Offering a family holiday with traditional values and entertainment, an escape to Scotland with the children is all about discovering the magic of the great outdoors and spending evenings by the fire reading good books and playing games.
Offering a family break that takes you far away from an over connected world, here are 10 of the Good Hotel Guide’s top family friendly hotels in Scotland.
A small hotel nestled into a village street overlooking the Sound of Iona, Argyll Hotel is a cosy and rustic experience. Rooms have been beautifully decorated in comfortable and contemporary style, with twin and family rooms available. For rainy days and evenings in the hotel lounges are well stocked with books – entertainment here is all about a break from technology. Meanwhile, the surrounding area is a wild adventure for families with exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities, hiking, geology, history and crafts.
A boutique hotel in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and a favourite for romantic escapes, The Airds Hotel is also a welcoming family escape. In this blissful environment, dogs are welcome, and in addition to rooms and suites, the estate is home to a number of holiday cottages, featuring one or two bedrooms and offering space and privacy for families. Meanwhile, the surrounding area is brimming with outdoor fun and entertainment, from simply enjoying the great outdoors, hiring bikes and rock climbing to going on seafaris.
With its luxurious decor, its award-winning dining and its array of whiskies, Knockinaam Lodge is an exemplary Scottish escape, but it’s also a welcoming family destination as well. The hotel offers family lodge accommodation and the private beach is a real hit with kids. High tea is available for children under the age of 12 at 6pm so parents can enjoy their evening meal alone, and nearby there is plenty of family entertainment including a nine hole short golf course perfect for beginners at Portpatrick and pedal boats at Agnew Park in Stranraer.
This five star hotel in Ayrshire is a fairytale castle surrounded by beautiful gardens, forest and sea views. Period furnishings add a luxury touch, but this is a place that’s itching to get you outside and exploring the beautiful landscape. Ensuring that kids will be fully entertained, there are plenty of sports on site including tennis, croquet, quoits, boules, mountain biking and archery, while close by you can explore sea, lochs and rivers and visit historic sites in the surrounding area.
Warm and welcoming, this loveliest of country house hotels in Scotland offers rustic food and friendly local staff. Furry friends are welcome and activities about from rides in classic cars to horse riding and falconry. Mum can even escape for an hour or two of spa treatments. The hotel is extremely accommodating for families; while there is no dedicated family room, they can set up high quality extra beds in the superior rooms, they offer a children’s menu, and are very happy to adapt the main menu. They are also close to adventure playgrounds close by as well as Drumlanrig Castle, which is always a hit.
The Green Park, Pitlochry
A popular, family run hotel in Highland Perthshire, The Green Park enjoys unrivalled views over Loch Faskally, and is set in three acres of grounds but remains within walking distance of the village, its shops and the Festival Theatre. For those visiting with children, those aged up to age three are welcomed free of charge, while others enjoy significantly discounted rates. Meanwhile, the surrounding area is brimming with places to go and things to do for all ages.
An exceptional country house hotel in the Scottish Highlands, Douneside House is steeped in history. In addition to its 14 guest bedrooms, the extensive grounds are home to a number of guest cottages which are ideal for families and all enjoy their own unique features. Guests can enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills, fishing in the nearby river, golfing at the local course, relaxing in a yoga class or swimming in the pool before the day ends with a wee dram by the fire. Meanwhile, those with children can enjoy roaming in the gardens and are also welcome in the swimming pool.
Surrounded by a 26,000 acre estate, Shieldaig Lodge dates back to the 19th century and offers guests wonderful waterside views, log fires and snug lounges – it is every inch the Scottish dream. It is all about outdoor activities in this peaceful corner of the world, from deer stalking, falconry, fishing, hiking, pony trekking, archery, sailing/cruising, to exploring the magnificent local beaches, which is a favourite pastime for those with children. Alternatively there are plenty of games to enjoy, from giant chess in the gardens to snooker, bagatelle, chess or cards.
On Scotland’s beautiful West Coast, Crinan Hotel sits on a site that has been welcoming guests for more than 300 years. Today, the waterside retreat continues its warm hospitality tradition. Each room is dedicated to a famous Scottish artist and bathrooms are stocked with local toiletries from Arran Aromatics. It is a peaceful environment designed to potter away your time with cups of coffee and good local food, but the area is not short on activities. Out on the water there are eagles and whales to spot, cycling to be done, walking to enjoy and kayaking, sailing and each charters to experience.
In a magical setting in the North West Highlands of Scotland, Eddrachilles House is an 18th century property with views over the island-studded Badcall Bay. Two miles from the village of Scourie, it is in the middle of the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, a favourite destination for cyclists, walkers and holidays with the family dog. Here, rooms and suites are cosy and comfy with two large enough to take a cot as well; it’s all about taking time out away from an over connected world.
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