Scotland With Kids | 11 Ultimate Reasons to Visit
If you’re thinking of travelling to Scotland with kids, we can give you plenty of reasons why you should stop thinking and get visiting!
With its rich history, natural beauty, and friendly atmosphere, Scotland is a wonderful destination for families. Throw in its movie links with Harry Potter, Disney’s Brave, and Lord of the Rings, topped off with the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, and your kids will be jumping at the chance to visit!
Although we have travelled all over the world, something always draws us back to the beautiful landscapes of Scotland, and despite having lived here for decades there is always something new to discover!
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Why Travel With Kids To Scotland?
Stunning Landscape, Magical gems, Bloody History & Scottish wildlife
When To Visit? Any season
Top Places To Visit Isle of Skye, Cairngorm National Park, Edinburgh
Why Travel Scotland With Kids?
Scotland makes up the over a third of Great Britain and with less than 10% of the population living there, there are huge areas of unspoilt beauty and wilderness. It is a true family-friendly gem where you’ll find rugged highlands, pristine beaches, serene lochs, and historic castles. And all this within driving range of any of its eight cities!
Scotland’s unique mix of history, adventure, culture, and starkly contrasting scenery makes it well-suited for family vacations, and is why we keep going back!
11 | Reasons To Holiday In Scotland With Kids
We could talk for a long time about why you should come to Scotland with kids, and to help you understand why, here are our top reasons to visit.
1 | Breathtaking Landscapes
Scotland has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK and is incredibly beautiful all year round. The changing seasons bring striking colour changes, with snow-covered mountains in the winter giving way to the vibrancy of spring with its rainbow of colours.
The relatively compact size of Scotland makes it perfect for road-tripping and if you want to see as much of the country as possible, this would be our recommended option. There are few other countries in the world where you can day trip through such a diverse range of landscapes.
In under seven hours, you can travel from Scotland’s most northerly point, through rugged mountain passes and ancient forests, to Gretna on the English Border.
Scotland’s coast is famed for its beautiful beaches, especially in the West, where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream can give the beaches an almost tropical look and feel. The famous North Coast 500 is the ultimate Scottish road trip, while those wishing to travel at a slower pace can try a multi-day hike along the West Highland Way.
2 | Magical Hidden Gems
While Scotland’s dramatic landscapes may get lots of headlines, there are plenty of magical gems hidden within them that will delight and intrigue the whole family.
The enchanting Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye has a whimsical feel, with its miniature hills creating an other world setting. On the mainland, Prince Albert’s Pyramid overlooks Royal Balmoral, a perfect hike if you’re looking for something a little quirky.
Explore the West Coast’s mesmerizing Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa which, like the Giants Causeway in Ireland, has towering basalt columns. These create a natural cave that has been the inspiration for many a folk tale over the centuries!
Aspiring wizards should take a trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It is featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express route, and if you book ahead, you can take an exciting steam train trip over the bridge. Time your visit right and you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct, a perfect photo opportunity set against a stunning backdrop.
3 | Historic Castles
Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles and ruins, each with its own fascinating tale of betrayal, revenge and triumph. Edinburgh, Stirling, Glamis and Eilean Donan are just some of the Castles that showcase Scotland’s rich history.
But it’s not all about bloody battles! Kids will love discovering Craigievar Castle, the fairy-tale setting inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. For a princely sum, you can book an exclusive stay in a Scottish Castle and live like a real king or queen, even if it’s just for a day or two!
4 | Scottish Cities
Scotland’s eight cities (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, Stirling, and Dunfermline) each have their own unique feel and cultural differences.
Deciding which to visit will depend on what you are looking for and how much time you have available. If you are limited in time, we suggest exploring either one or both of Scotland’s two main cities.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and has a long and proud history as the seat of Scottish Power. It has been home to Kings and Queens throughout the centuries and there is plenty of incredible architecture to admire even for a day. If however, you just want to enjoy the atmosphere you’ll find loads of great restaurants, shops and music venues.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is home to around a third of the population of Scotland. It is overflowing with culture and is buzzing with life. Sauchiehall is perhaps the most famous shopping street in Scotland and you’ll find everything here from designer trainers to high-end tech. There is no shortage of places to eat either, with plenty of family friendly cafe’s that won’t break the bank.
If you have to choose, our kids generally prefer Edinburgh. This is mostly because it is easier to navigate on foot, but also because it is host to the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you are in Scotland in August, Edinburgh is the place to be. The city comes alive with performances, art, music, comedy and cultural events and you don’t want to miss it!
5 | Beaches
Scotland has 8% of Europe’s coastline! It covers some 11,800 miles (19,000 km) and has some stunning beaches to show for it. Some easily rival the Caribbean, but don’t always the weather to match!
Kids will love exploring the yellow sand beaches, bays, coves and cliffs that fringe the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Look out for interesting geographical formations and wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seals out at sea.
There’s plenty for adventure lovers too, such as kayaking, surfing and blokarting, all popular activities with several companies offering equipment hire, tours and tuition.
6 | Outdoor Activities
With so much wild space, Scotland has numerous options when it comes to outdoor activities. If you are up for a challenge you can climb the UK’s highest mountain or simply go golfing on world renowned courses such as St Andrews and Trumps.
Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, canyoning, gorge walking, surfing and much more besides; there is even skiing in the winter months! Both Glencoe and Cairngorm National Park have some great ski runs and are well worth a visit in good conditions.
