Child Friendly Activities
Northwest Scotland is the perfect destination for family holiday breaks, with plenty of child-friendly activities, natural play and ways to enjoy the Scottish outdoors. Here are some of our favourites.If you’re planning to visit the north coast of Scotland with children, look no further! The northwest offers loads of adventure and exciting child-friendly activities, including animals, bikes and boats. You’ll also find beautiful clean, quiet beaches for paddling, wilderness fun for young explorers, and plenty of buggy-accessible trails and paths, so you can be sure of something to suit all the family.
Family activities and outings for all ages
These outings and activities are ideal for mixed family groups including small children.
Culag Woods, Lochinver
Fantastic woodland on the edge of a little beach with swings and a barbecue area. Lots of wildlife and winding paths made by local children. Buggy-friendly.
- Distance: 2 miles.
- Distance to start point: 18 miles.
- All-abilities paths.
- Shelters and eco-toilets.
- Barbecue and picnic area.
- See Culag Woods website
Knockan Crag Nature Reserve, Ullapool
Open all year round, with three trails and lots of wildlife and birdlife to see. Combine with a visit to Rock Stop visitor centre.
- Distance: 2 miles.
- Distance to start point: 20 miles.
- 24-hour toilets.
- On the bus route.
- RADAR wheelchair-accessible toilet.
- Two picnic areas.
- Trails for different abilities.
- Wonderful views across Coigach and Assynt.
- See SNH website
Achmelvich Beach
- Distance to beach: 20 miles.
- Dogs not allowed in peak tourist season.
- Get a pie from Lochinver pie shop to eat on the beach!
- See Walk Highlands website
Clachtoll Beach
White sandy beach with blue sea and an Iron Age broch nearby. Stunning mountain views. Dogs allowed. Great for rockpooling.
- Distance to beach: 22 miles.
- See Walk Highlands website
Oldshoremore Beach
Beautiful pink sand beach, clean, safe, great for rock pooling.
- Distance to beach: 27 miles.
- Good parking.
- Toilets.
- See Walk Highlands website
Smoo Cave, Durness
Adventurous kids will love this vast limestone cave – great for smuggler stories and you can go in by boat!
- Distance to Durness: 35 miles.
- See Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe website
Loch Broom Leisure Centre, Ullapool
Swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, family fun sessions. Great for rainy days.
- Distance to Ullapool: 33 miles.
- See Loch Broom Leisure Centre
- See also: Outdoor activities, including horse riding, canoes and boat trips.
Cocoa Mountain, Balnakeil
Always a hit with the kids! Hand-made chocolates and hot chocolate.
- Distance: 36 miles.
- Visit Cocoa Mountain
Our boat, the Rachel Clare, departs from the slipway opposite the Hotel.
