School’s out, the sunshine’s hopefully sticking around, and if you’re planning a summer family day out in Aberdeenshire, Castleton Farm makes a brilliant place to start.
There’s fresh air, space to stretch your legs, a play area for little ones, and plenty of food to keep everyone happy – from lunch to ice cream to a proper treat before you head off again.
Castleton works especially well if you want to build a full day around your visit.
You could start with a runaround at The Den at Auchenblae, a lovely community-maintained woodland park just a couple of miles away, with swings, slides, a rocking boat and a wooden climbing frame.
If you’re heading further afield, there’s plenty to explore along the coast too, from the harbours at Stonehaven and Gourdon to Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland’s most dramatic historic sites.
A stop in Laurencekirk or a wander further south can easily turn a simple lunch into a proper day out.
Menus for everyone
Back at Castleton, the kids’ menu keeps things easy for families.
It’s full of familiar favourites that work well for younger appetites, and the menus are clearly marked for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices, plus dairy and other common food intolerances. That makes it much easier to choose with confidence when everyone at the table eats a little differently.
If you want to add a bit more fun to the day, the kids’ jam-making class is a summer holiday winner. Little foodies aged 5–10 can pick their own strawberries, then turn them into freezer jam to take home. It’s messy, creative and exactly the sort of activity kids remember.
And for a proper summer treat, don’t miss the ice cream machine. It blends fresh Castleton soft fruit – whichever you choose – with delicious cool ice cream to make a seasonal special that tastes like summer.
Best of all, Castleton is dog-friendly too, so nobody has to stay behind. If you want some suggestions for dog walks nearby, then slide on over here…
Question and answer
Is Castleton a good family day out?
Answer: Yes — there’s outdoor space, a play area, kids’ food, jam-making fun and plenty nearby to turn it into a full day.
Are there options for different diets?
Yes — the menus include gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices, with clear labelling for dairy and other food intolerances.
What can we do nearby?
The Den at Auchenblae, Stonehaven, Gourdon, Dunnottar Castle and Laurencekirk all make easy additions to the day.
Is Castleton dog-friendly?
Yes — dogs are welcome too.
