familyfriendly

If Celebrity Traitors has you thinking about visiting rural Scotland, here’s a beautiful country estate that offers a perfect mix of countryside, cosy and entertainment

With Celebrity Traitors sparking interest in Scottish holiday spots, we visited a country estate that’s a blend of Center Parcs and a five-star hotel. Nestled in 27 acres of Perthshire countryside, Wyndham Duchally Country Estate has nine hotel rooms and 55 self-catering lodges, rivalling the grandeur of the Highlands.

The lodges, all two or three bedrooms with matching bathrooms, are as well-equipped, if not more so, than what you’d find at Center Parcs. The kitchens are kitted out for a proper self-catering holiday – no mini fridges here! Expect a toaster, kettle, oven, hob, dishwasher and microwave, plus a full-size fridge and freezer.

Despite the chilly weather outside, our lodge was kept cosy and warm thanks to efficient electric radiators with individual controllers (though do keep an eye on these if you’re travelling with little ones – they can get hot), reports OK!.

Complimentary WiFi is available in all the lodges and the main hotel, and we found it worked a treat. You can connect up to four devices per room or lodge.

Many of the lodges are currently being upgraded to top-of-the-range new buildings. We didn’t notice any signs of the works, but it might be worth ringing the Estate to check on timelines.

There are often deals to be had if you book direct, such as 25% off lodge stays between 1 December 2025 and 21 March 2026.

Restaurant and bar

There are two on-site options for food and drinks – the a la carte Monteath’s Restaurant, and The Gatehouse Bar.

The latter serves a light menu from 12.30pm to 9pm, and you can also order from the restaurant between 5pm and 9pm. A tip – we can recommend trying the Estate’s very own Gatehouse Gin – and our bartender made a mean espresso martini.

The restaurant has a solid menu, with traditional Scottish fare like smoked salmon pate (£10) and haggis pakora (£10) on the starter menu (we can vouch for the haggis pakora although be warned – the portions were generous!), and fish and chips (£18.50), mac and cheese (£17) and 8oz sirloin steak (£39) on the mains.

The steak was particularly good, and despite emptying our plates, we still had room for a delicious sticky toffee pudding (£9) for dessert.

Is it child-friendly?

Yes, very. There’s lots of safe spaces for young ones to run around, plus a separate kids’ pool in the Leisure Centre.

Our lodge had a retractable stair gate downstairs, useful for keeping both four-legged and small children on one floor. The pub has a large outdoor area with lots of tables – and if you’re lucky with the weather, a selection of things to entertain large and small kids, including an inflatable slide and a giant Connect 4 game.

The Beauty by Brenda spa also offers a Little Miss Manicure for ages seven to 12 (£15), which we thought was a sweet addition to the menu.

Spa and pool

The spa area is complimentary for Estate guests, you just need to ring ahead to reserve a slot, or turn up and cross your fingers. Towels were supplied and we could store our clothes in electronic lockers using a pin number, so there was no need to fret about keeping tabs on wristbands, which is always a plus.

In addition to the heated indoor pool, there’s also a hot tub, sauna and steam room – not forgetting a gym, for those more committed than us.

The leisure centre’s Beauty by Brenda spa appears to have something of a cult following around these parts, and while we didn’t encounter Brenda herself, we can vouch that our head and shoulders massage, and our 30-minute luxury facial, lived up to the buzz. There’s one treatment room, so booking is crucial.

We were particularly fond of the range of treatment durations (and prices) available – from a half hour aromatherapy massage (£50) up to a 90-minute Top to Toe massage (£90).

Is Wyndham Duchally Country Estate dog friendly?

This is one of the benefits – it’s a dog-friendly site and a maximum of two dogs are permitted in selected lodges. Just a heads up, you need to book a pet space in advance, and they’re not allowed in the main hotel rooms, Monteath’s restaurant or hotel bar.

The location is an ideal base for walkers and their well-behaved dogs (we felt a bit sorry for the bloke in chest-high pond water trying to retrieve his overexcited duck-chasing dog!).

What is there to do around Wyndham Duchally Country Estate?

This is the perfect spot for those who love the great outdoors (though snuggling up in a lodge for the weekend is equally appealing), with an abundance of countryside, public footpaths, fishing spots and mountain bike trails to explore.

It’s just a half-hour drive from Perth, and you’ll find Drummond Castle and Scone Palace nearby.

For those with children (or animal lovers), Blair Drummond Safari Park is also about 30 minutes away by car, and Estate guests receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee.

The renowned Gleneagles hotel and golf course is just a stone’s throw away, as is Auchterarder Golf Club. So if you fancy a round of golf without splashing out on hotel prices, Wyndham Estate is a win-win.

