A guide to the best baby and toddler friendly places to stay in Scotland including hotels, cottages, holiday parks and resorts which are all ideal for babies and toddlers. Read on to discover the best places to go on holiday with babies and toddlers in Scotland.
#1. Craig Tara Holiday Park – Ayr
Craig Tara Holiday Park in Ayr has all the key ingredients for a fantastic family holiday. As well as direct access to a beach, the park also has a heated indoor swimming pool with waterslides, sports hall and the new Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village and Toddlers’ Play Village.
The Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village has an interactive play areas and space for events. The Toddlers’ Play Village has a toy kitchen, pretend RNLI lifeboat and little shop to play in. There are also lots of activities and classes for toddlers including Discovery Babies, Aqua Jets, Gym Tots and junior science classes. Craig Tara is in a great location to explore the Ayrshire coast including the Isle of Arran, Culzean Castle and the Robert Burns Birthplace Musuem.
Learn More – Craig Tara Holiday Park
#2. Loch Lomond Holiday Park – Inveruglas, Argyll, Southern Highlands
Enjoy the great outdoors of the Scottish Highlands at Loch Lomond Holiday Park. They are some of the best log cabins for babies and toddlers in Scotland because they are set right by the banks of the glassy waters of Loch Lomond. From here, you could easily explore the historic county of Argyll, where islands and lochs sculpt the landscape in wonderful ways. And although it may seem you’re amidst truly rural countryside, you’re actually just one hour’s drive from Glasgow. It’s the perfect day-trip distance to discover the city’s toddler friendly attractions, such as the fascinating Glasgow Science Centre.
Learn More – Loch Lomond Holiday Park
#3. St Andrews Forest Lodges – Kincaple, St Andrews, Southern Highlands
St Andrews is famous for its iconic golf course, one of the oldest golf courses in the world. And in fact, its just five minutes away from the baby friendly log cabins at St Andrews Forest Lodges. But even if you’re not an avid golfer, there’s so much to discover nearby. Head to the coast of the Tentsmuir Forest National Nature Reserve and there’s every chance you may spot seals and dolphins gliding close to the shores. Alternatively, make the 15-minute drive to Dundee to enjoy the exhibits at Dundee Science Centre and see the creativity and craftwork at the V&A Dundee.
Learn More – St Andrews Forest Lodges
#4. The Macdonald Forest Hills Resort
The Macdonald Forest Hills Resort is set in landscaped gardens and woodland sloping down to the shores of Loch Ard – ideal for exploring the magnificent Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. There are one, two and three bed apartments and an indoor swimming pool, Spa and Sauna. There’s also a children’s play area, outdoor chess/draughts board, football pitches, a pitch n putt and outdoor tennis courts. Rafters Bar and Bistro is perfect for families as it has a more relaxed atmosphere and serves high quality, family friendly dishes – the ideal place to relax after a swim or a busy day exploring the Trossachs!
Learn More – The Macdonald Forest Hills Resort
#5. Forest Holidays – Ardgartan Argyll Lodges, Loch Lomond
Forest Holidays offers holidays and short breaks in some of the UK’s most beautiful forests, and peaceful Ardgartan in Argyll is no exception. There are magnificent views across the loch to snow capped mountains and beyond. Stay in one of the 40 forest cabins around the loch all of which have hot tubs – some are pet friendly too!
The Forest Retreat is home to the snack and coffee bar, shop, playground and reception where you can meet the Forest Ranger and book activities and hire bikes. Toddlers will love taking part in the Mini Forest Ranger activities where they can learn about plants and trees, play games and make forest crafts. Ardgaran is in the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park so there is loads to do in the local area with babies and toddlers. The Argyll Forest Park is close by and little ones will love a trip out on the West Highland Railway Line or having a boat ride on Loch Lomond. The seaside town of Helensburgh is also nearby.
