Callendar Park — Attraction in Scotland

I've visited this park pretty much my whole life, its gone through many changes and problems. Currently there's a lot of work being done In some of the forest areas and where would once have many trees to explore through, may be bare now, it's a little sad to see but I'm sure it's with the health of the forrest itself in mind. There's many photo op play spots behind the house and up the hill bit, I've seen quite a lot of families really enjoying them, so I think I can reccomend it on their behalf. The play park, post lockdown, has recently been rebuilt and while I have a childhood full of memories at the old play park, I can see this update was very needed, while the bigger climbing frame was great and the high slides were exciting, I saw the stability of the old structure slowly deteriorate, and the new one is much sturdier, and looks better planned out, I can't rate how fun it is to play on, outside of the main feature, there's several other great activities to catch a kids eye. I adore the forest, it's impressively large and every time I go through it, I seem to find a new place I haven't seen before. As nature is always changing, theres always something new to discover or observe. There's a fantastic opertunity to come across some native wild life all over the park, which is enjoyable, but at this time of year when there's a high amount of chicks of the water fowl, it does make me very uncomfortable to see dogs jumping into the water when there are, say ducklings or baby coots, desperately swimming away and trying to keep up with their parents once the dog has entered their home. Not only that but I've also seen the swans having to threaten and chase dogs because the dogs owner is letting it get way too close to the signets, the dog or the swans could get seriously injured. Sadly, I can understand there's really not the funding to be able to enforce a leash rule just at the water side, just something that takes a 5 star experience and pulls it down to a 4 star. Thankfully I am yet to witness any issue arise yet, thought admittedly, i am not there more than a couple of times a week for less than an hour so plenty of time i do not witness. Another small issue in the treatment to the wild life is that many visitors come here and feed the water fowl bread, which is well known to cause the condition angel wing, which is a death sentence for wild water fowl. This is frustrating to see it happen when there is signs telling people not to, but there's no signs, It seems so sad and dismissive, especially while at a local farm, muiravonside there's been several animals rescued to them because they got the condition angel wing, and there's multiple signs there saying that it's caused by these animals being fed bread and not getting enough nutrients. It's very strange to only give this warning where you'd see animals already suffering to angel wing, rather than where you could pre-emptively stop some animals getting this condition. I say all these criticism not to discourage anyone from going here, I would absolutely reccomend this whole park to anyone, these problems are...

On my doorstep, I love walking here, always a new view. Great for all the family and all abilities. Disabled badge holders can drive right up to Callender House and park, but plenty car parking spaces at either end of the park. Food available in the coffee shop in the house (afternoon teas are gorgeous) or there is a shop selling drinks, snacks and ice cream next to the large fenced children's play area. Toilet facilities in the house or next to the shop. Be aware that the toilet facilities are not open 24hrs, and close when the shop/house does at 8.30pm (please check as I'm not 100% sure on timing. Car park shuts too and its gated so make sure your out in time) The children's fenced play area is currently under construction due to upgrade, but there are plenty other activities, death slide, crazy golf, 9hole pitch and put, pedalos and boats on the pond, and loads of space for football, kite flying or just making your own fun. If your feeling like a longer more strenuous walk head up the hill into the woods, the view from the top is breathtaking! The paths are good but the forest ones can be muddy and a bit rough at times. There is the family mausoleum within the woods and worth a visit for a bit of history (it has been vandalised unfortunately so be aware) There is a new wooden outdoor fitness/play area which looked good but wasn't finished when we last visited. There is a large amount of work being done within the grounds to remove rhododendron as these, although beautiful, are invasive and were taking over. So lots of "bare areas" and woodchips. But this clearance will benefit the park greatly. There are swans on the pond, along with lots of other wildlife big and small throughout the park. There are rangers and sometimes wildlife/bug walks are arranged from the house. Regular exhibitions are held in the house, there is also a static exhibition of local history. All in all a fantastic resource and a fun place to visit at any time...

This was a return to a place,i have always loved, after a long absence.Used to be an annual Christmas visit for many years. Only 40 mins from Glasgow, for me this amazing house and park is a top attraction for any tourist in Scotland.The house is majestic and the park setting is so picturesque with its dense forest walks and its lovely pond teeming with bird life.The major plus is that the front park is bordered by the amazing ancient roman Antonine ditch which is still very visible.There is a lot of walking but no really rough terrain problems for us old folk. There is much to see both inside and outside the house, so a full day is needed here. I would like to make special mention of the lovely, friendly and helpful staff ladies who will answer any questions on the house.They also assisted me greatly when i was making some purchases from the house gift shop.I was so happy with them i invited them to my next concert in Falkirk, hopefully later in the year.The early house in Medieval times was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots.In the19th century, Queen Victoria also visited.Hope she had some scones from the amazing house Kitchen.These days,there is an excellent tearoom on the first floor with lovely garden views. A really great full day out for all the family, or just Jack and Victor...