Going abroad might not be an option right now, but you can still have a great family holiday right here in Scotland. Granted, sunshine is never guaranteed, but with a little bit of preparation for the weather you can have a wonderful holiday without leaving our beautiful shores.
This is your guide to the best family friendly resorts in Scotland; whether you’re looking for a holiday on a budget or something a bit more luxurious.
You’ll find family friendly hotels, lodges and holiday parks within this list of Scottish resorts. All of them have swimming pools and most have other family friendly facilities and activities available on site or very nearby. Some are situated amongst the hills and glens of Scotland and some are right by Scotland’s beautiful beaches.
Auchrannie Resort, Arran
With a 4* spa resort, 4* house hotel, thirty 5* luxury lodges and luxurious retreats, 3 restaurants, 2 leisure clubs with pools, health suites, games hall and a great soft play area, Auchrannie really has absolutely everything you could want from a luxury resort stay in Scotland. Auchrannie Resort is located almost in the heart of Brodick and just a few minutes drive from the ferry terminal. Arran is a wonderful place to visit with families; it’s a beautiful place with mountains and beaches, castles, stunning sea views, lots of wildlife, family friendly walks, museums, great food options and a host of outdoor activities. There’s so much to do you’ll find it hard to fit it all in!
Arran has to be one of the most family friendly places in Scotland, and Auchrannie fits into that theme perfectly. A really lovely hotel with such a relaxed vibe. It’s probably my favourite place I’ve ever stayed with my kids.
David White, Glasgow
Moness Resort, Aberfeldy
Moness Resort is located in the outskirts of the town of Aberfeldy in beautiful Perthshire. The resort boasts a 4* hotel and 106 holiday cottages, ranging from 1 to 3 comfy bedrooms. If you just want to relax and enjoy the onsite leisure activities you can take a dip in the pool, relax in the sauna, hire a bike, try your hand at mini tennis in the sports hall or take a wee walk around the ground to feed the ducks. Explore the town of Aberfeldy with it’s local crafts and cafes, head to a nearby castle, take in a family walk in beautiful countryside, check out the local Scottish Chocolate Centre, have a wee dram in the local Dewars distillery (over 18’s obviously!) or take yourselves on an adventure to do some white water rafting, mountain biking or perhaps even a bungee jump… Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re craving, Moness Resort offers it all.
Thurston Manor, East Lothian
Nestled between the beautiful East Lothian coastline and the foot of the Lammermuir Hills in the grounds of a former Scottish country estate, Thurston Manor is a family friendly holiday park offering a range of self-catering lodges and caravans. On site you will find an indoor heated pool and leisure facilities, play area, restaurant and take away, plus family friendly entertainment at the weekend and lovely woodland walks around the estate. Thurston Manor is situated close to the picturesque towns of Dunbar, North Berwick, Eyemouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed, plus some lovely sandy beaches. And of course Edinburgh is just less than an hour away if you fancy taking a day trip to explore Scotland’s capital city. A perfect holiday park for a Scottish coastal adventure.
Drimsynie Estate, Argyll
Situated on the stunning shores of Loch Goil at the foot of the Arrochar Alps, Drimsynie Estate is home to a large hotel plus self-catering caravans and lodges, some of which boast a wee hot tub. At the park you will find a heated pool and spa facilities, gym, indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, mini golf, badminton, table tennis, restaurant and takeaway, a bar and a lochside golf course. In the local area you can take a walk up a hill or around the loch, explore the ruined Carrick Castle or visit one of the pubs in the village of Lochgoilhead for some food. You can even hire a boat for the day and explore the area from the water.
Drimsynie is one of my favourite places to take my grandkids. We sometimes go just for a swim and lunch but when we stay we always enjoy it. Spotlessly clean lodges and great facilities too. Lovely wee bit of the world.
Marie Reid, Glasgow
Craig Tara, South Ayrshire
Craig Tara Holiday Park in Ayr is one of the largest around, boasting some of the best facilities plus beautiful views across the sea towards the Isle of Arran. On site you will find Splashaway Bay which is home to an indoor heated pool with waterslides; Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, a toddler role play area, an aerial adventure zone, crazy golf, a sports hall, plus loads more. There are also lots of activities and classes for children including nature, crafts and junior science classes. Craig Tara has direct beach access and there are miles of rugged coastline and beautiful beaches to explore in the area. Exploring nearby you’ll find Heads of Ayr farm park, the National Trust site of Culzean Castle and Country Park and the town of Ayr is a short drive away too.
