Top family attractions across Scotland

Thursday, 29 December 2011 1:50 PM

Scotland is a country filled with fun activities for all the family, especially as a result of its breathtaking landscape.

One of the best types of group accommodation you can stay in during your Scotland getaway is self-catering cottages, which provide you with the ultimate flexibility on your break.

You can spend your days enjoying family activities and attractions without worrying about rushing back for an evening meal sitting, as can often be the case when staying in hotels where you have pre-paid for dinner.

When residing in holiday homes in Scotland's capital Edinburgh, a trip to the zoo is definitely worth your time. The largest animal attraction north of the border, Edinburgh Zoo has over 1,000 creatures for you to meet, with a Penguin Parade, a chimpanzee Budongo Trail and a free hilltop safari just a handful of the activities you can take part in here.

The nearby Scottish Borders are great for families who love to enjoy some fresh air together, with abbeys, castles, rolling hills and beautiful woodland creating the perfect setting for a hike or bike ride.

Another part of Scotland that makes for the ideal family getaway is Aberdeenshire. Official residence of the Queen Balmoral Castle is situated in Royal Deeside, a truly stunning corner of the nation.

The estate - which is spread across around 20,000 hectares - was bought by Queen Victoria in 1848 and since then has been the British royal family's Scottish home.

Take a stroll across the gardens and grounds, while in autumn and winter you can get the chance to enjoy a luxury Land Rover safari, as long as the weather permits.

Adults will no doubt enjoy the many malt whisky trails that can be found here and might decide to purchase a bottle from a distillery to enjoy at their luxury cottages in Scotland when the kids are in bed.

Of course, families staying in the Highlands could make Loch Ness their first port of call.

Centrally located, the mass of water is easy to get to and children will enjoy taking part in a hunt to discover whether the legend of the Loch Ness Monster is true. At over 20 miles long, the loch can be explored on a boat trip, while sailing and canoeing are also popular activities.

After a busy day, families can relax together in the comfort of their private holiday home - choose one with an open fire for a truly cosy evening.

Skiing holidays in Scotland – CairnGorm Mountain

The ski season is almost upon us and we’re looking forward to it. Each week at activityaway.co.uk has been giving you the low down on different ski resorts around the world so that you’re well informed when those snowflakes finally arrive. This week we’ll be focusing on one a little closer to home – CarinGorm Mountain in Scotland.

Family fun activities weekend ideas from Campingninja

For those families looking to try their hand at something different this summer Campingninja has the answer, thanks to its Top 100 Random UK Events which the camping website has compiled. Events ranging from festivals celebrating food and drink, music and walking respectively, to raft races, bog snorkelling and triathlons.

Inspiring painting holiday in Scotland

Rural Perthshire, just an hour’s drive from the busting metropolises of Glasgow and Edinburgh, is the idyllic setting for a painting holiday in Scotland. The Four Seasons Hotel is the setting for this unique activity break, the hotel in St Fillans looks over the natural beauty of Loch Earn and the surrounding hills.