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• By Lisa Frederick
• October 23, 2019

Given the spectacular landscapes, dramatic ruins, wild coastal beauty and wealth of culture, a family trip to Scotland offers so many tempting possibilities that it can feel daunting to choose. The good news? That also means it’s hard to go wrong. Our top itinerary suggestion for first-time visitors pairs a few days of immersion in Edinburgh’s ancient past and modern-day buzz with a retreat to the rural Highlands for a taste of life in the countryside and an eyeful of some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. The list of ideas for a family vacation in Scotland is as vast as the gorgeous views.

Best Places to Visit in Scotland for Families

If you have time for only one Edinburgh attraction, make it  Edinburgh Castle . Hunkered down on a hilltop, this behemoth presides over the city with all the gravitas of its 1,000-plus-year history. You can take as much time as you like to explore the castle and its museums, but plan on at least one and a half to two hours to get a thorough overview. Try to catch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, which has gone off every day (except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday) since 1861.

Afterward, make a stop at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a 19th-century funhouse right next to the castle that’s filled with mazes, optical illusions, holographs and other interactive fun. Its namesake and showpiece is an old-fashioned camera obscura through which you can peer at the streets below. Or see the  Museum of Childhood , a quick but fun — and free — detour on the Royal Mile that highlights the evolution of toys over the years. On a rainy day, its one of our favorite things to do with toddlers in Scotland. If the kids are game for a more intensive museum visit, pop into the National Museum of Scotland . The collection is vast and eclectic, but excellent kids’ programs and cool interactive activities help younger ones get the most out of it.

TIP : If you have two or three days to spare between the city and the Highlands, spend them at Gleneagles , located in the countryside about 60 miles northwest of Edinburgh. This magical luxury retreat is bliss for all ages, offering a nearly endless list of family-friendly activities: pony trekking, fishing, biking, falconry, a gundog school, indoor games, a toy-filled playroom, a teen lounge and many more. Parents, meanwhile, will be partial to the spa, the golf course and the first-rate onsite dining.

Ciao Bambino can help you plan an incredible family vacation in Scotland

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Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

A few hours’ drive west of Edinburgh, Inverness — a hub of the Scottish Highlands — makes a convenient base for one of this region’s signature sights:  Loch Ness . Reserve a spot on a  Jacobite Cruises  boat tour to cruise the waters and keep an eye out for the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Although parents may or may not buy into the Nessie lore, kids will get a kick out of searching for her with the radar monitor that combs the depths of the water. And the setting, with views of evocative Urquhart Castle (an optional stop), is a highlight for everyone.

For a totally unique glimpse into life in the Highlands, plus memorable time together as a family, book a lesson at  Scottish Highland Art , deep in the countryside about 30 minutes from Inverness. Artist Ros Rowell welcomes guests to her cozy studio and does a fantastic job instructing families in different painting techniques, making sure they create pieces they’ll be proud to show off at home.

The classic itinerary for a family trip to Scotland includes a visit to the Isle of Skye or another of the Hebrides , and that’s certainly doable from Inverness. But for a more offbeat coastal excursion, drive north to Spey Bay for dolphin watching and strolling along the bay’s pretty beach. The  Scottish Dolphin Centre  has a staff of naturalists who can help you spot the sea creatures, plus a small educational center. On the way there or back, make time for a stop at  Dunrobin Castle . It flies under the radar compared to big-name cousins such as Stirling and Eilean Donan, but its rooms and gardens are well worth touring, and its small museum displays a collection of taxidermy and Celtic stones.

Where to Stay in Scotland with Kids

Luxury-loving families will adore the iconic Balmoral Hotel as well as the Waldorf-Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian . Both of these 5-star properties are located on Princes Street a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile, and both pamper guests in every imaginable regard. We offer our clients wonderful perks when their stay is booked through our agency.

Depending on where you travel to in the Scottish countryside, we can recommend full-service resorts or intimate castle stays or quiet bed and breakfasts. Reach out to our family travel advisors to beginning planning your perfect getaway to Scotland!

Relevant Links:

Browse all-family friendly activities and destinations in Scotland with kids

72 hours in Edinburgh with kids

Best things to do in Glasgow with kids

Best luxury hotels in Scotland with kids

A taste of Adventures by Disney Scotland

A dream home base in rural Scotland with outdoor activities galore

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Hi Team. I am new to the UK and we would like to plan a trip to Scotland. My wife and I, along with our son (2.5 years), would love to go on a 3 day trip to Scotland. Please help me with this. Thank you.

Hi Karthik, our Family Vacation Advisors will be happy to help! Someone will reach out in email about next steps.

Another important point is while you are traveling in the Highlands to bring some insect spray as the small insects (midges) can be really irritating and the bit although not dangerous is uncomfortable. And dress in layers!

We are planning to go to Edinburgh on November 28th with 1.5 years baby. We are interesting to go highland, castle and lochness as well. Could you please advise the suitable tour for us?

Hi Aries, thanks for using our site! We can book tours as part of our complete family vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor get in touch via email to explain more about how we work. Enjoy your trip!

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Hello My sister & I are planning a wee road trip in Scotland with our 5 kids boy 10 girl 7 girl 4 boy 4 & baby In August, we’ve done the East coast so keen to do a bit more maybe an Inverness starting point then ending back in in Glencoe and would majorly appreciate a pre-tried itinerary for travelling with kids in Scotland. Time wise 3/4/5 days worth TIA

Hi Kim, sounds like a fun adventure! I’ll pass this along to our Family Travel Advisor team, and the right person will reach out in email to see if our planning service is a good fit. Happy travels!

