8 Scottish-Themed Activities To Enjoy Indoors

With much of the UK opting to holiday on home-turf in 2020, there's never been a better time to 'get creative' when it comes to keeping the little ones occupied indoors. Our John O'Groats accommodation is well-equipped to hose the whole family, in a spectacular location at the edge of the Scottish landscape.

Inspired? Read out top tips on indoor activities below...

1. Feast on an indoor picnic

There are plenty of scenic spots in our spacious lodges to lay down your picnic rug and tuck in - plus the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows provide the perfect backdrop to your Scottish snacks! There are a wealth Scottish treats to choose from when planning your picnic; chocolatey Tunnocks teacakes, juicy Scottish strawberries, hearty oatcakes and rich smoked salmon, crumbly shortbread - the list is endless!

2. Launch into detective mode for a murder mystery night

With our lodges boasting long dining tables that were made for atmospheric dinner parties, a Highland murder mystery is definitely one to schedule in. There are a whole host of websites that offer themed packs with everything you need to host your own event, and even pun-filled Scottish affairs such as 'Death at the Distillery' by Red Herring Games!

3. Get searching on an indoor scavenger hunt

There are plenty of nooks and crannies hidden within our holiday lodges that offer a secret spot to squirrel away collectables - just draw up your own list for the little ones to take on, and watch their excitement as they scamper around our spacious surrounds, giddily gathering up the items on their hunt!

4. Munch on popcorn, watching movies

Our luxury lodges in John O'Groats were made for movie nights - spacious, comfy sofas gathered around our large flat-screen televisions, ready and waiting for loved ones to absorb themselves in a Scottish classic. For families, why not follow the heart-warming story of Mèrida in Brave, or for something a little more action-packed, Mel Gibson's Braveheart is a classic filled with epic battle scenes!

5. Lights, camera, action; film your own cookery show!

Why not make like the award-winning Scottish chefs that frequent John O'Groats each August at the Taste North Festival and film your very own cookery masterclass? Prop your phone on one of our large kitchen workshops, before walking your audience through classic Scottish dishes - haggis bonbons, smoked salmon tartlets or even neeps and tatties, there are plenty of Highland delights to choose from!

6. Make your own Nessie

Let their creative side run wild with a couple of hours crafting with your young explorers - and what's more quintessentially Scottish than creating your very own Loch Ness Monster? Gather cotton balls, old toilet rolls, green socks, cardboard and googly eyes and offer a prize to the best creature creation!

7. Star-gazing and seal-spotting

Nestled on the edge of the roaring Pentland Firth, our holiday homes in John O'Groats have front-row seats to colonies of grey seals that bob around the inky blue waters, bringing their fluffy white pups ashore in the winter months for safety - not only this, but the spacious private decks also provide the perfect vantage point for viewing the iconic Aurora Borealis; a once-in-a-lifetime event best spectated wrapped in our tweed blankets, steaming hot chocolate in hand!

8.  Kick-back with a family spa night

Pop together a pamper pack before you set off on your travels, or take advantage of the locally-produced beauty treats that can be found up and down the coast of Caithness. Think fluffy dressing gowns, face masks and foot spas, giving the whole tribe a little luxury to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.