M&D's Family Theme Park, Scotland

On a trip to Scotland a couple of years ago, we checked into the Express by Holiday Inn at Strathclyde Park and were surprised to discover there was a theme park just a few minutes walk from the hotel, which was also beside Strathclyde Loch.
We enjoyed staying there so much, we have returned a few times since and always have a walk along to M & D's Theme Park.

Now to call M & D's a theme park is a bit ambitious to say the least, as in no way can it compete with the likes of Alton Towers. It is much smaller than the other theme parks I have visited and therefore a more apt description would be to call it an amusement park in my opinion.

M & D's is easily reached from the M74 to Glasgow from Carlisle. Leave the motorway at junction 5, turn right at the roundabout and follow the road along past the hotel into Strathclyde Country Park. This will bring you alongside Strathclyde Loch and to the free car park for M & D's. It is also just 15 minutes drive from the centre of Glasgow.

It does seem a very popular place to visit, especially at weekends and although you may be disappointed if you are expecting a theme park on the scale of Alton Towers, there is enough here to keep the kids amused for a few hours with over 40 rides and attractions on offer.

The rides themselves consist of thrill seeking rides such as The Bungee which catapults you into the air, or The Bomber which is not something I could ever cope with due to my fear of heights as you are swung around at what seems to me to be quite a terrifying altitude! There are also a couple of rollercoasters, log flumes and a couple of other water rides involving boats and slides which are really fun.
Traditional favourites such as the big wheel which provides great views out over the park and Loch, chair swings and dodgems also feature here along with a pirate ship and flying carpet ride.
There are a few rides for younger children such as flying dumbo's, carousels and mini golf as well as a few side shows dotted about, including hook the duck.

Even if the weather isn't too good, M & D's has a large indoor amusement area with the usual slot machines and also includes a bowling alley with glow in the dark bowling and indoor carousel.
Amazonia is an indoor tropical rainforest with exotic animals. Another place to visit if it is raining! There is also one of those 'build-a-bear' places.

I have enjoyed a couple of meals in the 'The Family Restaurant' which has the look of a traditional pub and has recently been refurbished. On my last visit a few weeks ago, it was a cloudy day but quite mild for the time of year and we ate outside on the patio area overlooking Strathclyde Loch. A place I have spent a few hours on sunny afternoons on previous visits. There are also patio heaters out here, though it has always been warm enough on our visits.
The food has always been nice enough. We ordered BBQ melt baguettes which were reasonably priced at £7 with chips and side salad.

Sandwiches, traditional meals, burgers and steaks are all served here and the prices aren't bad at all when compared with what I paid on a trip to Lightwater Valley, where the prices were high and the food very bland.
Prices range from £3.00 for a sandwich to £8.95 for Rump steak. The service was good and the staff were friendly. Both the inside and outside of The Family Restaurant were spotless.

If grabbing a burger or something quick is more appealing, then there is also a Wimpy bar and a pancake palace. I have not tried these but can recommend Guiseppe's coffee shop.

If you prefer a carvery, then I can recommend the excellent Toby carvery located next to the Express by Holiday Inn hotel at the entrance to the country park. We paid £5 a head for a really nice carvery meal before 7pm.

After wearing yourself out on the rides, across the road is Strathclyde Loch and huge grassed area. A great place to relax with a picnic, play ball games or go for a walk along the pathway which runs alongside the Loch. It really is a very scenic location for a theme park.

M & D's hold quite a few family fun days featuring Peppa Pig, Bob The Builder and Barney as well as other popular children's characters. Full details of dates are available on the park's website : www.scotlandsthemepark.com

An events area has opened just this year to hold all the events planned for the season. New things seem to be added each year, as every time we visit there is something new.

Entry to M & D's is free, so it is possible just to go in and have a wander about, which is what I prefer to do these days! I don't seem to have the stomach for rides anymore.
Paying for rides is possible via the purchase of tokens or packages such as unlimited ride wristbands, white knuckle packages, adventure packages, ultimate packages or young adventure packages.

A token will cost 50p but if you buy £10 worth you will get £2.50 free. Each ride states how many tokens you require.
The unlimited ride package does seem the best option if you are likely to be wanting numerous rides at £11.75 for those under 1.35m in height, or £15.75 for those over.
A family package for any 4 people offering unlimited rides is £49.00.

At busy times there has been queues for rides, but they have never been very long and the turn around is very quick. The staff are very strict about the height restrictions so you must bear that in mind when purchasing package tickets. You won't be able to sneak on a ride if you are under the minimum height.

Overall, M & D's is a great day out, especially when the weather is nice and you can combine it with a stroll along the Loch, a picnic or just a laze around on the grass.
It is set in a very scenic location and as long as you don't go expecting a 'theme park' as its name suggests, then I am sure you won't be disappointed!

*Review also appears on dooyoo under same username