tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

My wife and I are considering a family holiday to Scotland with our 3 year old twins. Plan is to take the car across on the ferry to Stranraer, then travel to self catering accommodation.

Any suggestions for places to stay, things to do or visit, and what are the options for contingency plans, if the weather should close in. Aim is to rent a house or cottage in a central location and travel for a day here and there to local attractions.

Did something similar last year to test the water on a first holiday with the kids, only thing was we were in Ireland, where I know my way around and was able to plan in my head where to go, where to eat, and everything was familiar to me.

The Dogs B******s

Don't do it, it's full of Scottish folk.

Lydia72

Up at Aviemore there is a reindeer centre. You basically walk to a field, the guide brings out some bags of food, and the next thing you are surrounded by reindeer. A nice day out if your children don't mind largish animals.

97TURBO

Aviemore literally has endless amounts of activities if you like outdoor stuff, problem being it wont suit the 3 year olds. However I would still recommend that area, self catering lodge at either Hilton Coyllumbridge or the MacDonald Aviemore Resort is good although not cheap. Hilton in perticular has lots of stuff for wee kids.

GazTheHat

Aviemore is MILES away, expect to drive for 5+ hours.

There's loads to do/see in the Dumfries area, as there is up the West Coast. Even venture to Loch Lomond if you fancy a 2 hour drive.

Graz

Before kids this is the sort of holiday me and the wife enjoyed. What I've now realised after a couple of weeks in Galloway earlier on in the year in a self catering cottage is that it doesn't really suit at the moment. Our boy is two. When he and the baby that will be arriving quite soon () are older then we'll probably start doing these sorts of holidays again assuming they like the outdoors.

Our next holiday will be close to the seaside, have access to a pool, play areas, soft play etc.

On the Scotland holiday I had visions of doing loads of walking and sightseeing but our boy decided he wasn't happy to ride in the backpack quite early on (maybe too cold?) so that idea was scuppered. After that we spent most of our time tracking down soft play, looking round towns, and spending time at the cottage just chilling. It was okay but it made me realised just how bored a toddler can get quite quickly if you don't have exciting stuff to do.

As I've said for the next holiday the proximity and ease of access to toddler friendly facilities will be the main priority especially as the missus will have her hands full with the new baby.

pacenote

And Midges !

SiPie

...to keep you Southerners away

dpb

Does deet keep them away..?