Learn More – Forest Holidays – Ardgartan Argyll Lodges
#6. Crieff Hydro – Perthshire
Crieff Hydro is a baby and toddler friendly resort in Scotland with a hotel and over 50 self-catering lodges, apartments and cabins. There are 6 different places to eat, a swimming pool complex and onsite cinema (included in the price). There is an activity centre which includes an indoor castle with trampolines, ball pool and separate baby area. Educational activities like nature trails and painting are included in the price too.
Learn More – Crieff Hydro Resort
#7. Auchrannie Resort – The Isle Of Arran
The luxury Auchrannie Resort in the Isle of Arran comprises of two 4* hotels, thirty 5* luxury lodges, 3 restaurants, 2 leisure clubs and a new children’s Playbarn. The resort is just 5 minutes drive from the ferry terminal and Brodick village.
Arran is a great place to go on holiday with a baby or toddler. Known as a Scotland in miniature, the Isle of Arran has mountains in the north of the island and beaches and rolling hills in the south. There are castles, secret beaches, museums, walks, stunning sea views and loads of wildlife. Don’t miss the new Isle Be Wild adventure playground at Brodick Castle owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
Learn More – The Auchrannie Resort
#8. Landal Piperdam
Landal Piperdam Holiday Park is a luxury holiday park set in 600 acres of magnificent Angus countryside. It is just 20 mins drive from the UNESCO City of Design, Dundee. The park has a collection of luxury log cabins plus plenty of facilities and activities for babies and toddlers including an indoor swimming pool, soft play area, activity barn and outdoor swimming pool. The park runs activities for little ones including Balanceability to introduce little ones to the world of 2 wheels. A great choice for a break at any time of year.
Learn More – Landal Piperdam
#9. Tummel Valley Holiday Park, The Highlands
Tummel Valley holiday park is in an ideal location for exploring the Highlands, and is just 13 miles away from the Highland town of Pitlochry. The park has been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation, and has loads of opportunities to get outdoors. The park also has an indoor heated swimming pool with tots sessions, children’s splash pool, adventure playground and nature trail. There is a range of family friendly caravans and timber lodges situated in a woodland setting.
Learn More – Tummel Valley Holiday Park
#10. The Hilton Coylumbridge – Aviemore
The Hilton Coylumbridge is a baby and toddler friendly hotel in the Scottish Highlands. This resort style hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a Fun House with a large soft play, ball pit and slides and tunnels set over 3 floors. There is nightly entertainment including a children’s disco, and family friendly dining. The hotel is in a perfect location to explore the Cairngorms. Entry to 2 local attractions is included in the price of your stay.
Learn More – The Hilton Coylumbridge
#11. Moness Resort- Aberfeldy
The Moness Resort is set in 35 acres of countryside in the heart of Perthshire within walking distance of the Highland town of Aberfeldy. There are 106 cottages and a 4* hotel – all of which are great for babies and toddlers. All the cottages have access to the resort swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom holiday cottages are furnished to a high standard, and have everything you would need for a family holiday. Toddlers will love feeding the ducks on the resort pond, or playing hide and seek in the grassy woodland around the resort. There is also an indoor creche area for little ones with toys and a dolls house to play with. Outside, there is a playground and plenty of space for little ones to ride their bike or scooter.
Learn More – The Moness Resort
#12. Weymes Bay Holiday Park
Weymes Park is in a great location to explore Loch Lomond, the Isle of Bute, tiny Cumbrae and also the Isle of Arran. It’s also just a 40 minute drive from Glasgow. The park itself overlooks the Firth of Clyde with views over to the Isle of Bute (the ferry is within walking distance of the park). Toddlers will love the indoor swimming pool, toddler paddling area, adventure play area and outdoor play area. Families can choose to stay in a choice of 2 or 3 bedroom caravans or lodges.