Hi there ! We are planning a trip to Scotland in May with our 5 year old and 2 year old. Would you point us in the right direction ? Thanks !

Hi Usmaan, we’d be happy to help! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will follow up via email. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi there! Planning a trip to Scotland in June with my family of 7/ 3 children (4yr, two 2yr olds) 4 adults. Looking for advice on best stops for then to run and enjoy the wilderness while still having fun visiting unique places. As well as the best affordable places offering larger room accommodations or catering to families as we’ll be traveling on a budget. Thanks!

Hi April, thanks for reaching out! One of our Family Vacation Advisors will be in touch via email to discuss next steps and how we can help with your plans. While our specialty is upscale to luxury accommodations, we do maintain a select list of more affordable properties. Best of luck with your travels.

Good day, We are staying in Edinburgh, Scotland this Dec. for 1 week with a 2.5 year old. Any tips and advise will be appreciated (what to wear, pram or baby carrier) and advise on kids friendly places to go to in Edinburgh and outside.

Hi Chandre, thanks for reaching out! We’d be glad to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors will get in touch via email and explain more about our trip planning service. Happy travels!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this February and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this.

Hi Nadya! We’d be happy to help as part of our full planning service. Would you like one of our Family Travel Advisors to reach out in email?

We would love to do the same as Nadya with our 2 year old in April. Could somebody help us with an itinerary?

Hi Sophie! Let me relay your request to our Family Travel Advisor team, and one of our planners will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Would like to know about packages for a 3 or 4 day visit to Scotland strating from Edinburgh. Family of 3 with a kid 3 years old.

Hi there! We do offer a Scotland package and you can find out more here: https://ciaobambino.com/family-vacation-package/scotland . Our Family Travel Advisor Team can also arrange a custom trip for you if you decide to go that route. I’ll have a colleague reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 2 year old daughter will be on our Scotland tour from 3rd Nov to 6th Nov ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us. we would like to visit Lochness, Isle of Skyee , is it advisable to visit during November ? if not what are the other options

Hi Krishna, thanks for your request! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 22 months old son will be on our Scotland tour(11th Aug -14th Aug ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us on an urgent basis. Thanks,

Hi Jeetendra – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best of luck.

Hi, my family and I are going next summer and my daughter will be 4.5. We love golf and are partially coming to play 3-5 courses, but also want fun for the whole family and especially my daughter. Can you help?

Hi Michael, absolutely! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are a total of : Adults : 4 Children : 2 ( both children between 6 – 7 Years of age ) Infants : 2 (Infant 1 – 8 months old & Infant 2 – 1 Year 8 months ) We want to book the Family 1 day tour of – Loch Ness , Glencoe & the Highlands on 20th June 2018 . Pls let me know the following : 1. Are infants allowed on this tour ? 2. Is car seat mandatory for infants on this tour ?

Hi Shagun – Your best bet is to reach out to the tour company directly to check availability. They can advise about age limitations and car seats. Best of luck and thanks for using our site!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this

Hi Farah, absolutely, we can help with this. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy travels!

we want to travel on the 18-22nd June with our 2 and half year old. please can you advise re itinerary – would like to go to Loch Ness, isle of Skye if possible. could you please email us over options many thanks

Hi Davina, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi , I am planning to come with my family including 3 kids(9,14 and 3 Year old). Not many tour planners offer with less than 5 year old and the ones which have are very expensive. Can you please suggest

Hi Aman, thanks for reaching out! Our specialty is 4- and 5-star itineraries. If you’d like to find a budget travel-focused operator for Scotland, we recommend that you check in with the Scotland Tourist Board and have them direct you, https://www.visitscotland.com/ . Happy planning!

Hey, we are a family of three with a 14 months toddler. We plan to take a day trip from Edinburgh. Do you have anything in store for us?

Hi Rutuja, we’d be happy to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

I am planning a trip to Scotland with my 2 year old daughter and would be staying at Glasgow. Please advice

Hi Tony, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to talk about how our service works and how we can help. Happy planning!

We will be travelling to Scotland in April/May with our 2.5 year old and would love some information on the best things to see/do in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands… as well as the best way to go about it logistically in 10-14 days. Any information would be great! Thank you.

Hi Christie, we’d be glad to help! A Family Vacation Advisor specializing in the UK will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thank you for using our site.

We are attending a wedding in Aberdeen July 24/25 2018 and would like to take our then 1.5 and 4.5 yo kids with us. Could you help us plan logistics and a great vacation?

Hi Jenny, thanks for reaching out. We’d be happy to help – one of our Family Travel Advisors will contact you in email about next steps. Best of luck!

Hi My husband n me are planning to go to scotland at the end of November 2017 with my 2.5 years old daughter.we are staying in Portsmouth now.we don’t want whole day tour…we want three days tour but 3 to 4 hours in a day for the sake of my baby…is it possible ? Please let me know as soon as possible

Hi Soma, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

I would like more information about traveling with a 1 year old and two adults please 🙂

Hi Monica! Thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best wishes!

hi I am travelling with 5 month old and would like to do a tour of the highlands with my mom and the baby. my mom wants to see Eilean Donan Castle

Hi Joy, are you currently traveling or planning for the future? Let us know, and we’ll have the right Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to help. Thanks!