Having visited Craig Tara over the years, it has become a family favourite of ours. Everything you could need for a holiday is there on site. Private beach, large kids fun pool, live entertainment in the evenings for all the family. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. Caravans are always spotless and in good condition.
Natasha Muldoon, Glasgow
Seton Sands Holiday Village, East Lothian
Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Seton Sands Holiday Village is one of the smaller and quieter holiday parks, with a range of caravans for all budgets and family sizes. It has an indoor heated pool, adventure trail, segways and a few outdoor play areas. Seton Sands has a sandy beach a short walk away, and is only 30 mins drive from Edinburgh if you fancy a day trip to the city while you visit.
Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
The Gleneagles Hotel is probably one of Scotland’s most famous hotels and is host to a number of luxurious family rooms and suites. Within the hotel you will find an indoor swimming pool; a fabulous children’s programme including art, craft and messy play activities for the younger guests; and a play area full of toys, games, castles and dress up opportunities. With 6 restaurants and cafes, over 50 outdoor activities, 850 acres to explore and a sumptuous spa onsite, Gleneagles is a haven for families in the heart of Perthshire.
Macdonald Forest Hills Resort, Loch Lomond
Macdonald Forest Hills is a wonderful landscaped resort set right in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and is a great base if you are planning to explore this beautiful part of the world. This resort overlooks Loch Ard, a great spot for an open water swim or a paddle. There are various apartments suitable for families of differing sizes. On site you will find an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, children’s play area, football pitches, tennis courts, mini golf and a family friendly restaurant.
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
The Kingsmills Hotel is a family friendly hotel in the beautiful little city of Inverness; the capital of the Highlands. Within the Kingsmills Hotel you’ll find a range of family rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant. The NC500 starts and ends in Inverness, so this hotel is a perfect place to get yourself ready to head off on a road trip adventure. Inverness is also a great base for exploring Aviemore, the Moray Firth, Loch Ness and a gorgeous sandy beach up in Nairn.
Landal Piperdam, Dundee
Situated in the beautiful Angus countryside, Landal Piperdam Holiday Park has wooden lodges ranging from 1 to more than 6 bedrooms, many with hot tubs. On site you will find an indoor swimming pool, gym, children’s play area, activity barn, spa, lounge bar, restaurant overlooking Piperdam Loch. The park also runs activities for kids including archery, water and land zorbing, tennis, segways and balancebikes. If you fancy exploring the area, Scotland’s sunniest city of Dundee is only a 20 minute drive away where you can check out the V&A or Dundee Science Centre. Also nearby are a whole host of beautiful parks and gardens, nature trails and historic castles.
Tummell Valley Holiday Park, Pitlochry
Nestled between Tay Forest Park and the River Tummell, the peaceful woodland surrounds of Tummel Valley holiday park has a range of family friendly wooden lodges and caravans of varying sizes. Within the park you will find an indoor heated swimming pool with a splash pool for little kids an sauna/steam room for the adults, kids clubs, sports courts, an adventure playground, a nature trail plus a bar & restaurant. From it’s location next to Tay First Park Tummell Valley and being a short walk from Loch Tummell, Tummell Valley has so many opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. The park is a short drive from Loch Rannoch, Pitlochry, the beautiful Queen’s View and the southern end of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s truly a perfect location for either a lovely relaxing holiday or a fun filled adventure!
Wemyss Bay Holiday Park, Inverclyde
With views across the water to the Isles of Bute and Cumbrae, Wemyss Bay Holiday Park is in a perfect location to explore some of the lovely little islands of the Firth of Clyde. There are a selection of 2 or 3 bedroom lodges and caravans located in a peaceful wooded setting. Within the holiday park you will find an indoor swimming pool with toddler paddling area, adventure play area and outdoor play area. Take a daytrip over to the Isle of Cumbrae to explore the beaches and the little town of Millport, or Bute to explore Rothesay; in fact the Rothesay ferry is just a few minutes walk from the park. Or explore the multitude of beaches along the North Ayrshire and Inverclyde coastline.
