I had high expectations for Gleneagles. Scotland, golf, a beautiful historic hotel — I figured Pete and I would be happy.
What I didn’t expect was how much our kids would love it.. and wouldn’t want to leave.
After spending time here with my own family, I understand why Gleneagles works so well for families and multi-generational trips. There a plethora of activities, but it still feels like a proper luxury hotel — not a family resort disguised as one.
And perhaps most importantly: kids can be kids. My favorite kind of family vacation.
Why Gleneagles Is So Good for Families
Gleneagles is a historic country estate in Perthshire, Scotland, about an hour train or drive from Edinburgh and about the same from Glasgow. It has three championship golf courses – Kings, Queens and PGA Centenary course. Plus the Wee Course (don’t get fooled – not as easy as it sounds). There are indoor and outdoor tennis courts, Padel (my favorite!), falconry, shooting, horseback riding, gun dogs, off-road driving etc. etc.
It’s especially good for families with older kids and teens — an age group that can be surprisingly hard to impress at luxury hotels.
Our kids initially needed a little convincing to try the Adventure Program. Yes, there was bribing – but unexpectedly all the kids – even our older boys (aged 12 and 11) begged to go back a second day.
For ages 11–16, the full-day program runs approximately 9:30am–3:15pm and each day the daily activities change. My boys tried archery, axe throwing, shooting, Argo Cats (I didn’t see them – but boys described as driving tanks) and knife making. It’s around £200 per day per kid (and worth it). Best part was the boys made friends – and rode their bikes immediately to play soccer (futbal) with all their new friends.
James, who is 8, loved his camp as well. Same time – 9:30-3:15pm and similar (but likely less dangerous) activities. He participated in golf, tennis, drove little cars around property and loved archery.
For the littlest children, Gleneagles also has a kids room for ages 30 months to 8 years. They offer daily babysitting for up to 1.5 (complimentary). Think spa, lunch or dinner sans babies! Book this immediately. Those spaces go quickly. The room totally surprised me – looked more like a nursery school with painting and climbing obstacles (indoor and outdoor).
The Rooms at Gleneagles: This Is Where Planning Matters
One thing I learned quickly: not all rooms at Gleneagles are the same.
This is an older, historic property, which is part of its charm, but it also means room layouts vary. Views vary. Bathrooms vary. Some have showers, not all have tubs. Important to note – that some rooms have much higher ceilings.
For families, I want to know who’s sleeping where, whether connecting rooms matter, whether you care about a walk-in shower versus a bathtub and what kind of layout will actually work.
Gleneagles is also upgrading its suites, with a dedicated concierge team supporting suite guests — another interesting option for families or multi-generational groups who want more space and a higher level of service.
What to Do at Gleneagles
We stayed 6 nights, and found that we still didn’t have time to do all the activities we wanted. Minimum is three nights – but you could easily 5-7 nights and barely leave the property.
Golf is obviously a huge draw. Gleneagles has three championship courses, and if playing the King’s Course is important to you, reserve it well in advance.
But you definitely don’t have to be a golfer to love it here.
There are three outdoor and two indoor tennis courts, padel, falconry, gun dog experiences, shooting and Highland adventures. It’s the kind of place where breakfast inevitably turns into, “Okay, what is everyone doing today?”
And everyone has a different answer.
That’s exactly why I like it so much for multi-generational travel. Grandparents can golf. Someone else can head to the spa. Teenagers can disappear on an adventure. Younger kids have their own program.
Together. Just not all day.
Where to Eat at Gleneagles
There are enough restaurants that you don’t feel like you’re eating in the same hotel restaurant every night.
For a special dinner, Gleneagles has the Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie. The Strathearn is another more polished option, while The Century Bar is easier and more relaxed. We found our kids eating lunch with friends one day there. Servers were very kind but did call us to make sure they could put it all on our tab (as our boys so kindly offered;)
And then there’s one of my favorites: the pop up café by the chicken coop.
Don’t Miss the Glenmor Cottages
This is one of my favorite Gleneagles tips, particularly for larger families and multi-generational trips. Gleneagles doesn’t advertise (and I shoudn’t either!!)
Across from the main hotel are the Glenmor Cottages, which offer two-, three- and four-bedroom accommodations with access to all of the amenities of the Gleneagles estate. These are effectively time-shares.
The value can be significant. As an example, a three-bedroom cottage can run around £6,500 for a week compared with £30,000+ for the equivalent number of hotel rooms during certain periods.
They also come with bikes, which give kids more independence to move around the property. Our boys would take off, swing by their (new) friends cottages and head to the futbal pitch.
The catch?
Summer availability appears and then disappears fast. These aren’t rooms I can simply pull from a traditional hotel allocation. Availability needs to be watched closely, and popular weeks are snapped up almost immediately.
For the right family, though, they’re a fantastic way to do Gleneagles. We had a 3 bedroom/ 3 bathroom. Picture of the generous kitchen below. They can also be stocked – and bonus – there is a laundry.
Gleneagles Is Also a Great Base for Scotland
Golf, golf and more golf. St Andrews is about an hour away, and Kingsbarns about 50 minutes.
If traveling to Gleneagles from Edinburgh – Gleneagles train station is about 10 minutes from the hotel, and the hotel offers complimentary transfers to and from the station. Edinburgh is only about an hour on the train, or hours drive. For those that love driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road – you can include car rental as part of your adventure.
Who I’d Send to Gleneagles
Families with school-age kids and teens: Absolutely. This is probably my favorite fit.
Multi-generational families: Even better. There is enough variety that nobody is forced into family fun..
Couples: Yes — particularly golfers, active couples or anyone who loves the idea of a Scottish country estate.
Honeymooners: Probably not my first choice. Gleneagles can absolutely be romantic, but there are other destinations I’d prefer.
How Long Should You Stay at Gleneagles?
I’d plan on three nights minimum, but would push for longer if you have the time.
My Take After Staying at Gleneagles With My Family
The biggest surprise for me wasn’t the golf, the food or even how beautiful the property is.
It was how well Gleneagles handled that tricky combination of luxury hotel + actual family vacation.
For families traveling to Scotland — particularly with older kids or multiple generations — Gleneagles is one of those rare hotels where the hotel itself becomes a major part of the trip.
