The little ones may have only just gone back to school, but half term will be here in the blink of an eye and, in all honesty, I’m seriously missing Lola by day so counting down to it already. If you can’t be doing with jumping on planes after hours killing time (and spending a fortune) in duty free, Scotland’s iconic Gleneagles hotel is seriously worth considering.

Gleneagles this half term

Gleneagles is always family-friendly and well worth a look in at any time of year, but from October 11th to November 2nd this year the hotel is offering a host of amazing activities, specifically with kids in mind. So no matter what week you’re half term falls upon, this is a great option for a getaway that doesn’t require enormous travel. From falconry to horse riding, learning to train a gun dog to cycling, off-road safaris to junior golf lessons, there is something here for children of every age and interest. Very little ones can be entertained in the playroom should you wish, while teenagers have their own ‘Zone,’ which includes table football and karaoke. There will be Mini Athletics, Football Skills, Basketball Drills and Kids Zumba classes going on that will help children make friends while seriously wearing themselves out. And throughout those dates, activities are organised for children all day long so they needn’t have a quiet moment alone (unless they want one of course).

And for parents?

Set across 850 acres of stunning Scottish countryside, Gleneagles offers far more than the world class golf for which it’s associated. Should you want some activity of your own, there is an on-site equestrian centre, clay shooting options, endless walkways and bike trails, and, of course, seriously sensational golf. There is a whole host of things to do, including riding in a hot air balloon and off-road driving. If you’re erring on the relaxing side of things, you’ll find yourself at the service of one of the world’s few hotels considered a Luxury Spa “Resort.” Aside from the amazing Ayurvedic treatments, massages, and choices of holistic therapies on offer, the whole experience, from the moment you walk into the ESPA spa, is one of relaxation, tranquility and pampering.  

Accommodation

There are lots of luxury family friendly accommodation options available: those with young children can arrive to cots or additional beds if needed, while those with older children should opt for the array of interconnecting rooms. There are no less than four restaurants to choose from at Gleneagles (one of which is Michelin-starred) so the dining options are immaculate and cater for even very fussy eaters. Children don’t have to order off the kids’ menus on offer in each restaurant if they don’t want to as the chefs will gladly create bespoke dishes based on their individual taste.

Where is it?

Located in the very heart of Scotland, Gleneagles is near to Perth and Stirling. If you don’t fancy driving, it has it’s own train station just two minutes from its front doors; if you crave the fun of duty free and choose to fly, both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are about a one hour drive away or, should you be one of the few with your own helicopter, arrangements can be made for them to land on the property. And once you’re there, you needn’t worry about having your car as the hotel offers a chauffeur service. I’m up for that. And the hot air balloon ride myself.

To book this hotel click here.

For other UK based hotels this half term, click here.