Luxury Family Travel in Scotland with BBC Radio Scotland
Today I was talking luxury breaks with children on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Out for the Weekend’ show. Having celebrated some special occasions in five star establishments I’ve got over my mild anxiety about mixing kids with luxury! I pictured someone trying to propose over dinner whilst my kids sing ‘Wind the Bobbin Up’ in the background -romantic… But we’ve now stayed in a mix of luxury star establishments, from city breaks, to rural escapes, spa breaks and luxury self-catering. I’ve shared a few tips, lessons learned and where to get the best steak for your tiny tot – now that’s what I call a Children’s Menu. Listen at 1.27.15 to hear more.
Here are the venues we’ve tried:-
CITY BREAK – THE CHESTER HOTEL IN ABERDEEN
The Guest Lounge in the Chester Hotel
The Chester Hotel is a relatively central and sumptuous five star hotel in the Granite City. The food is quite exceptional, and the kid’s menu (named after a wee dog cleverly named ‘Chester’) features the wonderfully titled ‘My First Steak’. Whilst the title is tongue in cheek it was very good value at £7. The restaurant and bar are popular with locals of Aberdeen, which speaks volumes. The spa treatments and afternoon teas are also hotspots for visitors and Aberdonians alike. Review and blog post coming soon.
RURAL RETREAT – ARDANAISEIG HOTEL
The Drawing Room at Ardanaseig
Ardanaseig Hotel has been chosen by the editors of the Good Hotel Guide 2017 as their favourite Country House Hotel and Romantic Hotel in Scotland. Located on the banks of the atmospheric Loch Awe, it’s a real destination. It’s not the type of country house with passing trade, this is a venue that people take the time to visit especially. For a full review please click here.
SELF-CATERING This is an ideal option for families, with the privacy of cooking and dining in your own accommodation, yet with the privilege and luxury interiors you’d expect of a five star property. We loved the self catering option at Knockdow House, it was so elegant, but sadly this property has just been sold. Can anything top Knockdow?
SPA HOTEL – GLEDDOCH HOTEL, GOLF AND SPA
We’re counting down to our spa trip to Gleddoch. We know that there’s a pool and rooftop hot tubs so we certainly plan to take our tots for a dip, and we need to check the age restrictions on the hot tub. I’m booked in for a back massage, and the plan is for Mr Husband to take the kids to explore the grounds. Luxury properties usually have wonderful gardens, or are part of an extensive estate, so it’s a case of pulling the wellies on and having a mini outdoor adventure. At Gleddoch the tots may even witness a round of golf. And if the weather’s off then we usually find luxury hotel rooms notably spacious, so hanging out with some toys in the room or suite feels relatively homely, or there’s also the option of the guys grabbing a hot chocolate at the bar whilst mummy is being pampered. Can’t wait. If you’ve done a spa trip with kids any tips welcome!
CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON TEA
We loved the Children’s Afternoon Tea at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen. Chocolate milkshake, jelly with raspberries, marshmallow and strawberry skewers, lots of luxury treats for little angels. Read the full review here.
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We are doing a Scottish road trip
Including Aberdeen next month so this is very helpful
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I have a lot about Aberdeen on the blog as it’s where we’re based. Do browse the blog or search for ‘Aberdeen’. Any questions please just ask. And there’s some great stops out in the countryside, in Aberdeenshire, so let me know what you’re into and I’ll happily put my thinking cap on.
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I love that children’s afternoon tea, how fab is that! I’ve not taken my kids to a luxury hotel yet, I’m not sure I would, I’d rather keep the luxury for me and the hubby 🙂
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If I was Queen I’d have luxury with the kids and my other half as well!
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Ah wow, this all looks amazing! We honeymooned in Scotland and it’d be so special to travel back with our little one in tow now. A little luxury is needed for all parents I think, whether the children are with them or not.
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It should being back lots of good memories. I hope you get a chance to revisit soon.
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GLEDDOCH HOTEL looks amazing, we still have so much of Scotland left to explore. How did your pitch go?
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Really looking forward to Gleddoch. Pitch was a 64 page document so think it will take a while for a reply!
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I love the sound of these hotels. Been to Scotland once. Bookmarked this post for when we visit again.
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Great to hear it. This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to luxury accommodation in Scotland so hope you enjoy your research.
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I will have to listen out for your chat, I have never thought about mixing kids and luxury but glad to know its doable
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It’s a lovely treat for all the family when family five star is done well.
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Oh gosh that hotel is to die for! Absolute luxury and have to say – I’m a tad jealous, ha!
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They were all so different so I don’t actually have a favourite as it’s not really comparing like with like. All lovely in their own setting.
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Oh these all look lovely! It’s not often you find somewhere that dies children’s afternoon tea!
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It was quite a special day out for us. First time we’ve had such a lovely time as a kind of mum/son outing – hopefully he’ll be taking me for afternoon tea when I’m grey and old.
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