A short step back in time to MacRosty Park

Back in September we spent a weekend in rural Perthshire, and one of the undoubted highlights of the trip was stumbling accidentally across the most excellent MacRosty Park in Crieff.

After a grumpy start to the day from Mini-M and, with the prospect of a long and stressful trip back to Edinburgh unless some excess energy could be burned off, we stopped simply because there was a green bit on the map, indicating the possibility of some grass for running about on, and stumbled across swing park mecca.

A big park kaleidoscope...

This park genuinely does have something for everyone, from tots to "big kids" (i.e. myself and Mr E).

Trampolines - boing!

Bouldering rocks and a zip line

Space age climbing frames

Outdoor xylophones (and cafe in the background)

There in play equipment galore, including hammocks, bouldering walls and mini diggers, as well as the usual swings, climbing frames, roundabouts and slides. The park is clean, paths are tidy and in good condition for buggy walking. There's a cafe for refreshments and loos, and there's plenty of parking.

A slide with no drop at the bottom - great for little people

Mini-diggers in a giant sandpit. 

Hammocks - thoughtfully positioned above a sandpit to cushion falls

Mini-bouldering for mini-people

In short, if you're in Crieff, stop! If you're within about a 30 mile radius with young children, and want something to do that doesn't hit the wallet, burns off energy, and keeps all ages entertained, then make the detour! It seriously did make me wish we lived in Crieff. Just for a moment at least!

Pink cow hand holds on the climbing slope. Awesome.

Introducing... Mini Days Out. First up, Vogrie

Hello and welcome to Mini Days Out. This is a blog about Mini-M's adventures, and ours too for that matter! Its aim is to give a description and review of some of the places where we've spent days out, weekends and holidays, with information on facilities, price, location and general fun for both little ones and grown ups.

To kick things off, lets start with Vogrie Country Park.

First up - What?
It's a country Victorian parkland estate, tucked away in the Midlothian greenery, only half an hour's drive from Edinburgh. There are woodland walks, walled gardens, exhibitions, adventure playgrounds (separate ones for little and big kids), cafe, toddler soft play and a miniature railway during the summer.

Vogrie House

The model railway - no trains running today!

Sunshiney bright toddler soft play

Next up - Where?

Directions - who needs maps...!

Just incase this picture doesn't quite provide all the locational info you're looking for, then Google Maps might be a bit more informative... although despite my sketchy directions we got there just fine, thanks to good signposting off both the A68 and A7.

When?

The park is open year round, with walks and adventure playgrounds. The cafe is generally open 10-4pm, all week during school holiday times, and closed mid-week during term time. I'd suggest checking the Midlothian Council Vogrie Park page to check whether or not you'll be able to get a cuppa when you go!

How Much?

Parking only costs £1, then it's free to wander around the grounds. The soft play was £2, which was a bargain, as it was completely deserted and Mini-M had the entire place virtually to herself for as long as she wanted - a lovely change and a far cry from the super congested city soft play!

Mini-M fun rating

I think the combination of soft play, swings and plenty of space to run about (both inside and out) means that Vogrie scored a 10 from Mini-M.

Climbing

Head first down the slide!

Clambering

Grown-up fun rating
Vogrie scored well for the parents too - we were able to drink our cuppa in peace whilst Mini-M performed some soft play acrobatics, it was easy to get too, and nice to have a walk in a different place. Not that Leith Links isn't lovely, but sometimes the real countryside is better for the soul!

Giant chairs which were weirdly captivating for Mr E

Winter sunshine and fresh air

I've not seen many soft plays with ceiling cornicing like this!

Logistics

There are toilets in a couple of locations, and baby changing in the main house.
The cafe sells juice, snacks, sandwiches, fruit, tea and cakes.
There are lots of picnic benches outside, both near the cafe and near the play park for picnics when it's slightly less chilly!
The car park is about a  10 minute walk away from the house and cafe, but the track is buggy-able, even on a wet January day.

The little kids adventure playground is just next to the car park, so be prepared to start and finish your visit with some swings!