castles

The route is a spectacular 500-mile drive around northern Scotland, taking in historic castles, rugged coastline and mountain scenery over 7-9 days, or as little as 4 days for keen drivers

If you’re the type who can’t sit still on holiday, preferring to explore rather than lounge in the sun, then a road trip might be your ideal next getaway.

Many dream of tackling Route 66, but once you factor in flights, one-way car hire, and accommodation, it can be quite pricey and time-consuming. However, there’s an extraordinary road trip right here in the UK that, while lacking endless desert landscapes, boasts an abundance of natural beauty, from rugged coastlines to verdant mountain vistas.

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is a little over 500 miles long, tracing a circular route around Scotland’s northern coast. Most travellers complete the journey in seven to nine days, pausing to visit historic sites, hike, or amble along the beaches, though it can be done in as few as four days for those willing to spend more time driving.

The journey begins and ends at Inverness Castle, a site steeped in history, from the Jacobites to Mary, Queen of Scots. Castles have graced this spot since medieval times, with the current building dating back to the 19th century and even featuring on the Scottish £50 note.

History enthusiasts can explore the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, delving into one of Britain’s most renowned battles. Visitors are treated to a ‘battle film’, an immersive spectacle that portrays the gruesome finale of the Jacobite uprising, reports the Express.

Many tourists then venture to the Black Isle peninsula, celebrated for its verdant woodlands, farmland, and pristine coastline where dolphins can often be seen playing off the shore. Visit Chanonry Point a couple of hours post low tide, and you might catch sight of bottlenose dolphins hunting for fish.

Easter Ross, known as the home of the Glenmorangie Distillery, is another must-see stop. Besides sampling the local whisky, embark on the Pictish Trail, an archaeological site that was home to the Picts between the 3rd and 9th centuries in this region of Scotland.

The route’s most north-eastern point leads you to Caithness, renowned for its unique geological features like sea stacks, and colonies of puffins and other seabirds. Stand atop Dunnet Head, mainland Britain’s northernmost point, and take in the invigorating winds and breathtaking sea views.

The route boasts numerous rugged beaches, but perhaps some of the most stunning are found in Wester Ross. It features several lengthy stretches of sand, and during the off-season, you might even find yourself with an entire beach all to yourself.

The NC500 website is a treasure trove of information for those keen to embark on the route. For a modest £15 membership fee, travellers can download a variety of itineraries, each tailored to different travel preferences.

These provide a daily rundown of sights to see, accommodation options and dining suggestions. The available itineraries cater to all tastes, from luxury travel to whisky tours and history-themed trips.

However, there’s also a plethora of online resources for those who prefer to plan their own journey.

The NC500 isn’t just for motorists. Cyclists and motorcyclists are also fond of the route, with numerous bike hire services available for those who’d rather not bring their own.

Motorhome enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the NC500, as it eliminates the need to secure nightly accommodation. However, it’s important to note that any vehicle must be capable of navigating single-track roads, and campervan owners will need to reserve a campsite for the night, as Scotland’s wild camping laws don’t extend to vans.

There are several campsites along the route where you can book a van pitch and unwind with the amenities after a day on the road.

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc. com.

WITH its staggeringly beautiful beaches, scenic woodlands and hidden waterfalls, Cornwall has natural attractions galore.

There’s also fascinating history to discover, from legendary King Arthur’s roots, the tin mining heyday and the infamous pirates that terrorised the coastline for hundreds of years.

We’ve spoken to Sun readers who have visited Cornwall on £9.50 Holidays to get their recommendations of the best local natural and historic attractions to visit.

We’ve also asked local experts and holiday park staff for their top tips, with options that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday. Here’s what they said… 

Waterfall magic 

Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park, near Newquay, recommends the beautiful St Nectan’s Glen, on Cornwall’s north coast.

A scenic woodland walk leads you to a spectacular 60ft waterfall with a cafe at the top (tip: wear decent footwear as it can be wet and uneven underfoot).

Kids will be amazed by the sight and sound of the waterfall.

Admission costs £9 per adult and £5 per child (free for under fives), but you can see some of the smaller rapids for free, which are also lovely. Don’t forget to take £3 cash for the car park.

Castle legends 

You could pair St Nectan’s Glen with a trip to Tintagel Castle, just a couple of miles away.

Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, it has medieval ruins to explore, accessed by a jaw-dropping footbridge.

At low tide, don’t miss Merlin’s Cave – located below the castle, which is believed to be where Merlin lived.

If you’re staying further south, Pendennis Castle offers a glimpse into Tudor Cornwall.

One of Henry VIII’s finest seaside fortresses, it’s ideal for a family day out, with kid-friendly tours, an events programme and even a soft play for little ones. 

Tin mining legacy

For Sun reader Anne Walton, 71, from Newport in Wales, there are lots of historic attractions in Cornwall worth visiting.

She said: “You’ve got the Poldark area and Jamaica Inn, which they filmed near Holywell Bay. We’ve been down on the beach when they’ve been filming it.”

