Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’

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.

1) Grannie's Heilan' Hame

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!

2) Skelbo Woods Walk

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) Fishing at the Dornoch Lochans

At Dornoch Lochans there is open air recreation for everyone, novice and expert, young and old, in attractive surroundings with breathtaking views over the Dornoch Firth. You can fish, play golf, croquet or boule, or simply relax and enjoy.

5) History Links 5* Museum

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.

See Full Article Here: Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’


Planning your February half-term Short Break in Scotland? See our ‘Ten things to DO in Dornoch with Children’ posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

Monday, December 12, 2016

Your short break in Scotland

Are you planning a short break in Scotland, then why not visit Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands? Only an hour north of Inverness with flights to London, Bristol and Manchester, but a world of difference! Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the miles of sandy beach or play golf on Royal Dornoch Championship Course, rated #1 in Scotland and #5 in the world.

There are lots of things to do. If you are interested in handicrafts then come 11-13 March when Fibre Fest is running - and try machine embroidery, indigo dyeing or Fair Isle knitting.

Find our about the rich Scottish history by visiting the 13th century Dornoch Cathedral and exploring the 5 star Historylinks Museum.

There is a range of independent shops to browse including Jail Dornoch, Kingcraig Woollens, Simply the Best Fair Trade and Coast Candle Co (which runs candle making workshops). Enjoy locally sourced food and drink in the Dornoch restaurants, cafes, pubs and takeaways.

So start to plan your Scottish holiday by checking out the accommodation in Dornoch - select from the range of hotels, b & bs and holiday cottages.

Article Source Here: Your short break in Scotland


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