Ceud Mile Failte – one hundred thousand welcomes greet families who choose a Scottish road trip (including a stop to see Loch Ness) during the summer festival season.
Scotland is known for its festivals, and the summer is a great time to visit and experience one of the country’s many celebrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and farther afield. To encourage family travel, the Scottish National Tourist Organization is offering the Children Welcome program where businesses and attractions are welcoming families and have a genuine interest in meeting their needs. This warm welcome extends from the major cities and cultural centers to the rural parts of the country.
Since 2007, Scottish tourism officials have worked to publicize Highland culture, a little known aspect of this beautiful country. The Highlands are made up of several mountainous regions in the north and overlap with the Highlands and Islands regions in the north west, which are serviced by an efficient ferry system. We suggest a 7-10 day driving itinerary through the Scottish countryside to enjoy the many things on offer. The extensive Scottish road network makes driving easier, and you can follow up on my recommended attractions by using this online route planner to help plan the exact route you will take.
Travelers will get the chance to experience all that Scottish culture has to offer, and not just in the fashionable cities. This year-long celebration of a rich Highland history encompasses six strands of culture – arts, heritage, sport, environment, science and language. Each village will celebrate their own local identity, with a huge number of events ranging from Highland games to traditional music to outdoor adventures. Many of these events are free, and with so many choices — especially in summer — there should be something for the whole family. Though summers tend to be cool and wet, the weather changes so frequently here that it makes for a good topic of conversation (and a good reminder to wear layers).
Aberdeen: A City in Bloom
A good place to start your vacation is in Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland. This city in the east is diverse, full of international culture, and comes with its own sandy beach, though this beach is better for strolling than for swimming. With unique castles close by, outdoor activities are easy to get to. In the city, famous Union Street, known as the Granite Mile, brings you to 800 shops, bars and restaurants. Aberdeen is also known for winning 13 “Britain in Bloom” awards, with its beautiful flower-filled parks adding some color to a city of gray granite.
If you’re in the city, celebrate the arts with the kids at the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival. It takes place over 10 days early in August, when dance, theatre, music, and more are featured across the city. Visit www.aiyf.org for more information on this cultural highlight. If you’re looking for a trip outside the city, Scottish Highland Games are a great and fun choice. Across the Aberdeen and Grampian Highlands, there are 14 games throughout the summer, mostly on the weekends.
Highland dancing, piping, events such as Tossing the Caber, and even a children’s sack race are featured at Braemar, just a two-hour drive outside Aberdeen. The Queen and other British Royals are also known to make annual appearances at the festive Braemar games. As a local event, it is a more intimate gathering than larger festivals, and is a ton of fun. For more information on the event, to buy tickets and for accommodation, go to www.braemarscotland.co.uk. Dates and information on other Scottish Highland Game events across the country can be found here.
Other fun stops as you make your way across the Highlands include wildlife trips. Gemini Marine Tours is one option in the fishing village of Buckie, a 1 ½-2 hour drive from both Aberdeen and Inverness. Sail past fishing villages and Findlater Castle, spotting seabirds and marine wildlife along the way. This tour boat carries only 12 passengers so it fills up quickly. Tickets for adults cost £25; children under 16 pay £18. The tours last 2 ½ hours, with two or three trips daily.
Inverness, the Highlands Crossroad
Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a great spot to start exploring from if you’d rather fly into the Highlands at Inverness rather than Aberdeen. Or if starting in Aberdeen, this crossroads of the Highlands is a good spot to rest. Pedestrian-friendly High Street is filled with places to shop and eat. In the city, Whin Park is perfect for kids with a boating pond and play area. Adults may be interested in the records for geneology research at the Inverness Library.
Outside the city, try a dolphin-watching boat trip at Nairn, a Victorian seaside resort east of Inverness, with award-winning beaches and many historical and cultural attractions.
Between Inverness and Nairn, you might want to stop at the Highland Aviation Museum at the Inverness airport. This museum is open to the public for the first two weekends of each month as they restore their aircrafts. For more information, visit their website.
One popular stop if you’re in Inverness is the famous Loch Ness. The whole family can enjoy the beautiful scenery of this lake, and wonder at the creature that may hide beneath its waters. Nessie, as the Loch Ness monster is affectionately known, brings thousands of visitors each year. Deepscan Cruises leave from the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre to view Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen and this is a great way to check out the scenery. The Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre offers multimedia exhibitions not just about the infamous monster, but also about the loch and Scotland.
Also nearby, visitors can find shopping, pony trekking, and Urquahrt Castle to explore. On the north shore of the lake, Divach Falls, an easy, family-friendly walking area from the village of Drumnadrochit, is the main monster spotting area, so get your cameras ready!
