Isle of Skye With Kids – Our Ultimate Family Guide
Is the Isle of Skye worth visiting?
Who knew the Isle of Skye would leave such a mark on us? It was our first ever time visiting as a family, and I don’t think I was prepared for how emotional this trip would be. With my maiden name being McLeod, whose ancestors originated from Skye, what a place to trace your roots back to! It really blew me away finally seeing where my family story began!
Skye isn’t just about the jaw-dropping scenery (though that alone is worth the trip). It’s bursting with stories of fairies, giants, and old clan legends that kids will love. If you’re planning a visit, our ultimate guide has you covered, when to go, how to get there, and the best family-friendly spots to check out while you’re there.
Where is the Isle of Skye located?
The Isle of Skye is tucked away off the west coast of mainland Scotland, and is part of the Inner Hebrides. It’s not too far from the Scottish Highlands, being about 2 hours 30 mins from Fort William, which is it’s closest major town.
How many days on the Isle of Skye?
You can easily fall in love with Skye no matter how long you stay. We spent a full week on the island and still didn’t get through everything we wanted to do. Each day was packed with places to explore and things to tick off, and we still ran out of time, even in October, when a few attractions had already closed for the season. If you’ve got the time, it’s worth spending over a week if you can. But don’t worry if you can only visit for a day or a short break, you can still see some of the main sights and get a real feel for just how special this place is.
Best time to visit Isle of Skye
They say Skye means “Cloud Island,” and once you’ve seen the mist rolling over the landscape, it just makes sense. It’s the kind of place that has a mood of its own and looks incredible no matter when you go, but each season definitely has its quirks, especially when you’re travelling to the Isle of Skye with kids in tow. It’s renown that visitors to Scotland can experience all four seasons within one day, with ever changing weather, which we can vouch is true. When visited Skye in late October, we were hiking in the rain on the morning then paddling in the crystal clear sea, with the sun beaming down on us come the afternoon.
Spring, from March to May is a bit of a sweet spot. It’s still quiet, the landscapes start to come alive again, and the weather can actually be pretty kind. You’ll find lambs bouncing around in the fields and the landscape is full of glorious colours with the plants and trees. Just bring layers, as Skye’s still Skye, and the weather can change in an instant.
Summer, from June to August, is when most people visit and you can see why. Long days, everything’s open, and the island’s in full swing. But it does get busy, so expect more tourists and higher accommodation prices. If you do plan a summer trip, booking well in advance is essential. One factor go bare in mind if you’re considering thisd time of year, is the midges, they are relentless, so you need to take ample insect repellent.
Autumn from September to November, is the time of year when we opted to visit the Isle of Skye with kids and used the October half term break as our window of opportunity. The autumn colours are insanely beautiful, the island is quieter and prices are cheaper. Things do start closing up later in the season, but if you’re not fussed about ticking off everything, and are focused on stunning walks and hikes it’s a great time to explore.
Winter, from December to February, while cold and often wet, can still be an amazing time to visit if you’re prepared for it. Think snow-dusted mountains, cosy pubs, and hardly any crowds. You’ll need to wrap up warm as temperatures can fall below freezing, but if you’re looking for a quiet getaway and don’t mind the possibility of wild weather, Skye in winter has a kind of raw, magical beauty that’s hard to beat.
How to get to the Isle of Skye
The ease of getting to Skye really depends on where you’re travelling from and your transport options.
Honestly, driving is the easiest way to get to the Isle of Skye with kids. Pack some toys, books, a good playlist, plus tons of snacks and you’ll be there before you know it, with the added bonus of being able to stop off whenever you like for rest breaks. It also means you’ve got your own wheels once you arrive, which makes exploring so much easier.
We left from the Midlands of central England, making the 10-hour drive across two days, with a one-night stop in Glasgow to break up the stint. You’re looking at just over five hours to travel from Scotland’s biggest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and with really good roads, the drives are surprisingly pleasant. Plus, the views along the way are stunning, our favourite section was driving through Glen Coe, past the Three Sisters mountain range, which is absolutely breathtaking.
Although Skye is an island, it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you don’t have to catch a ferry unless you want to. If you do fancy getting on a boat, there is a ferry that runs from Mallaig to Armadale, which does on occasions at the right time of year, offer sightings of porpoise and whales. It’s a lovely crossing, and you can take your car on board too. There is also the seasonal ferry thats runs in summer, from Glenelg to Kylerhea, which although a bit more old-school and charming, it’s definitely worth considering if you like the idea of a boat trip.
