Overview
At the Dell of Abernethy the focus is on nature and nurture. Nestled within the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, this stylish Scottish bolthole offers a homegrown family holiday, inviting guests of all ages to rest & rejuvenate. Children are treated to the real forest school experience, with a natural playground hidden amongst the trees, plus wild swimming, ziplining and poohsticks all on the agenda. Grown ups can truly relax, as hosts go out of their way to recharge tired parental batteries. A family run estate for three generations, owners Polly and Ross strive to speed up the transition into holiday mode for their guests, creating an environment that immediately puts people at ease. And boy do they deliver. An elevated self-catering stay, their onsite Dell Grocer can stock your cottage before arrival with meal kits, hampers and delicious treats. With a made, gathered or homegrown ethos, they bring together the best of the region’s produce (that you would never find in supermarkets) for a unique local larder. Lovers of design, fresh air adventures and food will find themselves at home here
Mama
Get in touch
Nearest station
Approximately an hour drive from Inverness airport, 20 mins from Aviemore train station and around 3 hours north of Edinburgh and Glasgow
Best time to visit
The highlands are showstopping whatever the season. For the best guarantee of good weather visit June – August, although remember this is Scotland and nothing can be guaranteed! Spring is the season of cute lambs and baby highland cows, whilst summer welcomes watersports on the lochs. Autumn sees less tourists and fabulous fall foliage. Bracing winter walks can be rewarded with whisky tasting, cake munching and warming your cockles next to the Dell’s wood burning fires
Favourite room
Choose from 5 cottages sleeping 2-9 and the 4 bed Dell Lodge. 1 bed Dell Cottage and Little Dell are ideal for parents with babes in arms, whilst East Dell provides separate sleep spaces and a pretty garden
Nearby
Nestled within the Cairngorms wilderness, The Dell is a few minutes down the lane from the sleeping little village of Nethy Bridge, where you’ll find a well stocked village store and fantastic butcher. Slightly further afield, you’ll find the adventure capital of the Cairngorms, Landmark, which is brilliant for a family day out. Loch Insh and Loch Morlich are also close by, and great for days on the water or simply enjoying the beach
Price
from £160 p/night in low season and £258 p/night in high season
Meet the family...
Lindsay
Parent to Tiny Travellers aged 11 and 8
The Dell of Abernethy is our favourite family holiday destination: hands down. We are serial-stayers, and have found each of the uniquely-styled cottages perfectly-appointed for families. Our girls are now 11 and 8, and we'll be returning again this summer. My brother and his wife stayed last year with their then-10-month-old and 3-year-old, and can vouch for the consideration the team takes in making sure that everything a young family needs is provided (including the self-service clothes-washing facilities!)
Worth waking the baby for
01
Ballindalloch Castle
Known as the ‘pearl of the north’, Ballindalloch is one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. Still privately owned, it’s first and foremost a beloved family residence, offering visitors a unique look at personal heirlooms and generations of memorabilia. The Rivers Spey and Avon run through the estate, offering excellent fishing, whilst the beautifully maintained walled and rock gardens are breathtaking when in full bloom. Children are treated to a playground full of swings, climbing frames, slides and even wee tractors to ride
02
Highland Wildlife Park
Amidst 105-hectares of safari park and zoo you’ll find an amazing array of animals waiting to be greeted by car or foot. Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the park pledges to provide a home to rare animals of the world. Meet Amur tigers, snow monkeys, red pandas and Scotland’s only polar bears, including the first cub to be born in the UK for 25 years
03
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Not just for Christmas, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is home to Britain’s only herd of free-ranging reindeer. Trek through the heather to feed Rudolph and his 100 plus friends (or visit them in the paddock back at the centre for a walk-free meet and greet)
