Things to Do in Old Town
46 attractions and days out
Adventure & Activity Centres
Rock UK Whithaugh Park
Nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders near Newcastleton, this activity centre offers outdoor adventures and onsite dining for families seeking an action-packed day in beautiful countryside surroundings.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Gretna Greens Famous Blacksmiths Shop
Visit the legendary anvil where eloping couples once sealed their vows in Scotland's most romantic runaway wedding venue. Explore this historic smithy with onsite dining and parking available.
Ice & Roller Skating
Lockerbie Ice Rink
Glide across the ice with skating sessions, curling activities and disco events, or take figure skating lessons with expert instructors at this welcoming Scottish venue.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Kielder Observatory
Venture into Northumberland's dark skies at this remote hilltop observatory, where families can stargaze together and explore the wonders of the universe through powerful telescopes.
Museums & Galleries
The Devils Porridge Exhibition
Step into wartime history at this fascinating museum chronicling the world's largest munitions plant, offering accessible exhibits perfect for all ages to explore together.
Cycling & Bike Trails
The Bike Place in Kielder
Gear up for forest cycling adventures at this Northumberland hub offering bike hire and trails through stunning Kielder woodland, with an onsite restaurant to refuel after your ride.
Parks & Play Areas
Wilton Lodge Park
Set among mature woodland in Hawick, this scenic park offers traditional outdoor games including putting greens, crazy golf, bowling greens, croquet lawns and tennis courts for active family fun.
Parks & Play Areas
Kielder Castle Visitor Centre
Set within Northumberland's vast forest park, this historic castle now serves as an information hub for exploring surrounding woodland trails and outdoor activities. On-site facilities include parking and toilets, though accessibility is limited.
Parks & Play Areas
Kielder Water and Forest Park
Discover England's largest forest park featuring rare red squirrels, birds of prey and spectacular dark skies perfect for astronomy. Family-friendly trails suit pushchairs, with accessible facilities throughout.
Museums & Galleries
Textile Towerhouse
Explore the heritage of fabric-making at this historic tower in a scenic location, with refreshments available from the onsite restaurant. Note that access is limited due to the building's traditional layout.
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Teviotdale Leisure Centre
This leisure facility on Mansfield Road offers swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant, though families should note limited accessibility and no baby changing areas.
Petting Farms & Zoos
Real Fram Driving
Experience hands-on farm activities where children can meet friendly animals and enjoy the countryside at this working farm near Lockerbie, complete with parking and picnic facilities.
Zoos & Animal Parks
Mossburn Community Farm
Visit this welcoming Lockerbie animal sanctuary where dedicated rescue efforts help vulnerable creatures while providing enriching experiences that benefit the whole community.
Parks & Play Areas
Kielder Art and Architecture
Discover striking outdoor sculptures and imaginative structures scattered throughout England's largest forest, creating an inspiring adventure trail that blends contemporary creativity with natural woodland beauty.
Parks & Play Areas
Leaplish Waterside Park
Set beside Britain's largest man-made lake in the stunning Northumberland forest, this waterside activity hub offers families outdoor adventures and play areas surrounded by natural beauty.
Beaches & Coastline
Annan Beach
Escape to this peaceful shingle and marshland shore in South Scotland, where families can enjoy picnics by the sea in wheelchair-accessible surroundings along the Solway coast.
National Parks & Reserves
Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve
Experience one of Scotland's most spectacular waterfalls in this stunning Moffat Valley nature reserve, where a dramatic 60-metre cascade plunges through wild upland scenery perfect for adventurous families.
Zoos & Animal Parks
Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre
Experience magnificent raptors up close at this accessible wildlife centre beside Kielder Water, where daily flying demonstrations showcase these powerful hunters in action. Refreshments available on-site to complete your visit.
Parks & Play Areas
Station Park
Nestled in The Glebe, this charming Moffat park delights families with splash zones and climbing frames, plus picnic spots and an onsite restaurant for refuelling between adventures.
Museums & Galleries
Solway Aviation Museum
Discover historic aircraft and aviation heritage at Carlisle Airport, where snacks are available and toilets provided, though accessibility is limited and picnics aren't permitted.
Parks & Play Areas
Dino Park
Journey back in time at this dinosaur-themed outdoor attraction featuring exciting prehistoric play zones, mines and dens. Family-friendly facilities include parking, accessible toilets and an onsite restaurant.
Parks & Play Areas
Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
This Kielder waterside centre offers families a restaurant and snack bar, making it a handy refreshment stop during outdoor adventures in Northumberland's forest park.
Swimming & Leisure Centres
The Sands Leisure Centre
A popular Carlisle leisure facility offering swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant and convenient parking, though families should note limited baby facilities.
