I visited Scotland's most underrated hidden gem with jaw-dropping beaches – it's perfect for families
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WHEN my wife and I made our New Year's resolutions, we promised to explore more of this beautiful country that we call home.
We're definitely guilty of being the type to over-indulge in city breaks, all-inclusive sunshine getaways and even the odd transatlantic trip across the pond to visit family in the States.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
8
Dumfries and Galloway has some of the best hidden gem beaches in Scotland
Credit: Alamy
8
We gave up our typical summer getaway for a Scottish staycation - and it didn't disappoint
Credit: Alamy
8
We visited the Needles Eye rock arch at Sandyhills beach
8
Jack Aitchison with wife Aleena and daughter Leela enjoyed their beach trip
But there's so much to see in Scotland. So many hidden gems to explore, incredible food to try and experiences that are second-to-none.
And with our little girl Leela now very much in her toddler phase, ditching the flights for a staycation was exactly what was needed.
Aleena and I had three key pieces of criteria: somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors, a little bit of luxury and (hopefully) some good weather — not that we could control the latter.
Then we found Landal Barnsoul — the perfect base to explore a beautiful part of the country we've ashamedly neglected on our travels so far.
8
Our lodge at Landal Barnsoul was the pefect base to explore
8
Our Cabin 2.0 Deluxe was a private paradise
8
The cabin had everything you could need for a relaxing getaway
Nestled in the heart of Dumfriesshire, just 20 minutes from Dumfries town centre, we couldn't have asked for a better spot for a getaway. Our Cabin 2.0 Deluxe felt like a luxurious piece of private paradise — complete with a hot tub — as well as feeling incredibly homely.
As any parent of a young child knows, travelling can be stressful.
But any nerves we might have had immediately disappeared when we walked through the door. There was everything we could have needed — a luxury travel cot, high chair and even a baby bath. What more could you want?
For the grown-ups, the cabin had smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, a balcony with outdoor furniture plus a chiminea with logs kindly prepared.
And of course, the kitchen was fully equipped with everything we would need to prepare a meal at the end of the day.
Not only that, there was also plenty to keep families entertained too, including a cinema room and outdoor gym — OK, I'll admit it, I didn't use this as I was on holiday!
There was also a playground, pond and a shop to stock up on some essential bits as well as local goodies.
Surrounded by woods and farmland, there's nature trails teeming with wildlife to explore. And we learnt that there will soon be a restaurant built on site.
So you'd be forgiven for spending your entire weekend at Landal without venturing out of the gates!
But eager to explore, and with beautiful weather on our side, we headed out with the comfort of knowing we could come back, recharge and unwind at our own pace whenever we needed.
And exploring is what we did.
First stop was what can only be described as a hidden gem of a beach . . . Sandyhills, just 30 minutes drive from Dumfries.
Picture endless beautiful sand, with shallow water perfect for paddling. It's also dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for walkers.
For those not enticed by a relaxing rest on the beach, a short stroll along the coast brings you to the Needles Eye, a striking natural rock arch — a perfect spot to pose for those insta snaps.
If enjoying the coast doesn't float your boat don't fret. There's still plenty to do for families nearby.
8
Mabie Farm Park is the perfect family spot for a day out
Take Mabie Farm Park, for instance — so good we visited twice in three days! Set on a former dairy farm, there's endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Upon entry you're greeted by a lively family of goats and donkeys ready to be hand-fed. Following the path around it soon became clear the scale of this petting zoo — from rabbits to pigs, chickens, ponies, cows and even alpacas ready to meet you.
Away from the animals' paddocks there's a play barn, boating pond, astroslide, pedal go-karts, play park, trampolines and even an on-site cafe.
STAYING HERE:
GO: DUMFRIESS-SHIRE
A three-night stay for six people in The Cabin 2.0 at Landal Barnsoul costs from £539. See landal.co.uk or call 01603 367066.
And after all that, it was just a short drive back to our deluxe lodge for a dip in the hot tub while we enjoyed the stunning sunset from the warm bubbles on our deck.
Who said the best family trips had to be abroad? Certainly not me.
