Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium

The planetarium sits right in Kirkcudbright, a proper little artist's town that punches above its weight. You're looking at a darkened dome where the night sky gets projected overhead - the sort of thing that makes you crane your neck and forget where you are for a bit. It's educational without feeling like a school trip, which matters when you've got restless kids in tow.

What you actually do is sit in the dark and watch constellations, planets, and occasionally some special shows depending on what's on. The immersive experience works well for anyone curious about space, from young children right through to adults who fancy a bit of cosmic perspective. The format means you're not walking around for hours - budget maybe an hour to an hour and a half including arrival and settling in.

Silver Craigs Campsite is practically on your doorstep at just over a tenth of a mile away, making this a dead easy add-on to a park holiday. If you're staying at Seaward, Domes By The Sea, or any of the other nearby sites, Kirkcudbright itself is worth a proper wander - the town has galleries, decent cafes, and a working harbour that's genuinely worth seeing. The planetarium fits well into a couple of hours in town rather than being a full day commitment. Worth combining with the local coastal walks or a browse through the galleries if the weather turns and you need an indoor plan.