Log cabins in the Highlands

The Highlands are a wonderful place to introduce your children to the natural world. On the island of Skye, take them to Fairy Pools – navigate the streams and stepping-stones on the 45 minutes’ walk to these magical clear cascades and rock pools. The landscape is one big natural playground, great for exploration and games of hide and seek

Keen hikers will find a picture-perfect paradise of rugged mountains, rolling mists and placid lakes. With a plethora of magical trails, where to go first? The Black Cuillin is a world-famous range of mountains on the Isle of Skye. Nature at its imperious best, spectacular from every angle, if you only have time to hike one area of the Highlands, make this your preferred choice.

The Highlands has two fabulous things in abundance – marvellous mountains, and wonderful whisky. Join the exclusive tastings, tours and events related to truly iconic single malts at the Highland Whisky festival in May. Or why not spend a woozy day at the Glengoyne distillery, often described as the 'most beautiful distillery in Scotland'? The highlight is the Maturation Room, which showcases how whisky is aged in wooden casks.

One of the most striking viaducts in the world, it is now even more famous as the bridge the Hogwarts Express crossed on its way to Hogwarts. Take the beautiful winding roads up to Glenfinnan and walk up the trail for a spectacular unobstructed view overlooking the viaduct.

Here in the Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is the cynosure of all eyes. The castle, located in a resplendent setting, has been restored to its former glory. An informative audio tour is included in the entrance price, and the views of the surrounding area simply mesmerising

The Highland Cows, with their shaggy fur and long horns, dot the rural Scottish landscape. They have a heritage that stretches back to the days of the clans. The very best place to see these animals is the Duke’s Pass as it drops down to loch level.

Picturesque Elgin has a number of historic attractions worthy of a visit. The cathedral is a majestic, historic ruin that has been maintained very sympathetically. Climb the tower up the spiral staircase and you will be rewarded with magnificent views over this pretty town.

The funicular carts you up the steep slopes of CairnGorm where you will be rewarded by phenomenal, panoramic views over the region. Hungry? Visit Ptarmigan Restaurant for a dining experience at over 3,500 feet above sea level. You can even go tubing on the mountain on the 56 metre, high-speed tubing slide featuring two thrilling parabolic turns. Fun for both children and adults!

You no longer have to head to the North Pole or wait until Christmas to spot reindeer. In the Cairngorm Mountains, they are allowed to wander as they wish within a 10,000-acre chunk of land. At the visitor centre, meet, feed and stroke the handful of reindeer brought in for the day.

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands between mountain and sea, Inverness is bubbling with history. To learn more about the days of yore, visit Culloden Visitor Centre, which features interactive displays that reveal the background to Scotland’s most important events. Don’t miss the 360-degree immersion theatre!