Learn More – Weymes Bay Holiday Park
#13. Strathspey Lodge- Nr Aviemore
Sprathspey Lodge is a stylish retreat near to Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. There are 3 double bedrooms, a twin room and a playroom with books and toys. The lodge has amazing views across open countryside towards the Cairngorm mountain range and is close to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Landmark Forest theme park and Rothiemurchus. Each bedroom has a wall mounted TV and there is a table tennis table and plenty of board games to keep you occupied during the occasional wet day!
Learn More – Strathspey Lodge
#14. Seton Sands Holiday Park – Nr Edinburgh
Seton Sands holiday park is a small park with superb views over the Firth of Forth. The park is close to a sandy beach and has an indoor swimming pool which runs swimming lessons. Learn to Bike Ride lessons, bug hunts arts and crafts den building, and Nature Rockz lessons are also available on the park. Edinburgh is also within easy reach. Accommodation is in cozy caravans.
Learn More – Seaton Sands Holiday Park
#15. Peebles Hydro – Scottish Borders
Peebles Hydro is part of the Crieff Hydro family of hotels, and is a spa hotel in the Scottish borders. Babies and toddlers are welcome (under 2s stay for free). Family rooms are available and the hotel also has a creche, woodland walks, indoor play area and swimming pool.
Learn More – Peebles Hydro Hotel
#16. Gleneagles, Auchterarder
Gleneagles is one of Scotland’s most famous hotels, but did you know it also welcomes families with babies and toddlers? Sumptuous family rooms are available, and there is also an indoor swimming pool to have a dip in. The Little Glen is a magical land full of toys, games, castles and dressing up costumes. There are also specific activities for babies and toddlers at Gleneagles including hand and foot painting, sandpit and water play. Extra activities are available for children aged 3-5.
Learn More – Gleneagles Hotel
#17. Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, Inverness
This fab holiday park is just seconds away from a golden sandy beach where you can build sand castles and paddle to your heart’s content! Back at the park, there is an indoor swimming pool (with toddler pool) and wildlife nature trail. There is loads to do around and about too including exploring more sandy beaches, Cawdor Castle, the Cairngorms National Park and even a bit of Nessie spotting at Loch Ness! Cozy lodges and new caravans for 2020 are available.
Learn More – Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park
#18. Southerness Holiday Park, Dumfries
A great choice for families looking for a toddler friendly holiday park in Scotland. The Southerness Holiday Park is located in Dumfries with stunning views over the Solway Firth. The beach is just a short walk away, and onsite there is an indoor swimming pool with toddler swimming pool, indoor soft play area and outdoor adventure playground. There is also a nature trail for family walks in the fresh air. Mabie Farm Park, the town of Dumfries and the Camera Obscura museum are also close by.
Learn More – Southerness Holiday Park
#19. The Dairy At Daviot, Inverness
The Dairy at Daviot is a converted 19th century farm with 6 self-catering cottages on a private estate in the Scottish Highlands. The luxurious cottages are arranged around a courtyard and have a playground and ice parlour all surrounded by fields, farm animals and wildlife. As well as an ice cream parlour on your doorstep, the cottages also have toys, books and games as well as loads of baby and toddler equipment to borrow for the duration of your stay.
Learn More – The Dairy At Daviot
#20. Thistle Lodges, Sandyhills
Thistle Lodges are 3 beautifully designed A frame lodges in Dumfries and Galloway. The Scandanavian style lodges sleep from 4 to 8 people and are just a 5 minute walk from one of southern Scotland’s best beaches. There are stunning views over the fells and small loch, as well as an indoor swimming pool which is ideal for rainy days. Cots, highchairs and stair gates are all provided.
There are loads of family friendly days out in the local area including cycling in the Galloway Forest and days out at the Dino Park and Mabie Farm Park.
