Time to find a festive family break

snowy scene in Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

Spend quality time with your loved ones this festive season on a magical break in Scotland. The National Trust for Scotland owns a number of beautiful properties suitable for families looking for the perfect getaway this Christmas.

Here are some of the top picks for the perfect place for a family Christmas:

Brodie Castle in Moray is an ideal location for a large family get-together over the festive season. Nestled between Forres and Nairn, the castle makes an excellent base for exploring Loch Ness, the Moray Firth and the Cairngorm mountains – home to Scotland’s premier ski resort. The Laird’s Apartment at Brodie Castle sleeps up to 14 people and has been furnished to a very high standard, offering guests top? quality accommodation. This is your opportunity to live the life of a laird – you won’t be disappointed! The Laird’s Apartment is available for 22–29 December for £3,400 and 29 December–5 January for £4,000.

Smaller families who wish to stay in the beautiful north-east of Scotland may consider staying in a cosy cottage in the grounds of Towie Barclay Castle, near Turriff. Garden Cottage is a charming hideaway, with an open fire to make those winter nights extra special, and sleeps up to six guests. The cottage is available from 22–29 December and 29 December–5 January for £800 per week.

Those who are dreaming of a white Christmas should look no further than Mar Lodge Estate, set in the Cairngorms National Park. The lodge has five self-contained apartments; Dalvorar and Derry apartments (each sleeping up to four people) are still available for Christmas and New Year, priced £800 per week.

There is also the chance to spend the festive season at Scotland’s most popular castle. Culzean Castle and Country Park in Ayrshire offers flats and cottages for let within the castle and grounds. With stunning views and magical Christmas events, Culzean is fun for all the family. Prices start at £650 for a week over the festive period.

The festive season is great fun in Scotland’s capital too, with people from all over the world joining in the famous Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations. The Trust has two properties available in Edinburgh over the festive season. The small apartments are situated in the heart of the Old Town and each sleeps two people. Breaks cost £700 for the Christmas or New Year weeks.

For more information and bookings visit www.ntsholidays.com or call 0844 493 2108 for more details.

Laird's Apartment at Brodie Castle 

The National Trust for Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities, which relies on the financial support of its members to fund its important work of caring for the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland for everyone to enjoy.

You can join the National Trust for Scotland for as little as £5 per month for a family. To become a member, visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Join/Benefits/.

All information and photos contained herein provided by the National Trust of Scotland.