Travel Scotland On A Budget: 19 Money Saving tips
Discover Cost-effective Ways To Visit Scotland On A Budget
A family adventure through the picturesque landscapes of historic Scotland is a dream come true. From the natural Highlands to ancient castles, lochs, and stunning coastlines, Scotland is a fantastic place for families to explore on a budget.
While a family trip to Scotland could burn a hole in your pocket, you can travel on a budget and still have a memorable and rewarding experience.
With Scottish routes, we’ve all spent over a decade calling it home. Along the way, we’ve discovered many ways to experience its beauty without overspending, and we’re excited to share our best budget-friendly tips!
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Visiting Scotland On A Budget
Limit your ‘must-see’ attractions
Select an area or two to explore
Book accommodation early to save money!
Travel Scotland On A Family Budget
Scotland attracts millions of visitors annually and for good reasons! We continue to be wowed by what we find when exploring without spending a penny.
Scotland can offer excellent value for budget-conscious travellers. While it might initially appear pricier than many other European countries, there are numerous ways to make it a more budget-friendly destination.
In this guide, we’ll explore valuable tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly activities to make your journey to Scotland unforgettable without breaking the bank!
travel Scotland: 19 Budget-Friendly Tips
The word “budget” often conjures thoughts of limitations and compromises, especially regarding family travel. However, taking a journey through the remarkable landscapes of Scotland will soon prove that budget-conscious travel can be both enjoyable and unforgettable.
1. Travel Off-Peak To Scotland
Consider travelling to Scotland during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (spring and autumn), when there are fewer crowds and accommodation and attractions may be cheaper.
Flexibility with your travel dates and booking early can reduce the cost further. It is worth trying different dates to compare prices before booking inbound travel.
2. Travel Midweek
Not only can you find cheaper transport midweek, but there may also be deals on attraction prices such as ‘two for one’.
By travelling midweek, we usually find much more space on trains and buses, making for much more comfortable journeys.
3. Book Budget Accommodation
Look for budget-friendly accommodation in Scotland from hostels, guesthouses, self-catering cottages, campsites and hotels.
Booking accommodation months or a year before your stay, especially in peak season, can get you the best deals. Plan to stay at least three nights in each location. You often get a better price for a longer stay.
We’ve found that family rooms are often cheaper than multiple rooms. Asking for an extra bed is usually cheaper than booking a second room.
Family Travel Tip: Choose accommodation outside expensive cities and take a day trip to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, or Dundee.
4. Avoid Tourist Hotspots
Select activities off the beaten track mixed with a couple of iconic sites. Popular tourist hotspots such as Edinburgh, Isle of Skye and Glenfinnan Viaduct are attractive but may not be worth the extra money when travelling on a family budget.
We enjoy the freedom of exploring areas without large crowds and queues, and kids can also have their much-needed space to explore. Cairngorm and Loch Lomond National Parks and beaches on the east or west coast are perfect family days in nature.
5. Cook Your Own Meals
Feeding a family is expensive at the best of times and never more so than when you have to eat out on holiday.
Self-catering accommodation comes with kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare meals and save on dining expenses. You can shop for groceries at local supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl. Meal deal options can be worthwhile for lunch.
6. Pack A Picnic
Picnics are one of our favourite, budget-friendly ways to have inexpensive meals while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Scotland.
Parks, lochs, beaches, woodland walks, and scenic viewpoints often have designated areas with tables, toilets and barbeque stands; if not, a simple blanket on the grass or sand is perfect on a sunny day!
7. Explore Free Attractions
There are many excellent, free attractions across Scotland that you and your kids will love. We particularly enjoy the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh or Glasgow’s Kelvingrove and Riverside Museums. The fabulous displays include exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to science and technology.
Galleries, parks, and some historic sites across Scotland are often free. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers numerous free performances and street shows during August.
For something a little different, Helix Park in Falkirk is home to a pair of giant Kelpies, shape-shifting mythical beasts seeped in mystical folklore.
8. National Trust And Historic Scotland Passes
Consider purchasing passes for organizations like the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland, which grant you access to multiple historic sites and properties at a reduced cost.
Historic Scotland offers a great value 14-day family pass that gives access to many sites, including Castles, Abbeys, Ancient Settlements, and more!
9. Get Discounts Off Full Price
Look into discounts or city cards, which offer discounts on public transportation and attractions.
