Imagine This
A space where grandparents tell stories by the fire, children run free in the fresh air, and meals are shared around a long table, whether celebrating birthdays, special anniversaries, or simply being together. Be it a big family reunion or a spontaneous “celebreak” (celebration break), Scotland’s large holiday homes and family-friendly self-catering stays provide the perfect setting for all generations to reconnect and simply be.
Why Choose Scotland for a Multigenerational Holiday?
Scotland has something for everyone and is perfect for a large family celebratory holiday, big group getaway, or multigenerational break with the whole family together.
From wild and beautiful coastlines and peaceful lochs to historic cities and outdoor adventures, it’s a country made for memory-making. And when you choose self-catering accommodation from cottages to castles, you gain flexibility, comfort, and space.
Bake fairy cakes with the kids, share by the fire, or explore local footpaths with your dog in tow. Enjoy locally sourced produce for a family supper – perhaps freshly caught seafood or a grazing board from a nearby deli. The best part? You get to holiday your way.
Planning Your Perfect Break – Top Tips
- Pick the right location: By the beach, in the hills, or city – choose somewhere with wide appeal and activities for all.
- Check accessibility: Ensure comfort for older relatives with downstairs bedrooms and walk-in showers.
- Prioritise space: Additional lounging space or separate cottages give everyone the option to gather or enjoy some quiet time.
- Eat together: Make sure there’s a table big enough for the whole clan!
- Go pet-friendly: Furry family members should be welcome too, check whether pet-friendly in advance for dog-friendly family breaks.
- Celebrate in style: Planning a big birthday or anniversary? Hire a private chef for a special meal. Yhangry is a great place to start. Or ask your accommodation provider for local recommendations.
Top Tip: Let everyone get involved. Grandpa picks the walk, the kids plan the games, someone else bakes the cake and arranges the flowers.
Celebrating Sustainably
- Shop local: Farm shops, bakeries, and delis add flavour and community connection.
- Experience local: Try a storytelling evening, a boat tour, or a distillery visit.
- Travel lightly: Reuse, recycle, and respect the local environment
EmbraceScotland Properties Perfect for Multigenerational Breaks
Each of these self-catering holiday homes in Scotland is perfect for a multigenerational break, offering space, character, and the ideal setting for big family gatherings, celebrations, and reunions.
Craggan Mill, Grantown-on-Spey, Cairngorms
Sleeps 16 | Hot Tub | Pizza Oven | Sauna | EV Charging
This beautifully restored former corn mill is designed for unforgettable family gatherings. With six bedrooms, a large open-plan kitchen-diner, kids’ play area and fairy trail to relaxing extras like a hot tub and sauna, it caters for all ages.
- Why it’s ideal: Generous communal spaces and quiet spaces make it perfect for big celebrations or relaxed reunions.
- Top Tip: Contact the owner to arrange a local chef to cook a Highland feast, or head across the road to Cairngorm Activities for family fun.
The Golden Eagle, Aviemore, Cairngorms
Sleeps 10 | 4 Bedrooms | Private Sauna | Enclosed Garden
This spacious lodge offers a large open-plan living area with a wood-burning stove and a private sauna, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the Highlands. Set within Silverglades Holiday Homes, where multiple properties sit close together, it’s ideal for multigenerational groups wanting to stay near each other while enjoying their own space.
- Why it’s ideal: Flexible accommodation with communal and private areas, perfect for family gatherings and special celebrations in the heart of the Cairngorms.
- Top Tip: Make it memorable with a group trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway or a Cairngorms wildlife safari for all ages.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, Noss Head, Caithness
Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | Dog-Friendly | Coastal Views
Set beside a working lighthouse with sea on three sides, this unique cottage offers a peaceful, storybook setting for smaller family groups. Cook up a celebration meal in the well-equipped kitchen and explore the coastline together.
- Why it’s ideal: A cosy and dramatic setting for intimate gatherings with unforgettable views.
