For all ages: family friendly places to stay in Scotland
The winning ingredients to a family holiday in Scotland is finding a place to stay with heaps of space, a good dining set up for family-style dinners, and adventure nearby for day trips that become lifelong memories. Whether you’re collecting eggs with the little one’s on a working farm, exploring castles and coastlines, or huddled around a firepit watching stars appear over wild moorland, our family-friendly places to stay give everyone room to relax and reconnect. From tiny explorers to hard-to-please teens, each of our inspected stays brings something special.
Chipperkyle, Dumfries & Galloway
This beautiful Scottish-Georgian family home has not a hint of formality, and sociable Willie puts you at your ease. You get a whopping 200 acres to explore with donkeys, cats, dogs, hens – children can collect the eggs and go on tractor rides. Your sitting and dining rooms connect through a large arch; find gloriously comfy sofas, family pictures, rugs on wooden floors, masses of books and a constant log fire.
Upstairs: good linen, striped walls, armchairs and windows with views – this wonderful house full of flowers and warmth just gets better and better. The countryside is magnificent, beaches fabulous and this is a classified dark sky area, so stargazing is a must. Families can also head to nearby Galloway Forest Park for biking and walking, or visit the charming coastal town of Kirkcudbright for ice cream and harbour strolls.
“Willie is a wonderful host, very welcoming and helpful and we would also highly recommend his excellent home cooking. We enjoyed it so much we immediately booked to return.” – Guest, Melanie
Thirlestane Castle, Scottish Borders
Discover five beautiful suites in the south wing of this fairy tale castle, filled with architectural features, family history and much grandeur. It’s all delightfully flexible – you can take one suite, or all five to create a wonderful house party feel with the use of the convivial area downstairs with a large wood burner, comfy seating and ping pong and a dining room big enough for all. Each suite has its own kitchen (fine for holidays and with a welcome tray) and comfortable living area.
Breakfast hampers can be rustled up and you can ask for shopping to be waiting. Warm days will be spent in the garden, croquet set at the ready, children’s play park close by, little tables for drinks and nibbles. Daily housekeeping can be arranged if you’d rather not lift a finger. There’s excellent horse riding in the area and you’re close to the River Tweed for fishing. If your family enjoy history, take a tour of the castle or visit nearby Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford House.
“I think Thirlestane is one of the prettiest castles in the UK and their apartments are so comfortable and well thought-out. A great place to stay for that special occasion.” – Inspector, Louisa
Lochinch Castle Cottages, Dumfries & Galloway
On an isthmus hugged by freshwater lochs is one of Scotland’s finest gardens with the dreamy ruins of Castle Kennedy at one end and Lochinch Castle, the family home of the Stairs (they’ve been here for generations) at the other. With 75 acres to roam; walks ramble off in all directions. Explore land sculptures built in the 1730s; spot geese, herons, maybe an osprey, red squirrels and otters too.
There are mesmerising displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, and the ancient Monkey Puzzle Avenue is a treat. Three charming properties all have their own private outside space, splendid welcome baskets with delicious cakes, and you get the run of the gardens. Why not take a guided tour with head gardener, John, who’s worked here for over 25 years! Families can also visit nearby Stranraer for seaside walks and ferry watching, or venture to Logan Botanic Garden for exotic plants in a mild coastal climate
“Farther afield, there are numerous castles, historic and family attractions; book, music, food and art festivals; as well as museums, visitor centres, adventure playgrounds, cycling and walking trails.” – Owner, Emily
Stay at Lochinch Castle Cottages >
Bemersyde House, Scottish Borders
Up the drive flanked by grazing horses, to a warm welcome from the housekeeper and a great fire in the hall. There’s more than enough space for a party of 22, making it perfect for family gatherings. All you hear on these 1,200 acres are birds, otters, wildfowl, and the estate’s bees feasting on gorse on Bemersyde Hill. The 1535 Peel Tower is the house’s core (younger wings lie either side).
Rooms range from two connecting drawing rooms to a clubby study – christened ‘Whites’ by the last earl – to larder and laundry rooms, a huge room with ping-pong and pool, wood burners in grand fireplaces (every room has one), books and beams, and a magnificent, winding stone stair. Tennis, basketball and croquet too. You’re close to the charming town of Kelso for cafés and antique shops, and nearby Bowhill House & Country Park offers play areas, trails and open-air theatre events through summer.
“We loved our stay at Bemersyde. We were there for a Christmas holiday and it couldn’t have been more cosy and inviting.” – Guest, Shannon
The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, East Lothian
This cottage is stylish and serene, beautifully transformed from an old farm building in a peaceful setting in acres of land, but still very handy for North Berwick. Just a 10-minute walk to stunning beaches and 15 to the High Street with its independent shops, bars and restaurants. Underfloor heating warms sleek oak boards, a wood-burner keeps you toasty and modern design brings in light.
The Barn is on two levels with master bedroom upstairs, two bedrooms downstairs and a mezzanine snug above the living room – tweens will love the sofa, Smart TV, PS4 console and gaming chair. A welcome basket from the owners next door includes locally roasted Steampunk Coffee, and there’s a barbecue in the garden for al fresco group dinners. Families can visit the Scottish Seabird Centre, take a boat trip to Bass Rock, or spend a day in nearby Edinburgh exploring the zoo, castle and museums.
“Try Foxlake for the only over water ropes course in the UK – amazing fun for kids and adults and afterwards try the ‘Ringo’ , wake boarding or zip lines!” – Owner, Stephanie
Stay at The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings >
Your guide to family-friendly adventures in Scotland
Wildlife & nature: Head to Cairngorms National Park to spot reindeer, red deer and golden eagles, or explore Loch Lomond by kayak or paddleboard.
Beaches & coastlines: Build sandcastles at Luskentyre on Harris or hunt for shells along East Lothian’s golden bays.
Castles & culture: From Edinburgh Castle’s cannons to Urquhart’s ruins on Loch Ness, history feels alive everywhere.
Rainy day fun: Visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, Dundee’s V&A, or one of Scotland’s many sea life sanctuaries – all perfect for curious young minds.
Seasonal magic: In Spring, cycle through blooming landscapes, in summer, attend a Highland Games event and chase the late sunsets on the west coast. In autumn, hike through forests as they turn a beautiful shade of orange – if you’re stuck then we recommend Perthshire, known as ‘big tree country’ with acres of the ancient woodland to explore. Winter, cosy up by log fires or try sledging in Aviemore;