Families enjoy hostelling in Scotland

Families are keen hostellers alongside the traditional customers of . backpackers, hillwalkers and educational groups. Families on a budget are rediscovering hostel accommodation. Here is a small selection of some of our family friendly hostels; use our accommodation search button to find more.

Fraoch Lodge, Boat of Garten

Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten village (in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park), is actively encouraging families with very young children to stay with them, which has paid off. They offer flexible meal arrangements, free babysitting and variety of services from off-road push chair to real nappies and their own 3 year old son, Gregor as playmate. Families can opt for twin or family rooms. They have also noticed an increase in families with older children staying.

 “If our guests are looking to do something active, there are plenty of choices from kayaking to hill walking; from ball pits to swimming” owner Rebecca Field explains “ All the family can participate at a level to suit with lots of walks and nature experiences. Loch Garten is virtually on the doorstep for Osprey watching, or the Speyside Wildlife Badger hide is an amazing experience for older children” http://www.scotmountain.co.uk/hostel

Marthrown of Mabie Forest Bunkhouse

Located in the heart of Mabie Forest in Dumfries and Galloway in the South West Corner of Scotland, the Forest Bunkhouse is perfect for a family break. To make it easier on Mum and Dad they can provide a cot and a bed guard for young childen with a highchair, books, toys and games available.  For older children, Marthrown of Mabie is a fabulous playground with a play area for football, badminton, volleyball or basket ball along with hot tub, sauna and BBQ area on site. It is the perfect base for walking, biking and nature wathching; it is not only surrounded by wildlife, Red Squirrels and woodpeckers come right into the courtyard. A replica Iron Age Roundhouse also provides unique hostel accommodation!  Find out more>

Ardenbeg Bunkhouse, Grantown-on-Spey, Cairngorms

Nearby Ardenbeg Bunkhouse in Grantown-on-Spey is popular with families with older children enjoying the local adventure activities  such as zip wiring, high ropes, canyoning, tubing and white water rafting.  By self-catering and sharing family rooms, families keep the cost of accommodation to a minimum, while making the most of the outdoors. Family rooms come as 4 bunk or 6 bunk with private shower and start at £18.00 per person per night (children £13.00). http://www.ardenbeg.co.uk

Slochd Mhor Lodge, Carrbridge, Inverness

Liz and Ian at Slochd Mhor Lodge have always been happy to welcome families with children who will book their ensuite family rooms sleeping five people or take their small dorm, sleeping 6. “Our underfloor heating helps to underpin that hostelling is perfect for families with children playing on the floor! “ says Liz.  “We attract families with young children by providing cots, highchairs, baby bath but also lots of indoor and outdoor play opportunities. There are even small Crocs for the children to change into while indoors.  In the snowy season they have a pulk for pulling a child behind mum or dad on skis as well as nordic skis and boots for children from as young as three years old ” http://www.slochd.co.uk

Chase the Wild Goose Hostel, Banavie, Fort William

Some hostels are actively encouraging families by providing a financial incentive.  Stephen Fairclough at “Chase the Wild Goose” Hostel on the Great Glen Way at Banavie, Fort William is very pleased to offer families a special 15% discount.  “It can be expensive taking the whole family away on holiday so we are very pleased to make it as affordable as we can” said Stephen. http://www.great-glen-hostel.com

Galson Farm Bunkhouse, Island of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

David Roberts is one of the most far-flung members of Scotland Independent Hostels; situated on a croft on the west coast of Lewis, Galson Farm Bunkhouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.  David has noticed an increase in families in his bunkhouse who have chosen to have a touring adventure around Scotland with the children instead of a more expensive holiday abroad.  “The children love the freedom and the camaraderie of hostelling” says David, who also takes a pride in introducing all his guests to his rather naughty herd of Belted Galloway Cattle!  http://www.galsonfarm.co.uk

Comrie Croft, Perthshire

Comrie Croft currently offers a recession busting “Kids go Free” for Hostel stays which is very family friendly indeed! http://www.comriecroft.com

Group Accommodation and Exclusive Use for families

Some Hostels are small enough for a family to book out for themselves and have exclusive use and others are large enough to offer group accommodation for a big family gathering or celebration.  Use our accommodation search facility to find the accommodation that suits you best.

Accommodation Search

To find the accommodation that suits your family, use our accommodation search button in the right hand margin.  Simply choose your area(s) of Scotland and send a message to all hostels in that area with as much detail as possible.  Hostels with the right kind of accommodation and with availability will get back in touch with you.