Hi We are planning for a trip to Edinburg between 26th Oct (reaching night 11:30) till 29th (by around 6:30 PM – tour you may end by dropping us on Edinburgh Waverley station)) and looking for an all-inclusive package (accomodation and travel). We are 2 family, as in 4 adult and 2 kids (of 3 year and 2 year old). Can you please provide a option to cover best places in these 3 days with a cost? We haven’t decided the places to cover and would like your advice over same.  For accommodation, we would need 2 separate twin or double room. Looking forward for your response.

Hello Aniket, thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to see how we can help with your plans.

hi, we are travelling with 2 kids.. one is an infant (1yr) and other one 4 yr old. can u let us know if there are any 3day tour in scotland for the same. please contact me on [email protected] regards Sahil..

Hi Sahil – Thanks for reaching out! A Family Travel Advisor will be in touch via email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

Hello, I am interested to travel Scotland and England from London with my wife and 3 year old Daughter in October, 2017. Please provide details.

Hi Gaurav! Thank you for using Ciao Bambino as a travel resource! We’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland and England reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are 4 adults travelling to Edinburgh for a 4 day holiday in August. We will have a 9 month old baby with us. We would like to go for a day tour in the Highlands. Any suggestions please? Thanks

Thank you MaryAnne for your using Ciao Bambino as a family travel resource! We have sent you a message about your inquiry. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to visit Edinburgh this year in the end of june. I am travelling with a a 1.5 years old child and looking for a tour company that will allow young toddlers too. Could you suggest someone? thanks Sunny

Hi Sunny – Thanks for reaching out! Our focus is on providing full itineraries for parents traveling with kids rather than standalone tour and activity recommendations. If we can be of help with a more comprehensive trip plan, please let us know!

Hi, We are planning to visit Scotland by end of june for 5d/4n with two kids 16 month n 9 yrs. Can you suggest good bus tour guide who is ready to take kids along as most of the travellers are not allowing kids. Please suggest Thanks Monika

Thank you Monika for your message! We sent you a private message in response. Happy travels!

Hi we will be traveling with our 22 month old daughter to Scotland from July 19-25 and would love some help with going to and getting around the Highlands and Loche Ness!

Thank you Missi for your message! We have sent you a private message. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to Visit Scotland this late June. The problem I am facing is that all the bus tours are not ready to take along with my 6 months old Infant daughter. Can you suggest me any bus tour guides who will allow it. We are not weighing private cab tours because of our budget constraints. Please suggest. Thanks Raj

Thank you Raj for your message! For this we would suggest to contact the Tourist Board. Here is their official website. https://www.visitscotland.com/contact-us/

Hi. I’m traveling to Scotland with my husband and 2 year old daughter fro 17-23 June 2017. We intend to base ourselves out of Edinburgh, but I haven’t been able to find any tours that take us to the surrounding areas that allow toddlers – can you please help?

A Family Travel Advisor will connect with you soon. Thanks for your patience!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburg with my family on June 8, 2017 with 2 year old and would like to make a 2 day trip to highland, Glancoe , Lochness, Fort williams etc Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Manali

Hi Manali – We can help with tours as part of our comprehensive vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Vacation Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out via email and explain more about how we work. Thank you!

Plan to visit the highlands with a 10 month old baby in July – from Cairynryan. Can someone please contact me with suggestions for a base location? Thanks

Hi Louise – We’ll be glad to help! A Family Vacation Consultant specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Enjoy your travels!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburgh with my family on 20 May 2017 with 1 year old baby and would like to make a day trip to highland, Glancoe and Lochness. Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Charlie

Hi Charlie, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We work with several local family-friendly companies who offer tours – I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to discuss options.

Hi I am planning to travel with my Kid 2 years old in Scotland for a short tour in June.Can you recommend the places to visit and the option of transport please ?

Hi Somnath – thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Hi lisa, We would be travelling to scotland for 4 nights in june with our 6 year old daughter can you pleasevhekp us plan our itenary with some stay at farm bookings. Thanks, Ami

Hi Ami, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thanks and happy planning!

Hi Lisa, We are here in Edinburgh right now with our 14 Month Old daughter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are having a hard time finding ways to take kids this age through tours or even dining for Dinner. We will be here for the next 4 weeks so we have time to look into any suggestions. Thank you.

Hi Felix – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! Our focus is on full itineraries and accommodations. If you’d like help booking hotels and activities, we can have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email.

Hi Lisa, We would be in London from May 24 to June 2 n plan a Scotland tour of 3 days. We are a couple accompanied by ouy 2.25 yr old son. Thanks

Hi Prashant, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi, we are travelling to Scotland with a 5.5 year old boy in June/July for a week, can you please help us plan our trip considering there’s a child with us Thank you

Hi Patel – Absolutely. One of our Family Travel Planners specializing in Scotland will be in touch via email. Happy planning!

Hi, I and my wife were planning to visit Scotland with our 2yrs old daughter. Would love to get some help in arranging our plans for this July. Thanks

Hi Ryan – We’re happy to help! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi. Can u help me out with recommendations to travel with 5 year old in the month of April -may

Hi Sanam – Absolutely! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi Interested in recommendations for travel with two and half year old in Scotland around july

Hi Angela – We’re happy to help! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out to you in email. Happy planning!