Super staycations like these are one resolution we'll be sure to keep!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Welsh town that famous actors call home named one of the most affordable places to live
Welsh town that famous actors call home named one of the most affordable places to live In the shadow of the steelworks lies a town that is full of hidden gems Aberavon Beach is known to be one of the longest beaches in Wales (Image: John Myers ) Ask anyone what springs to mind when they think of Port Talbot, and chances are you'll hear the same answer echo back - the steelworks. Towering chimneys and plumes of steam that have long defined the town's skyline. Yet beyond the shadow of this great steel giant, lies a different side of Port Talbot that many people who are not local to the area, may not even know about. One that is rich with natural beauty, local history and hidden gems waiting to be explored. With that in mind, it shouldn't be shocking that recent research from the online property company Zoopla has revealed Port Talbot as one of the most popular, affordable places to live in Great Britain. The famously industrial town ranked fourth in a list, based on how often three-bedroom homes were viewed online, combined with how affordable those homes are compared to local earnings. Port Talbot sits just behind Neath, Llanelli, and the Scottish town of Glenrothes, proving it's more than just steel drawing attention. One of those reasons is Afan Argoed, also known as Afan Country Park - a haven for walkers and cyclists with its miles of scenic trails, winding through the Valley's ever changing landscape. This place was a childhood favourite of mine that holds memories of long dog walks with my granddad and rare sunny day picnics down Rhyslyn car park. Afan Valley - locally known as Afan Argoed is known for its fantastic walking and cycling trails (Image: Forestry Commission Picture Library/Isobel Cameron ) Article continues below Speaking of Rhyslan car park, this is also the starting point of a fantastic walking trail, that certainly put me in my paces growing up. The route forms a figure of eight, giving walkers the choice to complete the full loop or opt for one half - perfect if you're after a shorter, three-mile stroll. The first section is a treat for fans of Richard Burton, guiding you past landmarks tied to the legendary actor who was born just down the road in Pontrhydyfen. As a kid, reaching the portrait bench was always a bit of a milestone - a quiet clearing where three steel figures stand proud: Mr Burton himself, Gavin and Stacey actor Rob Brydon and former Afan Valley head ranger Dick Wagstaff. The sculptures were chosen by the local community and installed in 2010 by the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans. Just beside the figures, visitors will find a small but powerful surprise - a listening post that plays a snippet of Richard Burton's iconic voice, reading Dylan Thomas' famous poem: Under Milk Wood. To hear his rich, haunting tones echo so close to where he once roamed is a moment that sticks with you. A trail is available in Afan Argoed in tribute to honour legendary Hollywood actor Richard Burton (Image: Martin Ellard ) The second loop of the trail leads deeper in the heart of the Afan Valley's forest, where the tall evergreens and fern-lined parks makes it easy to see why the area is often called 'Little Switzerland'. Beyond that, there are many other trails for cyclists and walkers just waiting to be explored. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here Aberavon Beach needs little introduction; it is a beloved stretch of coastline that has been drawing both locals and visitors for generations. With its long, sweeping sands and a sleek modern promenade overlooking Swansea bay, it's easy to see why it remains a firm favourite. That being said, the reintroduced parking charges have taken a bit of a shine off for some - but its still hard to stay away, especially during these flashes of warm weather. The beach itself is huge - one of the longest in Wales - and provides endless activities for all ages. The northern end is usually alive with sand yachting and kitesurfing making the most of the wind and waves. There is nothing better than a trip to Aberavon Beach on a warm summer's day (Image: John Myers ) What I love most about this beach is how it's a proper family spot. There are two decent play parks that provide safe, fun spaces for children to burn off energy, although Aberavon Aqua Splash might be the real highlight - complete with fountains, jets and "waterfalls" that is the perfect relief during those blistering (albeit rare) heatwaves. A site that must be a part of every local's childhood is the iconic blue whale and penguin statutes that you can check out during your walk along the beach. These relics have been here for as long as I can remember - if you know, you know. For those older kids, there's also crazy golf on the beachfront, which is a good laugh and of course the Reel Cinema; my absolute go-to. Rarely crowded, with a good choice of snacks and the added bonus of being able to wander straight onto the beach after a film for an ice cream - what's not to love? Reel Cinema sits on Aberavon seafront and for me, one of the best around (Image: Google ) Dog owners aren't left out either. While the main beach is not available to dogs during the summer months, the strong line up of cafes and restaurants are more than welcoming. Francos - a popular fish and chip shop, that is a highlight of any beach trip - is completely dog-friendly, offering your furry companion their own menu and abundance of water bowls. Memo Beach Café and Café Remos also welcomes dogs. These are the perfect places to stop for some lunch and coffee, while your dog chills at your side. Personally, a trip to Cafe Remos always has to involve their freshly made ice cream - their strawberry cones are a ten out of ten. Meanwhile, there is also The Front, which has grown quite popular over the years for their tasty burgers and reasonable prices. It's