Learn More – Thistle Lodges
#21. Blairmore Farm, Perth
Blairemore Farm are luxury holiday cottages on a farm near Perth. There are 6 stunning holiday cottages with wood burning stoves, Scottish inspired textiles and private gardens with BBQs. Baby packs are provided (additional charges apply) which include a cot, highchair, baby bath, nappy bin, baby gate and bumbo. Toddlers can get involved in farm life by joining in on a farm tour, helping feed the animals or picking some veg from the kitchen garden. Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews are within 90 mins drive. The Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre, Scottish Crannog Centre and Faskally Forest are also near.
Learn More – Blairmore Farm
#22. Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Near Fort William
Situated in a breath-taking lochside setting at the foot of Glencoe, the Isle of Glencoe hotel has a relaxed family friendly feel. There are spacious family rooms, some with Lochside views and cots are available to hire. Toddlers will love the indoor swimming pool, and parents can take some time to chill out in the leisure complex. Outside there are Lochside trails and the hotel is close to the Oban Sea Life Centre and the famous Hogwarts Express!
Learn More – The Isles of Glencoe Hotel
#23. Lagnakeil Highland Lodges
These lodges are set on a hillside just 10 mins drive from Oban. They are open plan with a kitchen, living area and comfortable bedrooms. There is a private patio and picnic bench outside, as well as a playground. Oban is the gateway to the isles and from there you can get the ferry to the Isle of Mull where you can visit the pretty town of Tobermory.
Learn More – Lagnakeil Highland Lodges
#24. Thurston Manor, East Lothian
Thurston Manor is a baby and toddler friendly holiday park nestled in 175 acres of parkland at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills. It is close to sandy beaches and the towns of Dunbar, North Berwick, Eyemouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Edinburgh is also less than 1 hour away. There is a range of caravans and lodges at Thurston Manor as well as an indoor swimming pool, play area and restaurant and take away. Family friendly entertainment takes place at the weekend.
Learn More – Thurston Manor
#25. Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Dumfries & Galloway
The Auchenlaire holiday park is located in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway and has direct access to a sandy beach, and is just a short walk from the Galloway Hills. The park boasts its own indoor heated swimming pool, bistro with evening entertainment and kids indoor and outdoor playground. There is a range of caravan holiday home to stay in – some of which have sea views. Don’t miss a trip to the Galloway Forest to explore the forest trails and family friendly cycling.
Learn More – Auchenlarie Holiday Park
#26. Hunters Quay, Argyll
Hunters Quay is located in the Argyll countryside just outside Dunoon. There is a fantastic all weather leisure complex with 2 indoor swimming pools, gym and indoor soft play. Outside there is an outdoor play area. The holiday park is surrounded by walks and wildlife and is within easy reach of Inveraray and the Isle of Bute. There is an range of activities available for children aged 3+.
Learn More – Hunters Quay Holiday Park
#27. Lochgolihead Lodges, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
Lochgolihead Lodges are located in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with the Arrochar Alps as a backdrop and Loch Goil in front of it. There is a leisure complex with a indoor heated swimming pool, Spa, gym, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and bike hire (some charges apply). Families can stay in luxury lodges – some have hot tubs!
Learn More – Lochgoilhead Lodges
#28. Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayreshire
Sandylands Holiday Park is a big and bustling holiday park with 2 beaches on its doorstep and panoramic views over to the Isle of Arran. The seaside resort of Ayr is also close by. The park is a great base for exploring the area and has an indoor swimming pool, adventure playground, entertainment venue and family friendly dining onsite.
Learn More – Sandylands Holiday Park
#29. Macdonald Aviemore Resort
This family friendly resort is made up of a collection of 4* hotels located in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. There are 7 restaurants including Spey Burger and an American-style family diner serving burgers, burritos and milkshakes. Families have free access to the resort’s leisure facilities within Aviemore Activity Centre which is ust a 5 minute walk away. This includes a swimming pool, soft play, children’s activity rooms, gym and café. Family rooms are available.
Learn More – Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Can you recommend any baby and toddler friendly places to stay in Scotland?