Hi. We are an Indian family of four, 2 adults and our 2 children aged 16 &8 yrs. We are planning to fly straight to Edinburg fromNew Delhi this June and cover the best of Scotland in 4-5 days. Then we plan to head onwards to Brussels, London, Paris and end our European escapade withSwitzerland. Can one of your local experts help us in planning our trip? Much thanks

Hi Tandons – Thank you for your message. One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in those destinations in Europe will reach out in email to help. Happy Planning! -Amie

Ciao! I will be traveling with two children: 2.5 y/o and 7 y/o. I’d like to be contacted by a Scotland focused family travel advisor please. Thank you!

Hi Jen, Wonderful! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will be in touch to help. Happy Planning! Best, Amie

Hi, I am planning to reach Edinburgh on 25th Sep and want to go for some places in Scotland. Could you please suggest some places or tour packages which allows 10 months baby in it. I am coming with my wife and my 10 months baby. My mail id: [email protected]

Hi there, and thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to help.

Hi! My husband and I and my 16 months would want to take a 3 day tour in Scotland in June. Can you please recommend something for us?

Hi Renalyn – One of our expert Scotland planners will reach out to you in email. Thank you for your interest!

Hi Amie, Can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly Scotland tour? we have our 2.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. regards, Axaya

Hi Axaya, Indeed, I’ll have our Scotland-focused Family Travel Advisor reach out. Thanks! -Amie

I also plan to do a 3-4 day tour to Scotland with a 20 month old. Please help

Regards Anurag

Hi Anurag, thanks for reaching out to us. When do you plan to travel? Let us know and we can determine how best to help!

Hi we have a 7 month old infant and we are keen to do isle of skyre tour please can you suggest the best way

Hi Sargam, I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Consultants specializing in Scotland reach out. Thanks! -Amie

hi Amie, can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly scotland tour? we have our 20 months baby coming with us to Scotland this Dec and would love to do loch ness, glencoe and highland tour. thanks

Hi Cendana, Thanks for your message. I’ll have one of our Scotland specialists reach out to help (she will email you). Best, -Amie

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Visit the historic castles. Witness breathtaking views. Explore the most romantic and historic locations of this enchanting country. And create memories that will last a lifetime on a magical private family tour of Scotland.

Get your tailor-made itinerary now for an immersive and personalized experience for you and your loved ones.

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Wind down in luxurious accommodation.

Each accommodation on your private Scotland tour is handpicked to provide you with the utmost comfort and luxury. From Highland hotels exuding warm hospitality to historic castles steeped in grandeur, every place you stay is a reflection of Scotland’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in the enchanting surroundings and unwind in opulent settings, ensuring that each moment is infused with relaxation and tranquility.

Experience Scottish Culinary Excellence

Your private tour of Scotland offers an exceptional dining experience where gastronomic excellence takes centre stage. Immerse yourself in the flavours of Scotland as you dine at the country’s most prestigious and renowned restaurants.

From Michelin-starred establishments to luxurious hotel restaurants to warm cosy pubs, each culinary experience is a symphony of exquisite flavours that will showcase the richness of Scottish cuisine.

Have Your Very Own Chauffeur Driver

From the moment you arrive in Scotland, you will be greeted by your very own chauffeur driver who will convey you to every location on your trip. Not only are our fleet of chauffeurs exceptional drivers but they each possess knowledge of Scotland’s most captivating landmarks, hidden gems, and fascinating historical sites.

With a deep understanding of Scotland’s rich heritage, our chauffeurs serve as knowledgeable guides, sharing their insights and anecdotes along the way.

Take Part in Fantastic Family Excursions to Create Unforgettable Memories

Our primary aim is to deliver a Scotland private tour filled with extraordinary moments that will be etched in your memory for years to come. We have meticulously crafted an itinerary that is brimming with unique and unforgettable experiences. From awe-inspiring sights to heartwarming interactions, every aspect of this trip is designed to create cherished memories for your family.

Luxury Accommodation at a Glance

Atholl palace.

Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the Scottish Highlands is the legendary Atholl Palace. Step inside this famous establishment and you will be struck by its luxurious character, Scottish charm and historical substance.

Indulge in opulent accommodation adorned with elegant furnishings, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of lush landscapes and immerse yourself in world-class amenities from a rejuvenating spa to exquisite dining options.

Here you can explore the surrounding enchantment of Highland Perthshire, with its majestic mountains, serene lochs, and captivating castles.

Kingsmills Hotel

Cameron house.

One of the most unrivalled luxury establishments in the United Kingdom is the Cameron House. Sitting on the enchanting shores of Loch Lomond, Cameron House is a haven of elegance and refinement where the rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with luxurious furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities.

The resort boasts a wealth of leisure and wellness facilities to enhance your stay. Here you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in relaxation at the luxurious spa, where skilled therapists offer a range of treatments and therapies to rejuvenate your body and mind.

It’s the perfect place for you and your loved one to unwind in the sauna and steam rooms while the little ones enjoy their play in the indoor swimming pool. From start to finish, the Cameron House promises a family-oriented atmosphere where everyone will feel right at home.

Gleneagles Hotel

Staying at Gleneagles on a family luxury tour is an experience that embraces a perfect blend of opulence, adventure, and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, the warm Scottish hospitality envelops you and your family, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Accommodation at Gleneagles is designed with families in mind, offering spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Each is carefully curated to provide comfort and privacy, allowing you to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration.

With its natural surroundings and wide spacious greenery, you and your family can take leisurely strolls along the scenic trails, immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature.

