Family hotels in January

[JustAMum35]

We have 3 days (midweek) in mid January where we can get away as a family.

We would love a nice couple of family days away so are on the hunt for a hotel somewhere in Scotland which also has some indoor things to do for pre-school aged DC since it’s likely to be awful weather. And maybe some attractions nearby? Usually happy to be out in all weathers but would like to cover all bases since it’s so unpredictable 😅

We managed to get away in January last year and went to Center Parcs but we had a week to play with. Previous years we have been to Crieff Hydro - that will be our backup choice again.

Hoping someone might have a hidden gem 😊

Cameron Hose on Loch Lomond has a lovely indoor pool which we have used a lot when we have stayed during the winter months. Close to Glasgow for shopping and cinemas etc, but we tend to drive and do short walks in the surrounding area, visit cafes for lunch etc.

@HellooooJackie Thank you! Have only ever been for a spa day so would be nice to try the hotel. Have you stayed at Crieff Hydro?
Cam House is almost double the price of Crieff for our dates (almost £400 vs almost £800) - if you’ve stayed at both would you say the difference is worth it?

Haven't been to Crieff Hydro, no, but it's on my list to try :-)

We stay in one of the lodges at Cameron House - worth seeing if you can get one of those? But not sure if they are cheaper or not than the hotel itself. Mid-week in January is likely to be a very slow time for any hotel, so I would have thought you could get a good deal?

Ah - just seen the price - that is a lot!

Peebles Hydro is nice. Town of Peebles a five minute drive away and if the weather holds there’s a fabulous mountain biking trail another short drive away. Very family friendly but on a slightly smaller scale than Crieff.

At that time of year why don't you do a city break so there will be plenty of indoor things to do?

@HellooooJackie Will have a look at the lodges too, thanks 🙂

@TuesdaysAreBest Have visited Peebles quite a few times but always for work! Is there plenty to do locally?

@MiddleAgedDread City break is definitely another option ☺️ Although last time we visited Edinburgh in January it was bloody freezing and blowing a gale 🤣

Yeah but at least there’s indoor attractions in Edinburgh when it’s bloody freezing and howling a gale, I’m not sure what you’d do for a couple of days in Peebles!

If the weather really closes in then only a city is going to entertain you outside the hotel. How about Edinburgh? Maybe the Hoiday Inn next to the zoo? Lots of museums and cinemas a short bus ride away.

The Holiday Inn by the zoo is a good option for Edinburgh, or the village hotel - both have parking if you’re coming by car, plenty of regular buses from right outside to get you into the city centre and a pool!
if the weather is good you could do the zoo, or conifox, the beach at portobello if it’s really nice, go to the national museum, play areas in princes street and the meadows, botanic gardens for a run around, there’s loads to do with wee kids in all weathers!