With glorious landscapes, picturesque islands and historic castles, Scotland appeals in a great variety of ways. Why not think about renting a holiday cottage or perhaps a converted barn in the countryside? Self-catering accommodation makes a refreshing change from restricted hotel rooms in the larger towns. There will be plenty of space for you and your family to feel at ease, as well as room to store your hiking equipment. All year round, from Hogmanay to the Edinburgh Festival in August, there is a wealth of activities for the whole family in Scotland.

Lovers of the outdoors should head for the Cairngorms to explore mountains, forests, lochs and rivers which create ideal habitats for wildlife. In the winter you can go skiing or sledging and see reindeer too. If you are looking for castles, you will be spoilt for choice in Scotland: you will find them in Edinburgh, Stirling, Glamis and Inverary to mention just a few of the locations. Don't forget Scotland's wonderful islands, such as the Isle of Skye. Here you can go walking in the hills or birdwatching; look out for red deer in the countryside or otters by the shore.

Budding scientists will enjoy the Glasgow Science Centre with its plasma globe, indoor tornado and planetarium. There is also the Satrosphere in Aberdeen, an interactive science and discovery centre. For wildlife lovers, why not visit the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary near Oban which cares for abandoned seal pups and has a touch pool. Then there's the Highland Wildlife Park in the Spey Valley with its wild cats, red pandas and arctic foxes. For a rail journey with a difference, you can take the 'Harry Potter' Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan viaduct to the 'Road to the Isles' in Mallaig.

Holiday flats or self-catering cottages can be the ideal low-cost option for family holidays in Scotland. As well as being cheaper than hotels, they can save you money on travelling as you can stay in the countryside, close to the activities you want to pursue. Before you book, take a look at our unbiased customer reviews to help you make the perfect choice of accommodation for you and your family. You can be sure of excellent value, whether you decide on rooms in a farmhouse, a country cottage or an apartment beside Scotland's impressive coastline.