Deanston Distillery

The Deanston Distillery sits just outside Callander, housed in what used to be a cotton mill - a converted Victorian building that still feels industrial in the best way. You get a proper tour of the whole operation, from the copper stills to the warehouses where the whisky ages. The staff know their stuff and aren't precious about it, which makes a change.

It's a solid afternoon activity if you're into whisky or just curious about how the thing gets made. The tour takes about an hour, and there's a tasting at the end where you can work through a few drams. Non-drinkers won't feel out of place - they're used to families coming through and will sort you out with alternatives. The shop sells the usual bottles, but also some exclusive cask releases if you're the type.

From either Keltie Bridge Caravan Park or Callander Woods Holiday Park, you're only twenty minutes away, which makes it an easy morning or early afternoon outing without eating up your whole day. Go midweek if you can - weekends get a bit rammed with coach parties. The café does decent coffee and cake, nothing fancy, but you won't leave hungry.

Admission costs around £12-15 per person, though you'll want to check ahead as it changes. Brilliant for adults and older teenagers. Young kids might find the warehouse tour a bit long and tedious unless they're genuinely interested.