A Murder Mystery evening

As avid fans of all the Traitors series, we were over the moon to partake in our very own murder mystery night at Wyndham Estate. Hosted by Spirit of Glasgow company, we were treated to a thrilling live-action murder mystery play – The Dalliance – complete with a three-course dinner and plenty of chances for some real detective work.

The cast members remain in character and occasionally mingle in the dining area to converse with each other and answer guest’s queries (not that it aided our team…).

Regrettably, our team performed about as well as the current batch of Celebrity Traitor devotees, failing to correctly pinpoint the killer… However, it was a fantastically enjoyable evening, with a blend of singles, couples, mates and a hen do.

Find out more about the Estate and book at Wyndham Duchally Country Estate.

The sports court on Carnival Radiance.

(Carnival Cruise Line)

Sails to: Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island via three- to five-day wintertime voyages
Cost: Starting at about $200 per person

Carnival Radiance is one of the cruise line’s oldest vessels, having launched in 2000 under its original name, Carnival Victory. Following a $200 million refresh in 2021, it’s become a staple along the Long Beach waterfront.

The 2,984-guest ship offers a variety of shorter trips, which first-time cruisers may appreciate. Some of its staterooms connect, allowing extended families to vacation together. And most of its outdoor activities — such as mini-golf, a sports court and a two-level ropes course — are conveniently clustered together. Nearby are waterslides and pools, one of which sits under a large movie screen.

Like Carnival Firenze, Radiance also has NASA and Dr. Seuss-themed activities, in addition to an at-sea Build-a-Bear workshop and “Zumbini,” a kid-friendly Zumba class.

Picky eaters need not fret. Radiance has 15 dining options, nine of which are included in the cost of your cruise. A few have celebrity names attached to them: along with Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and barbecue restaurant, there’s also a chicken counter from basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.

If you’ve tested the waters with a short Carnival Radiance cruise and can’t get enough, the ship will also be embarking on a 14-day round-trip voyage in early January to Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Hilo, Hawaii; and Ensenada, Mexico.

A well thought-out interior, innovative tech and an impressive long range for an EV are just a few of the features that scooped the Renault Scenic The Sun’s Family Car of the Year award.

But could it cut the mustard (French or British) with an active family and hard-to-impress teenagers putting it through its paces?

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Here’s the lowdown on my extended Test.

Driving Experience

Over the months I had the Scenic on test, the lasting impression was that it certainly lives up to the name tag. It’s a serene drive across all types of terrain.

From a half-term trip to the West Country where we blasted down the M4 and M5 without the need for a pit stop, to a longer trek to the tip of Cornwall, we pushed the Scenic to the limit in terms of distance, weight and durability. 

As a result, it rose to the challenge, negating any fears that EVs can’t be the versatile plug-ins that so many British families are looking for.

While the acceleration is good, with a 0-62mph of 7.9 seconds, it won’t win any drag races. 

On motorways, it sits well at 70mph, with sound thrust on overtakes and lane changes. The brakes are solid and, around town, the ride held firm over pot-holed roads.

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There’s a drive mode for every whim. Eco mode naturally slows the car to optimise battery performance, capping speed and dialling down in-car features. 

All hail to its minimalist ways, which were particularly effective during a major motorway diversion.

A slightly longer route meant I might have been looking at an additional charging stop.

But I arrived home with 20 miles to spare and no range anxiety – job done!

For less frugal days, Comfort was the mid-range setting that became my default.

Sport provides that extra bit of power when required, and Perso is for those who want (and have the time) to create their own setup.

Battery Range

We’ve been treated to the Iconic Long Range 220 HP version, meaning that, in theory and on a full charge it can reach a range of 369 miles. This is pretty decent and, in my experience of EVs, gives it competitive appeal.

A larger battery size (87 kWh versus the standard model’s 60 kWH) does, however, come at an £8,000 price uptick, so one to factor into purchase budgets.

The Scenic’s output matched up well to the claimed range. In the colder months, it’s full charge only hit the 330 miles mark, but this is acceptable and more than adequate.

Similarly, on mid to longer journeys, it kept to the indicated range when driven in the 50-60mph territory. 

Any closer to 70mph and this began to drop off, but only as
expected, so not a point to fret over.

Cool Tech

Want suave design vibes? You got it. The tech was a tantalising teen dream. Sounds by French legendary electro-pop guru Jean-Michel Jarre and a rear-view mirror that can run as a video screen were the order of the day.

Throw in the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which can darken or lighten on demand, and the awesome AC in the back and front sections of the cabin to dial up the chill factor, and we beat the heatwaves.

With the 12” multimedia touchscreen (portrait in shape so it feels like a large phone) and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system to boot, me and my gang were spoiled.

Family Friendly Features

As passengers in the back, my teens were impressed with the arm rest that keeps on giving. It unfolds to offer drinks holders, USB ports and a smart phone/tablet holder.

