Clyde Valley Family Park

The drive out to Clyde Valley Family Park from Lanark takes you through proper rolling countryside, and that's when you know you've found somewhere worth a half-day detour. It's a modest zoo by UK standards - think smaller than Chester or Edinburgh - but that's actually the appeal if you're holidaying with young kids who get overwhelmed by the big corporate parks.

You'll find the usual suspects: big cats, primates, birds of prey. Nothing exotic that'll blow your mind, but the enclosures are decent and the animals look well-kept. The real draw is that it's compact enough to get around without your legs giving up halfway through, and staff are genuinely knowledgeable if you fancy asking questions beyond "what's that one called?"

Allow a solid two hours minimum, maybe three if your children insist on watching every single feeding time. It's the kind of place where you won't feel rushed, and you can actually let kids pace themselves rather than being swept along in a crowd.

If you're staying at Ecosse Glamping just up the road - barely twenty minutes away - this makes for a cracking morning or early afternoon before you head back to sort dinner. It's free admission, which makes it worth trying, though expect a small car park charge. Peak times are weekends and school holidays, so go midweek if you can manage it. Bring a packed lunch and grab a bench near the cafe if the weather's decent.