Without a doubt, your family will fall in love with Scotland. For younger family members, it’s a land of ancient castles and legendary warriors; a land where a young wizard took a steam train into the wonderful magical world. For grown-ups, the country is no less magical: discover awe-inspiring landscapes, enduring traditions, warm hospitality and perhaps even the odd dram of single malt whisky.
This remarkable week-long adventure combines city and countryside living beginning in Scotland’s vibrant capital and ending in the ‘Playground of the Gods’.
GET IN TOUCHThis 7 day Scottish family Dream Escape could include the following experiences;
During your week-long adventure, stay in three different properties:
In Edinburgh, stay in a stunning apartment in Edinburgh’s newest destination for the modern luxury traveller; located in the heart of the city.
In the Highlands stay in an historic mansion, residing in a grand two-bedroom suite.
Your final accommodation in Perthshire is a resort known as “The Playground of the Gods”. Experience the divine setting, dining, activities and facilities of this incredible hotel.
Take a private two-hour tour of the city in two Mini Coopers. It will be a sight-seeing tour with a difference; venture off the beaten track to discover hidden gems and local favourites that most tourist miss!
By the end of your tour you’ll have experienced Edinburgh like a true local – with lots of stories and photos to show for it!
Edinburgh Castle, perched on ancient volcanic rock, has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from it near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings.
Meet the Highland Cattle. With their fluffy hair and long horns, the cows are a true icon of Scotland and make for a great photo opportunity! Perhaps also take the time to meet some of the farm’s smaller residents – chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. Lambing takes place at the end of April, and you will be welcome to feed any pet lambs that may be around.
Travel over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnian Viaduct, now best known from the Harry Potter films
Experience first-hand the art of falconry. Known as the “sport of kings”, this is a wonderful opportunity to see magnificent birds of prey up close. Often including Falcons, Owls, Hawks and Eagles; in full flight, they are spectacular.
After you’ve aced the training, enjoy a privately guided tour of the countryside, seeing places that are not easily accessible by car. En-route, experience a mix of twists, turns and straight open paths. Keep your eyes peeled and you may also catch a glimpse of some wonderful local wildlife!
Scotland’s historic capital city. Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling cashmere goods and hand crafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story: delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.
Scotland’s most famous glen which lies in the heart of an ancient volcano.It is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the country and certainly one of the most dramatic; thundering waterfalls tumble down the sides of mountains into sparkling lochs. Glencoe also has its place firmly in the history books due to its savage history. It was the site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald of Glencoe by government troops in 1692. On a wintery dawn morning, in a terrible breach of trust, the soldiers fell on their hosts.
When Gleneagles first opened its doors in 1924, it was quickly dubbed the Playground of the Gods. Today, its claim to that title is undiminished: experience for yourself the divine setting, dining and facilities of the hotel. As the saying goes, “There are many beautiful places in the world. There are many great hotels. There are many famous golf courses and resorts. There is only one Gleneagles”.
Having won “Best of the Best Family Programme” at the 2013 Virtuoso Awards and “Best Family Hotel” at the 2014 Junior Design Awards, as well as high praise from Condé Nast Traveller, it is little surprise that the resort’s family-oriented activities are nothing short of amazing.
In the words of Sir Walter Scott, Perthshire is “the fairest portion of the northern kingdom“. Taking in the region’s beauty, from its serene glens and endless expanses of lush forest, to its bleakly beautiful moors, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls, it’s impossible to argue with him