For those who would rather leave the driving to someone else, the train to Kyle of Lochalsh is a great option. The station is right near the Skye Bridge, and from there you can grab a bus or taxi onto the island. The train ride itself is a treat, with some incredible scenery along the way.
If you’re travelling internationally, flying into Glasgow or Edinburgh airports will offer the cheapest flights and car hire options. However, Inverness airport is the closest to Skye, at about two hours away.
Getting around Skye
Once you’re on the island, getting around is fairly straightforward. But don’t expect big motorways or loads of road signs. That’s part of what makes Skye feel so magical. It still has that wild, untouched edge to it. Most of the roads are narrow and winding, often single track with little passing places dotted along the way. You’ll want to drive slowly, not only because of the roads, but because everywhere you look is just jaw-droppingly beautiful.
One minute you’re driving past a loch, the next you’re up in the hills with sheep casually blocking the road. If you’re travelling with kids, having your own car really is a game-changer. You can stop when you like, follow your nose, and turn even the car journeys into part of the adventure.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye
Although Skye feels wonderfully rustic and remote, there’s actually a surprisingly wide range of accommodation to choose from, especially around the main town of Porttree. Scotland always offers the best self catering cozy wooden lodges, which is the accommodation choice we always aim for, as theres’ nothing like relaxing in front of a roaring open fire, after returning back from a nice walk. You’ll find plenty of self catering options, including lodges, cottages, houses, static caravans and even glamping pods. If you prefer eating out instead of doing your own cooking, Skye has a good mix of B&B’s and hotels, from budget all the way up to luxury.If you’re visiting during school holidays, make sure you book in advance as the popular places fill up fast.
Portree is the island’s main town and makes a great base with plenty of food options and shops for stocking up on bits and bobs. But if you don’t mind being a little more remote, and have your own car, there are some stunning places further out where you can wake up to peaceful surroundings and amazing views.
Things to Do on the Isle of Skye with Kids
Old Man of Storr
This is definitely the most famous hike on the Isle of Skye, and probably amongst the most famous hikes in the whole of Scotland. It’s spectacular and totally doable with kids, only taking 2 hours at a leisurely pace, with the added motivation for the kids, when they discover the story behind where the Old Man of Storr gets its name from. Legend has it that the Old Man is actually a giant who was turned to stone, and if you look closely at the jagged rock formations, you’ll be able to see his weathered face watching over the land. The area at the top of the walk really feels like giant country and the enormous rocks make you feel rather insignificant as you meander through them. Sharing this tale with our two kids, really helped bring the walk to life and kept them excited to keep climbing to the top when they got tired.
The path itself isn’t too difficult, with clear trails and gentle slopes, making it perfect for families. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, with dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and shimmering lochs stretching out in every direction. To avoid the busiest times, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially outside of summer. It’s a good idea to bring waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and snacks to keep everyone comfortable and energized along the way.
Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a set of shimmering waterfalls and pools that flow down from the Cuillin mountains, which make for the best walk, as you follow a fairly straight open path past them all, across a golden open landscape, with the mountains in the distance.
Locals say this is the place where fairy come to bathe and when you see the enchanting pools, you can understand why. Old folk legend tells of a fairy princess who fell in love with a human at the pools; chief of Clan MacLeod. They got married and had a child, but one day she had to leave him to return to the fairy realm,. She left behind for her son a magical parting gift; the Fairy Flag, which the Mcleods used to protect their clan and the Dunvegan castle where they lived.
The walk to the pools takes around 40 minutes each way, (longer if you’ve got kids who love to splash in every pool). It’s a fairly easy route, mostly flat, but can get really muddy, so wellies or waterproof boots are a must. Our two loved jumping over the stepping stones and daring each other to test the water, which is absolutely freezing, by the way! We did go in October to be fair, so we were more than happy just dipping toes in from the edges. It’s one of those walks where the journey is just as fun as the destination, and if the weather holds, it makes a cracking spot for a picnic too.
Fairy Glen
While we’re on the subject of fairies, you can’t miss the Fairy Glen near Uig. It’s one of the most unusual and enchanting places we visited on Skye like stepping into a miniature, mossy kingdom that looks like it was built by the fairies themselves. Unlike the Fairy Pools, there’s no long walk involved, everything is right there as soon as you park up, making it perfect for kids who just want to run, climb, and explore. Ours spent ages weaving through the grassy mounds, balancing on ridges, and building their own little stone spirals.
All of the paths finally lead to a clearing in between the hills, where you’ll find a very unusual formation of small stones placed in a spiral pattern. Noone really knows who made it, but it’s a place that really bring children’s imaginations to life and they’ll be adamant they can hear the flutter of tiny wings.