The boot area also had a surprise in-store. Prise up the easy-to-lift floor mat and you discover a whole new storage section. Excellent for boots in the winter, wetsuits in the summer and the dog kit whatever the season.

The Rivals

Renault is pitching the Scenic E-Tech into a cluster of new mid-sized EVs that have launched in the last year or so. 

Key rivals for the family-friendly vote come from the Kia EV3, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq. All offer sleek designs and impressive cabin features, which the Scenic stands up well to. 

The Tesla Model Y is also in this herd of contenders, but Elon’s recent political distractions has damaged his appeal to UK buyers.

Final Verdict

Making the switch to an EV might not yet be the right choice for regular families in the UK, but it is one that will start to become more familiar. 

With an on-the-road price of just over £45,000, the Renault Scenic E-Tech could be considered a relatively expensive option, but it is the full package.

It’s therefore not difficult to see why it was also crowned European Car of the Year 2024. 

Winning these accolades from experienced car reviewers is one thing, but surviving a few months with my clan is another. 

The Scenic stepped up to the mark here too, so add that to its trophy cabinet.

Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range – key facts

Here’s everything you need to know about The Sun’s Family Car of the Year:

• Price: £45,495
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds
• Battery: 87 kWh
• Top Speed: 105 mph
• Power: 220hp
• Range: 369 WLTP

Brits looking for staycation inspiration for their next family getaway may want to consider adding this beautiful UK city to their travel wishlist

Parents considering UK holidays for their next trip with the kids might want to bookmark a trip to the UK’s most ‘family-friendly city’ which has everything from a chocolate-themed attraction to Vikings and even links to Harry Potter.

York is already a firm favourite for Brits looking for fun-filled city breaks, but it’s recently been firmly established as a must-visit for families after a study found that it had 793 kid-friendly activities, 6 museums per capita, 215 family-friendly restaurants.

Plenty of history buffs flock to the hotspot for attractions such as York Minster or the York Castle Museum, while there’s an impressive array of kid-friendly attractions. One highlight has to be York’s Chocolate Story, an interactive attraction which takes you through the city’s links to chocolate-making, complete with a chance to make your own chocolate, and even take on a chocolate and sweet themed treasure trail through the city.

Meanwhile budding history fans are sure to enjoy a trip to the JORVIK Viking Centre where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the year AD 960, as a ride takes you through the reconstructed city of Jorvik filled with 360-degree views of the settlement. There are also plenty of displays and artefacts to explore.

If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in the clan, then you may want to head to The Shambles, a historic street full of medieval buildings and independent shops, with a vibe that budding wizards have described as a ‘real life Diagon Alley’.

For those days when the British weather doesn’t play along (let’s face it, this applies most of the time), there are heaps of museums around the city sure to appeal to the whole family. One that often impresses visitors is the National Railway Museum, which is home to around 100 different trains, and artefacts that showcase the best of the UK’s railway history.

The more daring of families – and older kids – may want to also brave the York Dungeons, with live shows and interactive displays. (While the attraction is a lot of fun, there are some scares along the way so it’s recommended for children aged 8 and above, although you can bring in younger visitors at their parents’ discretion).

With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that earlier this year, a study from LNER found that the city was the UK’s most family-friendly spot. The team behind the research explained: “Few destinations blend fun and history quite like York, making it our top English destination for families. With a wide range of things to do with children, this historic, walkable city punches well above its weight when it comes to variety and charm.”

Want to check it out for yourself? You can book trains to York with LNER. As for accommodation, you can find hotels in York from £48 a night on Lastminute.com, while Premier Inn and Travelodge both have hotels in the city where you can sometimes find rooms from £39 during their sales.

You can also find out more about the city and its attractions on visityork.org.

‘This is probably the wildest place in the whole of the Vallée des Belleville,” says Roland, our guide, sweeping one arm across a bank of saw-toothed peaks as though conducting a great, brawny orchestra. My husband, two sons and I are midway through a four-day stretch of the Grand Tour de Tarentaise hiking trail in the French Alps, and we’ve stopped near the top of Varlossière, a roadless side valley among a great arc of mountains that runs to the west of the ski resorts of Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Hiking up here from Gittamelon, a rustic, summer-only mountain refuge in the neighbouring Vallée des Encombres, we’ve paused to exhale breath, and to inhale the primeval views.

High peaks loom either side of us, their shocking green flanks underscored by an elegantly designed bothy and its shepherd-dwelling twin, and we can hear the rush of water far below. It’s midmorning but the moon is low and large in a cloudless sky, adding to the otherworldly scene. Climbing higher, an eagle flies past almost at eye level, no more than six metres away. Though we meet three other hikers on the other side of the Col du Bonnet du Prêtre, the 2,461-metre (8,074ft) pass that leads from Varlossière to the Nant Brun valley – and detect from sheep bells that at least two shepherds must be somewhere among the great folds of these hills – it feels as though the landscape is ours alone.

