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.
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Loch Melfort Hotel, nr. Oban
Awesome views at Loch 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…
Read MoreMacdonald Highland Resort, Aviemore
Options 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.
Read MoreQueen’s Hotel Perth
A 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…
Read MoreIslands break to Mull & Iona
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.
Read MoreCrieff Hydro, Perthshire
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…
Read MoreMini-Cruise to Amsterdam
Basically a mini cruise with DFDS from Newcastle to Amsterdam is a return ferry trip. You catch a Friday overnight ‘cruise ferry’, spend all Saturday in Amsterdam and return overnight to arrive back in Newcastle on Sunday morning.
Read MoreEcocamp, Glenshee
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.
Read MoreLands of Turnberry, Ayrshire
Lands of Turnberry is a self-catering enclave of extremely spacious and well appointed apartments and lodges within the luxury Turnberry Resort. Although separate from the main hotel we had full access to the spa facilities and, if we had wished ‘privileged access’ to the world famous golf courses. The Ailsa Craig views are stunning, the beaches are great, there’s an attached farm for the kids, a supervised kids room in the hotel, an evening baby sitting service while you enjoy the top class restaurant or spa. We loved Lands of Turnberry but…
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