The Quiraing
This place is one of Skyes most dramatic landscapes, where a massive ancient landslip occured. Land has literally slid off the side of a cliff over time, exposing towering cliffs and strange jagged rock formations. It definitely gives off strong vibes of a foreign planet or something out of a fantasy film.
When we visited it was insanely windy (reminder here to take decent layers, as the wind cuts deep) so we didn’t stray too far from the car park, due to the risk of getting blown off the edge of a cliff. On a good weather day however, you can hike around the whole circuit in around 2-3 hours/ 7km, or opt for a bit of a smaller walk there and back to take in the views, if you’re visiting with younger kids. Even the drive up to the car park is worth the effort for the views.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
We reccommend visiting here en-route to the Quiraing as it makes for a perfect stop off, being 12 minutes away, as opposed to heading there just to see the falls. Kilt Rock is a towering sea cliff that got it’s name from looking strangely like the pleats of a tartan kilt, and right beside it, Mealt Falls pours dramatically over the edge, crashing straight into the sea below. it’s quite a rare thing to see, as most waterfalls flow into rivers or lakes before eventually reaching the ocean.
There’s a viewing platform just off the main road, so it’s nice and easy to access, with no long walk needed. If like us, you visit on a windy day, you might see the waterfall being blown back upwards, along with hearing a loud humming noise, like someone blowing across the top of a glass bottle, which is fascinating yet also slightly eerie. The kids loved picking up dead branches off the floor and throwing them up into the air, watching them be dragged up by the wind and fly across the sky.
Dunvegan Castle
This may have been the highlight of my trip to the Isle of Skye, if it had, in fact, been open, but it was unfortunately closed on the day we visited! As the seat of Clan MacLeod, it’s the ancestral home of my family, so despite not being able to go inside we still made the drive around the loch to find the best viewpoint of the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
We parked up at a spot with lovely view of the castle and meandered down to the waters edge, spending some time skimming pebbles across the loch whilst taking in all the views. It was one of those pinch me moments, knowing my ancestors called this place home added a layer of meaning I wasn’t quite expecting. Even without going through the gates, just being there felt very special.
Slipway Beach
Slipway Beach is very close to An Corran Beach, and here you’ll be able to continue your dinosaur adventures, hunting for footprints with fantastic views of the rugged coastline and cliffs. It’s a pretty small pebbly beach, which is quieter and more sheltered than An Corran, but there’s still enough space to explore and check out all the rock pools.
An Corran Beach fossil hunting
If you’re visiting the Isle of Skye with kids and have dinosaur-obsessed kids, like we do, then you need to get yourself to An Corran Beach near Staffin. This beach is pretty wild and open, with cracking views of the Quiraing mountains nearby, but that’s not the best bit. Here, you’ll be able to go hunting at low tide for real dinosaur footprints, yes you heard it real footprints left by Megalosaurus and Ornithopods, which have been carved into the rocks millions of years ago. Make sure you research tide times, so you can make sure to visit at the right time, and keep your eyes peeled, because sometimes the footprints hide beneath seaweed or sand.
Claigan Coral Beach
Coral Beach honestly took us by surprise. We couldn’t believe we were still in Scotland and felt like we’d stumbled across a tiny slice of the Caribbean tucked away on Skye. Even in late October, the sea was crystal clear and an incredible shade of turquoise, with the beach being made up of crushed bleached white seaweed (not actually coral) which from a distance looked like sand. The place was deserted, without a sole in sight, which added to the desert island vibe.
The walk to get there takes about 25 mins each way from the small car park near Claigan, just north of Dunvegan. It’s mostly flat and easy going, running next to the sea with open fields and beautiful views the whole way. The sea was very chilly in October, but it would be the perfect swim spot in the summer and if you take a blanket and picnic, you could easily spend the whole day there.
SeaProbe Atlantis (Glass-Bottom Boat)
If you’re after something a bit different, and guaranteed to impress the kids, the SeaProbe Atlantis from Kyle of Lochalsh is a brilliant option. This semi-submersible glass-bottom boat (the only one of its kind in the UK) gives you a glimpse into Skye’s underwater world without getting wet.
Below deck, big viewing windows let you peer straight into the sea to spot all sorts of creatures, crabs, starfish, darting fish, and swaying kelp forests.
We went in October, so the kelp was a little sparse, but we were told that in the warmer summer months, it’s much denser and full of life. Even so, there was still loads to spot, and our kids were completely glued to the glass. It’s surprisingly calming down there, a peaceful underwater peek into a hidden part of Skye.
