildlife: The hills are home to rabbits, foxes, and birds. It’s a great way for kids to learn about nature.

Spending a day in the Ochil Hills is a great addition to your visit. The fresh air and scenery are perfect for family adventure.

Exploring these attractions adds excitement and discovery to your trip. It makes it an unforgettable experience for families.

Conclusion

A visit to Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen is a memorable day out for families. It combines history, adventure, and nature. This makes it exciting for both kids and adults.

At the castle, you can explore and enjoy fun activities. In Dollar Glen, the scenic trails offer a great adventure. The beautiful views and history make it perfect for family fun and learning.

For more walks around Clackmannanshire and Stirling.  Whether it’s short walks or longer hikes, checkout this handy pocket guide: Walks Stirling (Hallewell Pocket Walking Guides): Including Clackmannanshire & the Campsie Fells