just next door to cinema and even has it's own drive-thru, which is sometimes a must as it's always super busy. If you asked most people about the best spots in Port Talbot, I am willing to bet that Aberafan Shopping Centre wouldn't be too high on the list. But I'm going to say it... there's actually quite a lot going for this place! The ageing shopping centre may be under some scrutiny, but there's a lot to love there (Image: Richard Williams ) One of its biggest claims to fame right now is Spud Fam, a baked potato business that's been making waves on TikTok. The shop is a real family operation - owned by Jordanna Landeg and her husband David, with Jordanna's brother Jude and their mum - all pitching in. Their videos give a behind-the-scenes look at the day to day running of the shop, including some of the interesting spud combos and orders that they serve up; showing just how creative - and delicious - a loaded potato can be. With a loyal following of over 12,000 on TikTok, they've made a name for themselves with their ridiculously loaded baked potatoes and fries. From classic cheese and beans to more adventurous options like beef brisket and their very own "Spud Fam's Bol", they've turned simple comfort food into something a bit more fun. Also in the shopping centre is Portablo Coffi, a coffee shop run by former steelworker Cassius. Opening at the start of this year, its already become a staple of the town thanks to its great coffee and warm, welcoming atmosphere. A wander round B and M's and Home Bargains with a coffee in one hand and a spud from your local independents in the other... sometimes it really is the simple things in life. Just a short drive from Port Talbot, lies Margam Country Park; which while not part of Port Talbot itself, is close enough to feel like an extension of the area's history. At the centre of Margam Park is the magnificent 19th century Tudor Gothic mansion, designed by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot. Built between 1830 and 1840, this Grade I listed mansion is packed with stunning features, from its soaring staircase hall to the distinctive octagonal tower. Margam Castle and it's estate was once owned by the illustrious Talbot family (Image: Robert Melen ) Margam Castle's outbuildings now house the Visitor Centre, which includes a café, gift shop and other handy facilities. Visitors can also explore the Entrance Hallway and the grand Staircase Hall, stepping back into much more opulent times. As a child, I remember Margam being the subject of plenty of ghost stories - the kind that made passing by places like the Castle and Margam Monastery a little spine-tingling. However, those eerie feelings have faded with time, replaced by a real sense of wonder at this beautiful, historic spot. There's lots more to see during a visit to Margam Park beyond the Castle itself. One of my childhood haunts was the Fairytale Village - which although a bit crusty and dusty, still has a certain charm. I loved wandering through, checking out the miniature houses inspired by classic folklore tales. For families, another must is the farm trail. It offers the chance to get up close to a variety of animals from alpacas and donkeys to pigs and pygmy goats. Even in my twenties, I had to take a stroll round there during a recent visit - although I will warn visitors to not go too close to those gates as I was almost victim to alpaca spit! Visitors to Margam also have the opportunity to feed the alpacas (Image: Margam Country Park ) My last bit of advice when visiting is - if you ever get the chance, don't miss the outdoor cinema experience. Watching a film beneath the shadow of Margam Castle is something magical; the atmosphere and setting make it an unforgettable night. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning coastal city is food heaven with beautiful Old Town and the cleanest sea water in Europe
In the port below, tiny fishing boats bulging with early morning catches of squid and John Dory can be seen racing the local tour boats to the best moorings in the harbour PORT OF CALL Stunning coastal city is food heaven with beautiful Old Town and the cleanest sea water in Europe Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH terracotta-red rooftops tessellated more precisely than the most intricate of Tetris puzzles, the view of the walled city of Dubrovnik from leafy Srd mountain looks like something straight off a film set. We're 412m above the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and with the Adriatic Sea stretching out into the horizon, it's nothing short of picture-perfect. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Take in the stunning views of Dubrovnik's Old Town 5 Take a cable car up, up and away for the best view We stop for a pricey Coke, £6, at the Panorama Restaurant, but it's worth every delicious sip to sit for an hour and watch the world go by, before getting the busy cable car back down. Return trips cost £23 per person. Catch of the day In the port below, tiny fishing boats bulging with early morning catches of squid and John Dory can be seen racing the local tour boats to the best moorings in the harbour. Nets full of fresh fish are then delivered to the plethora of restaurants in the Old Town. Stylish Portun, close to the entrance to the city, is where my friend Caroline and I enjoy fish smothered in garlic, with local octopus salad and Istrian ravioli stuffed with prawns. An oozing chocolate fondant finishes things off nicely. Three courses cost £33 ( Dubrovnik's charming cobbled streets, baroque churches and pretty squares date back to the 7th century, and arriving at the north gate of the city walls the next morning feels like walking straight into a fairy tale. A boat trip to the island of Lokrum, just a 10-minute ride away and home to a natural salt-water swimming lake, wild peacocks, luscious shady botanical gardens and a Benedictine monastery built in 1023, proves a great day trip. Tickets cost £26 per person ( Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival Later, we