TAKING a day trip can inspire children long after the journey back home, whether it’s searching for fairies in the back garden or creating stories set in a place you have visited together.

From picking your own to meeting the Gruffalo, here’s a few ideas to help buoy the long days of the summer holidays with a spot of fun and discovery.

Gruffalo Trail

Ardkinglas Estate, Argyll

Situated on hillside overlooking Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden features a trail featuring extracts from the Scots version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved book.

Here visitors may meet other residents of the garden, reputedly also home to fairies and an elf.

From the car park, the path leads along the hill 400m to the start of trail; be sure to pick up a map from the Mouse to help guide you along the route.

Open daily, £5 adult, £2 (4-16yrs), free for ages 3 and under. Tel: 01499 600261. www.ardkinglas.com

Crathes Castle

Banchory, Aberdeenshire

With its historic portraits, stunning painted ceilings and tales of ghostly residents, a visit to Crathes Castle is dependably memorable day out.

Over summer there’s a series of events in the grounds, including outdoor screenings of Jurassic Park (July 26) and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Aug 11). On August 13 rangers will show children how to make crafts from natural materials.

Open daily, £13 adult, £10 concs. Tel: 01330 844525. www.nts.org.uk

Kelburn Castle

Ayrshire

Home to the recent Kelburn Garden Party, the Kelburn estate is known best for the vibrant street art decorating its medieval castle.

Surrounding the castle is a Secret Forest perfect for adventures, colourful gardens and waterfalls, outdoor play areas and glen trails to impressive view points.

From August 9 to 18, you might spot a Gruffalo as Kelburn runs a series of themed trails, interactive storytelling and even the chance to meet the loved monster.

Open daily. Grufalo and Pals: August 9 to 18, Kelburn Country Centre, Fairlie, Ayrshire, £8.50 adult, £9.50 child. Tel: 01475 568 685. www.kelburnestate.com

Jacobite Steam Train

Fort William To Mallaig

Known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite Train’s 84-mile journey from the foot of Ben Nevis at Fort William to its terminus at Mallaig in Lochaber is famous for its spectacular scenery.

Landmarks to admire include the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, a feature of the boy wizard’s films, and the glorious beaches at Morar where scenes from Highlander and Local Hero were shot.

Use the break at Mallaig to enjoy the busy port, which offers views over to Skye.

Morning service: until Oct 25 Mon to Fri, until Sep 29 Sat and Sun. Afternoon service: until Sep 13 Mon to Fri, until Sep 1 Sat and Sun. Adult return £33, children £19. Tel: 0844 850 3131. www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite

Charleton Fruit Farm

Montrose, Angus

You can choose the pick of the bunch at Charleton Fruit Farm, just one mile north of Montrose on the A92.

Bring your own containers and just pay for the weight of the berries you pick or buy containers from the shop.

Picnicking isn’t allowed, but given the praise afforded to the coffee shop’s strawberry tarts and other fresh delights, that’s no hardship.

The former stable also exhibits work by local artists and welcomes dogs, though not in the children’s play area.

Open daily. www.charleton-farm.co.uk