Taychreggan, Oban

Picture 040Stunning lochside country hotel on the banks of Loch Awe

Perhaps best visited without the kids…..but children are very welcome!

This hotel is a former winner of “Most Romantic Hotel”, Taychreggan Hotel is a stunning haven of peace nestling in its own bay on the shores of glorious Loch Awe. The hotel lies at the end of a seven mile single track lane where you find yourself pausing to give way to fearless Red Deer in no hurry to get where they’re going. Then, as you order your glass of wine and wander down to the hotel’s private jetty or the lovers’ bench out on the promontory – the only sounds you will hear are wildlife and the gentle murmurings of fishermen chatting half a mile away out on the Loch…  So this place is probably best for older kids then, though children are welcome. Continue reading →

A Wee Whinge at Calmac

The family drove up to Mull for the bank holiday weekend in late May all the way giving thanks for the invention of the portable DVD player. Calmac’s Oban-Craignure Ferry was briskly efficient though seeing my very pregnant wife begging strangers for a 20p pence to use the Calmac toilets was a little grating. They charge you at both Oban and Fionnphort, the ferry port to Iona as well, which although busy, is hardly Grand Central Station. Ho hum.

Loch Melfort Hotel, nr. Oban

Awesome views at Loch Melfort rear with loch SMALLLoch Melfort Hotel

A stay at Loch Melfort overlooking glorious Asknish Bay is luxurious and tranquil. (Upgrading to the luxury family room in the main hotel is a must if budget allows but the annexe rooms are absolutely fine – especially if you have dogs).

The award-winning Loch Melfort is famous for its stunning views, adjacent Arduaine Gardens, (now owned by the National Trust), its roaring log fires and excellent Scottish dining but nevertheless remains all very relaxed and family friendly as the owners Callum and Rachel have young children. There’s plenty to do in the area especially all those boat rides and nature trips that Oban and the West Coast do so well. Check out Loch Melfort’s frequent seasonal special offers. Continue reading →

Macdonald Highland Resort, Aviemore

Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort_slide poolOptions for everyone at the Macdonald Resort, Aviemore

We love the Macdonald Resort and have visited several times. The child-friendly facilities such as the Lagoon Pool, softplay, inflatable zone, full size cinema and numerous scheduled kids activities are really superb. The resort is a nice size, big enough to spread everybody out but nothing is too far apart to walk to. There’s also so much to do for families in and around Aviemore – it really is an ideal family destination within Scotland.   Ask them about their current all-in Family Packages. Continue reading →

Queen’s Hotel Perth

queensA Scottish city break in Perth

In 2014 we visited Best Western Queen’s Hotel (3 Star) in Perth which is conveniently located with its own parking right in the city centre. The very friendly staff were efficient and welcoming especially with the kids which was lovely. The little kids welcome pack produced on arrival proved popular through supper and beyond. The hotel has a pool, hot tub and gym which we enjoyed after our excursions.

Our evening meals were unexpectedly excellent, with really well-cooked food enjoyed by parents and children alike. In fact our eldest said it was the best spaghetti bolognese ever, unusually for a kids meal it was nicely flavoured but not too much to put them off. Continue reading →

Islands break to Mull & Iona

DSC01921 (1024x685)For our break to Mull, we stayed at the spacious Craignure Bay House. It’s a large new house built around enormous windows overlooking Craignure Bay and within walking distance of the ferry, the island’s only swimming pool and a great pub. It’s also fairly central on the island meaning all the main destinations are in range. Don’t be deceived by the map though, long single track roads and determined locals can somewhat inflate estimated journey times but don’t get stressed as you’re on holiday – savour the unspoiled west coast scenery.

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Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest

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Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest is not cheap but overall it’s good value for money. There is simply so much to do for the kids and for families to do together while still remaining relaxed. You never feel like you’re just ferrying the kids from activity to activity.You can join in with many sessions like football or rock climbing or tennis or drop them off for a lesson or one of the kids activities clubs and spend the afternoon in the luxurious Spa. You can eat in or dine out, book a babysitter and go the pub or enjoy a sauna and an early night… We just love these kind of weekends where the kids are worn out having the time of their lives, then we can collapse on the sofa  with a bottle of wine and a movie.

The staff, mostly recruited locally too, are really superb which makes such a difference.
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Crieff Hydro, Perthshire

DSC02211 (1024x685)Crieff Hydro, a spectacular building in scenic Perthshire, is a fantastic resort for the whole family and loads of superb extras such as childcare are included in the price. Masses of activities are available but make sure you book in advance, as very few are available once you have arrived… Continue reading →

Ecocamp, Glenshee

pods

In May we spent two nights in pods the Ecocamp site in Glenshee near Blairgowrie in Perthshire.

“A wooden tent” is how the owner describes his pods and you can’t argue. The pods are high enough to stand up in, they won’t blow away and have electric heating, lighting and a window with glorious views of the Glen and their three resident Llamas. It’s quite a special location to spend a few days with friends, dog walking, mountain biking, skiing etc. Continue reading →