Scotland With Kids – Planning The Perfect Family Trip
Is Scotland worth visiting?
Every time we visit Scotland with kids, we fall a little bit more in love with the place and it never fails to fascinate us with all it has to offer! The landscapes are insanely beautiful, its culture is vibrant and enchanting, and its history is rich and fascinating. It’s not only a destination for adults but also an incredible place to explore with kids and offers really great family-friendly attractions that will leave your little ones in awe. Scotland sure is magical and we’re excited to share with you the best ways to create unforgettable family memories in this enchanting country.
First of all, let’s be completely honest, we’d put off visiting Scotland for years, despite it being next door to us in the UK, even with the curious desire to visit where my ancestors came from, (maiden name McLeod). We told ourselves it must be similar to our home in England, being only a six-hour drive away, so we were in no rush to go. Well, finally we decided to bite the bullet, and make the drive up north to spend a week during the October half-term, to see what this place had to offer and my gosh was it an incredible week! So much so, that it’s now among our favourite countries to visit and we always aim to go back every year, to explore another area!
Best time to visit Scotland
To truly unlock the magic of Scotland, it’s important to understand the four distinct seasons that shape the country, as each of them brings a unique flare and you need to find which one is your vibe.
Spring, spanning from March to May, sees the winter frost melting away, and brings new life, with tons of colourful flowers and wildlife. Scotland hosts a fantastic range of cultural events and festivals. The Edinburgh International Science Festival, held in April, is for anyone science and technology mad. On the eve of May Day each year, the Beltane Fire Festival takes place, which celebrates summer getting nearer and has some exciting fire displays, music, and ancient rituals. The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, which takes place at the end of May brings children’s theatre and world dance performances to life, with a fabulous Scottish flair!
Summer, spanning from June to August, sees the daylight hours lengthen, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to explore what’s on offer, from the dramatic cliffs of the Isle of Skye to the historic Edinburgh Castle. One of the highlights of summer in Scotland is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. It’s humongous, and lasts the entire month of August, with theatre, comedy, dance, and music performances. Other child-friendly festivals throughout this month are; Doune the Rabbit Hole, Knockengorroch, Solas Festival, and Eden Festival, which all have dedicated children’s areas, so the whole family can have fun and be entertained.
Something to remember if visiting Scotland in the summer months (and also late spring) is the potential problem of midges. This time of year in the Western Highlands is midge season, so a trip to Fort William or Glen Coe for example may most likely be impacted by the tiny biting insects. We’d recommend sticking to the Lowlands in Scotland where they aren’t as much of a problem, due to the high winds, which midges don’t like.
Autumn, spanning from September to November, transforms Scotland into a picturesque wonderland and is personally the time of year we always choose to visit, which coincides perfectly with the UK schools’ October half-term break. As the leaves change colour and carpet the landscapes, the scenery becomes absolutely incredible, and the misty glens of the Highlands along with the Cairngorms National Park is a real feast for the eyes!
In addition to the mesmerizing Autumn colours, autumn in Scotland is also the time of the Braemar Gathering, held in September, which is a traditional Highland Games event that features caber tossing, hammer throwing, and pipe band competitions. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, held in October, is another festival perfect for children, where captivating storytelling sessions and performances are held, full of Scottish traditions.
From December to February, winter transforms Scotland into a winter wonderland, straight out of a children’s fairy tale. The snow-capped mountains of the Cairngorms, beckon parents to bring their little ones skiing and snowboarding and the festive markets of Edinburgh are a sight to behold.
There’s also The Hogmanay celebrations, Scotland’s iconic New Year celebrations, which are renowned worldwide for their electric atmosphere and spectacular firework displays.
How to get around Scotland
Whichever part of Scotland you want to visit, there will be a transport option to get you there! Granted, some areas of the country are very remote and harder to get to, but where there’s a will there’s a way.
By car
For the areas of Scotland that are a bit more rural and out of the way, it’d be best to do a self-drive, which will allow you to freely travel when you please. The roads in Scotland are well-maintained and generally safe in terms of other drivers, but be prepared to drive on the left side of the road. If you’re like us and rely on GPS or maps to get you from A to B, then be aware that in some more remote areas, your phone signal will be non-existent, so plan ahead! If driving your own car all the way up to Scotland is a bit too long a jaunt, consider hiring a car in any of the main cities, like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness.
By train
Scotland has an extensive and efficient rail network connecting all the major cities and towns, with good options for travelling between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen. The routes, especially those in the Highlands, offer beautiful scenic journeys with the added bonus of being a comfortable way to travel. The main train operators in Scotland are ScotRail, LNER (for travel to and from England), and Caledonian Sleeper (overnight sleeper train).
By bus
If you’re on a budget for your Scotland trip, buses may be the best means of transport to get between cities and towns. Stagecoach and National Express are the main city-connecting bus companies, however, City buses offer a convenient way to get around within larger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
By ferry
If you plan to visit Scotland’s islands, ferries are the way to go. Services connect the mainland with islands like Skye, Orkney, and Shetland.
By plane
For travelling long distances quickly, domestic flights are available and can allow visitors to Scotland to see multiple areas of the country, in a short amount of time. Scottish airports like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness offer flights to other UK cities.
By bike
Scotland has many scenic cycling routes, and you can rent bicycles in cities and tourist areas. If you’re interested in completing a long-distance cycle route, then the National Cycle Network is the place to check out.