The Fife Arms

The accommodation at the Fife Arms is a testament to refined luxury, with beautifully-designed rooms and suites that offer a haven of comfort and relaxation for the entire family. Not many other luxury establishments in the United Kingdom can match the charm, beauty, and historical substance of this 5-Star Boutique Hotel.

The hotel’s dedication to art and culture is evident throughout, as you explore the extensive art collection and discover the stories behind each masterpiece. Children are warmly welcomed at The Fife Arms, with dedicated activities and amenities designed to keep them entertained and engaged.

What’s more is that the warm and friendly staff will go to the nth degree to ensure a seamless and memorable stay for your entire family.

Family Trips

Hairy coo safari.

Nestled deep in the stunning Aviemore region, the Hairy Coo (cow) Safari offers a thrilling journey that will captivate both children and adults alike. Set amidst the idyllic Scottish Highlands, the Hairy Coo Safari offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic Highland Cattle, affectionately known as “hairy coos.”

You will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will share captivating stories and interesting facts about these gentle giants, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Scotland’s rich natural heritage.

It’s the perfect family outing that combines the fresh outdoors, spectacular scenery and Scottish wildlife, creating an immersive experience that fosters a deep connection with nature and a sense of awe and wonderment.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd allows the little ones to witness the splendour of Scottish wildlife amidst the pristine outdoors. This extraordinary experience offers a close encounter with the majestic reindeer in their natural habitat, allowing children to marvel at these magnificent creatures while immersing themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

This outing is a family favourite on our bespoke tours because it combines the joy of discovery with the freshness of the great outdoors, creating unforgettable memories.

A visit to Byres Farm invites you and your family to immerse yourselves in the idyllic countryside and experience the authentic Scottish farming lifestyle. The farm provides a unique opportunity to engage with the daily workings of a traditional Scottish farm, providing you with an enlightening experience that captivates both the young and old.

Children will be delighted as they interact with friendly farm animals, learning about their care and feeding. From cuddling adorable lambs and playful piglets to collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop, every moment will be filled with joy and wonder.

Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness

Go Ape promises a thrilling adventure among the high tree tops that are surrounded by the lush Scottish countryside. As you arrive at Go Ape Aberfoyle, you’ll be greeted by a team of friendly and experienced instructors who will ensure your family’s safety and enjoyment throughout the experience.

Children will have the opportunity to navigate through a series of thrilling obstacles, including rope bridges, zip lines, and Tarzan swings, where they will soar through the air and conquer tree-top challenges.

4x4 Adventures Scotland

Experience an enthralling adventure in a private or corporate 4×4 through Loch Lomond’s stunning landscape. Here you will climb aboard a luxury 4×4 vehicle and prepare for an unforgettable adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping off-road exploration with the comfort and elegance befitting a luxury tour.

This is a family activity that’s suitable for children of all ages, where each will be captivated as they experience the thrill of traversing challenging terrains, conquering rugged hills, and navigating through picturesque valleys.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about the rich Scottish history and the unique geology of the Scottish landscapes as your expert guides provide fascinating insights along the way.

Are there family rooms at most hotels in Scotland?

While many hotels offer family rooms accommodating three or four people, availability can be limited. To secure your ideal package, it is advisable to book well in advance, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for your family.

How far in advance should I book my family tour?

To accommodate the specific room requirements of families, we highly recommend booking at least six months in advance. This will ensure ample time to secure the ideal room arrangements, guaranteeing a seamless and tailored experience for your family's stay.

Are there lots of family activities in Scotland?

Yes. From immersive farm tours to exhilarating adventure parks, a plethora of options await you and your family.

Whether you seek educational experiences or thrilling adventures, there are abundant choices to cater to every member's interests and create lasting memories.

What’s the minimum age for children on a trip?

Our tour packages don't have a minimum age - we cater to all ages from newborns to teenagers. With our custom trips, every aspect can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of your entire family, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Can I customise my tour?

Yes, we offer as many redrafts as necessary in all of our private tours of Scotland. Our dedicated travel planners are passionate experts who thrive on curating bespoke journeys through Scotland. You can choose to visit whatever destination that takes your fancy. Some of our most popular locations include:

• Private guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
• Walking tour of the Royal Mile
• Trossachs National Park
• Stirling Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Loch Lomond
• Fort William
• The Scottish Highlands

Whether you prefer to have a full-day private tour or a half-day tour of your chosen locations, our tour operators will design a bespoke itinerary that exceeds your expectations and immerses you in the true essence of Caledonia.

Do you book flights?

While we don't directly book flights, we are more than happy to assist you in making informed decisions. We can provide suggestions using Skyscanner to help you find flights that align with your desired start date.

To ensure seamless coordination with your tour's arrival and departure dates, we strongly encourage clients to book their flights before placing their deposit. This ensures that your flights perfectly coincide with the itinerary, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

When is the weather best to visit Scotland?

Spring, summer or autumn are the three best seasons to visit Scotland. Opting for spring or autumn allows you to avoid the peak season crowds, providing a more tranquil and serene experience while still enjoying the beauty and charm of the destination.

Can I choose my dates?

Yes. We pride ourselves on creating private Scotland tours tailored to your preferred dates. Please keep in mind that we do not operate luxury private tours from December to February.

What should I pack?

It is advised to bring waterproofs, rucksacks and sensible hiking boots.

Do I get the same chauffeur driver for the whole trip?