That may not be the case for long. Soaring temperatures across Europe this summer have fuelled a rush to the mountains, social media funnelling many visitors to the same honeypots and creating infrastructure pressure points; in Italy some farmers in the Dolomites have resorted to installing turnstiles and charging tourists €5 to pass, incensed at having their meadows trampled.

Navigating these challenges is no easy task for Europe’s mountain resorts, which are increasingly encouraging summer tourism as the climate crisis signals a limited lifespan for ski tourism. One of the biggest issues is that many of these new summer visitors are first-timers, unfamiliar with the mores of mountain adventuring: treading gently on the environment, respecting local countryside codes, wearing suitable kit, knowing how to read a map rather than an app (we had no wifi or phone signal for two days of our hike), and packing enough food and water. In France, call-outs to mountain rescue services by inexperienced hikers have risen so sharply that workers now trawl social media looking for potential disaster hotspots in advance.

In an attempt to tackle these issues, the Vallée des Belleville tourist office has introduced a range of summer initiatives to support new hikers, from kids’ mountain skills activity days to free wildlife talks and events. Lower-level footpaths and bike trails for children, pushchair-users and visitors with reduced mobility makes it safer for those groups to access the mountains, and easier for local communities to manage the larger numbers that tend to make use of them. And while challenging marked trails through more remote corners of the mountains are fairly easy to follow, visitors are encouraged to hire a guide (something we are glad of at Col du Bonnet du Prêtre, when Roland tracks down the shepherd owner of an aggressive dog and persuades him to move away from the trail).

It is at our accommodation each night, in mountain refuges, that we really see support for new hikers in action, though. Several have been designed specifically with families and first-timers in mind, including Refuge Plan Lombardie, where we end our 12-mile (19km) hike from Gittamelon.

We are not first-timers, but staying here is a good opportunity to remind ourselves of the rules of refuge culture, and for the boys to hang out with other children. Though we hike in, it’s possible to park about 20 minutes’ away and walk from there, something several guests with preschoolers have done, grateful for the treasure hunt-style sculpture trail the refuge has installed along the route to entice younger visitors uphill.

Though we have seen less than a handful of hikers during the day, we find Refuge Plan Lombardie as packed as a marmot’s burrow. Approaching it in the soft glow of the afternoon, earlier arrivals have already nabbed the terrace’s deckchairs with a view. Instead, we collect beers and lemonades and find a free bench to enjoy them before swapping our boots for the refuge’s borrowed Crocs, and finding our allocated bunk beds.

Refuges like this are more than just places to sleep. Full of city folk temporarily escaping to higher ground, they’re the human equivalent of a centuries-old rhythm of transhumance, where families bring sheep and cows up to the high pastures for the summer months. At dinner, we share a table with a mother from Chambéry who has brought her four-year-old son for his first visit to a refuge. “My friend gave me a list of the most family-friendly ones and I’ve decided to start a new tradition of visiting one every year with my son. I want him to love them as much as I do,” she told us between bites of a Savoyard blueberry version of Eton mess.

The previous evening, in cosy Gittamelon refuge, we’d shared similar tales, and a dorm, with three generations of a Belgian family who were following the same trail as us but in the opposite direction. And the evening before that, we’d followed suit with other families, playing cards at Refuge du Lac du Lou, a modern, child-friendly refuge just 90 minutes’ hike above the resort of Les Menuires.

Between Lac du Lou and Gittamelon we’d hiked with Estelle Roy-Berthaud from Les Menuires tourist office, following the trail through harebells, cotton grass, neon-coloured lichens and, much to the boys’ delight, thickets of wild blueberries. Stopping for lunch with Mont Blanc spearing the horizon in the distance, I ask her how the valley is managing increasing summer numbers.

“Summer tourism is a relatively new concept here, so we are not seeing the overtourism issues experienced by more well-known summer destinations in the Alps,” she says. “We’re also protected by not having too many places to stay. In winter, we have around 27,000 beds, but in summer this reduces to just 8,000, so this naturally restricts the number of people in the valley.”

Further along the trail, at Plan Lombardie, I wake in the night and slip out of one of those beds. Outside, the sky is luminous with stars, while the peaks and folds of the land are now entirely black beyond the winking of a distant light – a shepherd’s stove, perhaps, or the torch of a camper. The Belleville valley still feels wonderfully wild tonight.

Transport from London to Chambéry was provided by Flixbus; return fares from £89pp. Half-board accommodation at Refuge du Lac du Lou from €39 children/€69 adults, Refuge Gittamelon €46pp, and at Refuge Plan Lombardie from €32 children and €52 adults. Hiking guides from €25 for a half-day (guides-belleville.com). More information at lesmenuires.com