- Top Tip: Wick is just 10 minutes away with boat trips, petting farms and dining options for all ages.
Kirklandbank Farmhouse, Alyth, Perthshire
Sleeps 10 | 5 Bedrooms | Accessible Ensuite Room | Panoramic Views
This beautifully restored farmhouse offers two family wings and a central gathering space, perfect for both privacy and togetherness. Outside, enjoy stunning views and nature on the doorstep.
- Why it’s ideal: With generous space to unwind, a warm kitchen-diner centred around a crackling wood-burning stove, and a layout designed for comfort and privacy across generations, it’s the perfect rural escape for quality family time.
- Top Tip: Celebrate in wild Scottish style with a free distillery tour at the on-site Highland Boundary Distillery or foraging walk for the adults.
Melfort Village, Argyll
Sleeps Various | 32 Cottages | Pool | Restaurant On-Site
On the shores of Loch Melfort, this charming holiday village has welcomed families for generations. Enjoy the pool, tennis court, play areas, and on-site restaurant, with cottages offering independence and community.
- Why it’s ideal: Space for everyone to be together or relax in their own cottage and pets welcome too!
- Top Tip: Treat younger guests to a Teddy Bear’s Picnic or gather at the Gunpowder Kitchen & Bar for a celebration meal.
The Innellan Cottages, Near Dunoon
Sleeps 6+ | Two Cottages | Beach Nearby | Pet-Friendly
Coach House Cottage and The Snug sit side-by-side, allowing families to holiday together with the option of private space. The village offers tennis, golf, restaurants and a charming shop within walking distance. Plus, the opportunity for wildlife watching and miles of spectacular walks.
- Why it’s ideal: Independent space with shared moments, a great solution for mixed-age group and those that love their own space.
- Top Tip: Stone-skimming on the beach followed by ice cream from the village shop is a multi-generational win.
The Hoolet, Crieff, Perthshire
Sleeps 6 + Baby | Central Location | Family-Friendly Design
Tucked in the heart of Perthshire, The Hoolet offers the perfect base for both countryside escapes and city adventures. Perfect for smaller family groups, it’s within easy walking distance of riverside walks, parks, independent shops, and restaurants – ideal for relaxed, car-free days.
- Why it’s ideal: Warm, inviting, and walkable to local amenities, it’s a cosy, well-laid-out space that makes quality family time effortless.
- Top Tip: Reunite with loved ones and explore the best of both worlds, from day trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow to scenic Perthshire walks, cycle trails, whisky distilleries, and castles. There’s something nearby for everyone – even with a little one in tow!
Coopers Knowe House, Loch Ailort, Highlands
Sleeps 10 | 5 Ensuite Bedrooms | Games Room | Lochside Views
This loch-side self-catering house offers breathtaking views, beach walks, and loads of indoor space. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or even small weddings, with a dining table for 10, snooker, darts, and table tennis.
- Why it’s ideal: Stunning scenery meets space to celebrate – inside and out.
- Top Tip: The games room is a hit across generations – expect fierce (but fun!) grandparent vs. grandchild competitions plus the opportunity for up to two dogs to join in!
From dog-friendly stays to lochside luxury and everything in between, EmbraceScotland has your multigenerational holiday in Scotland covered. Book early, plan thoughtfully, and get ready to make lifelong memories whether a family Christmas gathering, 80th Birthday, 50th Wedding Anniversary or a simple self-catering break for family celebrations.
Sustainable Stays, Local Impact
At EmbraceScotland, we champion sustainable tourism through self-catering. By booking directly with local owners, staying longer, and supporting nearby businesses, from farm shops and local eateries to outdoor activities – you are helping reduce your carbon footprint and supporting local economies. Self-catering is a low-impact accommodation choice, and our community of operators are working towards eco-friendly practices, from using renewable energy to reducing waste. We also encourage all guests to enjoy Scotland responsibly by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. A self-catering stay isn’t just a great holiday, it’s a step towards more thoughtful, climate-conscious travel.