Ballater Caravan Park

There is excellent salmon fishing in the River Dee for those on an angling break, or for something more active, this part of the national park is ideal for walkers. Ballater even hosts its own walking festival and you might like to stroll beside the waters of Loch Muick, try some Munro bagging or cycle off into the hills.

Why not practise your swing at the handy 18-hole golf course and see if the beauty of the scenery can improve your game?

Ballater is a lovely and historic village, set on the Victorian Heritage Trail and brimming with shops, many of whom are Royal Warrant holders. It's a place to get lost and spend a relaxing day exploring all year round, but Ballater Victoria Week is a particularly big draw in August.

This being Scotland, it isn't short of fine castles, including regal Balmoral and a host of other favourites such as Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. Adults might like to top that off with another historic part of the area, the Speyside Distilleries where you can tour and sample the best Scottish malt whisky.