There are far more reasons for planning a Scottish staycation in 2017 than the fall in the pound. After all, we have some of the most breathtaking countryside in the world, and it’s right on your doorstep. Forget packed flights, screaming kids and inadequate baggage allowance, and let this be the year you pack up all the family – including the dog – and head for that dream Scottish holiday. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Connect as a family
Spending time together as a family is great for your health and well-being. It lowers stress, it helps you connect and you’ll enjoy doing stuff you never normally have time for like eating dinner together and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. If you want unspoiled beauty, endless empty tarmac roads for safe family cycling and some of the best walking routes in the world, then Scotland is the perfect place for your family staycation.
Highlands or islands?
In terms of scenery, Scotland is one of the most diverse parts of the British Isles and our beautiful properties give you the chance of experiencing the highlands and islands at their best. Base yourself at one of our properties in the Cairngorms national park and you can enjoy everything from skiing at Aviemore to tours of some of the Highlands’ best distilleries including The Glenlivet. If you’re a lover of fine single malts, you’ll love Hillview cottage which is literally on the Glenlivet’s doorstep!
Prefer the coast and the chance to visit some of Scotland’s amazing islands? Then choose one of our lodges near the lovely fishing village of Ullapool. You could even drive the entire stunning west coast of Scotland route to get there.
The great thing when you’re bringing your family pet with you is that you won’t have to choose the location you prefer based on whether your dog can come too as all our properties are pet friendly. In fact, why choose at all? You can have your cake and eat it. Book a week in the Cairngorms and then a week on the coast, or vice versa.
Stunning wildlife
If you’re a family of nature lovers, there’s no better place for a staycation than Scotland. 75% of the red squirrels in the UK can be found here and you won’t want to miss your opportunity to see one of these extraordinary – and very rare – creatures. Look to the skies and see if you can spot a golden eagle or the fastest bird on earth, the Peregrine Falcon clocked at over 242mph!
In the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to spot basking sharks, dolphins and seals or visit in autumn for the spectacular sight of the red deer rut. Wild Scotland have produced a handy calendar so you can plan your self-catering holiday in Scotland around wildlife watching.
A canine paradise
With so much open countryside to explore and so many miles of well laid out and properly maintained walking paths, Scotland is a bit of a doggie paradise. The National Trust for Scotland even have a list of the 8 best dog walks in Scotland. If you’re staying at one of our West Coast properties and you and your dog are of the adventurous persuasion, then Torridon is a must do as it’s absolutely spectacular and has five of Scotland’s Munros, which are the peaks over 3,000 feet.
There are even gourmet dog treat bakers who travel to some of the local farmers’ markets. So when you’re picking up the goodies for the family meal, there’s no reason to forget Fido. We also make sure that our properties have fully enclosed gardens so you can let your dog roam around outside with complete peace of mind.
Something for everyone
Our ambition is to leave you feeling relaxed, recharged and ready for anything – even after a family holiday! But with something for everyone, there are plenty of opportunities for ‘me time’ whether it’s relaxing in the hot tub enjoying the spectacular views or kicking back in the sauna. And after a busy day eating great food, playing a terrific round of golf, or landing that prize salmon, you can enjoy our full Sky TV package with a wee dram. It’s no wonder our visitors come back year after year.
If you want to enjoy the best staycation ever in one of our luxury, pet-friendly properties, then contact us for availability for summer 2017.