Yes, you will be assigned the same chauffeur driver for the entire trip. Our drivers are not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about their country. It's important to note that while they are not qualified tour guides, they possess a wealth of information to enhance your journey.

However, if you prefer a dedicated private tour guide to accompany you throughout the trip, we can certainly arrange that on request.

Ultimate 10 Day Luxury Scottish Tour

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• Private Castle Tours Of Scotland
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Address: 1 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AA.

Tel: 0131-510-9298

E-Mail: [email protected]

WE ARE ‘MV LUXURY TRAVEL LTD’ Luxury Scotland Tours – Luxury Ireland Tours – Luxury England Tours

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Scotland Family Vacation Packages 2024/2025

If you’re looking for Scotland family vacation packages, we have a wide variety of group family tours and private family getaways. With kid-friendly museums, like the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh (it has treasure hunts around the exhibits!), wild Barra beaches perfect for sandcastles and surfing, and family kayaking excursions on Loch Lomond, there is something to engage everyone. Scotland tours with the family are a great way to experience the country without having to constantly think of new and exciting things to do — the itinerary and logistics are already sorted for you! Opt for a group Scotland family vacation package trip where you can travel with other families, or choose a private tour of Scotland that leaves quality time for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the best Scotland family tours for inspiration.

• Best Time To Visit Scotland

84 family trips in Scotland

• Starts Edinburgh, Scotland
• Ends Glasgow, Scotland

Best of Scotland

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Mountains & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='22540'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry & Coach
• Age Range 5-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,850
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 194
• Total Price from: US$ 1,656
• May 12 10+ seats left
• May 30 Only 6 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Edinburgh, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

• Activities Chill out & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Guest House
• Transport Ferry & Train

Highlights of Scotland

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Classes and workshops & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='22775'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle, Boat, Ferry & Bus
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,599
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 520
• Total Price from: US$ 2,079
• May 14 Only 5 seats left
• May 26 Only 5 seats left

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='23441'>+2 more
• Transport Coach & Ferry
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• May 12 Only 10 seats left
• May 30 Only 5 seats left

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander

• Activities Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing Walking tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='20936'>+1 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,595
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 689
• Total Price from: US$ 3,906
• May 13 Only 8 seats left
• May 20 10+ seats left

Scotlands Highlands Islands and Cities

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & War sites 'data-more-tripid='22537'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,475
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 447
• Total Price from: US$ 4,028
• May 06 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Glasgow, Scotland

Majestic Scotland

• Activities Adventure
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,650
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 165
• Total Price from: US$ 1,485
• May 25 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 22 Only 6 seats left

Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport Bus
• Oct 26 10+ seats left
• Oct 30 10+ seats left

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

• Activities Chill out
• Transport Ferry

Essential Scotland

• Trip customizable
• Activities Art and architecture & City sightseeing
• Transport Boat & Coach
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 09 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities

• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 448
• Total Price from: US$ 4,027
• May 06 10+ seats left
• May 13 Only 5 seats left

• Starts Inverness, Scotland
• Ends Inverness, Scotland

Scotland's Orkney Islands

• Activities Beach & Art and architecture Beach , Art and architecture & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='34494'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hut & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Train & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,095
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 314
• Total Price from: US$ 1,781
• May 14 Only 8 seats left
• May 28 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Aberdeen, Scotland
• Ends Aberdeen, Scotland

Scotland's Shetland Islands

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Ferry, Minibus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Bus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,080
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 312
• Total Price from: US$ 1,768
• May 19 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 09 Only 3 seats left

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Chill out
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Train, Bus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,660
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 183
• Total Price from: US$ 3,477
• Jun 10 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 21 Only 1 seat left

Scotland Family Vacation Reviews

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Let Scotland's lochs and highlands enchant you

There's a reason a unicorn is the symbol of Scotland—it's a land of pure magic. Travel there with CIE Tours to discover every enchanting vista, from the heather-covered Highlands to the depths of Loch Ness. Explore the rich Scottish culture, beyond the traditions of tartan, whisky and bagpipes. Let us introduce you to the charms of Scotland.

With its medieval Old Town, chic Georgian New Town, and timeless views from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh is truly the romantic heart of Scotland.

The Scottish capital's "Old Town" retains much of its medieval-era charm—and wandering the streets and exploring the shops is a popular thing to do in Edinburgh.

Military Tattoo

One of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh is this August event—a grand tradition that began after World War II, with drum and pipe corps from around the world performing.

• Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two at this unforgettable Scottish destination.

This medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, is alive with many exciting tales.

• Isle of Skye

One of the largest of Scotland's 790 islands, Isle of Skye features colorful port towns and villages, and dramatic, stony landscapes.

• Dunvegan Castle

This medieval fortress rises up majestically from a promontory on the Isle of Skye.

Whisky Distillery

One of Scotland's most legendary creations is its fine Scotch whisky—and many CIE Tours of Scotland feature distillery tours where you can sample a dram or two and see how it's created.

A wild storm nearly two centuries ago unearthed this seaside Neolithic village of stone, dating to between 3200 and 2200 BC.

Scottish Highlands

The best time to catch the Highlands heather in full bloom is late August into September. But you can taste it year round in heather ale and Scottish honey—the bees often rely on heather pollen for their food source.

The Old Course at St Andrews is the very first golf course in the world, dating back to the 1400s.

• Stirling Castle

Scotland's grand castle played a key role in both Scottish and English history, and many of the most famous Scots, including Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Bruce, once dwelled within its walls.

