Things to Do Nearby

There are countless things to do and experiences to have nearby. Why not try some of these on your next visit to us?

Explore the Countryside

We are located in a beautiful area of Central Scotland. There are countless opportunities to roam the surrounding countryside and explore the local castles.

Golfing

With St Andrews "home of golf" just up the road you can imagine the popularity and choice in the area. There are upto 40 courses within day-visit distance including Gleneagles and St Andrews. Whether you are want to play the Old Course or a quick 9 holes there is something for everyone at all levels. Saline golf club is only a mile away.

Fishing

There is no shortage of fishing in The Kingdom of Fife. Whether you are into coarse, fly or sea angling there are plently of venues close to Balgonar. George can give you some local knowledge of the area and places to go.

Shooting

Many of our guests enjoy getting involved in an organised shoot or clay pigeon activity.

Horse Riding

Stroll down the country roads on horse-back. You can book with Tapitlaw Riding School and Shielbank.

Gliding

The Scottish Gliding Centre is nearby.

Motor Sports

4x4 off-road driving and Knockhill Race Track are nearby.

Shopping

We are based in central Scotland, right between the major cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

Eating Out

There are plenty local restaurants and eateries to choose from.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a must for the historical "sightseers" amongst us. Perched atop a volcanic plug this stunning fortress dominates the capital’s skyline. With guides and tours available daily you can soak up the history and step back in time.

Edinburgh Fringe

Edinburgh is world famous for its festivals, especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The best act in theatre, dance and comedy from all over the world descend on Scotland capital and take over. This is a sight you will not want to miss.

The Kelpies

The Kelpies are truly impressive and well worth a visit. constructed just three-years-ago they are two 30-metre-high horse head sculptures built of structural steel with a stainless steel cladding. Weighing 300 tonnes each they are intended to celebrate the horse’s role in industry and agriculture as well as the obvious association with the canals as tow horses. They are situated in Helix park which provides activities such as cycling, walking, watersports and much more. they have become an iconic landmark clearly visible from the M9 motorway and beautifully lit up at night.

The Falkirk Wheel

It is just a 4 minute drive between the Falkirk wheel and the Kelpies so the two together make a great day out. The Falkirk Wheel , a boat lift which connects the Forth and Union with the Clyde canal, is a real feat of engineering. Replacing a series of old locks, it is the world’s only rotating boat lift. It is well worth taking an hour-long boat round trip on the canals which involves an ascent and descent through the wheel.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one the biggest and most well-known castles in Scotland. It is built upon Castle Hill, a massive naturally forming crag with steep cliffs on three sides. The first records of Stirling Castle come from the 12th century. It is still the HQ of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Infantry Regiment, although no troops are based there. Historically It was fought over and passed between the Scots and English many times. If you walk to the top of the tract opposite the cottage you can see Stirling Castle on a clear day.

Wallace Monument

The Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling. It commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero Completed in 1869 to the designs of architect John Thomas Rochead at a cost of £18,000,[2] the monument is a 67-metre (220 ft) sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style. you can cliIt is well worth climbing the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, as there are stunning views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley. The tower is clearly visible from the top of the track opposite Balgonar Cottage.