Scotland
Some countries are blessed with a combination of natural beauty, historical monuments and great weather. Scotland has it all, except the weather. Yet Scots, who have mastered the art of tourism like few others, will ensure there is no dwelling on such a minor detail. Here, family fun is assured no matter what Mother Nature has planned for outside. And the search fo magic in the liking of Harry Potter is just the beginning. Hillwalking and historical sites, city touring and canoeing, island hoping and a great variety of museums make certain that a family holiday in Scotland is enjoyable and exciting.... Read More
Whether you plan to hill walk, horseback ride or bike through mountains and mores, sail or windsurf along miles and miles of untamed coast or relax on one of Scotland's many islands, families will quickly discover what has inspired painters, poets and writers for centuries over. The rugged natural beauty of the Scottish landscape will prove hard to forget long after your holiday is over.
And the Scots value each moment in history as much as every feature of their land. They will draw your attention to every stone, ruin and castle, making even the smallest feature significant. As you stroll through the country's historic sites and nearly 400 museums help older children as they wonder, what makes the Scottish national identity so strong?
Once you've taken in the landscape and uncovered the country's history why not give Scotland's cities a try. Glasgow, with its modern architecture, art galleries and fashionable restaurants, and Edinburgh's dramatic setting and elegance are sure to please even the most urban jaded families.
While your children may not be ready for “haggis” - a spicy sausage made of sheep or lamb innards, mixed with oatmeal, cooked in the animal's stomach and served with mashed turnip and potatoes -- hearty breakfasts and fresh seafood will ensure they are well nourished throughout the family holiday. The AA's (Automobile Association) Rosette ratings offer a reliable guide to restaurants. While children are not allowed in the bar area, a meal at a local pub offers an insight into Scottish social life.
Whether you plan to hill walk, horseback ride or bike through mountains and mores, sail or windsurf along miles and miles of untamed coast or relax on one of Scotland's many islands, families will quickly discover what has inspired painters, poets and writers for centuries over. The rugged natural beauty of the Scottish landscape will prove hard to forget long after your holiday is over.
And the Scots value each moment in history as much as every feature of their land. They will draw your attention to every stone, ruin and castle, making even the smallest feature significant. As you stroll through the country's historic sites and nearly 400 museums help older children as they wonder, what makes the Scottish national identity so strong?
Once you've taken in the landscape and uncovered the country's history why not give Scotland's cities a try. Glasgow, with its modern architecture, art galleries and fashionable restaurants, and Edinburgh's dramatic setting and elegance are sure to please even the most urban jaded families.
While your children may not be ready for “haggis” - a spicy sausage made of sheep or lamb innards, mixed with oatmeal, cooked in the animal's stomach and served with mashed turnip and potatoes -- hearty breakfasts and fresh seafood will ensure they are well nourished throughout the family holiday. The AA's (Automobile Association) Rosette ratings offer a reliable guide to restaurants. While children are not allowed in the bar area, a meal at a local pub offers an insight into Scottish social life.
Scotland
Scotland Slide Show
Anstruther
Alastair McIntyre courtesy Electric Scotland
Spean Bridge
Alastair McIntyre courtesy Electric Scotland
Village of Crail
Alastair McIntyre courtesy Electric Scotland
Scotland hotels and accommodation
The Argyll Hotel (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Front Street
Inveraray, Argyll PA32 8YB
Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 1499 302466
The historic Argyll Hotel has seen better days. The rooms are dated but clean. The staff runs hot and cold as do the heat and food. There's no lift; you carry your own luggage up. It's barely 3-stars. Now that you've check your expectations here are three reasons to consider this accommodation. It's centrally located. Some rooms have loch views. It's budget ... Read More
The historic Argyll Hotel has seen better days. The rooms are dated but clean. The staff runs hot and cold as do the heat and food. There's no lift; you carry your own luggage up. It's barely 3-stars. Now that you've check your expectations here are three reasons to consider this accommodation. It's centrally located. Some rooms have loch views. It's budget priced.