Rugged Western Highlands
In the west, the regions of Skye and Lochalsh offer beautiful, rugged scenery, coastal beaches, gentle walks, wildlife cruises, watersports, and more. This area of Scotland is a great place for sightseeing, but if the wee ones are getting bored, a fun stop is the Skye Serpentarium Reptile World in Broadford. An award-winning reptile exhibition and breeding center, kids will love the interactive handling sessions with snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs (though Mom might think differently).
The village of Elgol on the isle of Skye is on Loch Coriusk, claiming to be the best viewpoint in Scotland. With Misty Isle Boat Trips, you can see if it lives up to its reputation. Sea birds, dolphins and porpoises, whales, seals at sunset and even a basking shark can be spotted on these cruises, and will delight family members of all ages. Choose from a standard trip that lasts about 3 hours, an all-day trip for about 6 hours, or a view of the seals at sunset on a 1 ½-hour trip.
Details, Details
In the Highlands and throughout the country, families should look for the “Children Welcome” logo to ensure they’ve found a family-friendly holiday spot. Businesses participating in this program will provide a minimum of extras including children’s beds or cots, flexible eating times and children’s menus, extra safety features, adjoining or expanded family rooms, and much more. For all the details, and to see suggestions for kids of all age ranges, from wee pre-schoolers to teenagers, visit the Children Welcome website.
With the Children Welcome program, families can stay at some distinctly different places such as a wooden wigwam, a church, a cottage tent, train, or even a lighthouse! Check this link for more information.
One spot you might like to try is the Culloden House Hotel. Located in Inverness, this site is where Bonnie Prince Charles, a member of the royal Stuart family, set up his headquarters before the final battle during the Jacobite uprising in 1746 on Culloden Moor. Now these headquarters are a country house on almost 40 acres of land, including beautiful gardens, lakes, and parks. Golf, fishing and shooting packages are offered by the hotel, though they can fill up rather quickly. Private chauffeur tours are also available for a number of full-day trips, including visits to towns on the north and west coast.
Another unique place to stay is Tigh Dubh in Edinbane on the Isle of Skye. With self-catering accommodation for up to four people, this traditional Highland stone cottage is perfect for families interested in the outdoors. The house includes two single beds on the ground floor and two singles or one double bed in a loft (there are steep steps up to this sleeping platform, so it is not for suitable for under 5s). It is heated by a pot-bellied stove, with all other modern amenities including a color TV, fully equipped kitchen, a washer/dryer (for a small fee), electricity, bed linens (but no towels), and more. Available for week-long or three to four night stays, Tigh Dubh (which means “blackhouse” in Scottish Gaelic) is a great place to slow down and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery for a few days.
Getting there is easy, as your family can fly into one of Scotland’s four airports directly (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness) or easily connect at a major European hub including London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam. For more information on car rentals, accommodation, and the large number of events and activities going on in the Highlands this summer, visit www.visitscotland.com.
2009 Events
The country’s major celebration is known as Homecoming Scotland and their site provides a calendar of year-round activities.
Inverness Fest
Where: Inverness
When: mid-July, 2009
Inverness celebrates traditional and modern Scottish culture in a festival featuring concerts, Highland games, traditional music, and other multicultural events. Later in the month, the Childrens Festival is especially fun, with puppet shows, face painting, arts and crafts, and treasure hunts featured in the city center.
Scottish Countryside Festival
Where: Glamis Castle
When: first weekend in September, 2009
This festival celebrates the rural traditions and games of Scotland at Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II. With tons of activities for children in the KidsZone and Childrens Corner, there are events for all ages, including fishing, archery, and crafts. Food from around the world will be readily available from a food hall and many stands throughout the festival, and children cooking events will take place as well.
Doors Open Days
Where: All over Scotland
When: Usually held each weekend in September
Heritage sites across the country offer free entrance to museums, tours, exhibitions, cathedrals, and more. Visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk for details on which places are opening their doors this year.
K.S.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
This site is really helpful. Will bookmark this and share with friends.
this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
I represent (and use) a helicopter rides company based in Charlottesville, VA. Helicopter rides attract both attention and bump attendance to any event where they operate. The company is called Cardinal Helicopter Company, Inc.
Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
Jan Wilkins
President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
thank you about your comment. we organise trips and excurcion to the desert of erg chebbi .if you need info contact us at .www.salemdesertcameltrips.com
What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
Tent 4 Rent offers complete, set up, tent accommodation for small and bigger families. You don't have to take any camping and or kitchen gear. Just pack up your personal stuff and enjoy a relaxing camping trip that even fits in te smaller budgets.
