Scottish hotel(or North of England) good for kids and near public transport

[onthewineagain]

Hello,

I’m hoping to take my kids away for a night or two later in the year.

We live about 30 minutes from Glasgow and happy to travel for 2 or 3 hours.

I’ve got a long term shoulder injury so won’t be able to drive for the foreseeable, so something near a train station would be ideal.

Also somewhere with something on site to occupy the kids.

Not Crieff Hydro.

At the moment I’m thinking either a couple of nights in Edinburgh, go to the Dungeons and the museum of childhood. not sure what else.

Or ferry over the Hunters Quay in Dunoon.

Had considered flying to Belfast and going to Titanic museum but the cost was mounting up a bit.

Would also go south, considered Alnwick for Alnwick castle and gardens but the train station is in Alnmouth, although I guess we could get a taxi.

Three kids ages 10, 7 and 5

Anybody got any recommendations?

Arran? See if there are any deals at Auchrannie. There are lots of other places to stay on Arran, but Auchrannie has a pool on site and (I think) a play barn. Several eating options, including the Cruze Bar (sp) which the last time we were there (some years ago) was very good for eating with kids. Brodick Castle is nearby, which has an adventure playground and lovely walks. The Isle of Arran Museum is also very good, especially in rainy weather, and does special events in the holidays, many aimed at families. Auchrannie sends a minibus to meet ferries, or you could get a bus most of the way there. In Brodick there are a few shops including a very good ice cream/pizza parlour and a miniature golf course in front of Little Rock cafe (also good, fabulous view). The buses on Arran are pretty good - not super frequent, but they go all round the island and in our experience they are pretty reliable. You can get to Machrie Moor to see the standing stones, or up to Lochranza to wander round the ruined castle and see the deer wandering about, or various other places. Very good straightforward uphill and down again walk in Whiting Bay to Glenashdale Falls, which are well worth seeing, and Whiting Bay has a lovely beach and a couple of very good cafes.

Thank you, I hadn’t thought of Arran. Might be tricky to get to the ferry without a car but Dunoon will be the same.

thank you, I will look into it.

I wouldn't take kids that young to Edinburgh Dungeons, they're too young. The National Museum, Camera Obscura, walk up Calton Hill, walk the Royal Mile, Museum of Childhood, Portobello beach, Edinburgh zoo, botanic gardens, there's a big play area at The Meadows, bowling or indoor golf at Fountainpark......
The trains from Glasgow link up to the ferry to Arran, it's quite easy without a car.
There's a caravan site at Weymss Bay opposite the train station and ferry terminal to Bute, also a fairly decent service runs along the coast to places like Largs. But there's probably less to do if the weather isn't great.

If you do decide on Arran, it's a very quick and simple transfer from train to ferry at Ardrossan. If the Caledonian Isle does indeed return this month, she will be doing the Brodick to Ardrossan route. The Glen Sannox (new ferry) has to use Troon, which means transferring by bus to the drop off point and then trudging up the slope to the station. If you are travelling alone with three children I can see that might be daunting.

Are your family particularly active/outdoorsy?

We've always had a lovely time at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre.

There are loads of activities to book on site: archery, dry ski slope, canoes etc, two reasonable playgrounds and some nice walks.

They run a shuttle bus from Aviemore train station if you prefer not to drive

Would you not be able to get the train to Troon? Where are you roughly ? I think your idea of Edinburgh is good you could so the zoo or just wander about the Museums etc.

Thanks, will check out Largs etc

Fairly outdoorsy but not wanting anything too strenuous at the moment due to shoulder injury.

Will keep this in mind for another time though, thank you.

i do like Troon, but it’s really just a day trip from where we are. Something a bit further afield and with more to do would be good.

i think Edinburgh may be my best bet.

@OneCraftyBear I think you might to be more specific given the specifications!! Do you realise how big “the highlands” is? 🙄

There are buses from just outside Alnmouth train station to Alnwick - one an hour, I think. Just don't try and walk it like some tourists do - it's a very windy country road with no pavement. Also, Alnmouth train station is about 15mins walk to Alnmouth itself, but that is walkable with a good path. Loads to do in the area for kids that age.

What about Newcastle? Loads to do for kids, Centre for Life, Discovery Museum, castle keep, the Glasshouse in Gateshead. There is also the metro out to the coast to reach Tynemouth. Great shops and restaurants too

Sorry I meant get the ferry to Arran from Troon but I don't think it sails from there! I agree Edinburgh would be your best bet, and its easy to get around.

Thank you, good shout, I’ve never been to Newcastle

That’s good to know, thank you

Train to Thurso, ferry to Orkney?

Train to Aviemore - a good few hotel options in town - and from Aviemore itself there are buses towards Morlich and the ski area, train to Inverness, and just lots and lots to do within walking distance of town.
I have used High Range Motel before and thought it really good, and the attached Italian restaurant is superb.

Newcastle is really good, but for occupying the kids a weekend at Center Parcs might be the best bet.