find Aroma, home to Dubrovnik's best gelato – and the long queues prove it. Luckily, a cup of salted pistachio ice cream, £5, is worth the wait. Settling down for the evening in bustling Gundulic Square, we tuck into tasty margherita pizza, £11, and a bottle of crisp white Graševina wine, £41.50, at charming Pizzeria Castro. Here, locals on the next table insist we watch the sunset from Buza Bar, a unique tiny cliffside place to the west of the city walls, accessed via a narrow hole in the wall ( Sitting on the whitewashed veranda, we watch local teens diving into the crystal-clear waters below from rocks on either side of us as we sip local wine from tins, £6, before wandering back to our beds. Room with a view Built into a cliffside to the north of the Old Town, the five-star Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is a 20-minute walk from the city walls, and our sea-view room comes with a Jacuzzi bath and walk-in wardrobe. The buffet breakfast is a feast, too – don't miss the local sheep's cheese counter. 5 A corner bedroom at the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik 5 Spot pretty peacocks on Lokrum island Croatia has the cleanest sea water in Europe and snorkelling the next morning off the hotel deck, below the main sunbathing platform, we catch glimpses of octopus and crabs. We celebrate our finds with a pint of local Ozujsko lager from the pool bar, £6, and a grilled shrimp Caesar salad, £27, before walking along the pebbled shore of Sunset Beach at dusk. Come evening, a duo of violinists serenade us as a full moon lights up the bay. It's just as magical as the moment we arrived. FYI Double rooms at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik cost from £286 a night ( UK flights to Dubrovnik cost from £56 return.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I live on a cruise ship, rent and food are free even though I'm not crew – but there are 3 things I cannot do
Thinking of booking a cruise holiday? Scroll down to see the full list of pros and cons BON VOYAGE I live on a cruise ship, rent and food are free even though I'm not crew – but there are 3 things I cannot do Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IMAGINE if you could travel the world without having to worry about finding and covering accommodation and food. This is exactly what one woman, only known as the American Girl on TikTok, gets to experience thanks to her hubby who's a crew member. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One lucky woman who travels the world for free revealed what she is not alloed to do on a cruise ship Credit: TIKTOK/@dutchworld_americangirl 2 As her husband works on the epic cruise ship as a ''staff chief engineer'', the woman gets to sail for free ''as wife on board'' Credit: TIKTOK/@dutchworld_americangirl As her husband works on the epic cruise ship as a ''staff chief engineer'', the woman gets to sail for free ''as wife on board''. This, she recently listed, comes with a number of perks, such as free accommodation, food and drinks. However, whilst she lives there both as ''crew'' and a ''guest'' at the same time, there are a few things that are off-limit for the TikToker. One of these, she said in the video, is gambling. ''I am not allowed to sit by a slot machine and play my heart out until I win. ''Because it would look a little weird if I as a wife of the staff chief engineer won a big jackpot.'' While she is allowed to enter the crew and the guest areas, the lucky woman is forced to wear a name badge in staff areas. ''So that they know that I am one of them and I am allowed down there because we don't want any guests down in the crew area.'' There are also a couple of other things she needs to abide by, such as leaving the ship after the guests have disembarked - this is usually an hour afterwards. As a guest, the TikToker - who posts under the username @dutchworld_americangirl - also gets access to the pool, the lavish spa area and gym. I 'live' on a cruise ship with my son & fiancé - the food's amazing, there's childcare & our laundry's done for free too ''I can use all those guest amenities. But I always play it with the rule of thumb. ''If the pool is packed then I make sure to get up and give the guests the seat - it's just the right thing to do. ''I used to be a cruise director, so I totally understand how to give the guests the best time they possibly can - and I don't think a crew member taking up their seat is the right thing to do.'' When travelling on the cruise with her partner, the woman also needs to have her international travel insurance ''at all times'' in case something was to happen. Pros and cons of going on a cruise ship Whether you're considering a long holiday, working remotely or even living on board a cruise ship for a few months or years, here are the pros and cons from a former cruise shipper. Pros Travel the world, learn and experience new cultures Meet new people Don't have to think or worry about room cleaning, or food Cons Internet connection can be painfully slow and expensive Limited luggage allowance so have to wear the same clothes on rotation Having no control of where the ship would go next and the possibility of visiting the same ports Having the same onboard entertainment, on-demand movies, and little choice of TV channels No fresh newspapers or new books unless someone adds them to the library Relatively the same food week after week unless major menu changes occur seasonally. Occasional rough seas, bad weather and viral outbreaks while inboard. 'Soooo....I'm not seeing any negatives' The informative clip, which has racked up more than 5million views, has clearly sparked interest in this lifestyle for many. One singleton chuckled: ''Note to self: marry someone who works on a cruise ship.'' Another begged: ''please refer me to a man on board.'' Someone else chimed in: ''I see no negatives here! ''I hate gambling and wouldn't want to deal with the crowds getting off the ship. everything else is a win for me!'' ''Soooo....I'm not seeing any negatives,'' a fourth agreed.