Best places to visit in Scotland with kids
Isle of Skye
Skye is known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, sparkling lochs, and enchanting fairy pools. Children will be captivated to explore the area, where folk say these tiny fluttering creatures live. Hiking on the Isle of Skye offers lots of child-friendly walks with magnificent views, for example, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing Walk, and Fairy Glen.
Loch Ness
Famous for its legendary monster, a boat tour to hunt for this mythical creature will excite any child. After that, you can go and visit Urquhart Castle or if you prefer a scenic walk, go to nearby Reelig Glen, which is a beautiful woodland walk through some pretty enormous trees! Your kids will love the sense of adventure and mystery that Loch Ness and the surrounding area has to offer.
Edinburgh
This is the capital of Scotland and it’s packed full to the brim with great things to keep little ones entertained! You can stroll down the historic Royal Mile, with its bustling shops, restaurants, and street performers, then visit the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, which is a fascinating attraction that will amaze both children and adults, with its optical illusions and interactive exhibits. If like us and you’re Harry Potter fans, you can complete the free ‘Potter Tour,’ which takes you to numerous spots that were inspiration for JK Rowling’s novel. Yes, you heard right, FREE tour, and here you’ll get to visit the cafe where she wrote the first part of the book, the places that inspired Hogwarts School, and Diagon Alley to name a few. Another place superb with children is the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where they can delve into science and technology, natural history, and cultural artefacts.
Highlands
This is our favourite place in Scotland and one we will be returning to again, as it’s simply stunning. Its majestic landscapes are full of spectacular walks, our favourites being The Lost Valley in Glen Coe and Steall Falls in Fort William. You can even visit Loch Shiel, found in the West Scottish Highlands, which is the Black Lake from Harry Potter. Here, fans can also discover the Glen Finnan Viaduct, which is the actual bridge from the film, and if you time your visit, the Jacobite steam train, better known as the Hogwarts Express, can be seen crossing the viaduct, in all its glory. There’s also the opportunity to take a ride on the train, if tickets are booked far enough in advance.
Argyll and Bute
Full of castles, rural scenery, and small islands off the coast, this area makes for a lovely break. Our favourite place we visited without a doubt was Puck’s Glen, a magical gorge walk, that follows a Victorian route through the forest, full of small wooden bridges, and waterfalls. We were all in agreement that this place was so enchanting, the folk tales of it being full of mischievous spirits and fairies had to be correct. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is another great area to visit with kids, where you can dapple in water sports on the lake, play on the sandy shores, or complete a Go Ape course. There’s also Helix Park, which offers an adventure zone with a wooden play area and splash area, along with the famous Kelpies, the two enormous horse heads towering out of the ground.
Scottish food
Scottish food is hearty, wholesome, and full of flavour and if you can introduce your kids to it, it’s a great way to expand their culinary horizons and introduce them to new and exciting flavours. There are plenty of savoury dishes for kids to try, including Scotch pies, broths, and soups, one particularly popular one being Cullen Skink, which is a cream soup made from smoked haddock, vegetables, and cream. Cullen skink is also a great way to introduce kids to seafood, as the smoky flavour of the haddock is not overpowering. There’s also Scotch eggs, Scottish Porridge, and Neeps and Tatties, which is similar to mashed potato, but with the added ingredients of mashed turnips, which although can be ordered separately, is a staple side to the famous Haggis dish.
Scottish cuisine is also known for its delicious desserts and sweet treats. Some desserts are; cranachan, made from cream, honey, oats, and raspberries, then there’s shortbreads and Scotch pancakes. For chocolate lovers, you can try the Tunnock’s teacake, a chocolate-coated marshmallow biscuit. or there are even Deep-Fried Mars Bars!
Scottish Accommodation
There are hotels, BnBs, self-catering accommodations, and even homestays, offering a wide range of options suitable for families. From cozy cottages to family-friendly hotels, you’ll find something to suit every budget and preference. Consider staying in a self-catering accommodation, like we do on our visits, where you can enjoy the comforts of home and save money on prepping lunches before going out for the day. Also, after a long day out exploring, self-catering accommodations allow parents the option to put their children to bed at a reasonable time and relax in a communal space, without being stuck in a hotel room.
Language in Scotland
English is the main language spoken in Scotland, but there are also other languages spoken in different parts of the country. In the highlands of Scotland and the Western Isles, some speak Scottish Gaelic, which is a Celtic language, and in the lowlands of Scotland, some speak Scots, which is a language which is similar to English.
Tips for travelling to Scotland with kids
Before starting your Scottish adventure, have a read over our tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip with your kids:
- Pack a range of clothes, which can be layered up for unpredictable weather, as Scotland is renowned for every season appearing in a day. It can be freezing cold and raining one minute, then sunny and warm the next.
- Plan your itinerary carefully, with any days out needing to be booked in advance, and secured before they arrive
- Embrace the outdoors: Scotland’s natural beauty is best experienced outdoors, so make sure to spend plenty of time exploring the stunning landscapes and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
- If you’re travelling in midge season, make sure you pack bug spray!
Creating unforgettable family memories in Scotland
Scotland with kids is a truly magical experience and has something to offer everyone in the family. So pack your bags, embrace the beauty of Scotland, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Start planning your family adventure in Scotland today and uncover the secrets of this enchanting country!
