Children playing on the beach near Kylesku

Northwest Scotland is the perfect destination for family holiday breaks, with plenty of child-friendly activities, natural play and ways to enjoy the Scottish outdoors. Here are some of our favourites.

If you’re planning to visit the north coast of Scotland with children, look no further! The northwest offers loads of adventure and exciting child-friendly activities, including animals, bikes and boats. You’ll also find beautiful clean, quiet beaches for paddling, wilderness fun for young explorers, and plenty of buggy-accessible trails and paths, so you can be sure of something to suit all the family.

Langoustine tower at Kylesku Hotel restaurant

Crabbing at Kylesku, just outside the hotel.

Family activities and outings for all ages

These outings and activities are ideal for mixed family groups including small children.

Crabbing, Kylesku Hotel

Right in front of the hotel! Ask us for crab lines and some bait.

Distance: Right on the doorstep.
No need to be a hotel guest – just stop by and ask!

Culag Woods, Lochinver

Fantastic woodland on the edge of a little beach with swings and a barbecue area. Lots of wildlife and winding paths made by local children. Buggy-friendly.

Distance: 2 miles.
Distance to start point: 18 miles.
All-abilities paths.
Shelters and eco-toilets.
Barbecue and picnic area.
See Culag Woods website

Knockan Crag Nature Reserve, Ullapool

Open all year round, with three trails and lots of wildlife and birdlife to see. Combine with a visit to Rock Stop visitor centre.

Distance: 2 miles.
Distance to start point: 20 miles.
24-hour toilets.
On the bus route.
RADAR wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Two picnic areas.
Trails for different abilities.
Wonderful views across Coigach and Assynt.
See SNH website

Achmelvich Beach

Beautiful white sand beach and clear blue sea. Popular for fishing, kayaks and wind surfing. No dogs in peak season. Caravan and camping site nearby.

Distance to beach: 20 miles.
Dogs not allowed in peak tourist season.
Get a pie from Lochinver pie shop to eat on the beach!
See Walk Highlands website

Kylesku Hotel family dining in the restaurant

Families are very welcome in the restaurant - little ones can choose from our children's menu.

Achmelvich Beach.

Clachtoll Beach

White sandy beach with blue sea and an Iron Age broch nearby. Stunning mountain views. Dogs allowed. Great for rockpooling.

Distance to beach: 22 miles.
See Walk Highlands website

Oldshoremore Beach

Beautiful pink sand beach, clean, safe, great for rock pooling.

Distance to beach: 27 miles.
Good parking.
Toilets.
See Walk Highlands website

Canadian canoeing on loch, Scotland, with Hamlet Mountaineering

Canoeing with Hamlet Mountaineering.

Outdoor activities

Boat trips

Smoo Cave, Durness

Adventurous kids will love this vast limestone cave – great for smuggler stories and you can go in by boat!

Distance to Durness: 35 miles.
See Walk Highlands website

Loch Broom Leisure Centre, Ullapool

Swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, family fun sessions. Great for rainy days.

Distance to Ullapool: 33 miles.
See Loch Broom Leisure Centre
See also: Outdoor activities, including horse riding, canoes and boat trips.

Cocoa Mountain, Balnakeil

Always a hit with the kids! Hand-made chocolates and hot chocolate.

Distance: 36 miles.
Visit Cocoa Mountain

Our boat, the Rachel Clare, departs from the slipway opposite the Hotel.

Ask at the Hotel for crab lines and bait.

Get the most out of your time in Kylesku

RESTAURANT & BAR: open to non-residents

Not staying with us? You’re still welcome to join us in the restaurant and bar. Pre-booking is advised.

Book a table

Breakfast: 8am-10am
Cakes etc: 10am-12noon
Lunch: 12 noon - 3pm (last sitting at 2.30pm)

Dinner: 5pm-9pm (last table sitting at 8.30pm)
Bar: 12noon-11pm

if you're heading outdoors

Kylesku Hotel has a laundry service and drying facilities for residents. Useful for guests engaging in outdoor pursuits.

We love giving tips on the local area. Just ask, and we can look at maps with you.