Article Source: Floors Castle
Last Updated: 6 June 2024 12:28
This Summer, Borders’ stately home Floors Castle, invites all young adventurers to explore a brand new series of captivating events that bring the wonders of the animal kingdom to life, all set against the background of the stunning Walled Gardens of this historic castle, a truly beautiful setting with superb views.
In collaboration with animal handling experts, ZooLab, this beautiful venue will host a variety of interactive sessions where children can get hands-on with exotic critters and delve into fascinating stories from history. From the eerie enchantment of medieval witchcraft to the local beauty of native species, these events promise an educational and thrilling experience for the entire family.
Speaking on the upcoming series of educational events, Sarah Laird, Marketing Manager at ZooLab, said: “Expect something a little wilder at Floors Castle this summer as we bring our animal encounters to the Gem of the Scottish Borders. Where history meets wildlife, you’ll get up close with fascinating creatures in the estate’s enchanting surroundings. It's an extraordinary experience that promises excitement, education, and unforgettable moments for the whole family!”
Beginning on Saturday, June 29, Floors Castle will play host to a series of themed events set to inspire, starting with The Animal Explorer Experience, giving visitors the chance to meet and interact with exotic animals the likes of snakes, tarantulas, and giant snails. Guided by your very own ZooLab expert, this session offers fun and intriguing insights into the lives of these remarkable creatures.
In July, Floors Castle will be hosting three events; on Saturday, July 6th, ZooLab’s Witchcraft and Wizardry event is inviting guests to step back in time to the medieval era at Floors Castle, where witches and wizards were famous for their animal companions; on Saturday, July 20th, visit the Native Species event, celebrating the UK's rich wildlife by learning about animals native to the UK and their exotic cousins; and on Saturday, July 27th, learn about Weapons and Armour by exploring the ancient battlements of the castle while comparing human weaponry and armour to the natural defence mechanisms of animals.
If you’re looking for some educational fun to phase out the Summer holidays, Floors Castle will be hosting two further events in August: on Saturday, August 10th, The Zagaro: A Storytelling Session, will take guests through a deep, dark wood where the hero of the story meets an array of weird and wonderful creatures and fulfils a quest; and for the final event of this series, on Saturday, August 24th, ZooLab is hosting Creepy Castle Critters, guiding visitors on a historic tour of this wonderful venue, meeting the creepy critters that might once upon a time have roamed its halls.
Additionally, the Floors Castle team and the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe are keen to continue to support the creation of an inclusive experience for children with Additional Support Needs (ASN).
This year’s planned ASN sessions will create a calm and engaging environment where children can interact with a variety of animals, from unusual invertebrates, to reptiles, and amphibians, and experienced rangers working to reduce anxieties and ensure a positive experience for all participants.
Annabel Roxburghe, the Duchess of Roxburghe and Patron of charity Meeting of Minds commented on the unique series of events: “As a patron for Meeting of Minds in the Borders, a local charity supporting local families raising children with complex or additional support needs, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to the upcoming ZooLab event here at Floors castle!
“We will ensure designated times and specific sessions tailored to enable children, including those with special needs, to engage with and learn from the animals from ZooLab. Our commitment to inclusivity drives us to provide as many opportunities as possible for children with complex or additional support needs, to participate in enriching experiences and not have to miss out on any of the fun.
“These events aim to foster joy and learning for all participants and reflect our dedication at Floors Castle to creating inclusive spaces for diverse communities in the Borders and beyond.”
Standard entry tickets per child are £12, with this price including one accompanying adult ticket. For additional adults, tickets are £10. Booking is recommended to avoid missing out.
For more information and full details, please visit: www.floorscastle.com
The ASN sessions can be selected at checkout.
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MOREFamily favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MOREScotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREThe Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORETo mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MOREPollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MOREStirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MOREPeople will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORECineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORETeams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MOREScotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORELoch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORERestored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MOREAldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE