Half term holiday ideas and why you should head to the south of Scotland

It's the school holidays and entertaining the kids has become a top priority.

While getting abroad isn't as easy or as fuss-free as we'd like at the moment, there are plenty of places around Scotland ideal for fun activities and family days out.

Heading south to two of Scotland's hidden gem regions, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders will see you rewarded with plenty of fun options and beautiful towns to explore making that day trip out with the kids all the more exciting.

So grab your all-weather clothes, plenty of snacks for the trip and go explore.

A family walk with furry friends in Kelso

The Bierhope Alpacas are waiting for you (Bierhope)

Nature walks are always fun but throw in your very own furry alpaca companions and you'll have twice the fun.

From one hour strolls to longer three-hour hikes in the surrounds of the Cheviot Hills your kids will definitely love Beirhope's Alpaca Treks.

A galaxy of adventure awaits at the Dark Space Planetarium, Kirkcudbright

A galaxy of adventure awaits at the Dark Space Planetarium (Dark Space Planetarium)

This new attraction in Kirkcudbright is as amazing as it is educational, with a state-of-the-art dome screen that uses an HD digital projection system to give you an immersive visual experience.

You can enjoy trips to the stars, rocket launches, travel to the edge of the solar system, or even inside the human body.

Explore Roman history in Melrose

Explore Roman history at the Trimontium Museum (Trimontium Museum)

The picturesque town of Melrose is home to the recently opened Trimontium Museum, which is now one of the best places in the UK to find out all about the Romans and the impact they made on Scotland.

Adventures for active families at Loch Ken, Dumfries & Galloway

Those looking for outdoor fun will find it at the Galloway Activity Centre (Galloway Activity Centre)

Outdoor types will love the Galloway Activity Centre, where you can take your pick from all kinds of activities on water or land at this family-run adventure site.

There is everything from archery and laser tag to kayaking and mountain biking to enjoy.

Embrace your inner Tarzan with Go Ape in Peebles

Go Ape is great for older kids (Go Ape)

With a challenging course and a 325-metre-long zip wire across a valley that's a whopping 160ft high, Go Ape is perfect for adventurous kids who are looking to traverse the huge Douglas fir trees and zip over the mountain bike trails and open water.

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