Sport & Fitness
Swim Bike Run: Carlisle
Active families can enjoy triathlon-inspired fitness fun at this Sands Centre venue, complete with baby changing facilities, pushchair access throughout, and complimentary parking onsite.
Parks & Play Areas
Bitts Park
A green space perfect for family picnics with a playground for children, though facilities are limited. Snacks can be purchased on-site and parking is accessible from Dacre Road.
Museums & Galleries
Cumbrias Museum of Military Life
Explore centuries of regional military heritage through fascinating displays and artifacts housed within historic castle walls, with wheelchair access, family facilities, and onsite dining available.
Castles & Palaces
Carlisle Castle
Step into 900 years of dramatic border history at this impressive medieval fortress, complete with dungeons, towers and an on-site restaurant for family refreshments.
Museums & Galleries
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
This Carlisle museum welcomes families with accessible facilities throughout, including an onsite restaurant and picnic-friendly spaces. Discover engaging exhibits with convenient nearby parking and full amenities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Carlisle Treasure Hunt Trail
Discover Carlisle's heritage through an entertaining puzzle-filled walking route that challenges families to solve clues while exploring the city's landmarks and hidden corners.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Carlisle Cathedral
Marvel at nearly 900 years of history at this stunning medieval cathedral, where families can explore magnificent architecture and peaceful grounds. Wheelchair accessible with nearby parking and picnic areas.
Indoor Soft Play
Noah's Ark
Little ones can bounce and explore Biblical-themed play equipment at this welcoming Carlisle venue, specially designed for under-fives with accessible facilities and light refreshments available.
Farm Parks
Pumpkin Picking at Walby Farm Park
Head to this family-friendly farm park for seasonal pumpkin picking fun, complete with accessible facilities, refreshments and picnic areas—perfect for pushchairs and little ones.
Laser Tag Arenas
Laser Quest Carlisle
Battle through futuristic arenas in this action-packed laser tag venue at Victoria Viaduct, offering wheelchair-accessible fun for families with older children and convenient onsite parking.
Parks & Play Areas
Talkin Tarn Country Park
This sprawling 165-acre lakeside retreat near Brampton offers families ancient woodlands and peaceful meadows to explore, with wheelchair access, an onsite restaurant and scenic walking trails around its stunning glacial waters.
Cinema & Theatre
Vue Carlisle
This seven-screen cinema on Botchergate brings Hollywood's newest releases to Carlisle families, with wheelchair access, on-site parking and snacks available for your movie experience.
Indoor Soft Play
Aztec Soft Play
Let little ones burn energy in Carlisle's multi-level indoor playground, featuring safe zones for babies through to pre-teens, complete with baby changing rooms and pushchair-friendly access throughout.
Indoor Soft Play
Magic Castle Adventure Playground
Let little ones burn off energy at this indoor play centre featuring soft play equipment, with an on-site restaurant and baby facilities to keep the whole family comfortable during your visit.
Bowling Alleys
Hollywood Bowl Carlisle
Strike up family fun at this Currock Road bowling centre offering ten-pin lanes plus arcade games, air hockey and pool tables, with an onsite restaurant and full accessibility features.
Climbing & Bouldering
Eden Rock
Scale indoor climbing walls at this Durranhill Industrial Estate facility offering challenges for various skill levels, with onsite parking and snacks available during your visit.
Museums & Galleries
Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum
Explore Scotland's fascinating flight heritage through an impressive growing fleet of aircraft housed in an authentic former control tower, with accessible facilities for all the family.
Horse Riding
Bowhill Stables
Saddle up for an equestrian adventure at this Estate-based riding facility, where families can experience horseback activities in scenic Scottish Borders countryside surroundings.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Bowhill House and County Estate
Explore this magnificent Selkirk estate where families can discover nature through guided wildlife walks, let children enjoy dedicated play spaces, and refuel at the onsite restaurant between adventures.
Museums & Galleries
Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre
Watch salmon navigate their natural river habitat through underwater viewing windows at this fascinating wildlife centre. Wheelchair-accessible facilities include onsite parking and toilets.
Farm Parks
Dalscone Farm
Meet farm animals up close, enjoy exciting outdoor rides and explore an enormous toy shop at this action-packed Scottish farm adventure that's perfect for families with young children.
National Parks & Reserves
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
Discover diverse birdlife and stunning wetland habitats along family-friendly trails at this Scottish nature reserve, complete with viewing hides, accessible paths and refreshment facilities.
Museums & Galleries
Lochcarron of Scotland Visitor Centre
Discover the heritage of traditional Scottish textile-making at this working mill visitor centre, featuring displays of tartan weaving and Scottish woolens with onsite parking and baby facilities.
Know a great attraction in Old Town that's missing?
Suggest a museum, landmark, day out or activity for us to add.
Add an attraction here