Here at Strathaven Hotel, we a very proud of our lovely little town of Strathaven, Lanarkshire. This bustling market town (pronounced ‘stray-ven’) is the largest settlement in Avondale and has plenty to offer tourists visiting Scotland. Here’s our list of top 10 ten things to do in and around Strathaven.
1. Strathaven Hot Air Balloon Festival
This annual international hot air ballooning extravaganza is something that you don’t want to miss if your visiting Strathaven in August. The event is the only one of its kind in Scotland, offering families the opportunity to witness take off in mass. Weather permitting, spectators invited to watch the ‘Evening Glow’, where balloonists take to the skies to create a magical scene of light and colour. There is also a fun fair, stalls, classic vehicles and other evening events.
2. Strathaven Park
This hidden gem of a park is a great thing to do in Strathaven. There is plenty of green space, accompanied by pretty burn (small river) running through the park. Young families will be entertained by the park’s mini train ride and little pond, where kids can take out power boats and canoes.
3. Strathaven Airfield
Looking for a little adventure? Strathaven Airfield give you the opportunity to take the controls on your very own flying lesson and enjoy Scotland’s amazing views from the air! The three-runway grass airfield is home to more than 30 aircraft and microlights and has its very own flying school. As a bonus, they’ve teamed up with us here at Strathaven Hotel to offer our guests a Flying Experience Short Break Deal! Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Take along picnic and settle down to watch the planes and hovercrafts as they take off.
4. Strathaven Bar and Restaurant
We may be a little biased, but our very own Bar and Restaurant is certainly worth a visit during your visit to Strathaven. Our menus have been created with the finest local ingredients and all dishes are freshly prepared in house. We also have a delicious cocktail and wine list, perfect for relaxing after a long day out exploring.
5. Strathaven Castle
Strathaven Castle is the perfect place for history buffs to soak up some Scottish history. Believed to have been built around 1350, the first recorded castle was was a wooden structure that was replaced some 100 years later by a stone castle. The site is so steeped in history that it has been given nationally important ancient monument status, given protection against unauthorised change.
6. Vintage Violet
Step back in time and relive some of your favourite childhood memories in this wonderful little vintage sweet shop. For those looking for a hot treat, the shop now offers churros with caramel sauce and individual strawberry cheesecake, making it impossible to leave empty handed. This is a great place to indulge during your break or pick up some local gifts for friends and family?
7. X-Plode Paintball
Looking for something to entertain the fussiest of teenagers? The team at X-Plode paintball promise you a fun and active day out that’ll have them talking for weeks to come. Families or groups can choose from a number of packages to suit all time frames and budgets and the X-Plode team are always very creative when it comes to personalising events for special occasions.
8. Strathaven, Sandford and Spectacle E’e falls
Want to check out waterfalls in Scotland without heading too far North? Not quite Niagara Falls, a short walk from our bustling market town of Strathaven, you will find the Spectacle E’e (eye) waterfalls. The falls are a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic and step back into nature. Ask our team to tell you about how they acquired their unusual name!
9. Strathaven Gala Day
Scottish gala days have been a celebrated tradition for hundreds of years and, for many, are still one of the most anticipated days of the year. Strathaven’s gala day is no exception, with celebrations including music in the Common Green, a lunchtime parade to mark the new town gala queen and afternoon stalls, games, fun and entertainment.
10. Garrion Bridge Garden and Antique Centre
Just a short drive from Strathaven town centre, this is a nice place to enjoy afternoon tea and relax. The antiques department had some major refurbishment work carried out last year and the team have a lot of new additions. Why not take your old treasure for an evaluation? There is also a book shop, card shop and a selection of outdoor and indoor gardening furniture and plants. If you are into gardening or antiques, then this is a great place to spend an afternoon.
Looking for somewhere to stay during your visit to Strathaven? Take a look at our newly refurbished bedrooms. We hope you have a great stay!