Scotland is a magical land for a family adventure, not least as it’s home to the UK’s largest National Park, the Cairngorms. With its lochs and glens, mountains and wildlife, along with a rich heritage, it’s the kind of holiday destination that will leave families enriched. Even the easiest of hikes will take you past incredible flora and fauna, and children can learn all about the campaign to bring beavers back to the park. The rewilding debate about whether to reintroduce wolves is fascinating for older children too. There’s plenty of Highland culture to explore around Braemar, home to the Highland Games, and royal history at Balmoral Castle, a much-loved home of Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II. Come in winter for a spot of family skiing or in summer for loch swims.

Stay at The Fife Arms

Situated in the heart of Braemar, this former coaching inn has been transformed into one of the most extraordinary hotels in the UK by owner Hauser and Wirth, known for their art collections. Children will gasp in awe at the mounted animal heads, the flying stag over the bar and the life-sized figure of Queen Victoria in the library, whilst parents will recognise the quality of the art from Freud’s to Picassos. Each room is themed and the attention to detail is impressive. On fair-weather days, there are many family walks and cycle routes to take from the hotel, including an exciting treasure hunt. And if the Scottish weather means you’ll be ‘drookit’ (soaking wet), children can head to the stylishly cosy family room with board games, books, table football, a DVD player and Xbox. Or you can all indulge in a beautiful Scottish afternoon tea in The Clunie restaurant.

Often referred to as ‘Big Tree Country’, the Scottish region of Perthshire straddling the Highlands and Lowlands offers a truly wild adventure for families. Feed curious minds with the exotic animals of Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park or an alpaca trek. Alternatively observe more native creatures with a Beaver safari with Perthshire Wildlife or a trip to Briarlands Farm. For little monkeys, the Active Kid Adventure Park is the perfect place for children to release any excess energy, whilst older children may prefer Go Ape Aberfoyle for a treetop challenge.

Stay at Cromlix

This beautifully renovated Victorian mansion in Dunblane has been lovingly brough up to five-star standards by Kim and Andy Murray. As you would expect there’s plenty of opportunity for a game of tennis and pickleball here, but as this famous couple are parents of three children, they are well aware what makes a hotel great for families. Check out the room teepees, squirrel toys and kids amenities, the milk and cookies in the evening. As well as family rooms, The Laurel Gate Lodge will stick in children’s minds as a fairytale kind of place to stay with its mini turret and pretty interiors.

Little princes and princesses, this one’s for you! Visit Ayrshire in south-west Scotland, and immerse the whole family in history at one of the local castles. Our top picks are Ardstinchar Castle ruins or, for something a little grander, meander around Castle Kennedy and play in the gorgeous gardens. For those looking for alternative family activities in Ayrshire, Agnew Park in Stranraer has a mini railway, boating lake, go-kart track and pirate’s ship playground. Girvan Beach is also perfect for family seaside holidays in Scotland, even though you may have to brave a bit of cold water swimming even in summer! And if you little ones are fans of Peter Pan, don’t miss a visit to Moat Brae in Dumfries, a magical centre for children’s literature, once the home of author J M Barrie.

Stay at Glenapp Castle

As a piper I full tartan regalia pipes you and your family in through the impressive stone arched entrance, children will be wowed by the sense of Scottish history here. This five-star hotel has thoughtful family-friendly rooms and penthouse suite with its own library media room and games room, plus plenty on site to keep families entertained from a half days training to be a Glenapp Ranger, playing croquet , French boules or quoits, or hanging out with the beekeepers. And never mind about going all the way to Africa for a safari, Glenapp is close enough to the west coast to escape for a Hebridean Sea Safari, or don’t miss a Kitchen Coos and Ewes farmer-led Highland cow safari with freshly made tea and cakes afterwards in the farmhouse kitchen. This is family holidaying at its finest.