Hotel Reviews
| Review
What Minard Castle B&B lacks in convenience it makes up in ambience. Minard Castle sits on 70 acres of private grounds. The immense rooms are fitted with antiques. The sumptuous breakfast is served on silver. The hosts are gracious. Minard is a true castle. The nearest town is 10 miles. Castle doors are a ... Read More
What Minard Castle B&B lacks in convenience it makes up in ambience. Minard Castle sits on 70 acres of private grounds. The immense rooms are fitted with antiques. The sumptuous breakfast is served on silver. The hosts are gracious. Minard is a true castle. The nearest town is 10 miles. Castle doors are armed from 10pm - 8am. The castle drive is long and bumpy. Access is via a domestic entrance rather than the front door. Open Easter through October.
Minard Castle
St Malieu Hall (Self-Catering)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Main Street S
Inveraray, Argyll PA32 8YB
Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 131 5544257
St Malieu Hall is a church turned holiday home. This two-story vacation rental has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (2 are en suite) as well as a spacious living area and outdoor patio. It is ideal for large families or two families traveling together. St Malieu Hall is located on the south end of Inveraray and within walking distance of the town's principal attractions. Weekly r ... Read More
St Malieu Hall is a church turned holiday home. This two-story vacation rental has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (2 are en suite) as well as a spacious living area and outdoor patio. It is ideal for large families or two families traveling together. St Malieu Hall is located on the south end of Inveraray and within walking distance of the town's principal attractions. Weekly rentals. Linens and towels provided.
Barcaldine Castle (B&B)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Benderloch
Near Oban, Argyll PA37 1SA
Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 1631 720598
Barcaldine Castle, once known as the Black Castle of Benderloch is a unique place to spend the night. Built by Black Duncan (Sir Duncan Campbell) in 1600, this luxury B&B has winding staircases and secret passageways. It's set in beautiful surroundings and boasts stunning views of Loch Creran. Breakfast is sumptuous. The service is excellent. Log fires make it cozy. And ... Read More
Barcaldine Castle, once known as the Black Castle of Benderloch is a unique place to spend the night. Built by Black Duncan (Sir Duncan Campbell) in 1600, this luxury B&B has winding staircases and secret passageways. It's set in beautiful surroundings and boasts stunning views of Loch Creran. Breakfast is sumptuous. The service is excellent. Log fires make it cozy. And while Barcaldine Castle is billed by many as romantic its not inopportune to bring the children.
Lagnakeil Highland Lodges (Self-Catering)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Lagnakeil has two types of accommodation, self-catering lodges and self-catering cottages. Lodges sleep 1 to 6; cottages 6 to 12. Both are pet-friendly and cater to walkers, cyclists and families. All boast exceptional views and are but a short drive from Oban. Lagnakeil is an ideal accommodation for budget conscious travelers. Family travel tips: There are four styles of lodge ... Read More
Lagnakeil has two types of accommodation, self-catering lodges and self-catering cottages. Lodges sleep 1 to 6; cottages 6 to 12. Both are pet-friendly and cater to walkers, cyclists and families. All boast exceptional views and are but a short drive from Oban. Lagnakeil is an ideal accommodation for budget conscious travelers. Family travel tips: There are four styles of lodges, 3-star to basic. Some are recently refurbished, others could use a bit of maintenance. Not all have the same facilities. Make a full inquiry.
Knipoch Hotel (B&B)
What Knipock Hotel lacks in luxury it makes up for in personality. This 22-room country inn is small and charming. The food is exceptional; breakfasts more than plentiful. The owners are welcoming and go out of their way to accommodate children. Knipock Hotel is nestled on the shore of Loch Feochan just 6 miles from the bustle of Oban. Family travel tips: The rooms are spacious ... Read More
What Knipock Hotel lacks in luxury it makes up for in personality. This 22-room country inn is small and charming. The food is exceptional; breakfasts more than plentiful. The owners are welcoming and go out of their way to accommodate children. Knipock Hotel is nestled on the shore of Loch Feochan just 6 miles from the bustle of Oban. Family travel tips: The rooms are spacious. The inn is expensive.
Knipoch Hotel
Alfredo De Simone
Oban Caledonian Hotel (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
The Oban Caledonian runs hot and cold. It's ideally located, near the train station and right on the waterfront. This landmark hotel commands a stunning view. It is standard 3-star. Some rooms are noisy. The service is uneven. The food is just good enough. In short, the Oban Caledonian is ok for a night in transit. Families booking a longer stay may want to look elsewhere.