Examples include the Edinburgh City Pass and Glasgow Sightseeing Pass, both of which offer excellent value for money. We have used these when visiting major Scottish Cities, to save money.
10. Travel By Public Transportation
Use public transportation like buses and trains (often included in city passes like the ones above!) instead of joining a tour group.
Family tickets or passes may also be available for additional savings. Additionally, children under five travel free on all public transport in Scotland!
11. Walk To Explore Scotland On A Budget
Many Scottish cities and towns are pedestrian-friendly, so you can save on transportation costs by walking and exploring on foot without the additional cost of transport. Pick up a local map and walk!
12. Take Free Walking Tours
Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow offer free walking tours where you can learn about the city’s history and culture.
Hosted by volunteers with extensive knowledge of some quirkier facts about their city, these tours are also an enjoyable way to meet other travelling families. Our children have always found them to be great fun and very informative.
➡️Join this Free For Kids Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh
13. Take Day Trips To Cities
Stay outside expensive cities or major tourist spots, attractions, and natural wonders where accommodation prices are high and plan day trips.
National Parks and beaches are free to visit in Scotland, making them an excellent choice for families on fair weather days.
14. Use Student And Family Discounts
If you have students in the family, take advantage of student discounts at any paid-for museums, attractions, and transportation.
Remember to carry identification to prove student status; some may only apply to UK residents. Many attractions also offer a family discount to make a visit more budget-friendly.
15. Pre-Book Activities
Consider booking attraction tickets online in advance.
Aside from helping you to plan your days, this often saves you money compared to buying tickets at the door and can help you beat the queues.
16. Pack Light When Travelling To Scotland
Travel using only carry-on baggage when flying, avoiding additional baggage fees charged by most airlines and helping ensure a quick exit from the airport on arrival.
Even for those travelling by bus, taxi, train or rental car, packing light makes it much easier to carry your bags and can avoid needing larger vehicles. Pack a raincoat, as you never know what weather you may encounter in Scotland. You can often utilize laundry facilities if needed.
17. Get The Best Currency Exchange
Be mindful of currency exchange rates and fees. Compare rates at banks and exchange offices for the best deal.
Ideally, set yourself up with a no-fee travel card like Stirling, before travelling to avoid paying overseas charges. These often come with a ‘perfect exchange rate’, beating high street or airport rates hands down.
18. Drink Scottish Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Scotland and is often referred to as the freshest water in the world.
With ‘Top-Up Taps’ available for free in many towns and cities, bring a refillable bottle to save on purchasing drinks. Always ask for free tap water if you eat in a restaurant or café.
19. Don’t Feel You Have To Tip
Tipping is not a cultural expectation in Scotland, so refraining from tipping can be a money-saving strategy for budget travellers.
Prices displayed in Scotland include service charges and taxes so you can enjoy your meals and experiences without the added expense of substantial tips.
Best Time To Visit Scotland On A Budget
The best time to travel to Scotland on a budget is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). Scotland looks beautiful with spring flowers and autumn colours.
During these months, you can expect milder weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation availability. You may even get dry, sunny warm days in Spring and Autumn before the days shorten.
Visiting outside peak season allows families to explore Scotland’s landscapes and attractions without straining their wallets. However, winter has reduced daylight and colder temperatures, making outdoor exploring less pleasant unless you are after snow or to celebrate Hogmanay.
Cheapest Scottish Cities To Visit – On A Family Budget
If you’re looking to embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Scotland without breaking the bank. While Edinburgh or Glasgow may seem the obvious choices, other cities offer budget-friendly options and captivating experiences to keep the whole family engaged.
- Inverness, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is a top pick for families seeking affordability and natural beauty. It offers riverside walks, historic sights, free attractions like the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and access to the famous Loch Ness, where you might glimpse the legendary monster, Nessie.
- Stirling was once the capital of Scotland and is a city steeped in history. It is home to the iconic Stirling Castle, which was home to Mary Queen of Scots. The external grounds are free to explore, offering an affordable glimpse into Scotland’s past.
- Aberdeen is known for its sandy beaches, including Balmedie Beach and Sands of Forvie where you may spot dolphins from May to August. Enjoy coastal walks, visit Duthie Park, and explore the city’s maritime history without breaking the bank.
- Dundee has a great arts scene and museums to explore. The world-famous V&A is on the seafront, right next to RMS Discovery. Dundee is also known as a gateway to exploring the Angus Glens.
