FROM brutal battlefields to breathtaking panoramic views, Stirling has plenty to offer.
But just a short journey out of the city is a quaint staycation spot, in amongst the Scottish canopy.
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THE PAD
Tucked away in the ancient woods of the Leckie Estate, a 12-minute drive from the city of Stirling, you’ll find The Treehouses at Leckie.
Each of the four hideaways are named after woodland birds and our stay was in Goldfinch, nestled in the branches of an enormous sycamore.
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The setting is rustic, but inside you’ll find a sleek kitchen, a marshmallow-soft super-king bed with views of the Gargunnock Hills, a woodburner stove and an outdoor bath for a dip under the stars.
Freshly baked bread, eggs, butter and jam await, alongside a proper barbecue.
Manager Erica also offers in-treehouse massages – with birdsong and rustling leaves in earshot, it’s pure relaxation – £70 for 60 minutes.
Best of all, our pup Orla could join us, and she loved watching squirrels race around.
EXPLORE
Stirling is steeped in history.
Visit The National Wallace Monument to learn about national hero William Wallace, bloody battles and other Scottish greats.
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At the top of its 220ft tower, called The Crown, you’ll discover breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside, city and Stirling Castle, so it’s worth the climb!
Adult entry costs £11.30 (Nationalwallacemonument.com).
Or hit Blair Drummond Safari Park, a 10-minute drive from Leckie, and home to more than 350 animals, including tigers, elephants and chimps.
Got little ones in tow?
There’s an adventure playground and mini funfair, too.
Entry is £22 for adults, and free for under-threes (Blairdrummond.com).
Finally, get back to nature in Trossachs National Park, a 20-minute drive away.
Its highland scenery of lochs, mountains and woodland is also the perfect spot to try wild swimming.
REFUEL
Head to the nearby town of Bridge of Allan for a feast at Nairn’s.
Expect treats such as heritage beetroot, apple and whipped feta salad, £8, and hake with saffron mash in a langoustine bisque, £22.
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We also demolished the honey Arctic roll with raspberries, £9 (Nairns.co.uk).
Close to your cabin is Smiddy Farm Shop and its cafe serving tasty lentil soup, £5.65.
Stock up on chocolate milkshake from the fresh milk vending machine there, too (Blairdrummondsmiddy.co.uk).
Just 15 minutes walk from your bed is an excellent local – The Gargunnock Inn.
Order a Garden Spritz of gin, elderflower and basil, £7.70, and Stornoway black pudding fritter with haggis in a whisky sauce, £8.50 (Gargunnockinn.co.uk).
When in Rome and all that…
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BOOK IT
Stays at The Treehouses at Leckie cost from £245 per night for two (Leckietreehouses.co.uk).
BTW
Celeb spot at Gleneagles over whisky cocktails in its opulent The Century Bar (Gleneagles.com).
Pack it!
A fun card game from the makers of Exploding Kittens.
Power Hungry Pets, £14.99, Amazon.co.uk
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Help fund homelessness projects with this ethical buy.
It’s a no-brainer. Cap, £35, Leiho.co.uk
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Spice up your coffee with this tasty little treat… Espresso Liqueur, £21, Ellers Farm Distillery
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