My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
During the last 7 years, I have become very familiar with many Trekking Destination, including The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Regions, As well as Mustang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu. I am very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, cultural history and environmental issues in the areas where I trek. For Trekkers hoping to climb high passes and peaks, I can accommodate this challenging and rewarding adventure. My experience includes mera peak, island peak, kalapathar, gokyo peak, tseryo ri and I have led expeditions across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, thorong pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass)
There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments. i can offer you a unique and challenging experience of a lifetime! Please contact me at the email address listed below if you have questions or would like discuss a possible trek! I will look forward to hearing from you!
Thank Your,
Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal
Email: sanjibac@gmail.com.com
sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
Online shopping is a wonderful way to save time as well as money. Greatskin often have great sales and many even have free shipping. These tips will help you find the coolest gifts for the best prices, all without leaving your house. Discount coupons or free shipping voucher policies are normally entered during the checkout process or in the shopping cart. As each online store is different, it is important to read fine print regarding the e-voucher and prior to discount coupon codes or promotional offers use.
parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
TRAVEL BUDDIES and TOURS
Dear buddies
We here at Travel Buddies and Tours are happy to offer fresh and unique tours to our travelers. Each tour has its own specialties and advantages that none other has. Also our company is able to plan and design tailor made tours to suit your budget and every desire. Our main purposes are planning excellent tours with reasonable prices, serving fresh and healthy foods to suit every diet, providing experienced drivers, skilful guides and great chefs and ensuring the upmost safety in transportation. The staff at Travel Buddies and Tours have great passion to develop and contribute to responsible tourism activities in Mongolia. We look forward to your participation on our tours.
Tours offered include:
Horseback adventures
Nomads tours
Real adventures that take you off-the-beaten-track
Walking tours
Cycling tours
Fishing and hunting tours
Jeep tours
Volunteer vacations
A combination of all orany of the above.
Services:
Finding travel buddies – you can find your travel buddies here.
Tourist information – we can provide the information that you need.
Renting cars – we organize vehicle rentals for traveling around Mongolia.
Hiring guides – if you need a guide or interpreter, you can hire from us.
http://www.travelbuddiesandtours.blogspot.com
zozo_1031@yahoo.com, etn_urtnasan@yahoo.com
Address East side of State Department Store, Travel Buddies and Tours
Contact: +976-88536061, 95215728
im happy to indoors your resort.. i hope that sometimes i could be useful movers and doers in your society…. mwaaaahhhhhhh mwahhhhhhhh hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss kissssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeees
dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
well come to himalayan federal democracy country of nepal I am sujanNepal (independent trekking and tour guide of Nepal since 9 years. I am a register trekking guide. I have been working in Nepal tourism industry since 11years as a professional trekking guide. I have a wide variety of skills in this sector and can guarantee that foreigners who visit with me in Nepal are truly positive and happy with me and confidently recommend my service to new visitors to Nepal. I offer any kinds of trip in Nepal like; trekking, tour, rafting, jungle safari, ticketing, hotel reservation and many more…. TREKKING IN NEPAL Trekking is the most popular adventure activity in Nepal. The experience of walking through Nepalese villages, learning their cultures and Enjoying real natural views along the way are considered once in a life time experience. The Nepalese landscape with varying altitudes up to 5600 meter for trekking at various routes are best experience for true Nepalese lifestyle of indigenous people, their culture, religions and habitat. http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com offer full ranges of Best Quality trekking trips that available in all Trekking Regions of Nepal. However, Annapurna, Everest and Lang tang. NEPAL TOURS Tour is the easiest way to explore Natural beauty, cultures, religions and people of Nepal without Physical efforts. Most of our tours include scenic overland drive or breathtaking flights from one interesting place to another place we organize all available tours in Nepal (Cultural & Religious Tours, Honeymoon Tours & wildlife tours) at best price with Quality services and Accommodations as your choices and requirements. Some of Our Best of Nepal tours are as follows: ADVENTURE TRIPS IN NEPAL Nepal is country of full Adventure Activities. Wild life Safari, Bungy Jump, Canyoning, White water Rafting, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Paragliding, Ultra Light flight, Everest View Flight, Cable Car Ride are the most exciting Extra Adventure Activities of Nepal. I organize all these Activities anytime before and after you''re Treks, Tours or climbing as per guest''s requirements. If you wish to experience all Activities in Nepal, you are most welcome for trip of once in a lifetime Adventures. ADVANTAGES TO TRAVEL WITH ME( SUJAN) Quality services at Low Price with Great value Safe & Comfortable Holiday Complete Hassle free Services Flexibility in all programs Comfort Accommodations & Hygienic meals Professional, Experienced, Experts & Dedicated Staffs Government Authorized Independent Guide sujan
sujan.nepal100@gmail.com
for detail information other activities visit our home page
http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com
http://www.mountaintrekkingguide.com
00977-9841035868
Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!