Family Holidays: Nature, Wildlife, Conservation & Fun!

    

          Playing on the beach at Findhorn Bay                                   Wild swimming in the River Findhorn

The perfect holiday for families who love wildlife and nature. The activities offered focus on child friendly fun, nature connection and sustainable living. They are specially designed to meet the needs of families with children aged 3+. For example:

• Fun and Games: Play nature based games which enhance environmental understanding and connection, such as 'bat catches midgee', 'protect your tree', 'fox stalking' and more. Do a bird, bee or butterfly survey, or make a bird feeder or nest box. Learn how to set up cameras to watch wildlife remotely. Use natural materials such as leaves, sticks, mud, shells and pebbles to make beautiful nature-art!
• Nature Detectives: Spend a day with 'Tracker Dan' looking for clues to unravel the natural mysteries all around us. Where did the otter pass by last night? What have the badgers been up to? Where are the deer sleeping? And what are the birds saying to each other?
• Marine Biologist for the Day: Look for and learn about seals and dolphins by conducting your own mini  research project for an afternoon, then taking a thrilling boat trip out into the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation. If we're lucky, we may even spend some time with the famous bottlenose dolphins who live here year round. These are one of only two bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK, and the biggest bottlenose dolphins in the world! We will also have an additional half day trip, to another great dolphin watching location, to increase our chances of seeing the fantastic animals during your holiday.

 

    

                       Watching dolphins on RIB boat trip                              Learning about tidepool animals   

We’ve learnt that what parents most want is for their children to be having a great time, without having to constantly organise everything themselves. We’ve also learnt that its often the simple things – playing in the grounds and woodland, collecting eggs from our chickens, swimming in the river, beach combing, wild picnics, campfires and songs, are what kids seem to enjoy more than long drives to visit ‘attractions’. Children usually love the wildlife watching and conservation activities as many already care deeply about protecting wildlife and the environment. We aim to nurture and develop this love and concern in a fun and engaging way.

We also think parents should have a great time too, and it’s often doing exactly the same things as the kids. However, there will be opportunities for 'you' time as well. You can relax in the cosy lounge or beautiful Victorian conservatory, maybe accompanied by afternoon tea; have a massage, yoga lesson, meditation session or other treatment; walk in the woods or the beautiful gardens; read, write, draw, or just drift and dream. You can also talk to members of the community, join in with some gardening or bread baking, learn more about sustainable living and attend occasional relevant talks or films in the evenings.

The prices below are for fully guided holidays. It is also possible to have fewer guided days or half days which will reduce the overall cost of the holiday. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. 

Price:  7 Night Holiday at Newbold House - Adults £750 / Children £575.

2016 Dates: August 15-22th confirmed. Other dates can be arranged for groups/families of 4+ subject to availability.

Newbold House: Prices for full board holidays are based on families sharing a very spacious 4 bed family room in Newbold House, a beautiful Victorian mansion with a walled organic vegetable garden, apple orchard, woodland walks, swings and large lawn for playing games. For a separate twin or single room for children there is a supplement of £10 per night. Call us to discuss your preferences and we will quote the exact price. 

Additional Information

Prices are fully inclusive of accommodation and activities (excluding massage/other treatments or your afternoon off activities). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are porvided every day, except on your free afternoon when dinner is not included.  If you don’t wish to eat out on that afternoon, you can book dinner at Newbold for £9/£7 (Adult/Child).

This part of north east Scotland has an unusually mild and dry climate with some of the lowest rainfall and highest sunshine hours of anywhere in the UK. Luckily for us, this dryer climate also means that biting midges are much less of a problem than on the west coast. 

Getting here is easier than you might think, with good rail, bus, road and air links from all over the UK to the Highland capital of Inverness. We are situated just 25 miles east of Inverness in the small town of Forres. There are excellent public transport links to Forres from Inverness train and bus station and the airport.  We are happy to meet you from your train or bus. Alternatively, if you enjoy driving through stunning scenery, bring your own car and have the added benefit of being able to explore the region during your free time or before/after your stay with us.

It’s also worth considering the wealth of other activities and areas you can access from Forres (eg the Cairngorm National Park, the Highlands, many outdoor activities). If you wish to stay for additional nights before or after your holiday we can offer Bed & Breakfast and recommendations for activities.

To book call 01309 672659    or email  office@newboldhouse.org