9 of the best family-friendly hotels in Scotland

Hop aboard a CalMac ferry over to the Isle of Arran, where rugged mountains, picturesque villages and a warm island welcome await. Auchrannie Resort is the perfect base for exploring, with comfortable family rooms and self-catering lodges to suit your needs. There’s plenty of time for a splash about in the pools, adventures in the Playbarn and a little well-earned peace at the spa. Gather over a delicious meal at one of the resort’s restaurants and swap stories from the day. 

Not far from the resort, follow the shoreline with the sea breeze on your cheeks, step into the island’s past at the Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, or climb aboard a Unimog safari with Mogabout, there’s plenty to discover! 

Book a stay at Auchrannie House Hotel

Tucked away in the wooded hills of Perthshire, Crieff Hydro offers the perfect blend of family adventure and relaxation. While the kids enjoy two hours of complimentary childcare, parents can unwind in the spa, explore the resort's facilities or head out on a peaceful stroll through the surrounding woodland, including the picturesque Lady Mary's Walk. 

From meeting the friendly alpacas that roam the estate to climbing and sliding in the exciting soft play area, there's plenty to keep the wee ones entertained. And the adventure doesn't stop there. Hop aboard the hotel's land train and enjoy a scenic ride to Glen's Adventure Park and Crazy Golf, where even more family fun awaits. 

Stay at Crieff Hydro Hotel

Hidden away in one of Scotland's most iconic destinations, Gretna Green offers three welcoming family-friendly accommodation options: Gretna Hall Hotel, Smiths at Gretna Green Hotel, and Bensmoor Cottages. 

Spend quality time together exploring the famous grounds, where the children can play in the outdoor park and courtship maze, and enjoy easy access for buggies and prams throughout the site. After a day of adventure, unwind at Smiths at Gretna Green, a stylish boutique hotel home to an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant and elegant cocktail bar. 

Step inside the Famous Blacksmith's Shop Museum to uncover Gretna Green's fascinating past or browse the retail outlet to take a special souvenir home.  

Find your perfect family stay at Gretna Green

Are you dreaming of a luxury family escape in Perthshire? Surrounded by its rolling countryside, Gleneagles is renowned for its championship golf courses, but it offers so much more than that. 

Get outdoors and enjoy all sorts of adventures, from mountain biking and Segway rides to pony-riding adventures. Parents can relax in the award-winning spa or indulge at one of their outstanding restaurants, while the kids can make themselves at home in The Den, with board games, games consoles, and a cinema room.   

Treat the family to a visit to Stewart Tower Dairy near Stanley, where scoops of delicious gelato are served alongside encounters with pygmy goats and Shetland ponies. 

Make family memories at Gleneagles

Picture slow mornings together, famous golf courses and spectacular coastal views. Enjoy a luxury break in one of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic seaside destinations.  

Children can splash in the indoor pool, have some fun in the games room or you can settle down for the evening and enjoy a family film at the cinema. Take your pick from their five restaurants and savour their delicious cuisine, with plenty of options for the young guests to choose from. 

Make time to explore St Andrews, admire the fascinating marine life at St Andrews Aquarium, tuck into fish and chips beside the sea or try your hand at putting at the St Andrew's Ladies Putting Club. 

Enjoy a coastal gem at Fairmont St Andrews

Surrounded by Aberdeenshire's sweeping countryside, Meldrum House Hotel combines the historic charm of an impressive baronial mansion with a welcoming country-house feel.  

Relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel's Cave Bar and Pineapple Grill or let the little ones savour an afternoon tea for children under 12. 

Make new memories by taking the kids castle hunting! Discover the magic behind Fyvie Castle, marvel at the pink towers of Craigievar Castle, or enjoy an action-packed afternoon at Lochter Activity Centre, where you can try out activities such as mini-Highland Games, clay pigeon shooting, go-karting, or archery. 

Stay at Meldrum House Hotel

Wake up to waterfront views and family adventures in the heart of Dundee. Experience new city adventures and enjoy a stylish and comfortable family stay in the heart of the city.  

Let the kids make a splash and play in the pool while you unwind in the peaceful spa. Then, head out to discover everything Dundee's vibrant waterfront has to offer. Step aboard the historic RRS Discovery and HMS Unicorn to uncover Dundee's astonishing maritime past, wander through the magnificent Slessor Gardens and, if you're looking for something more adventurous, try your hand at wakeboarding, paddleboarding or have some fun in Scotland's biggest Aqua Park, Wild Shores Dundee. 

Plan your stay at Apex City Quay

Escape to the grand Dunkeld House Hotel, surrounded by rolling countryside and the tranquil waters of the River Tay. Discover why this elegant country house hotel offers the perfect setting for a memorable family getaway. 

Savour family meals in the hotel's restaurants, settle beside the piano in the cosy lounge or treat yourself to some downtime in the gorgeous spa. Venture out of the hotel grounds and follow the Dunkeld House Tree Trail nearby, where ancient trees, impressive waterfalls and picturesque landscapes await at every turn. 

Let the older kids feel the excitement by trying out watersports and adventure activities such as white-water rafting, gorge walking, or quad biking with Nae Limits. 

Enjoy a family retreat at Dunkeld House Hotel

Wake up to the spectacular mountain views of the Highlands in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by ancient forests, shimmering lochs, and some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery, the Macdonald Aviemore Resort is the ideal base for an unforgettable family break. 

Start your day with a splash in the resort's swimming pool and flume, enjoy a film at the Spey Valley Cinema, or let the young adventurers burn off some energy at the four-storey soft play centre. 

Venture out and take in the impressive scenery at Cairngorm Mountain, discover woodland trails and treetop adventures at the award-winning Landmark Forest Adventure Park, or get up close to fascinating and endangered animals at the Highland Wildlife Park. 

Book a Highland stay at the MacDonald Aviemore Resort