Up on deck, the views are just as lovely, especially as the boat heads around Seal Island. As the name suggests, you’ve got a great chance of spotting seals, we saw several stretched out on the rocks, sunbathing like they owned the place. The whole trip takes around an hour, making it the perfect length for younger attention spans. An easy, relaxing outing and something a bit different from all the hill walking, we’d definitely recommend it.
Sligachan Playground
You’ll find a nice little playground located on the A87, near the Sligachan bridge, with swings, climbing frame, slides, a small assault course and a zip line. We drove past it by luck and then kids thought they’d hit the jack pot and couldn’t resist a play while us adults enjoyed a take away coffee from the Sligachan hotel. Another nice thing to do is cross over to the Sligachan Old bridge, which is only 40m away and let the kids play in the rock pools there. The water is crystal clear and the views are sunning
Sligachan Old Bridge
You’ll most likely pass by Sligachan village at some point when driving around Skye, along the A87, and it’s a great place to stop off. Along with the play area, you can go down to the rivers edge where the old bridge is. The water is crystal clear and there’s big boulders to climb over and rock pools to investigate.
You can enchant your children by telling them the local folklore story of a fierce battle that took place between two mighty warriors, Scáthach, a female Scottish legend and Cúchulainn, an Irish hero. Apparently it was their ruthless clash that shaped the rugged land of the Isle of Skye, making all the mountains and valleys.
When Scáthach’s daughter sat crying by the river under the Sligachan old bridge, worried her mother would loose the battle and die, she was actually sitting at the entrance and gateway to the fairy realm. They instructed her to submerge her face in the water for 7 seconds and upon doing so they gave her the recipe to stop the fighting. She rushed home making a delicious feast and upon smelling it, the two warriors became hungry and went to the cabin to eat. Cúchulainn became Scáthachs guest, and this ended their feud.
So although we don’t recommend you dipping your entire face into the river below the bridge, mainly because it’s freezing, keep it in mind, legend says you’ll be blessed with eternal beauty. Just be warned, the water is icy cold!
Neist Point Lighthouse Walk
Neist Point is one of those places that feels like the end of the earth (in the best way). The drive out takes you along narrow single-track roads, (which do offer passing places, but drivers should be confident) gradually opening out to sweeping views of sea and sky.
From the car park, a concrete path leads you down towards the lighthouse, with dramatic cliffs on either side and the Hebrides just visible on the horizon. It’s about a 2.5km round trip and fairly straightforward, though the return walk is a bit of a climb, so maybe not the best walk for young children. That said, you can see pretty great views just from standing at the top, near the car park Kids will love the sense of adventure, and the whole place has that raw, wild beauty that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Portree
No visit to Skye really feels complete without spending a bit of time in Portree, the island’s main town. It’s not massive, but it’s got a good buzz about it, with those pretty painted houses down by the harbour that you’ve probably seen in photos. We grabbed a coffee and wandered down to watch the fishing boats bobbing around, the kids were weirdly fascinated by the seagulls fighting over chips. There are a few little shops to poke around in, and if the weather’s decent, it’s a nice spot to just slow down for a bit before heading off to your next adventure. Nothing fancy, but it’s got charm.
LAS Portree Cinema and Theatre
If you’re after a bit of downtime, or if the weather takes a turn for the worst (which is often does on Skye) and you’re looking for something to do indoors, check out LAS in Portree. It’s the islands only cinema, which doubles as a theatre and events venue too. They’ve got one comfortable screen for family films during the day and in the evening they switch it up with live theatre shows, comedy and music gigs. It’s small-scale but has a cozy feel, and the restaurant is lovely too, where you can grab a wood fired pizza, breakfast and lunch plates, along with some nice vegan dishes and delicious deserts.
Portree swimming pool
For something active indoors, especially if the kids are getting a bit restless, the pool at the Fingal Centre in Portree is great, which has a sauna and steam room also. It’s part of the local high school but open to the public, with a decent sized 25 metre pool that can be made shallower for little swimmers. When we visited they had all of the floats and water toys out, which was nice. It’s nothing fancy, but really handy to have when you need a break from muddy walks or wild weather.
Eilean Donan Castle
Even though it was a bit of a drive from where we were staying, we decided to make the trip to Eilean Donan Castle, and would say it’s worth the trip. The tour was kid-friendly, with a fun interactive treasure hunt, old sculpted figures showing what life in the castle used to be like, and even a little ghost story that had them hooked. They were beyond excited when they learned the waters around the castle are apparently famous for mermaid sightings! While we wandered over the rocks and soaked up the views, we suddenly heard a massive crash of water. When we looked, a huge ripple spread across the water, it was far too big to be a bird or a fish. The kids remember it fondly!
