Crieff Hydro Resort,
Perthshire, UK
Why families love Crieff Hydro
Set within the sprawling grounds of a grand 19th-century spa hotel and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Perthshire countryside, Crieff Hydro is the perfect destination for active families seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and heritage charm. In this Crieff Hydro review, we cover what to expect on a family holiday with kids, from rooms and childcare to activities, dining and location.
- Range of rooms and lodges
- Free daily childcare
- Multiple dining options
- Outdoor activities & sports
- Adventure playground
- Leisure & entertainment
First impressions
Set along a sweeping driveway in the Perthshire countryside, Crieff Hydro makes a striking first impression. This 19th-century spa resort is stately and full of character, but the tone quickly shifts once you’re inside, thanks to warm, down-to-earth staff. It manages to feel grand without being formal, and relaxed enough for guests to feel comfortable holidaying with their little ones in tow. This is a resort that clearly knows its audience, with a wide range of accommodation available and a resounding focus on family fun. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be left wondering how to spend your time.
Accommodation
Crieff Hydro offers a wide range of accommodation options tailored to suit families of all sizes and preferences. Guests can stay in the elegant main hotel, where traditional décor meets modern comfort and rooms are just steps from the heart of the resort’s amenities. Families will find plenty of room configurations to choose from, such as double rooms with kids’ bunk beds tucked behind partitions, as well as larger family apartments for those who need extra space. Light sleepers? Our guide to making a hotel room darker has simple tips.
For guests who prefer the flexibility of self-catering, the resort also features a selection of well-equipped cabins, apartments and lodges, all nestled across the scenic estate. There are also larger and interconnecting lodges (sleeping up to 16 people) that are ideal for group stays such as family reunions. It is worth noting that the lodges in Culcrieff Village, a quieter area of the resort ideal for those seeking peace and seclusion, are located about a 30-minute forest walk from the main hotel complex.
Facilities & activities
There is no shortage of ways to stay entertained at Crieff Hydro, whatever the Scottish weather decides. Indoors, families can watch a movie at the cinema, test their skills in the escape room or take a dip in the large leisure pool. The resort also offers a variety of live entertainment, ranging from magicians to fun-filled, interactive quiz nights.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Action Glen, the resort’s activity hub. Here, guests can experience adventures such as alpaca trekking, quad biking, treetop obstacle courses and Highland safaris. Younger children will be delighted by Glen’s Adventure Park, a giant outdoor playground featuring a wooden fort, giant jumping pillows, electric Volvo diggers, mini zip lines and plenty more to fuel their imaginations.
Kids club & childcare
Crieff Hydro’s dedicated childcare facilities give parents the chance to take a well-earned break while the kids are happily occupied. Children aged 2–12 can enjoy Big Country, the resort’s supervised play centre. The venue is large with indoor and outdoor spaces for kids to explore, including a slide and ball pit. Resort guests are offered two hours of free childcare per day, giving parents time to relax, explore or have a quiet meal. For younger children, there’s also an unsupervised soft play area that’s safe and easy to enjoy. Teenagers and older children will love the Glen Den games zone, which is equipped with arcade games, VR headsets and a pool table.
Dining options
The resort boasts an impressive array of dining options, offering everything from elegant, sit-down meals to convenient grab-and-go fare. Many of the resort’s dining venues embrace the heritage of the hotel, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where guests can dine in the refined splendour of a bygone era.
A particular highlight is afternoon tea in the beautifully restored Loggia dining room, a wonderfully refined experience featuring fine teas, delicate sandwiches and homemade cakes. Despite the refined ambiance, all restaurants and cafés warmly welcome children, making it easy for families to relax and enjoy meals together, whatever the occasion.
Location & nearby attractions
Crieff Hydro is situated in one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, with sweeping views over the rolling Perthshire hills. The surrounding countryside offers countless walking routes and trails, perfect for family hikes in nature. Just a short walk from the main hotel lies the quaint town of Crieff, where visitors can browse local shops, enjoy cafés and restaurants or explore cultural attractions at a slower pace. The town is also home to The Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, where parents can enjoy a distillery tour with whisky tasting. If you want to explore further afield, cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews are all within an hour or so’s drive from the resort.
Final thoughts
Crieff Hydro blends historical charm with all the modern comforts and fun activities families need. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, peaceful walks in the countryside or relaxing meals together, there’s something for everyone. The resort’s childcare facilities, a rarity in British hotels, give parents the chance to take a well-earned break while the kids are happily occupied. With flexible accommodation, a range of dining options and well-designed facilities for children, Crieff Hydro is well set up to ensure an unforgettable family holiday in the beautiful heart of Scotland. Planning the journey? Our guide to hotel room essentials for families and our hotel room blackout ideas will help everyone sleep well.
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