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There is so much to Do in and around the Dornoch area and across the Northern Highlands. Here are our top ten suggestions for you to enjoy whilst on your holiday in Scotland with your children.
Embo boasts its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame”, with several facilities that are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway. The park is right on the beach which boasts the best rockpools around!
Families love the variety in Skelbo, from dipping for mini beasts in the wildlife pond beside the car park to hunting out the chainsaw-carved woodland creatures along the trail. It’s a fun forest full of interesting twists and turns, open views and fascinating features, including the remains of an iron age broch and some impressive drystone walls.
3) Natural Play area at Camore woods
Camore Woods has a natural play area which includes tunnels, dens, a fort and games for children and the whole family. Soak up the tranquility of the forest whilst watching out for buzzards hunting voles, roe deer flitting through the trees and woodland birds feasting on wild raspberries and blaeberries in summer. Hidden in the forest are more than 25 hut circles and chambered cairns.
4) Driving range and Fishing at the Davochfin Farm & Dornoch Lochans
At Davochfin Farm there is open air recreation for everyone. You can fly or bait fish in the lochans for rainbow trout and watch the Osprey come in for his lunch or if you are very lucky see the otter playing in the water. You can even cook your fish on the barbeque provided. The 10 bay driving range takes £1 coins and £2 buys a bucket of golf balls, or head through the gate, on the footpath to the beach. Refreshments and equipment hire are available at the cabin.
Historylinks is one of the very few 5 star museums in the Highlands. Dedicated to the history of Dornoch parish, current displays include a golf professional’s workshop where Donald Ross honed his skills, Carnegie at home at Skibo, the shameful burning of Scotland’s last condemned witch and the impact of the Picts and the Vikings. Films include Sutherland in 1950 and the Dornoch Light Railway. There are lots of games for children as well as costumes to dress up in. Visitor translations in German, French, Italian, Spanish and Swedish.
6) Dornoch Beach Treasure Walk
Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The Dornoch treasure walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and is great way to explore the beach and learn a thing or two about the wildlife along the way! It is available on our app (Discover Dornoch) or as a booklet which you can pick up from the Visitor Centre or the beach carpark.
7) Natural play area and leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin
Follow the winding road through Achany Glen to a forest clearing where salmon leap and children play. You’ve reached the Falls of Shin, a wonderful starting point for a range of trails through beautiful mixed woodland and along the rocky banks of the Shin. It’s a great place to get out and enjoy the forest whatever your ability – there are natural play areas here and easy trails suitable for all users.
8) Seals and bird watching at Loch Fleet Nature Reserve
Loch Fleet, a sea loch, lies just north of Dornoch and is a haven for fauna and flora. It has a variety of species including otters and seals, wild fowl and sea birds, orchids and butterflies. The loch is a large tidal basin with sand dunes, coastal heath and pine woods. The woodland supports species such as Scottish crossbills, crested tits and pine marten.
9) Falconry display at Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. Enjoy a wonderful day out here exploring the house and its treasures, the gardens and museum. The bird of prey displays are always very impressive and contribute to an enjoyable visit for the whole family. Daily birds of prey flying demonstrations at 11.30am, and 2.00pm on the Castle lawn. See spectacular shows featuring golden eagles and peregrine falcons, both resident birds in the Scottish Highlands. Learn more about other local birds of prey as well as the ancient art of falconry. Additional attractions include more exotic species such as the European Eagle owl.
10) Cycling
The Dornoch area offers varied terrain for cyclists of all standards. There are many excellent road routes and recommended is the 34 mile trip from Dornoch to Spinningdale and then round by Loch Buidhe to the Mound and back to Dornoch via Embo. This route is hilly and passes through wonderful scenery. Cycle hire is available at Sam’s Bike Shed and Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame.
Download the Discover Dornoch App (from windows, apple or play stores) for more ideas on walks and activities as well as places to eat and stay.
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