Planning a family trip to the Scottish Highlands can be exciting. You’ll have castles, lochs, mountain views, and small Highland towns to explore. But once the trip starts taking shape, a more practical question comes up: where will you stay?
When you’re travelling with kids, choosing the right place to stay can make your trip much easier. A lovely hotel won’t help much if it’s far from the places you want to visit, doesn’t offer family rooms, or forces you to drive a long way every time you need food.
This guide will help you make an informed choice about family trip highlands where to stay. We’ll look at some of the best family-friendly places to stay, what they offer, and what you should check before booking.
Where to Stay with Your Family in the Scottish Highlands
There isn’t one perfect place for every family in the Highlands. The area is huge, and the best place to stay depends on what you want to see, how long you’re staying, and whether you prefer a lively town or a quieter base.
Here are some popular places to consider.
Inverness
Families visiting the Highlands for the first time often choose to stay in Inverness. This town has many hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets because it is one of the main ones in the area.
You can also take day trips from the city. You don’t have to stay in a different hotel every night to see Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, the Culloden Battlefield, and other nearby villages.
People with younger children may also appreciate how easy it is to get to shops and restaurants. A small Highland village is not likely to have what you need during your trip. Inverness is more likely to have it.
Fort William
If your family likes being outdoors and seeing mountains, Fort William is a good choice. The town is close to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and it’s easy to reach many beautiful places in the Highlands.
Around the town, you can find hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation, and family-friendly restaurants.
Families can stay in Fort William and then explore Glen Nevis, ride the Jacobite Steam Train, or visit nearby lochs or valleys. Also, you don’t have to go hiking every day. There are many beautiful drives and sights.
Remember that the summer can be busy, especially when the kids are off school. Booking your hotel early can give you more options.
Aviemore
Aviemore is another place to consider if your family likes outdoor activities. As it is in the Cairngorms National Park, it has a strong focus on the outdoors and adventure.
There are hotels, lodges, holiday homes, and other types of accommodation. People with children often choose self-catering stays because they are easier with a kitchen.
Aviemore is a good place for families who want to stay close to fun activities. Depending on the season, you can go walking, cycling, on wildlife tours, and do other outdoor activities.
You can also get around the wider Cairngorms area from there.
Skye Island
The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most famous views. Picture dramatic coastlines, mountains, waterfalls, and small towns.
If Skye is a big part of your trip, it might make sense for your family to stay there. After a day of exploring, you won’t have to drive back to the mainland.
Portree is the island’s main town and has plenty of places to stay and eat. You can find a quieter place to stay in one of the smaller villages around the island, but services may be limited.
Many people like Skye, especially when the weather is nice. There may not be as much accommodation as on the mainland, and prices may be higher.
Before you book your trip, find out how far it is to drive if you have young children. On a map, some places look close, but it may take longer to get there because the roads are winding and Highland routes are slower.
Glencoe
Glencoe is a wonderful place to stay if your family wants to see beautiful mountain scenery. You can stay in a hotel, an inn, or a holiday cottage in this area, which is known for its rugged landscapes.
If you stay near Glencoe, you can easily reach walking trails, lookout points, and beautiful drives. If you’re going from Fort William to another part of the Highlands, it can also work well.
It’s quieter here than in bigger towns, which some families may appreciate after a day of sightseeing.
On the other hand, there won’t be as many shops and restaurants as in Inverness or Fort William. If you’d rather cook some meals yourself, a self-catering cottage might be helpful.
Cottages Where Families Can Cook Their Own Meals
When choosing where to stay, hotels aren’t the only option. For families, a holiday cottage or apartment can be very helpful.
- More space: There may be more room for everyone, and each person may have their own bedroom.
- Kitchen: A kitchen also lets you prepare meals the way you want them.
- Meals: You can quickly make dinner after a long day or breakfast before you leave.
Before you book, make sure the place has parking, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a cot if you need one, and enough beds for everyone.
Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts
It might be easier to stay in a hotel or guesthouse if you don’t want to cook while you’re away. Many offer breakfast, and some have interconnecting rooms for family suites.
They’re a practical choice for short stays. No chores to worry about when you arrive: check in, eat nearby, and get ready for the next day.
When you travel with kids, don’t rely only on the pictures. Check the room size, bed arrangements, parking, breakfast times, and distance to restaurants.
A family room that looks big in a photo might not feel spacious when bags, coats, and children’s things are everywhere.
Don’t Forget About Your Kids
A cottage in the woods might sound perfect, but a family with young children might want to be close to a shop and a restaurant. For older kids, it might be fun to stay somewhere close to walking paths and other outdoor activities.
You should also consider how often you want to pack and move things. It can take a while to get from one hotel to another, especially with kids and a lot of stuff.
Many families find it easier to stay in one place for a few nights and take day trips.
How Long Does It Take to Drive?
On a map, the Scottish Highlands might not seem as big as they are in real life. Roads can be narrow and winding, and inclement weather can slow you down.
Because the places look close together, you might plan to visit five in one day. The day can get long when you add up the time spent driving, parking, eating lunch, and visiting each place.
Allow more time between stops. Your family is likely to enjoy the trip more if you can take your time at each stop.
Should You Move Around or Stay Put?
You can do either.
Staying in one place is easier. After putting your things away once, you can go on day trips. Families who don’t want to move their stuff every few days will prefer this option.
In the Highlands, moving around gives you more time to see different areas. You could stay near Fort William for two nights and then go to Skye or Inverness.
The best option depends on how your family likes to travel.
Fewer bases may be easier if your kids don’t like long car rides or changing hotels often. If you enjoy road trips with your family, going from one area to another can help you see more of the Highlands.
When Should I Make My Reservation?
Book ahead if you want to travel during the summer holidays. Popular Highland destinations can get crowded, especially near Skye, Fort William, and Aviemore.
Spring and autumn may be quieter, but the weather can change quickly.
Winter has its fun, but some tours, attractions, and accommodation businesses have shorter hours. Always check opening times before you plan your days.
Include Your Stay in Your Trip
You don’t have to stay in a fancy place for your family holiday to be enjoyable. The most important thing is that it fits your plans.
A hotel in the centre might save you time on the road. A cottage might offer more space. A remote lodge might offer the peace and quiet you want.
We at GoHighland Tours know that families want to see as much of Scotland as possible without feeling rushed. Where you stay can really change how easy your days are.
Plan your route, think about what your kids need, and know how long you’ll drive each day before you book.
By taking this simple step, you can spend more time enjoying the Highlands and less time travelling from place to place.
FAQs
Is Inverness a good place for families?
Yes. Inverness has hotels, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets and is close to many popular tourist spots. It can be a good place for families to stay if they want to see sights and use everyday facilities.
Should you stay in a hotel or a cottage?
Your family will decide. Hotels can be easier because you don’t have to cook, but cottages usually have more space and kitchens. If you have young children, the extra space in a cottage may help.
How long should a family stay in the Highlands?
It depends on how you get there. A short trip of three or four nights might work, but a longer holiday gives you more time to stop and enjoy places like Skye, Inverness, Fort William, and the Cairngorms.
Should families with kids stay on the Isle of Skye?
Staying on Skye can save you time on the drive if it’s an important part of your plans. Portree is a popular place to stay, but smaller villages offer more peace and quiet. If you want to travel during busy times, book early.