Elianne Reed
20 October 2020
"Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures" - Lovelle Drachman
Going on adventures with the family is one of the best things you can do with your time off, especially when they start going to school and time with them is limited. It's important they see some of the world outside their usual bubble, giving them a chance to try new things, eat new food, experience new cultures and stay in different places. Scotland is the perfect destination for a family getaway, whether you are looking for an adventurous outdoor break, a relaxing seaside holiday or a hidden countryside retreat. The scenery, wildlife, landscape and culture will keep everyone interested for days!
We have some fantastic self-catering holiday homes which will suite your tribe whether you have young children, teenagers or young adults with you. Many of these are not too far from our fabulous towns and cities. While relaxing and taking long walks with your loved ones in the glorious Scottish countryside is probably the main reason for your getaway, a day trip into Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen is sure to be on the to-do list, with their history, culture and attractions, entertainment centres and not to mention the fine dining and wonderful shopping!
We have highlighted five of our favourite family-friendly countryside retreats, within easy reach of towns and cities, which will allow you to have the best of both worlds.
Take the family away to a cool ECO lodge and enjoy incredible views and the characterful nature of a working farm. What kid wouldn’t love staying on a farm for a week? Located just 10 miles from the historic town of St Andrews, this lodge is one of four set in the rural countryside. The lodge has a utility room which is great for boots getting kicked off after days of exploring the coast, beaches, and rugged landscape that Fife has to offer. The cottage is fully equipped with everything you will need including a charming decked area with outdoor furniture and a bubbling hot tub.
Family features:
- Three bedrooms, two of which are twin rooms
- Two bathrooms so no queuing for the shower
- Onsite playground with slides and sunken trampoline
Family-friendly attraction: The historic town of St Andres is close by where you will find a castle ruin, museum and huge beach for fun days out.
Close to: Perth (11.4 miles), Edinburgh (45 miles) and St Andrews (10 miles)
"This holiday home is everything we could have wished for." - September 2020
Torgorm No.3 is set on a working farm with spectacular views across Moray Firth. Surrounded by astonishingly beautiful Ross-shire countryside, this is a great choice for a backdrop for your next family holiday in Scotland. With views of Cromarty Firth, and the peak of Ben Wyvis, Torgorm No.3 is also within easy driving distance of Inverness and Loch Ness. The house has been decorated and furnished throughout to a high standard and makes for a cosy base from which you and your fellow guests can explore this fantastic and gorgeous area of Scotland.
Family features:
- Torgorm No.3 sleeps six guests in three bedrooms
- Enclosed garden and sunny patio
- One dog welcome to stay with you
Family attraction: Visit RSPB Tollie to see red kites on the reserve. It's a majestic sight to see these gorgeous birds on the wing.
Close to: Inverness (12.5 miles)
"We loved it! Beautiful location, cottage of high standard, owners helpful and pleasant people, close enough to towns and city yet peaceful. We will definitely return." - June 2019
Carribber Lochside is a charming cottage set on a family-run trout fishery near Linlithgow. Enjoying wonderful views over the water, this cottage enjoys a lovely rural setting yet is close to the ancient Royal Burgh of Linlithgow which is home to leisure, shopping and plenty of history. The cottage is modern and bright with a contemporary kitchen, cosy lounge and lovely views out over the surrounding countryside. This would be a great base for families who want a mix of country life and town conveniences.
Family features:
- Sleeps six in three bedrooms, and one dog is welcome
- Shared housed hot tub with unlimited access
- Countryside setting for family walks
- Close to the famous Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies
Family-friendly attraction: Visit the Royal Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots or enjoy a canal boat trip around the town.
Close to: Edinburgh (21 miles) Stirling (19.5 miles) Falkirk (8.5 miles)
Come and stay in one of our cottages!
If these lovely holiday cottages have inspired you to plan a break to the Scottish countryside, have a browse through our portfolio of
family-friendly holiday cottages. Many are set up for the tiniest members with cots, highchairs and stairgates, and a large number have enclosed gardens so that children can play without worry. Want to bring the family dog too? No problem, many of our holiday cottages are
dog-friendly - no need to leave the furry member of the family behind!
For more great family-friendly cottages, have a look through our portfolio of houses in Scotland.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.