- St Andrews, while not a city, is said to have the oldest golf course in the world. The quiet seaside town offers a family-friendly Scottish day out, combining history, nature and charm.
How To Travel In Scotland: On A Budget
Scotland’s size should not be underestimated when planning a Scottish itinerary. Navigating hills will often increase travel time. Here is a snapshot of the travel options available.
By foot – If you book to stay in one city or town, exploring by foot is the cheapest way to get around.
Rent a car – The most flexible transport option, especially with kids, is to hire a car to travel in Scotland. Consider the fuel cost in your decision – Supermarket service stations are usually the cheapest. Pick up and drop off hire cars at an alternative location may have additional charges.
Public transport – Scotland’s public transport network is safe and reliable, with good links across the country. Children under five travel free on public transport.
Bus and train prices can work out cheaper than hiring a car for one person, but not for a family. Train tickets must be booked in advance to find cheap off-peak prices from 12 weeks before departure. Buses tend to be cheaper than trains.
Ferries are your primary means of transport to reach many islands around Scotland.
Scotland’s four main airports (Aberdeen, Edinburgh and two in Glasgow) and smaller regional ones (Inverness, Dundee, Orkney, Shetlands and Outer Hebrides) cover the country well for flights.
There are many budget flight options direct into Scotland. Try to book at least one month in advance for the best deals. Check whether flying into one Scottish airport and out of another is cheaper than making a round trip – possibly saving time and money. Alternatively, a flight, train or ferry into England before taking an internal flight, bus or train into Scotland may be the cheapest option.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation In Scotland
For budget-friendly accommodation in Scotland, consider options like hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. We prefer to explore self-catering cottages, campgrounds, or Airbnb rentals in more rural areas for cost-effective stays while enjoying Scotland’s natural beauty.
Family Friendly Tip – Book your accommodation as far in advance as possible, months to a year. Cheap accommodation books up fast, especially during peak season.
Family Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Scotland
We have done each one of these ‘things to do’, and they are all great examples of how to explore Scotland as cost-effectively as possible.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the breathtaking Scottish landscapes. Explore by taking family hikes or nature walks in places like the Cairngorms National Park or the West Highland Way. Tackle Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak.
- Search for the Loch Ness Monster: Look for the mystical beast from the banks of Loch Ness. Learn about Scottish folklore while searching for Nessie!
- Castle Exploration: While some castles have entrance fees, many can be admired from the outside. It provides an opportunity to explore history and architecture without spending money.
- Museum Hopping: Look for museums that offer free admission, like the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, which showcases transport history. You can also head to Discovery Point (ticketed), where you can see the world-famous RRS Discovery, which sailed to Antarctica.
- Wildlife Watching: Scotland is rich in wildlife. You may spot diverse species in their natural habitats, including red deer, seals, otters, and various bird species. Alternatively, visit reserves like the Scottish Seabird Centre or take a boat tour to spot seals, dolphins, and puffins.
- Scenic Drives: Take scenic drives through the countryside and explore charming villages and towns.
- Beach Days: Scotland has stunning beaches on the east and west coast for an affordable and fun family activity.
Travel Scotland on a Budget – FAQs
Here are a few common questions asked about travelling to and around Scotland:
Yes, Scotland is definitely worth visiting. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant cities, and unique culture, including kilts, bagpipes, haggis, and Scotch Whisky, make it a captivating destination for travellers.
Wild camping is legal in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Responsible camping is possible in most open, unenclosed land. Areas around Loch Lomond prohibit wild camping.
Scotland is family-friendly, with plenty of attractions and activities for kids, such as historic castles, national parks, and other outdoor adventures. While you’ll not find theme parks and all-inclusive resorts, Scotland offers a welcoming atmosphere and natural playground, making it an excellent destination for families.
The ideal duration for visiting Scotland depends on your interests and the places you want to explore. A well-rounded trip could range from 7 to 21 days, allowing you to experience cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and islands.
Conclusion: Travel Scotland On A Budget
As you plan to travel Scotland’s rugged highlands and ancient castles, remember that a family adventure doesn’t have to demand a lavish budget.
With careful planning, and an eagerness to uncover hidden gems, you can embark on a budget-friendly journey that showcases Scotland’s best landscapes, culture, and history.
Scotland will prove that remarkable experiences can be affordable.