Wemyss Bay is a smaller holiday resort if you are looking for something a bit quieter, and you can hop on the ferry over to Rothesay for the day.
Gillian MacDonald, Glasgow
Grannies Heilan Hame, Sutherland
Situated right on the NC500 route with the stunning views of the Dornoch Firth and Embo beach located right on your doorstep, Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame is the perfect location to have a Scottish family adventure. The park features a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom caravans and luxury lodges, sleeping up to 8 people. Within the park you’ll find plenty to entertain the kids including a swimming pool, playground and crazy golf, plus family friendly entertainment. There is also a restaurant and costa coffee on site.
Taymouth Marina, Perthshire
Taymouth Marina has a small selection of luxury 5* self-catering cottages, lodges and townhouses, many with private hot tubs, all situated on the banks of Loch Tay in highland Perthshire. Within the resort you will find an outdoor hot pool, and a plunge pool slide directly into the waters of Loch Tay! The resort is a peaceful space where you can relax and soak in the beautiful scenery around you, or head out onto the waters of Loch Tay on one of the marina’s own SUP’s, kayaks, pedalos or motor boats. Tayouth Marina is a brilliant base to explore the local area too, with hill walks, castles and waterfalls a short walk or drive away.
Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Dumfries & Galloway
Located on the beautiful coastline of Dumfries and Galloway, the Auchenlaire holiday park overlooks the beautiful Wigtown Bay and has direct access to a secluded sandy cove. There are a range of caravans, some of which have private hot tubs. Within the caravan park there is an indoor heated swimming pool, bistro with evening entertainment and kids indoor and outdoor playground. Take a daytrip to explore the beautiful Galloway Forest Park, head out for a walk in the nearby Galloway Hills or relax on the beach below the holiday park.
Hunters Quay, Argyll
Hunters Quay is located on the banks of the Holy Loch in the stunning Argyll countryside just outside the seaside town of Dunoon. This holiday park features two indoor swimming pools one of which is a kids pool, a gym with a host of exercise classes, spa and indoor soft play and outdoor play area. On site entertainment includes archery, snorkelling, aeroball, a climbing wall & panna soccer, plus there is a family friendly restaurant and takeaway. Accommodation at Hunters Quay ranges from cosy caravans to hot tub lodges sleeping up to 6 people. The surrounding area has lots of walks and wildlife and within a short drive you can get to Benmore Botanic Gardens, boat tours to Sugar Ship Wreck or the Isle of Bute, and the Bishops Seat hill walk.
Peebles Hydro, Borders
Peebles Hydro, from the same family as Crieff Hydro, is a beautiful spa hotel in the Scottish borders. It is super family friendly; they have a selection of family rooms available, the hotel has a kids club for 2-12yr olds, and under 2’s stay for free. On site you will find a swimming pool, kids splash pool, indoor play area, tennis courts, putting, bike hire and a host of woodland walks and trails right on the doorstep. There are 5 different restaurants to choose from within the hotel too. Take a wander into town while you’re there and check out the old sweetie shop, or if you are more of a thrillseeker you can try out the aerial rope course at Go Ape or head to Glentress for some mountain biking.
Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Fort William
Situated in a stunning location between the banks of Loch Leven and the foot of Glencoe, the 3* Isles of Glencoe Hotel is has a relaxed family friendly feel. The hotel has spacious family rooms, some with views across the loch. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving up high quality local fayre. At the Isles of Glencoe hotel you are close to innumerable walking and cycling trails in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. The hotel is also close to Nevis Glen, and you are within an hours drive of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, Highlands
Set in one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland, Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park is just a few steps from the golden sandy beaches of Nairn along the northern coast of Scotland. Plenty of sandcastle building and salt water splashing opportunities. Stay in either a caravan or lodge, or park up with your own van or tent. Within the park, there is an indoor swimming pool, toddler pool, crazy golf and wildlife nature trail. And around Nairn Lochloy you’ll find a whole host of castles, country parks, forests and beaches, plus Inverness, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park are well worth a day trip.
