Scotland's Natural Escape: A Tech-Free Vacation for Your Family This Summer?
Nestled within the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside, Glen Dye offers an idyllic retreat for families seeking adventure and exploration. Here, we highlight some of the best family-friendly outdoor activities and attractions within reach of Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages.
Just a half-hour drive east of Glen Dye lies the Aberdeenshire coastline, home to the historic towns of St Cyrus and Stonehaven. The latter is where you'll find Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic cliffside fortress that offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's past while providing breathtaking coastal views.
For those interested in more castle visits, Craigievar Castle, with its fairy-tale turrets, is a picturesque destination surrounded by scenic foothills. Guided tours during the summer season captivate both adults and children with tales of its history. Castle Fraser and Drum Castle, located nearby, also offer captivating architecture, gardens, and kid-friendly features like secret staircases and chapels in a wooded setting.
Aberdeen's outdoor parks, such as Hazlehead Park and Seaton Park, provide open green spaces, playgrounds, and opportunities for family picnics. For indoor activities, consider the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Science Centres, offering interactive and educational experiences for children interested in maritime history and science.
Seasonal visitors can enjoy Codonas Amusement Park, which features family-friendly rides, water attractions, and play areas for younger children.
For a nature-focused day, combining castle visits with park time is highly recommended. The nearby towns of Stonehaven and Laurencekirk also offer opportunities for exploring the great outdoors.
Back at Glen Dye, families can enjoy a range of activities within the estate itself. The Seed Store Restaurant, located in a converted 19th-century barn, operates on Saturdays during July and August, offering dishes cooked over fire using the estate's natural larder.
Mountain bikes can be hired for a hilly 7.5-mile loop out to Charr Bothy, while the Discovery & Adventure Trail offers a one-mile circuit through dense pine forest with interactive features such as hidden tunnels, spider web-like cargo nets, and a mirror maze.
Every property at Glen Dye comes equipped with its own wood-fired hot tub and barbecue, providing the perfect setting for a family evening under the stars. For those seeking more active pursuits, the Glen Dye sauna, ice baths, outdoor tubs, and wild swimming in the River Dye are available for guests.
For a challenge, Clachnaben, a Tolkienesque, granite-topped peak on Glen Dye's estate, can be climbed in around 1.5 hours.
After a day of adventure, families can unwind at The Glen Dye Arms, an on-site pub offering a dartboard and record player. Nearby, The Fife Arms in Braemar offers a muralled dining room and a Family Room with board games for children.
Lastly, for those interested in wildlife, Balmoral Castle, the Queen's favourite royal residence, offers a two-hour expedition tour by Land Rover, with binoculars provided to maximise the chance of spotting red deer.
Whether you're seeking history, nature, or family-friendly fun, Glen Dye and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities for an unforgettable Scottish adventure.
- Families seeking adventure can embark on a castle expedition to Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic cliffside fortress in Stonehaven, just a half-hour drive east of Glen Dye.
- For those who appreciate nature, combining castle visits with park time in the nearby towns of Stonehaven and Laurencekirk offers opportunities for exploring the great outdoors.
- After a day of activities, families can unwind at The Glen Dye Arms, an on-site pub offering a dartboard and record player, or The Fife Arms in Braemar, featuring a muralled dining room and a Family Room with board games.
- As the sun sets, families can enjoy a tranquil evening under the stars while using their wood-fired hot tub and barbecue at their Glen Dye cottage, or try wild swimming in the River Dye for a genuine adventure lifestyle experience.
