If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Scotland that perfectly balances relaxation for parents and non-stop fun for kids, Crieff Hydro in Perthshire is hard to beat. Nestled in the beautiful Strathearn Valley, this historic hotel has been welcoming families for over 150 years — and it really knows how to make holidays with little ones easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a half-term adventure, or even a longer summer break, Crieff Hydro offers everything from kids’ clubs and activities to spa treatments, beautiful grounds, and family-friendly dining.
Why Families Love Crieff Hydro
Crieff Hydro is designed with families in mind, which makes life so much simpler when travelling with small children. Everything you need is right there on-site, so there’s no stress about planning every detail or finding entertainment for the kids.
1. Free Daily Childcare
One of the biggest draws for families is the complimentary childcare. Crieff Hydro offers two hours of supervised activities every day for children aged 2 and above. From crafts and games to outdoor fun, it’s a brilliant way for little ones to make friends — and for parents to grab a quiet coffee or book a spa treatment.
2. Endless Family Activities
The hotel is set within 900 acres of countryside, so there’s no shortage of space to play and explore. Family-friendly activities include:
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A huge indoor pool with dedicated family swim times
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Outdoor adventure playgrounds
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Pony rides and animal experiences
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Bike hire and scenic woodland trails
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Mini golf, tennis, and archery
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A cinema showing family-friendly films
Whether your kids love being outdoors or prefer something calmer, there’s something for everyone.
3. Spacious, Family-Friendly Rooms
Crieff Hydro offers a fantastic range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms and cosy cottages to self-catered lodges — so there’s something to suit every family.
We opted for one of the self-catered lodges, and it was absolutely perfect for us. The lodge was huge, giving us plenty of space to spread out, and it came with a well-equipped kitchen so we could cook our own meals and stick to routines that work best with small children. Being able to have relaxed dinners and slow mornings without rushing to a restaurant was a game-changer.
The lodges are also beautifully located, close to the resort’s outdoor activities and surrounded by gorgeous views — a lovely base for exploring both the hotel facilities and the countryside beyond.
4. Dining Made Simple
Family mealtimes can be stressful on holiday, but Crieff Hydro makes it easy. There are several on-site restaurants offering child-friendly menus, flexible dining times, and plenty of high chairs. There’s even the option for early kids’ teas, perfect for little ones with earlier bedtimes.
What We Loved Most
For us, the highlight of Crieff Hydro was staying in one of the self-catered lodges — it was huge, beautifully equipped, and gave us the flexibility we love when travelling with two small children. Having plenty of space made such a difference, and being able to cook our own meals in a relaxed setting worked perfectly for us.
The location of our lodge couldn’t have been better — it was right by many of the outdoor activities, so we could easily wander out for a play, explore the grounds, or take in the wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.
Another bonus of Crieff Hydro’s setting is its proximity to the Trossachs National Park. We took the chance to venture out and enjoyed an amazing family-friendly hike nearby — the perfect balance between making the most of the resort and exploring Scotland’s stunning scenery beyond.
Tips for Visiting Crieff Hydro with Kids
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Book activities early: Popular sessions like pony rides and crafts fill up quickly.
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Use the free childcare: Those two hours a day are a game-changer!
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Pack wellies and waterproofs: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, and there’s so much to explore outdoors.
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Consider a lodge stay: If you’re travelling with younger children, having your own space can make life easier.
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