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 tours, guides and outfitters
National Kayak School (Outfitter)
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6-8 Argyll Street
Oban, Argyll PA34 5SG
Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 1631 565310
National Kayak School offers kayaking classes and holidays on the west coast of Scotland. Kayak for a day or as long as week. Kayak in a tranquil bay. Learn to whitewater kayak. Access beautiful places that are otherwise difficult to reach. Kayak trips and classes range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Several expeditions are geared to families. Rentals are available. A ... Read More
National Kayak School offers kayaking classes and holidays on the west coast of Scotland. Kayak for a day or as long as week. Kayak in a tranquil bay. Learn to whitewater kayak. Access beautiful places that are otherwise difficult to reach. Kayak trips and classes range in difficulty from beginner to advanced. Several expeditions are geared to families. Rentals are available. Advance booking is recommended.
Argyll Adventure (Outfitter)
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Argyll Adventure, located near Inveraray, offers horseback riding in the Scottish countryside. The center is open daily from Easter to October. The minimum age is 8 years old; the maximum weight is 15 stones. Advance reservations are recommended.
Sea.fari Adventures (Adventure Travel Company)
Seafari Adventures are part nature, part adrenaline. Spot seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales. Watch cormorants and eagles. Enjoy a high-speed boat ride. Experience the force of the tide. Learn about whirlpools. Excursions depart daily Easter through October. Winter excursions are offered during the winter break (Christmas and New Year) and half-term holiday (February). All e ... Read More
Seafari Adventures are part nature, part adrenaline. Spot seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales. Watch cormorants and eagles. Enjoy a high-speed boat ride. Experience the force of the tide. Learn about whirlpools. Excursions depart daily Easter through October. Winter excursions are offered during the winter break (Christmas and New Year) and half-term holiday (February). All excursions are weather permitting. Seafari Adventures has 3 locations, Isle of Skye, Seil Island (near Oban) and Forth (Edinburgh). Family travel tips: The minimum age is 4. Dress warm even in summer. Waterproof gear is provided. Advanced booking is essential.
Grey Seal
Alfredo De Simone
Loch Awe Boats (Outfitter)
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The Boat House
Ardbrecknish, Dalmally, Argyll
PA33 1BH Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 1866 833256
Loch Awe Boats rents motorboats, rowboats and canoes and offers fast boat tours on Scotland's longest inland loch. Life vests are included. Fishing tackle is availabe for rent and hire. Fishing permits are available for purchase. Loch Awe Boats is open daily 8:00 - 18:00 and is located 2 miles south of Cladich on Loch Awe.
Puffin Dive Centre (Outfitter)
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Puffin Dive Centre offers dive trips, scuba courses, and scenic boat tours in the cold, rich waters of Scotland. The Bubblemaker Experience, an underwater event, is open to kids aged 8 and up. Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in scuba courses. All dive trip participants must be certified scuba divers. Boat tours are open to all. Excursions depart from Po ... Read More
Puffin Dive Centre offers dive trips, scuba courses, and scenic boat tours in the cold, rich waters of Scotland. The Bubblemaker Experience, an underwater event, is open to kids aged 8 and up. Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in scuba courses. All dive trip participants must be certified scuba divers. Boat tours are open to all. Excursions depart from Port Gallanach, 1 mile south of Oban.
Wilderness Scotland (Adventure Travel Company)
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3A St Vincent Street
Edinburgh, Lothian
EH3 6SW Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 131 6256635
Wilderness Scotland offers guided and self-guided active holidays in the Scottish Highlands. Family adventure trips are multisport and geared to children aged 9 to 15. Individual family adventures are tailored to your family's ability. The minimum age on all other guided trips is 16.
Rock climbing
Absolute Scotland (Adventure Travel Company)
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27/10 Maxwell Street
Edinburgh
EH10 5HT Scotland, UK
+44 (0) 131 4472570
Absolute Scotland, formerly Escape2Scotland, a long distance walking specialist, arranges self-guided walking holidays on 4 of Scotland's most noted tracks, the West Highland, Great Glen, Speyside and Rob Roy Ways. Given the length of the walks, a minimum age of 12 is rigorously imposed.