On a clear evening, watch the skies for the magical Northern Lights, especially during the longer autumn and winter nights. Remote areas, like the Galloway Forest Park or Cairngorm Dark Sky Park have dark skies and are superb areas for stargazing.
7 | Scottish Wildlife
Scotland has a huge variety of native wildlife and our kids love playing wildlife bingo. Red deer, highland cows, red squirrels, osprey, otters, common seals, golden eagles and even Scottish wildcats are just some of the animal species we’ve spotted while we’ve been out and about in Scotland.
Watch wild salmon travel back up rocky rivers to where they were born at places like Pitlochry’s Salmon Ladder. You can see them all year round, but between July and October is usually when there is a greater chance.
Porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks and whales are all commonly spotted off the Scottish coast and during the warmer months, puffins and other seabirds nest in their thousands on steep cliffs.
8 | Mysterious Loch Ness
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster has been passed through generations since the year 565 when it was reportedly seen by the Irish Monk, Saint Columba. Commonly described as having a long slim neck and resembling a prehistoric plesiosaur, the monster has seldom been seen and adds an element of mystery to this Scottish Loch.
Visitors to Loch Ness can enjoy the stunning scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of “Nessie” while exploring the area. Urquhart Castle is one of the most scenic ruins in the country and has great views over Loch Ness.
9 | Scottish cuisine & Culture
Scotland has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and storytelling still playing an important part in many peoples lives. Visitors can experience this richness through events, festivals, and performances across the country.
Bagpipes are the instrument most associated with Scotland and can often be heard being played in towns and cities. Some bars and hotels hold Ceilidhs where you can dance to traditional Scottish music. If you are visiting Scotland in January, check if there is a Burns Night Supper happening near you where tradition haggis, neeps and tatties are served, usually accompanied by bagpipes and traditional Rabbie Burns poems.
Edinburgh hosts one of the UK’s biggest street parties on Hogmanay (New Years Eve). It’s a time to party and sing Auld Lang Syne when the bells ring at midnight. For some wholesome family fun, go to a Highland Games where you can watch cabers being tossed by giant, kilt wearing strongmen!
10 | Friendly Scottish Hospitality
Scots are well known for their friendliness and warm hospitality and visitors often find the locals welcoming and willing to share their love for their country.
We recommend finding a home stay or a traditional B&B over a hotel to get a true Scottish experience.
11 | Remote Escapes
With a population of less than 6 million people and a land mass of 30,090 square miles (77,900 km2) there is plenty of space to find peace and solitude in Scotland.
The further north you travel, the more remote it gets all the way out to the islands.
Depending on where you venture, you may well have the area to yourself, especially along the coast or in the hills. Stay the night in a traditional bothy in the hills, can be an authentic experiences and very budget friendly, often free.
When Is A Good Time To Visit Scotland
Scotland is incredibly beautiful all year round but in many different ways. It is not unusual to experience four seasons in a day, even in summer, so be prepared! Here’s a breakdown of the seasons to help you decide the best time of year to visit Scotland with kids.
Spring In Scotland
Spring in Scotland occurs through March, April and May with increasingly mild weather as summer approaches. Snow can and does sometimes fall even in May but generally you’ll have plenty of fine, sunny days. As the daylight hours increase, fresh blooms bring explosions of colour. With reasonable weather and fewer crowds, Spring may be the best time to visit Scotland.
Summer In Scotland
June, July, and August mark Summer in Scotland but be aware, the weather doesn’t always reflect the change in season! With the longest hours of daylight and the most reliably warm Scottish weather, Summer is peak season to visit.
Visitors to the west coast may experience the infamous midges. Unless it’s windy, go prepared with midge nets or repellent to avoid being bitten.
Autumn In Scotland
The leaves begin to fall as Summer departs, with September, October, and November being Scotland’s Autumn. Deep red and orange colours fill the landscape, creating perfect autumn colours for photographers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly as temperatures drop but the day can still be pleasant with sun to be out in.
Winter In Scotland
The official winter months in Scotland are November, December, and February. The shorter days make it more challenging to explore outdoors, especially in rain and snow. When it does snow, magical scenes appear across the country and are a welcome arrival for Scotland’s skiers!
Does It Rain In Scotland?
Yes, Scotland definitely gets its fair share of rain. On the flip side, despite its reputation for rain, Scotland often records some of the highest temperatures in the UK. With up to 18 hours of daylight in mid-summer, you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the sun!
Family Trip To Scotland: FAQ
Scotland is a fantastic destination for families with dramatic landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities for all ages. Adventure and cultural exploration await and it is an ideal vacation for families.
It really is a tough choice between Scotland biggest cities. Edinburgh is full of history, whereas Glasgow is livelier, with more culture and better shopping. If you can’t do both, Edinburgh has more for kids and is our favourite between the two.
Scotland is definitely worth visiting with kids! From exploring fairy-tale castles and enchanting landscapes to embracing Harry Potter’s magic at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland captivates kids of all ages.
Scotland is a giant, natural adventure playground where you are limited only by your imagination. Castles, Hills, Mountains, Ancient Forests, National Parks, Wildlife Parks… the list goes on for a long time. Kids will be worn out long before you run out of things to do with them!
Final Thoughts: Reasons To Visit Scotland With Kids
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture or adventure, Scotland has something for all the family. Kids will revel in the variety of activities whether they are exploring castles, skiing or discovering the true magic of Scotland in a road trip through the highlands.
Scotland is a charming country to visit any time of year and will most likely have you planning your return trip before you leave this captivating land. We’ve spent over 10 years exploring it with our kids and encourage you to come too!
