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This peninsula – with its rugged mountains, pretty villages and what is one of the most delightful roads in the country, ending in a parade of white sand – is as lyrical in nature as it is in name. Acharacle is a famed den of musicians (try the hall or Glenuig Inn), while Glenmore is home to a Natural History Centre with a “living building”. Wild deer sometimes graze on its roof. From Kilchoan you can catch a ferry to Tobermory on Mull.

Children just seem to love noisy engines and burning their way round race tracks. For all budding Grand Prix champions, this is the place. There are courses and machines to suit all ages, and safety helmets are provided. The Bullit is the fastest kart.

The site of the decisive battle in 1314 (see Battle of Bannockburn) is marked by a visitor centre and an arresting equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce. At the centre, kids can try on helmets and chainmail, and view Bruce’s cave to watch the fabled spider who inspired him to renew his fight.

This small isle encapsulates all the charm of the Hebrides: scintillating beaches, the culture of the Gaels, tranquillity and road-priority to sheep. No matter how you arrive, it will make a deep impression: planes land on the sands of Cockle Beach, while ferries sail into a delightful bay where the 11th-century Kisimul Castle poses on an island of its own. A soothing place to unwind.

Aberdeen has 10 swimming pools, but this is the one for flumes. There’s a mini-flume for tots, but older children will be after the hairiest and scariest: the Pipeline, Wipeout and Tube. The last of these you negotiate on a tyre, while as for the other two … just close your eyes and hope for the best.

Britain’s highest mountain is 1,343m (4,406 ft) high and makes a great walk under good conditions (see Ben Nevis) . But the peak is frequently shrouded in mist, and the drive up Glen Nevis offers a more reliable reward, taking you to a lovely waterfall. Fort William lies below the mountain and is a major shopping town with plenty of attractions (see Fort William) . Its West Highland Museum has many Jacobite relics, and Treasures of the Earth exhibits glittering heaps of gems.

As if elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, lions, meercats and ring-tailed lemurs weren’t enough, you can also see your first lechwe (unless, of course, you’re already au fait with these African antelopes). Beyond the animal life, this is also a terrific play centre, with a giant Astraglide, a Flying Fox and pedalos for getting to Chimpanzee Island.