We visited new £500,00 attraction at Scots theme park – it's the perfect day out with kids during summer holidays
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THERE are two words frazzled parents dread hearing during the long summer holiday break: 'I'm bored'.
But luckily a brand new £500,000 attraction has opened in the nick of time and will hopefully entertain youngsters.
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Joel Patterson couldn't wait to tackle the castle
Credit: Stuart patterson
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Joel loved the new castle
Credit: L patterson
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Joel and his dad having a great time at the new attraction
Credit: L Patterson
Little-known Scots theme park Brechin Castle Centre has come to the rescue of mums and dads with a fantastic new playzone.
I was invited to sample the new Dragontale Castle with my seven-year-old son Joel and my wife Lyndsay.
The excitement started in the car when my son spotted the imposing 32-foot high structure as we drove towards the centre.
He was amazed by the dragon's wings bursting out of the side and couldn't wait to get there.
And as soon as we got inside he was off and desperate to tackle the new castle.
Within seconds he had scrambled to the top and was running along the rope bridges.
He got to play at being a king by sitting on the throne. And absolutely loved spinning the wheel of wonder, which dishes out fairytale tasks.
One minute he had to act as a knight on the obstacle course while dad had to head to the wizard's library.
There are telescopes in the towers and talking tubes so youngsters can send messages to each other from opposite ends of the site.
Alongside that there are two slides, which kids never seem to get bored whizzing down.
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There was a challenge to try and work out which was faster.
The two trampolines and swings add to the fun.
We were there on a sunny day and despite it being packed it never felt overly busy because it's so big.
A delighted Joel told me: 'I'm sure I've dreamed about this place.'
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Thew new Dragontale Castle attraction
Credit: supplied by Brechin Castle Centre
Hours flashed by as we lapped up the incredible new castle. The crowds of kids all seemed to be as enchanted as my little one.
Guests are free to bring their own food and drink and eat it outside at one of the many park benches. There is also a cafe.
But the castle is not all there is try out and there are a host of other attractions on offer.
The fairy trail is a treat for kids of all ages, as they pretend to be shrunk to the size of a butterfly and dodge a troll.
Crazy golf was a hit with us as were the go-karts and the fast sledges.
While the confusing maze went down a storm with Joel as he tried to make it to the flagpole in the middle.
There are also zip slides, a foot golf course and massive jumping cushions to help drain off any final reserves of energy.
We were all happy but tired after a day at Brechin Castle Centre that passed far too fast.
And as we drove past Dragontale Castle on the way home Joel was determined to book in another visit sooner rather than later.
Beware because instead of 'I'm bored' we're now hearing: 'When can we go back to the dragon castle?'
Brechin Castle Centre is roughly half an hour from Dundee.
It's open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Dragontale Castle is included in the price of admission.
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