Multi-Generational Travel in Scotland: Making Memories

30th April 2025

A vacation can be an excellent way to bring the family together, away from the pressures of everyday life, to share stories, enjoy each other’s company, and simply have fun. Scotland offers countless opportunities to create memories, with activities suited to every age and interest, along with the comfort of luxury accommodations and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Scotland is the perfect backdrop for meaningful family time.

Pulling together a successful multi-generational trip is very much a collaborative effort. While our team of travel professionals have plenty of expert advice to offer, we reached out to some of our past clients who have first-hand experience of this type of trip in Scotland. Here, they share some of their favourite accommodations, activities, and insider tips.

Carefully Curated Activities

Travelling with multiple generations can be a rewarding way to reconnect, celebrate milestones, and enjoy quality time together. Scotland’s range of activities that the whole family can enjoy makes it an ideal destination. Some families’ idea of time off together is waking up at the crack of dawn to go hiking; for others, perhaps a more relaxing trip on a scenic train. The good news is that there are plenty of options in Scotland.

Something that has always been a client favourite is a boat trip aboard the Seaflower on the Isle of Skye. The wildlife lovers of the family can keep their eyes glued to the horizon to spot dolphins leaping out of the water, while others can sit back and take in the scenery. The whole family can then enjoy a seafood lunch together on board before returning to port, full and content.

Insider Tips from our Clients:

“We loved archery and clay pigeon shooting. We had lots of laughs! Another part of our trip we absolutely loved was the wild picnic in Highland Perthshire – oh and one more thing — Broomhall House —so special and full of incredible history” – Amy Seiden

“My mother-in-law absolutely loved the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Sitting next to her at the show was a real treat; her enthusiasm was infectious. The picnic in Straloch also exceeded my expectations. Lovely food and beautiful country made for a relaxing afternoon. The kids (and a few adults) really enjoyed an impromptu stop we made along Loch Ness at Drumbuie Farm to feed some highland cows.” – Will Campbell

“We had a private charter of the Seaflower and had the most wonderful day, eating the freshest seafood onboard in a sheltered cove before exploring remote islands on foot.” – Martin Beck

A Home Away from Home

Having a place to stay that feels like a home away from home makes all the difference on a family trip. Imagine having an entire historic house or grand estate all to yourselves, where every detail is thoughtfully cared for. Share laughter over unforgettable meals cooked by private chefs, explore breathtaking landscapes with a personal guide, and relax by the fire after a day of adventure. We have an array of accommodation partners across the country, from exclusive-use properties to luxury resort hotels, that can provide you with space to enjoy each other’s company in your own space.

Tucked away in the heart of the Cairngorms, Glenfeshie Estate offers an exclusive-use escape that is perfect for family time together. Surrounded by mountains, ancient forests, and winding rivers, it’s a place where you and your loved ones can slow down and reconnect with nature and with each other.

Insider Tips from our clients:

“As for accommodations, Cuillin Hills and Blervie House stand out. Much of the charm of Blervie House stems from the wonderful hosts. Though we were only there for a couple of nights, we parted as if we were old friends.” – Will Campbell

“All of us LOVED the Fife Arms in Braemar. We really enjoyed the accommodations, the cute town and the guided hike.” – Amy Seiden

“Our stay at Glenfeshie was on another level, and our only regret was not staying longer. The whole family loved the pony picnic that we did there, and the staff could not have been more attentive.” – Martin Beck

The Luxury of Options

One of the most challenging aspects of multi-generational travel is differing tastes. Some may want to play a round of golf, others wish to visit whisky distilleries, while the younger ones are keen to go pony trekking. Scotland’s diverse offerings mean no one has to miss out. With well-connected destinations, each generation can enjoy their preferred pastimes while still coming together for the moments that matter.

Gleneagles pairs luxury accommodation and dining with a range of unforgettable experiences. Set against the rolling hills of Perthshire, this legendary estate feels like its own world. World-class golf, indulgent spa treatments, and adventurous outdoor activities are just some examples of what is on offer. Every detail at Gleneagles is thoughtfully crafted, meaning you can please everyone, with no compromise on quality. It’s a perfect setting for making memories that will last a lifetime with those who matter most.

Insider Tips from our Clients:

“Try to do your best to figure out what everyone in your family is going to enjoy prior to the trip. If you know that a family member may not be interested in a hike, a museum, etc., then give them the choice to opt out of that activity…without the guilt!” – Amy Seiden

“Developing an itinerary that everyone can find enjoyment in took effort. Some of our group were interested in a whisky tour, but it probably wouldn’t have been a favourite stop for the kids. The younger crowd would have enjoyed some time hiking, but we had to be mindful of the endurance of the older generation.” – Will Campbell

Travelling at a Slower Pace

One of the joys of family travel is slowing down to appreciate each moment. Take it from us, you will want to stop to marvel at the scenery. You can pause for leisurely pub lunches, scenic picnics, or cosy afternoons at a country estate, giving everyone the time to recharge while still experiencing the beauty of the landscape.

We often advise people not to try to fit too much into their itinerary, as one of the most common pieces of feedback we hear from our clients is that they wish they had just a little more time for relaxation. Free time is good for enjoying accommodations and exploring small towns on a whim, stopping for photographs at viewpoints along the way. For multi-generational travel, a driver and guide are a must. Being chauffeured from place to place in comfort, with the option to make impromptu stops, takes the experience to the next level.

Insider Tips from our Clients:

“By the end of the tour, one thing I realised was that we didn’t bake enough free time into our journey. We were able to see a great deal with our schedule, but unstructured time gives you a chance to soak in a culture. It allows travellers to fan out and find something special to them.” – Will Campbell

“I would probably like to explore and spend time in some smaller towns/villages that we would pass as we were headed to our next destination. And it would be nice to arrive at certain destinations earlier in order to enjoy the amenities” – Amy Seiden

Scotland offers the perfect setting for unforgettable getaways across generations. With breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and thoughtful touches tailored to your family’s interests, these escapes create space to truly connect. For those seeking meaningful time with loved ones, Scotland offers an exceptional way to travel together.