Family holidays in Scotland are perfect for memories of happy childhoods. Scotland is so varied from its beautiful islands to its wildlife laden lochs and from mountains for adventure lovers to cities for some culture. When you’re planning family holidays Scotland will always be a great choice and there are some wonderful places to explore with kids. We’ve pulled together our best Scotland family hotels and holidays to tempt you to this beautiful country.
All of the family hotels Scotland has on offer that have been mentioned here have either been stayed in by one of our team or heavily researched so you don’t have to. We don’t link to anything or anywhere we wouldn’t stay in ourselves with our own children (and wherever possible we have).
Read more: The best family holidays in the UK
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Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness
Inverness is a lovely place for a family break. This small city is the gateway to the Highlands and easily accessible by road or train, you can even take the night train from London. Once there this is an easy city to walk through and pick up some shortbread and tartan treats. Take a trip to nearby Loch Ness to see if you can spot Nessy, visit the wonderfully evocative Culloden to see the site of the last, tragic Jacobite Rising and enjoy the lovely Ness Islands. Stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa which sits on the edge of the gorgeous River Ness and is just five minutes walk in to the centre of the city. They have fantastic family rooms and there is a great indoor, heated pool to keep everyone happy on rainy days. A great family hotel Scotland does so well at.
Read more: The best weekend breaks for families
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Edinburgh is a gorgeous city and perfect for family breaks Scotland style. There’s so much here to enjoy when you’re travelling with kids from a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the World of Illusions. Or why not try a tour of the real Mary King’s close deep beneath the city, an area frozen in time since the 17th century. When you’re looking for family friendly hotels in Scotland and Edinburgh, the Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is perfect. They have two bedroom apartments with all the facilities to relax and feel as if you’re living in the city. Both Princes Street and the nearest train station are just a three minute walk from the Cheval, so a perfect location for being in the heart of the action.
Read more: The best Edinburgh family hotels
Auchrannie Resort, Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands. It’s easily accessible from Glasgow with a regular ferry service over from Ardrossan. Once there this gorgeous island is made for family holidays and there are all manner of outdoor pursuits from horse riding to kayaking available. Stay at one of the best family resorts Scotland has with Auchrannie Resort close to Brodick. Here there are family rooms and apartments to fit families of every size. There are great facilities here including two indoor swimming pools and a playbarn with a large soft play area and an area for teenagers with drinks and snacks available. The port is just a 20 minute walk away.
Fairmont St Andrews
St Andrews is a lovely seaside town in Fife. It is so picturesque with medieval ruins framed against the sea, grand university buildings and a town that’s perfect for a wander through. Come here for the beaches which are absolutely beautiful and visit the city’s aquarium. There are also some great restaurants here to enjoy. Stay at the Fairmont St Andrews which has family rooms at a great price. The resort has two golf courses which are world famous and there’s also a great swimming pool. It’s the perfect place to come and relax and enjoy the wonderful countryside. One of the great family friendly hotels Scotland has on offer.
Fraser Suites Glasgow
Glasgow is a great city for a family break, with plenty to keep those travelling with kids happy. Visit Glasgow Science Centre, clamber on board a boat at the The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel and run through the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Stay right in the centre at the Fraser Suites Glasgow where a two bedroom apartment with kitchenette will set you up perfectly for your stay. This is the perfect accommodation for a family holiday in Scotland. Set really close to the main shopping area of Argyle Street and also Glasgow Queen Street Rail Station you’ll have a great holiday in Glasgow.
The Shetland Hotel
Shetland is absolutely fantastic for a family holiday. Situated at the very top of the UK it is close to Norway and there’s an undeniable Norwegian lilt in the accent here. The wildlife is simply stunning from whales and dolphins to Puffins, seals and otters. This is somewhere very different to explore in Scotland and kids will love clambering up iron age brochs and finding breathtaking deserted beaches. Stay at the The Shetland Hotel for a very comfortable stay with triple rooms where an extra bed can be arranged. Based in the capital, Lerwick, this is one of the great family hotels in Scotland and a perfect base to get out and about exploring from.
Seamill Hydro Hotel & Resort, Ayrshire
This is a fantastic hotel in Ayrshire with family suites to give everyone enough space. Ayrshire has so much going on for families from castles like Culzean Castle to Dean Castle Country Park. There’s also Robert Burns house and museum in this area (which has lots of interactive areas for kids) along with some of the most beautiful beaches including Ayr, Troon, Dunure and here at Seamill. Seamill Hydro Hotel & Resort overlooks the sea and the gorgeous isles of Arran and Ailsa Craig, There’s an indoor pool here for kids to enjoy, along with two restaurants and it’s all within a miles’ walk of West Kilbride. Perfect for family holidays in Scotland.
Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a vibrant city with plenty happening for families visiting. Stop off at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum for an interactive journey into the history of the North Sea. Or wander through Duthie Park Winter Gardens, along the banks of the River Dee, one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. Stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen which have family rooms with breakfast included. The hotel is in a great location – just a 20 minute walk from the beach in Aberdeen. Rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for family holidays in Scotland.
Frequently asked questions from people planning their family holidays in Scotland
Where should I go on holiday in Scotland?
Where you should go on holiday in Scotland really depends on what you’re looking for – Edinburgh and Inverness are great for city breaks and Arran and Shetland wonderful for island getaways. All of our suggestions here give you a real mix of holiday.
Is Scotland good for a family holiday?
Scotland is great for a family holiday. With breathtaking scenery, wonderful wildlife to spot and some wonderful historic sites to explore. All of the hotels mentioned here will give you one of the best family holidays Scotland has on offer.
We hope you enjoy our roundup of the best holiday in Scotland. Why not check out our suggestions of great Lake District family hotels for more inspiration in the UK and sign up for our newsletter to hear more of our holiday suggestions and great hotel deals from around the world.