Sandylands Holiday Park, North Ayrshire
Sandylands Holiday Park in Saltcoats is a bustling holiday park with two beaches just minutes away and beautiful views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. There is a huge range of caravans available sleeping up to 8 people. Within the caravan park there is an indoor swimming pool, adventure playground and amusement arcade. There is also a bar, restaurant and chippy on site. Sandylands is a perfect base to explore the Ayrshire coastline; the seaside resort of Ayr is nearby, and attractions including the Robert Burns Museum and Kelburn Country Park are a short drive away.
Southernness Holiday Park, Dumfries
Situated within minutes of the beach, Southerness Holiday Park has stunning views over the Solway Firth. Accommodation at Southerness ranges from cosy caravans to lodges sleeping up to 8 people. Onsite you will find an indoor swimming pool, toddler swimming pool, indoor soft play area, amusements, outdoor adventure playground and a nature trail. Southerness is perfectly located for exploring the town of Dumfries, or take a daytrip to Mabie Farm Park or Dino Park at Carrutherstown.
Crieff Hydro, Perthshire
Crieff Hydro is a super family friendly resort in the heart of Perthshire, with a hotel and more than 50 self-catering lodges, apartments and cabins. On site you will find a swimming pool, Victorian baths, a spa, cinema, and 6 different bars, restaurants and cafes. There is also an activity centre which has a soft play and includes Big Country, where children 2-12 yrs old get 2 hour childcare sessions in an indoor castle with trampolines, ball pool and loads of toys. Take a walk to explore the lovely little town of Crieff while you’re there, or head along to the nearby Glen’s Adventure Park which has everything from pedal cars, swings and zippiness, to a huge fort with spider webs to climb and loads of slides.
Great family resort if you are looking for something in the higher end of the market. Lots to do and has a fab childcare facility.
Gillian MacDonald, Glasgow
Sundrum Castle Holiday Park, South Ayrshire
Sundrum Castle is located in the peaceful Ayrshire countryside, around 6 miles from the seaside town of Ayr. There is a range of caravans available sleeping up to 8 people. On site you will find an indoor swimming pool with waterslide, toddler swimming pool, adventure playground and nature trail. While you’re there, take a day trip to Culzean Castle, Dumfries House, the Robert Burns Museum, or even a day out in Glasgow.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch, Aberdeenshire
Set on the wooded banks of the River Dee, Hilton Grand Vacations is one of the country’s most prestigious holiday resorts. You can enjoy a 3, 4 or 7-night holiday in one of these 99 spacious properties for up to 8 people. The onsite Country Club offers extensive leisure facilities including, pools, squash, tennis, sauna and steam rooms, bars and restaurants. You will also find golf, horse riding, cycling and walking trails all nearby.
Macdonald Resort & Woodland Lodges, Aviemore
Set in the surrounds of the ancient Caledonian pine forest in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Macdonald Aviemore Resort has everything you could need on a holiday in Scotland. The resort has several 4* hotels, plus 18 four star lodges, each of which sleep up to 6 people, and each with a woodburning stove and fully equipped kitchen. On site you’ll find an indoor pool, gym, soft play, children’s activity rooms & playground, with free unlimited use of the facilities while you stay. There are 7 restaurants and cafes on site including a pizza place and American style diner; something for absolutely everyone. Set in the heart of Aviemore, you can take a wander from the resort or hire a bike and explore the local town, or head out on a family adventure to explore this beautiful area, as many local attractions are only a short drive away from the resort.
Macdonald Aviemore is like its own wee village. There are various different facilities to stay in which can cover a lot of different budgets
.Gillian MacDonald, Glasgow
Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel, Highlands
The former Hilton property, Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel, is an incredibly family friendly hotel set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the tourist destination of Aviemore. This resort style hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a large 3 floor soft play, family friendly dining and nightly entertainment. The hotel is perfectly located to explore the local town, the Cairngorms National Park and all of the local attractions in the area.
The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh overlooking Calton Hill, The Mound and Waverley Station, the 4* Scotsman Hotel is a majestic, listed baroque building. With plenty of family rooms and suites available, an indoor pool and a restaurant on site, The Scotsman is a great base for families to explore Scotland’s capital city.
We had a wonderful stay at The Scotsman with our toddler. Right in the centre of Edinburgh it was the perfect place to rest after long days out walking, seeing all the sights. She loved the pool. Top notch breakfast.
David White, Glasgow
The Aviemore McDonald hotel lodges do not have a full kitchen!