Another highlight that Anne recommends, and which features in Poldark, are the tin mines.

You can walk right next to well-preserved engine houses on the coastal path near St Agnes Head, one of the filming locations for the BBC drama.

Or, delve deeper into the history of Cornish mining and more at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, which is a wallet-friendly option for families (free for under-18s, £7.50 for adults).

It houses over 300,000 artefacts, with hands-on exhibits to capture kids’ imaginations. 

Escape to an island fortress

Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point.

She recommends taking the hop on, hop off bus from outside the holiday park to Marazion, to visit St Michael’s Mount, an island fortress that she says is “beautiful”.

And it might look a tad familiar – it has a French counterpart across the Channel, in Normandy.

Located on a tidal island, you need to take a boat to reach the castle and its subtropical gardens at high tide (£2.80 one way for adults, £1.50 for children).

But at low tide, you can get there for free by walking across the granite causeway (it’s open for about four hours each day).

Tip: there is a great cafe on the island, but you can keep costs down by packing a picnic and finding a grassy spot. 

Swim in a natural sea pool

Cornwall is blessed with more than 400 beaches – so you’re never short of sea swimming locations.

But for something more sheltered and a little more unique, head to a natural sea pool.

Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross recommends Trevone Natural Sea Pool, which you can walk to from Trevone Bay car park in under ten minutes.

She says: “You have to time it for low tide, and clamber across some rocks, but it’s well worth it for the experience of swimming in a sea pool – which is completely free.

“There is also a shallow end nearest the path so supervised children can play here, too.”

Other tidal pools include a man-made rock pool, which is relatively unknown, hidden out of sight at Porthtowan Beach.

If you’re heading to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday with your family, you’ll want some ideas up your sleeve to keep the kids entertained.

Of course, there are swimming pools, playgrounds and free entertainment at your holiday park – but if you want to step outside and explore the local area, there’s plenty on offer. 

We’ve asked local experts for their top recommendations on what to do with your family in Scotland, with suggestions that are never too far from our £9.50 Holiday parks.

From child-friendly aquariums to free-to-enter country parks that have brilliant playgrounds, here’s where you should take the kids first. 

Adventure park thrills

For families with kids needing to burn off some energy, a day trip to an adventure park could be a good bet.

Nairn has the fabulous Landmark Forest Adventure Park around 40 minutes away.

Children will enjoy coming face-to-face with more than 22 prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Kingdom and embracing nature on a fun treetop trail (keep eyes peeled for red squirrels). 

If you’re staying closer to Perth, you could instead head for Active Kids Adventure Park.

Recommended by Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park, it has an indoor soft play and little ones will love feeding the animals.

Christopher added: “We also have magical bluebell woods at Kinclaven and seasonal fruit picking at Gloagburn Farm, which has a play park.” 

Swings and steam engines 

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor Heather Lowrie says: “Sundrum castle is just outside Ayr – you could go into the town and go to Ayr beach for its attractions, big swing park, and Pirate Pete’s adventure play areas for kids.

“Or turn the other way towards Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and the Doon Valley Railway, which has steam trains and a museum with kids’ stuff.”

If trains are what your brood is into, Strathspey Steam Railway is another great idea for a family day out.

See the magnificent Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage, or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys at the nearby RSPB reserve.

The railway is located near Aviemore, around an hour’s drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park.

Free family activities

In Ayrshire, near holiday parks such as Sandylands, Eglinton Country Park is ideal for a family day out without spending a penny.

As well as having 400 acres for your kids to run around in, it has a big swing park and marked routes including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) trail.

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park says: “It’s a good option for families on a budget because it’s free to enter and there are lots of picnic areas and barbecue stations.”

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

Leaps of faith

Older kids – and parents – can test their mettle with a bungee jump.

Highland Fling is just a short drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park and offers heart-pounding activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swings and zip lining through the valley of Killiecrankie. 

Meanwhile, around 20 miles south of Ayr on the west coast, Adventure Carrick offers a range of water-based thrills, including three-hour coasteering sessions (from £55pp).

Suitable from age eight, the high-energy sessions will see you climb cliffs and leap into swirling seas near Ballantrae.

For budding scientists

If your kids are scientists in the making, expand their little minds at a family-friendly museum like Glasgow Science Centre.

Its super-engaging exhibits include a Planetarium that transports you through the solar system and a “Perception” room with mind-bending visual illusions.

Other fantastic kids’ exhibits can be found at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh and the Dundee Science Centre.

Wildlife wonders

Wildlife lovers big and small can find their favourite species from all over the globe in Scotland.

You could head to Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore – home to everything from polar bears and snow leopards to rare Scottish wildcats.

Or how about letting your kids be a zookeeper for the day at Camperdown Wildlife Park in Dundee? 

For an aquatic adventure, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond contains a magical underwater world, and you can join turtle tea time and watch the tropical sharks being fed.