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May half term is on the horizon, and planning fun outdoors-y adventures to enjoy with the family is high on the agenda (let’s hope the weather holds out!). To make your life a little easier, we’ve partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to bring you recommendations on a great family-friendly half term road trip outside of Glasgow, that will ensure you get the most out of the school holiday.
Our chosen destination for you lot is Inverness, the hub of the Highlands famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and approximately 3 hours drive outside of the city. With over 400 branches in the UK, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is such a convenient option for planning a spontaneous road trip. From compact cars to people carriers, you can find the perfect vehicle to suit your family. Find out what family fun awaits in Inverness…
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1. Cairngorms National Park
This vast natural playground is the biggest National Park in the UK, and once you set foot inside there’s an abundance of fun activities (both exhilarating and relaxing!)
waiting for you. From walking trails and cycling routes to watersports, and the UK’s first ever permanent bridge-based bungee jump, everyone in the family is sure to find something to keep them entertained. The hugely diverse natural landscape is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including red squirrels and raptors, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore.
2. Inverness Botanic Gardens
Complete with a Tropical house, cactus house, and expansive botanical gardens, this stunning horticultural sanctuary is filled with more beautiful, vibrant plants than you could possibly imagine. Enjoy the uplifting sights and smells of coffee, bananas, ginger and pineapple in the Tropical house, where you’ll find plants native to Mexico, The Bahamas and Northern Brazil (to name a few!). Inverness Botanic Gardens are open 7 days a week, with no bookings required, and they operate on a donations basis – so you can factor in this sensory adventure as spontaneously as you wish. Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS
3. Ness Islands Railway
Should you happen to be visiting Inverness’ pretty Whin Park, be it for a leisurely picnic or an afternoon on their boating lake (boats available for hire within), it’s worth knowing there’s another fun way to explore the grounds. Ness Islands was established in 1983 and is the UK’s most northerly public miniature railway. The novelty of this charming attraction captures the hearts of children and adults alike, and for just £3 per ride (under 4s go free), it’s a great budget friendly way to keep everyone entertained. Whin Park, Bught Road, Inverness IV3 5SS
4. Nairn Beach
All it takes is a sign of sunny weather for us Brits to make a beeline for the beach. And the one we’d recommend visiting on your Inverness staycation is Nairn, a picturesque sandy bay where you can explore undulating dunes and admire magical sunsets – should you extend your stay into the evening. There’s plenty of coastal walks that will allow you to admire the full expanse of the coastline, and if you’re lucky you might even spot one or two of its resident dolphins!
5. Chanonry Point Wildlife Cruise
If you’re looking to organise an extra special family outing, then a wildlife cruise from Chanonry Point is guaranteed to leave you with some fantastic memories. Dolphin Spirit Inverness offers a range of boat trips where you can spot dolphins, as well as learning about local history and folklore from the onboard guide. The wildlife cruise will even take you to popular feeding spots so you may even get a chance to spot the dolphins up close. Stadium Road, Inverness, 1V1 1FF
Need some wallet-friendly suggestions for where to stay the night? Barrow campsite is a family-run campsite located on a working Highlands farm, putting you within touching distance of lots of stunning beaches and only a short drive outside of Inverness.