Glampods

Although it’s tempting to stay put in your luxury pod, the thought of tasting single malts at eight distilleries on the Speyside Whisky Trail (30 minutes’ drive) will surely be calling you. If you’re after other typically Scottish goodies, head to Fochabers (also 30 minutes) to pick up haggis, or browse the craft shops in Elgin (10 minutes) for tartan scarves and handmade kilts. Jump in the car and in half an hour you can be strolling along North Sea beaches to old-world fishing villages like Findhorn or Lossiemouth, on walks deep in ancient Roseisle Forest or playing a round of golf at Kinloss. In summer, kids can swim at Nairn (30 minutes) beach or outdoor pool, and when snow falls, let them loose on the nursery slopes at Aviemore (an hour). Chances are, however, that they'll nag until you take them to see the dolphins playing in Moray Firth. Although there’s no guarantee with wildlife, you might just spot them from Burghead (10 minutes).