Historic Scottish estate with adventure park and farmers' market perfect for autumn walks
One of Scotland’s oldest estates, it welcomes families and dogs, with a cosy coffee shop and scenic walks along the River Avon.
One of the joys of this time of year is exploring the vibrant colours of the season, and, luckily, Scotland is filled by a plethora of parks and estates perfect for such an adventure.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, there is a destination that combines a grand country house, woodland walks, picturesque riverside paths, a children’s adventure playground, and a farmer's market.
Chatelherault Country Park, located just 20 minutes from the Glasgow city centre, is brimming with activities, Glasgow Live reports.
Built in 1732 as a Hunting Lodge and Summer House for the Dukes of Hamilton, it has been described as a ‘Jewel in the Landscape’ and is now a top visitor attraction.
The restored buildings house a Visitor Centre, the West Lodge with the Banqueting Hall and Duke and Duchess Apartments, an Exhibition Gallery, Gift Shop, and Café.
Outside, visitors can explore over 10 miles of scenic paths along the River Avon and through ancient woodland.
As one of Scotland's oldest and most beautifully designed estates, it caters particularly well for families and those with energetic dogs, offering plenty to see and do.
From the impressive country house with its cosy in-house coffee shop to the stunning views outside, the estate transitions seamlessly from manicured lawns and paths to woodland walks along the River Avon, where the seasonal colours are at their most vivid.
The striking Duke’s Bridge spans the gorge below, revealing breathtaking views that were hidden for decades, where gold, red, orange, and yellow hues dominate the landscape.
An adventure play area provides equipment suitable for toddlers to teenagers, designed to challenge and stimulate both physical and mental abilities, offering hours of entertainment.
Adjacent picnic and BBQ areas include free-to-use barbecues on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, providing an ideal spot for families to enjoy the outdoors.
Scottish getaways
The stylish newly refurbished Oaks Café accommodates 110 guests indoors and 40 outdoors in the courtyard, serving a variety of healthy snacks and treats.
The Visitor Centre provides educational and informative displays about the estate and local history, while the Gift Shop stocks designer jewellery, unique gifts, locally produced sweets, and pocket money toys.
The estate also forms part of the 'Chatelherault to Low Parks Heritage Trail', a walking and cycling route connecting two of South Lanarkshire’s most historic sites.
The free app tracks the journey while providing heritage content, archive images, and historic footage, allowing visitors to engage with the local landscape and history.
On Sundays, the Chatelherault Farmer’s Market runs from 9.30am until 4pm, featuring 70 stalls with award-winning Scottish food and drink, crafts, fashion, and home and garden goods, providing plenty of opportunities to explore and sample local products.
With over 10 miles of woodland and riverside paths, an adventure playground, picnic and BBQ areas, a Visitor Centre, café, and gift shop, Chatelherault Country Park offers a full day of seasonal splendour, learning, and family-friendly activities.