WITH its white sandy beaches to rival the Caribbean, dramatic mountains, lochs and verdant woodland, holidays in Scotland promise the very best of Mother Nature.
From the majesty of the Scottish Highlands and the beaches of Dumfries and Galloway to the bright lights of Edinburgh and Glasgow, there’s a destination for all.
And those dramatic views don’t have to come at a high price.
AT the open-air Highland Folk Museum, learn all about the people who have called the Scottish Highlands their home over the centuries.
It’s set in a mile-long, 80-acre site near to Newtonmore, Invernesshire, where live actors and 35 restored buildings bring history alive.
They show how past generations lived, worked and went to school. The beautiful, natural setting is also home to red squirrels. Entry is free and there’s picnic and play areas as well as a cafe and shops.
In southern Scotland, Mersehead nature reserve on the Solway coast near Caulkerbush, offers the chance to spot lapwings and skylarks breeding in spring, natterjack toads calling from the sand dunes in summer and barnacle geese in the autumn. Entry is free and there’s a visitor centre, cafe and playground.
WHEN the sun shines, there’s nothing like an ice cream to cool off.
And in Lossiemouth, Moray, great-value, freshly made, authentic Italian gelato is a must at Miele’s of Lossie.
The family-run business has been delighting for decades and is near the East Beach Bridge.
For bargain, all-day breakfasts, coffees and sweet treats in Southerness, Dumfriesshire, check out the Tea Caddy cafe next to the 19th Hole Pub.
And those looking to explore Glasgow should visit Scran, which does breakfast rolls from just £2.75 as well as a delicious range of brunch favourites.
THE amazing rock formations on Powillimount Beach in Dumfries, near Parkdean’s Southerness holiday park, are worth a visit. The sands are beautifully soft, and kids will also love climbing in between and over the unusual standing stones or hunting for fossils.
In the Moray Firth, Bow Fiddle Rock provides another stunning formation to admire — a natural sea arch near Portknockie made of quartzite.
The western and eastern beaches of the lovely seaside town of Lossiemouth promise more soft sands and stunning views.
And for more fantastic sea views, Nairn beach promises one of the sunniest climates in Scotland, with views across the Moray Firth to the Black Isle and a chance to spot some of the many resident dolphin pods. Both are within easy drive of Park Holidays’ Silver Sands Holiday Park.
YOU can’t go to Scotland and not learn about its most famed export.
There are hundreds of whisky distilleries to visit, from big-name brands to small, local concerns.
For a value tour that offers a bit of everything, head to the Glen Moray distillery in Elgin. Under-18s go free and the one-hour tour is £12 for adults, including a complimentary taste of two whiskies.
For details, see glenmoray.com. Or, on a day when rain may stop play, head to Pirate Pete’s (see piratepetes.co.uk) — Scotland’s largest indoor soft-play centre in Ayr is awash with adventures for kids, with sessions starting from just £5.
As well as soft play, there is Laser Quest, mini-golf and a coffee shop for adults to relax in while the little ones go wild. Midweek sessions, including two hours’ play and a kids’ meal, start from just £10.
SIGN up for a free Ramblers account and you’ll have access to details of some lovely short walks, — all under three miles — from Southerness Holiday Park. You’ll wander through fabulous coastal and countryside scenery and pass several points of interest along the way (see ramblers.org.uk).
Film fans can enjoy some of the amazing Scottish locations featured in the Harry Potter movies.
See visitscotland.com, where there is an amazing four-day itinerary to follow. It’s broken down day by day, and you’ll get pictures and details of what scenes were shot where.
Alternatively, if you are staying at a park within driving distance of Glasgow, there are many free things to see and do.
The Riverside Museum sits on the banks of the River Clyde and is packed full of artefacts and interactive displays.
Or discover the history of the city at The People’s Palace in Glasgow Green — and enjoy a stroll in its Winter Gardens.
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