...Insight
ICELAND
Family Fun in the Midnight Sun
With 24 hours of daylight and few experiences off limits to young visitors, Iceland is perfect for a family summer getaway.
Iceland comes alive in summer. Waterfalls are charged with snowmelt, meadows are carpeted in colourful wildflowers, and the country’s dramatic coastline sees the seasonal arrival of pretty puffins and giant whales.
For families this is also an ideal time to visit. Kids of all ages will love swimming in thermal pools, playing on black-sand beaches and hearing tales of Viking folklore. Here are a few of the many reasons to visit Iceland this summer.
"Iceland is a geological playground for young and old alike, with active volcanoes, spurting geysers and bubbling mud pools."
Sarah Woodthorpe
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 Sarah.Woodthorpe@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile
GETTING IN HOT WATER
Bubbling away at nearly 40˚C, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa sunk in a lava field not far outside of Reykjavik and is undoubtedly Iceland’s number one tourist attraction. The kids will love swimming in its milky-blue waters while you relax in a geothermal steam bath or treat yourself to a hot volcanic mud wrap.
WILDLIFE WONDERS
Summer is the perfect time for animal encounters in Iceland. Husavik, on the north coast, is the whale-watching capital of Europe, with 97-99% of visitors spotting whales here from mid-April to mid-October. Humpback, minke and blue whales are all likely visitors, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
To make feathered friends, head instead to the Westman Islands on the south coast, where puffins and other seabirds nest in their thousands along rugged, wind-battered cliffs.
Iceland Property Spotlights
Skálakot Manor - South Iceland
A family-run farm in the heart of south Iceland for four generations, Skálakot Manor will welcome you warmly with traditional Icelandic hospitality and a luxe yet cosy atmosphere. Cradled by undulating hills and facing the North Atlantic Ocean, the location is wildly remote and beautiful. Nearby are glaciers, rivers and volcanoes but the main draw of this isolated hotel is the gentle Icelandic horses that are breed at the farm. Placid and calm, they are ideal for children or those without riding experience. Iceland’s famous black-sand beaches are a short drive away – come here to watch the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing into the shore or take an ATV ride for the ultimate thrill.
Must do
Skálakot Manor is perfectly located to discover everything south Iceland has to offer. Kids will love swimming in the local hot springs, bouncing in buggies over black-sand beaches and gazing down at glaciers on a flightseeing tour. Staying at Skálakot Manor also gives the opportunity for a riding tour either for one day or over a few days – on horseback you can view waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes and of course try cantering on black sand beaches.
Torfhús Retreat - Golden Circle
Beautifully bleak and utterly remote, this is a gorgeous place for a family to retreat to in cosy, two-bed, turf-topped cottages made from stone, grass and wood, with Nordic-inspired interiors heightening the sense of contentment. Outside, it’s a different matter. Torfhús is situated in the wild cinematic scenery that surrounds the Golden Circle and here outdoor pursuits in the elemental landscapes are part of its allure.
Must do
Torfus Retreat is the gateway to a huge variety of activities. Go classic Iceland and sightsee by superjeep or helicopter or climb up into the glaciers of the highlands. Come home for an Icelandic-inspired dinner, followed by a soak in your geothermal outdoor basalt tub, perhaps accompanied by the delicate dance of the Northern Lights overhead.
Insight
Family Fun on Safari in Zambia
Zambia is the real deal. Wildlife viewing in both South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Park is simply unsurpassed. Some activities are better suited to teens, but younger children are well looked after and the flexibility of exclusive-use houses offers a perfect opportunity to make a first-class family safari.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Highlights
Beyond the Beach in Europe
