Summer at Scone

By Alice Gall

Scone Palace – just two miles north of Perth – is steeped in history, and yet it refuses to rest on its ancient laurels.  The crowning place of Scottish Kings now brings history to life with its extensive programme of events – a falconry display, a day of Medieval tournaments, and a Halloween sound and light show are all upcoming.  But we’re still in our summer gear, and I was looking for a family day out.

So what can Scone Palace offer a motley crew (yes, that’s my family) with a wide range of interests? I brought my other half, Lachlan, along with Alistair (aged 13) and James (aged 2) to find out.  We popped along the day after Scone had hosted its hugely popular Rewind festival, to see if the Palace could entertain us all.

The Murray Star Maze was our first port of call.  Now, you may remember from childhood one of those mazes which comprise a knee-high hedge, which you can not only see over but quite easily vault over to reach the middle.  Prepare yourself for more of a challenge.  The Scone Palace maze reminded me of the one that Harry Potter had to navigate in the Triwizard Tournament.  You can get properly lost in it.  I certainly did.  There’s something appealing about a labyrinth to children of all ages, and both toddler and teenager were engrossed.

After finding our way through the maze, it was time for a pit stop and we walked towards the coffee shop (via the immaculate baby changing facilities!). Scone Palace grounds are enormous, and it’s a pleasure to stroll along the shady paths and sunny lawns, with well-kept flowerbeds and age-old trees all around.  Most of the paths are also very buggy friendly! The Old Servants’ Hall coffee shop is situated in the Palace itself, with indoor and outdoor seating.  We sat outside with soft drinks and cake, while the sun shone down on us and peacocks wandered elegantly past.  Alistair enjoyed a malteser slice, and I loved my strawberry tart, but both of these were eclipsed by the epic scone that Lachlan demolished.  Scone is certainly an old hand when it comes to scones.

As the others relaxed with their elevenses, I had a look in the nearby food shop.  It’s chock-full with all sorts of goodies including jars of honey, shortbread, oatcakes, pate, rock (the sugary kind!) and the Palace’s own preserves.  Whiskies, Scottish artisan gin, and real ale are additional temptations.

GALLERY

Feeling revived, we headed for the children’s playground.  I had taken James here once before, during the winter, when access to Scone Palace grounds is free on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  We had come to see their stunning collection of snowdrops.  So James is well-acquainted with the playground slide, swings, and see-saw, but this time was old enough to really get up some speed on the mini-tractors! The small earthy enclosure equipped with kiddy-sized vehicles is just a joy for a little boy obsessed with anything on wheels.  It’s fun, unconstrained, and safe, and that means five minutes’ peace for the adults.

On previous visits I had never ventured into Scone Palace, content to admire its neo-gothic splendour from the grounds.  This time around, we all went in, but James made a sharp exit after deciding that palaces and toddlers are not a happy combination.  Alistair got himself an “I Spy” quiz sheet and he and I stayed to look around.  As it turns out, the Palace is most impressive.  The airy rooms house a vast array of beautiful furniture and art.  A delicate porcelain collection sits in the library alongside enormous old books, and guides are on hand to tell you more.

By the time we emerged into the sunshine again, the grounds were teeming with visitors from near and far, and it was a perfect day for our picnic lunch.  The coffee shop provides an ample menu for lunch: salad, quiche, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and much more.  Everything is freshly made and ingredients are sourced from the Palace kitchen garden.  However, picnickers are also welcome, and bringing your own treats in a picnic basket (or carrier bag, who am I trying to kid!) is a thrifty way to satisfy young appetites.

We ate our lunch in the cool of a lovely little wooden Pavilion in the grounds.  With more than 100 acres at our disposal, it was easy to find a quiet spot even with the Palace such a popular attraction on a beautiful day.  I realised, as we started to wander back to our car, how much more of the rich horticulture and historic treasures contained within the Scone Palace walls we hadn’t even had time to see.  A two-year-old child doesn’t always allow you to linger. 

Thankfully, the purchase of a day-ticket to the Palace and grounds entitles you to a summer season ticket for no extra charge.  With all of this just on our Perth doorstep, we will be regular visitors.

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