With historic castles, rugged coastlines and friendly locals, Scotland is the perfect place to visit with the whole clan. Choose from accommodation including a castle in the highlands and a Georgian townhouse surrounded by cobbled streets. Family-friendly days can be spent exploring city museums or in the countryside fishing for trout, before returning for a taste of the finest local cuisine at on-site restaurants. Here is our curated selection of the best family hotels in Scotland.
Greywalls Hotel and Chez Roux
This quintessential walled garden hotel, equipped with a tennis court, croquet lawn and a putting green is the perfect family friendly-hotel to keep your little ones busy. Greywalls was bought by the Weaver family, who still own it today, as a home to while away the summer months. The house retains the homely charm and makes a welcome destination for the school holidays or even to hire out for a family gathering.
Cromlix
The welcoming family atmosphere and deluxe amenities saw Cromlix – owned by tennis champion Andy Murray – named Scottish Luxury Hotel of the Year in 2019. Little ones will love exploring the 34 acres of woodland. Here you can enjoy a family game of croquet or tennis, or fish for brown trout on the house loch. The grey-stone Victorian mansion in the Perthshire hills has 10 bedrooms and five suites, which are all individually decorated. Children under seven sleep for free on foldaway beds or you can all stay at the Gate Lodge, complete with your own sitting room and kitchen.
Inverlochy Castle
Little knights and princesses can fulfil their dreams of living in a castle at Inverlochy Castle Hotel – at least for a night or two anyway. In the shadow of Ben Nevis, the 19th-century castle is set within verdant grounds best discovered on woodland walks or a family boat trip on the loch. When the kids are missing creature comforts, the games room has a PlayStation and selection of games and DVDs. You’ll have plenty of space to all unwind in the Gate Lodge, which has a a double bedroom and extra single room. The on-site Albert and Michel Roux Jr restaurant, meanwhile, will please all palettes, with a special children’s menu.
Nira Caledonia
In the heart of cosmopolitan capital Edinburgh, Nira Caledonia is the ideal plush pad for a family city break or to start or end a longer trip. Set in two Georgian townhouses, the hotel has contemporary yet comfortable suites. The whole family can indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet that has organic and locally reared produce. And when you’re ready to head out, stroll to sights including Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. Finish the day with a nightcap (there are more than 30 single malt whiskies) while the kids try a mocktail.
Crossbasket Castle
Only 20 minutes from Glasgow, Crossbasket Castle is ideal for a family adventure in the country while still being close to major attractions. Stay in the two-bedroom Gate Lodge at the entrance to the estate and tell stories in front of the fireplace. Or stargaze from your outdoor hot tub. In the morning, you can fuel up on a full Scottish breakfast. Then take a walk in the spectacular grounds to a nearby waterfall. Jump in the car to visit Amazonia, Scotland’s largest indoor rainforest, or the Glasgow Science Centre. Return in time for afternoon tea at Albert & Michel Roux Jr at Crossbasket or savour a special family dining experience in the evening.
