For castles see our castles page

Kilmartin 01546 510 278 – www.kilmartin.org

Lots to see and do.  The museum is quite pricey, £4 adult, but there's lots of interesting information and things to do for kids (although it's very small).  All stone circles, Carnasserie Castle and Dunadd Hill are free.  The top of Dunadd is where the Kings of Scotland used to be crowned before Scone took over (in the 11th century).  Excellent tea room in a green oak conservatory, and gift shop with interactive displays.  Open all year, every day, 10 am to 17.30, disabled access.

1.25 hours by car.  Head through Oban, towards Lochgilphead.  You pass Arduaine Gardens, Ardfern, and then through Kilmartin.  Kilmartin House is a sharp right opoosite the pub, just before the church (but a few miles before Lochgilphead).

The Scottish Crannog Centre – Aberfeldy – 01887 830 583- www.crannog.co.uk

Highly recommended, also with children.  A crannog is a small man made island of which there were numerous in the Scottish Lochs which were inhabited by family groups during the stone age.  This is a display centre where a Crannog has been rebuilt.  A guide will talk you through what Scotland looked like, how it felt and what these people did.  There is a demonstration of making fire, using a pole lathe, and lots of things to ‘have a go’.  Obviously they have the compulsory tea room with views over the loch, or for somewhere more exquisite, visit the House of Menzies café (the chocolate brownies are particularly good), about a 10 minute drive.