Here are a few helpful pointers to improve your driving experience in Italy: 1. If you are a man, never drive in the slow lane. It is demeaning. No Italian man willingly remains in the slow lane. Any Italian man forced to drive in the slow lane, such as a truck driver, will keep two of his wheels at all times touching the white line of the fast lane and will veer across the white line at regular intervals, particularly if they think you are about to overtake them.
Read MoreOur Family Travel Blog
Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore
Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore Our Family Opinion Aviemore has a long-held reputation as a family-friendly destination. My own family used to visit regularly but it has been nearly thirty years since I last stayed at Coylumbridge Hotel. Returning with our own young kids brought back a flood of happy memories. (Though I was a little disappointed to discover that they no longer had one of those original table-top space invader games in the bar). There’s just something special about Aviemore surrounded by snow-capped mountains that combines a wonderful feeling of getting…
Read MoreTaychreggan, Oban
Stunning 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…
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreLoch 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 MoreCenter Parcs, Whinfell Forest
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…
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…
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