Children’s Activities
We have two different self-led trails for children to follow as they discover our site with their families. The Dunollie Explorer’s trail is included in entry tickets and the Dunollie Mythical Creatures QR Trail is available with a map, stickers and prize for just an additional £3.
Children are also encouraged to explore the 1745 House, the mysterious objects it displays and to ask our museum stewards any questions. We regularly host special events aimed at children and families, please see the listing below for further details.
Although some of our other activities like Guided Tours and Piping at the Castle are aimed at adults, children are welcome to accompany the adults in their group and take part in those as well.
Dunollie Explorers: Children’s Self-Led Activity Trail
Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm | Included in Entry Ticket
Calling on all young explorers and intrepid adventurers!
Follow the Garden Trail through Dunollie’s enchanting woodland grounds and hunt down all 9 hidden items – use your magnifying glasses and torch to track them down like a true explorer!
This activity is aimed at children aged 4-11 years. Pick up your explorers pack at reception.
Dunollie’s Mythical Creatures Trail: Children’s Self-Led QR Trail
Tues-Sun, 10am-4pm | £3 & Entry Fee
See Dunollie in a whole new light by following this trail with your family (suitable for ages 3-15).
Find out about some of the magical creatures of Scottish Folklore and as you explore Dunollie’s enchanting grounds and discover the surrounding landscapes.
The Playpark
Our playpark is the perfect place to let little ones blow off steam whilst you enjoy a coffee and cake!
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday
10am-4pm
Regular Activities
Tours
Tues – Sun at 11.30am | £4 & Entry Fee
Follow one of our Tour Guides and immerse yourself in Dunollie’s History from the Iron age, to Somerled and the birth of the Clan MacDougall, throughout the Jacobite uprisings and until the present day.
Tours last approximately 1 hour and take place almost entirely outdoors. They start at 11.30, Tues-Sun.
Please note, the second half of the Tour involves going up the steep castle path.
Piping at the Castle
Sundays at 1.30pm | FREE
Every week, we are joined by a young, talented piper who plays the bagpipes by Dunollie’s Castle Ruin: An unforgettable Highland experience.
Depending on the weather, this may also take place beside the 1745 House Museum, so that you may be sheltered from the elements.
The piping lasts approximately 30 min.
Community Activities
Cofaidh is Cabadaich: Gaelic Conversation Sessions
On the first Tuesday of each month, from 11am-12.30pm | FREE
This informal Gaelic conversation session is a lovely way to practice your spoken Gaelic whilst enjoying a cup of coffee. All ages and levels of fluency are welcome.
Email jamie@dunollie.org if you would like to take part.
Threads & Yarns
Threads & Yarns is our volunteer sewing group.
They meet every week and hand-sew beautiful products from the Draper’s Shop using off shoots of tartan from our unique range of fabrics. Most participants have some experience of sewing before joining, but training is provided. This lovely group has been a huge support to Dunollie over the years, particularly through the development of shop products and craft activities at some of our family events.
Email info@dunollie.org if you would like to take part.
New Routes
New Routes is a health & well-being group aimed at vulnerable adults.
They meet every week and spend a half day taking part in various outdoor projects around the site and enjoying lunch together. They are responsible for lots of our general garden maintenance, particularly maintaining paths and improving the site from year to year.
Email info@dunollie.org if you would like to take part.
Stitch & Spin
Stitch & Spin is our newest group, with a passion for all things relating to fibre arts from knitting and spinning to crochet.
The group meets every week in Dunollie and shares stories, refreshments and skills. Everyone is welcome to join, those with some technical skills may be invited to share their knowledge with the group and those without will have lots of learning opportunities. Recently they have started to develop their own collection inspired shop products and are working on several crochet blankets with participants from all around the world.
Email info@dunollie.org if you would like to take part.