With the October break on its way, it's time to start planning ways to keep the family entertained over the holidays. An escape to Highlands could be the ideal way for you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life as well as spending some relaxing time with the kids.
The Highlands offer dramatic coastlines, historic castles, beautiful scenery and stunning beaches, as well as plenty of activities and days out that will have everything you need for a memorable family trip.
To help, we have asked the experts at North Highlands tourism specialists Venture North to see what exciting destinations they recommend in Caithness and Sutherland to impress the family. They've picked five great places to go this October half-term.
1. Geise Farm, Thurso, Caithness
Venture North said: "This family farm magical adventure offers visitors a chance to get up close with animals in a picturesque setting alongside Thurso River, including meerkats, Highland cows, Valais Blacknose sheep, rabbits, free-range chickens and cockerels, blue-eyed Embden geese, Kune Kune pigs, Pygmy goats, Alpacas and Llamas. Explore, bring a picnic, take photos and make memories that will last forever.
2. The Timespan Museum, Helmsdale, Sutherland
Venture North said: "Timespan is an award-winning museum and cultural development organisation which provides a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.
"Rooted in the village of Helmsdale, Timespan explores the history, heritage and landscape of its distinctive, rural location."
3. Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, Goslpie, Sutherland
Venture North said: "Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland."
4. North West Highlands UNESCO global Geopark
Venture North said: "The North West Highlands Geopark is a UNESCO Geopark in the North West Highlands of Scotland, including world class landscape, geology and cultural heritage, visitor centre, guided walks and adventures.
"Stretching over 2,000 square kilometres in the far corner of mainland Scotland, the North West Highlands Geopark is a striking example of different rock geologies. Starting at 3 billion years old, the Lewisian Gneiss is the oldest rock in Europe. It’s also home to the earliest evidence of life to be found anywhere in Europe.
"But the geopark is not just about incredible science. It’s also about beauty. Think white sandy beaches, rocky mountain ridges, atmospheric rock caves, and grass, peatland, moors and forest. Then there’s the wildlife – not just the current seabirds, eagles and sealife, but also the evidence of creatures that once walked this land, hidden deep in caves."
5. Wick Harbour Evening Boat Tours, Wick, Caithness
Venture North said: "See Wick Harbour in Caithness from a completely different view as experienced by nighttime sailors and fishermen as part of a new series of Wick Harbour Evening Boat Tours, including commentary on the harbour history, past and present. Cruises depart from Wick Harbour around 7.30pm. £10 for adults and £7 for children under 16."
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
Read more:
Seven of the best places in Scotland to stargaze
The stunning seaside village that was used as a background for one of Scotland's greatest films
The vibrant Scottish streets named most colourful in the UK
The paradise-like Highland Village used as the background for Hamish MacBeth and the Wicker Man