• Iron Age House

The sea helped bring this nearly intact Pictish village to light, just 25 years ago.

Quaint Culross lets visitors step back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries for a taste of what life was like for its inhabitants. It's served as a backdrop for many scenes in the series Outlander.

• Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest lake by area in all of Scotland, at more than 24 miles in length. You'll find Scotland's famous red deer and other wildlife along its shores.

Callanish Stones

These mysterious Neolithic "standing stones" in the Outer Hebrides may be older than Stonehenge.

The depths of this lovely Scottish lake contain more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined—and perhaps, if the legends are true, "Nessie," the Loch Ness Monster.

• Urquhart Castle

Some of Scotland's most stirring history has taken place at this magisterial fortress overlooking Loch Ness.

This historic climbing hut is an icon in black and white against the green hills of Glencoe.

Scotland Tours

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• 8 - 14 Days
• 3D Battle Show
• Abbey Tavern
• Achill Island
• Alnwick Castle
• Aran Islands
• Arigna Mining Centre
• Ashford Castle
• Ballachulish
• Ballinwillin House
• Ballycotton
• Ballyfarnon
• Ballyknocken Cookery School
• Bernese Oberland
• Black Forest
• Blakes of the Hollow Pub
• Blarney Castle
• Bristol Tour
• Brjansstadir
• Cambridge Punting
• Cambridge Tour
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Carlingford
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Carrick-on-Shannon
• Causey Farm
• Celtic Whiskey Bar
• Charles Fort
• Chavenage House
• Chocolate-Making Experience
• Church Bar and Restaurant
• Cliffs of Moher
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Connemara Celtic Crystal
• Cooking Competition
• Croke Park Stadium
• Cross Guns Gastropub
• Crosskeys Inn
• Culzean Castle
• Dalkey Castle
• Derrynane House
• Distillery Visit
• Down Cathedral
• Dromoland Castle
• Dublin Tour
• Dun Aengus Fort
• Dun Laoghaire
• Ely Cathedral
• Farm to Table Dinner
• Farmhouse Visit
• Florence Court House
• Gallarus Oratory
• Gedächtniskirche
• Glasgow Tour
• Glasnevin Museum
• Glastonbury Tor & Abbey
• Glenlo Abbey
• Glenveagh National Park
• GPO Witness History
• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
• Hampton Court Palace
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Highland games
• Irish National Stud
• Irish Whiskey Museum
• Isle of Capri
• Jameson Experience
• John B. Keane's Pub
• Johnstown Castle
• Kilkenny Castle
• Kilronan Castle
• King John's Castle
• Kyle of Lochalsh
• Lake Distillery
• Leeds Castle
• Letterkenny
• Long Meadow Cider
• Lough Ree Viking Cruise
• Malahide Castle
• Mary Rose Museum
• Melrose Abbey
• Montecatini Terme
• Muckross House
• Muckross Schoolhouse
• National Piping Centre
• New Chocolate Company Tasting
• Newmarket-on-Fergus
• O'Connors Famous Pub
• Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub
• Parknasilla House
• Peace Bridge
• Pollok House
• Quiet Man Walking Tour
• Rhine Gorge
• Ring of Kerry
• Riverside Transport Museum
• Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• Rosscarbery
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Scotney Castle
• Scottish Evening
• Seaweed Foraging
• Shepherd Neame Brewery
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden
• Sistine Chapel
• Slane Castle & Distillery
• Slea Head Loop
• Smithwick's Experience
• Spike Island
• St Michael's Mount
• St Patrick's Day in Dublin
• St. Austell
• St. Michan's Church Crypt
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Stone of Destiny
• Strahov Stadium
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Strokkur Geysir
• Svartifoss Waterfall
• Taigh Chearsabhagh
• Taylors Three Rock Pub
• Teeling Distillery
• Tenby Walking Tour
• Thames River Cruise
• The Armitt Museum
• The Church Bar and Restaurant
• The Glyde Inn
• Thingvellir National Park
• Three Bridges
• Timoleague Franciscan Friary
• Tintern Abbey
• Titanic Belfast
• Titanic Walking Tour
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Toompea Castle
• Tower of London
• Town Crier Tour
• Trafalgar Square
• Trevi Fountain
• Trim Castle
• Trim Living History
• Trinity College
• Triona Design
• Trotternish Peninsula
• Turf-Cutting Demonstration
• Turkish Bazaar Bas Carsija
• Uffizi Gallery
• UN Building
• Upper and Lower Old Town
• Veliko Jezero
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• Venice Walking Tour
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• Viking Splash Dublin Tour
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Vilnius Castle
• Vilnius University
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• Walking Tour of Korcula
• Walled City Brewery
• Warner Brothers Studio “Making of Harry Potter”
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• Waterford Tour
• Welsh Banquet
• Welsh Language Lesson
• Wenceslas Square
• West Coast Coastal Drive
• Westminster Abbey
• Westport House
• Whitby Tour
• White Cliffs
• Wild Atlantic Way Drive
• Windsor Castle
• Winter Palace
• Yansa Gora Monastery
• York Minster
• York Walking Tour
• Zwinger Palace
• Abbotsford House
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Ardmhor on Barra
• Armadale Castle
• Armory Museum
• Astronomical Clock
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Ballintubber Abbey
• Bamburgh Castle
• Bannockburn Visitor Center
• Baroque Town Hall
• Basilica of San Marco
• Bell Tower Clock
• Belleek Pottery
• Belvedere Palace
• Betws-y-Coed
• Black Madonna
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Blair Castle
• Blarney Castle & Killarney
• Blarney Woollen Mills
• Blasket Centre
• Bled Castle
• Blenheim Palace
• Blue Lagoon
• Bodmin Moor
• Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
• Boka Waterfall
• Book of Kells
• Bosta Beach
• Brecon Beacons National Park
• British Golf Museum
• British Museum
• British Music Experience
• Brodie Castle
• Brú na Boinne Visitor Center
• Bunratty Castle
• Burren Smokehouse
• Cabra Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Callanish Standing Stones
• Canal Cruise
• Cardiff Bay Tour
• Cardiff Castle
• Cardiff Tour
• Castle Esplanade
• Castle Hill
• Castle Howard
• Castle Square
• Cathedral of St. Dude
• Cathedral of St. Vitus
• Catherine Palace & Park
• Cavern Club
• Cawdor Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Walking Tour
• Church of St. Donat
• Churchill Barriers
• Clan Donald Centre
• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
• Corrib Cruise
• Crown Jewels
• Cruiser Aurora
• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center
• Culross (Outlander)
• Culross Abbey
• Culross Palace
• Daliborka Tower
• Dan O’Hara’s Homestead Farmhouse Visit
• Dartmoor National Park
• Derry’s Medieval Walls
• Dingle Bay Cruise
• Dingle Peninsula
• Diocletian’s Palace
• Doge’s Palace
• Dome Cathedral
• Dominican Monastery
• Donegal Castle
• Doune Castle
• Dublin Castle
• Dubrovnik Walking Tour
• Dun Carloway Broch
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Dunrobin Castle
• Edinburgh Tour
• Eiffel Tower
• Eilean Donan Castle
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
• Evening Canal Cruise
• Falconry Exhibition
• Famous Blacksmiths Shop
• Field of Mars
• Firth of Forth
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Florence Walking Tour
• Fort Augustus
• Fort William
• Forth Bridge
• Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
• Franciscan Monastery
• Fridheimar Tomato Farm
• Gavrilo Princip Museum
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Gediminas’ Tower
• Gellert Hill Citadel
• General Post Office Museum
• Giant’s Causeway
• Glamis Castle
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Glen Grant Distillery
• Glencoe Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter)
• Glengesh Pass
• Goathland Station (Hogsmeade from Harry Potter)
• Golden Circle
• Golden Lane
• Goriska Brda
• Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark
• Government Palace
• Gower Peninsula
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Grampian Mountains
• Great Orme Tramway
• Gruz Harbor
• Guinness Storehouse
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harlech Castle
• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Harry’s Bar
• Hebridean Smokehouse
• Hekla Volcano
• Heroes’ Square
• Highland Safaris
• Hillsborough Castle
• Hofburg Palace
• Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra
• Horgabost Beach
• Horseshoe Pass
• Houses of Parliament
• Husref Bay’s Mosque
• Hvar Island
• Inveraray Castle
• Inverewe Gardens
• Isle of Benbecula
• Isle of Bute
• Isle of Harris Distillery
• Isle of Lewis
• Italian Chapel
• Jacobite Steam Train
• Jamaica Inn
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Jewish Ghetto
• Johnstons of Elgin
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Jupiter’s Temple
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Kashmir Goats
• Kensington Palace
• Killarney National Park
• Killarney’s Lakes
• Killary Harbour
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Kilmuir Graveyard
• Kinsale Walk
• Knock Shrine
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• Lake Bohinj
• Lake District
• Lake Windermere Cruise
• Lanhydrock House
• Lava Center
• Lazienki Park & Palace
• Leverburgh on Harris
• Liberty Monument
• Limerick Panoramic Tour
• Lissadell House
• Literary Tea with Scones
• Little Museum of Dublin
• Llandudno Tram
• Loch an Duin
• Loch Linnhe
• Lochboisdale
• London Pub Food Tour
• London Tour
• Lovespoon Workshop
• Luskentyre Beach
• Lynch’s Castle
• Machynlleth
• Malo Jezero
• Matthias Church
• Mayflower Steps
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Mercato Centrale
• Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Mljet Island & National Park
• Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Moscow University
• Mount Snowdon
• Mount Stuart House
• Nace Homestead
• Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Heritage Centre
• National Slate Museum
• Nelson’s Column
• Neolithic Tombs
• Nevsky Prospect
• Nine Glens of Antrim
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Northern Lights
• Novodevichy Convent
• Old Market Square
• Old Royal Palace
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
• Olympic Stadium
• Orlando’s Column
• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Oxford Walking Tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Palace of Science and Culture
• Palace Square
• Palaces for the People
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Pembroke Castle
• Penderyn Distillery
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piccadilly Circus
• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
• Plitvice Lakes
• Politician Pub
• Poljanska Sora
• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
• Prater Amusement Park
• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Riga Castle
• Ring of Brodgar
• River Avon Cruise
• River Clyde
• River Moskva
• River Shannon
• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
• Roman Forum
• Ross Castle
• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
• Royal Castle
• Royal Castle of Hradcany
• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Royal Military Tattoo
• Royal Route
• Russborough House
• Russian Folklore
• Saxon Gardens
• Schiller Theater
• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Scone Palace
• Secret Lagoon
• Seine River Cruise
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Selska Sora
• Semper Opera House
• Senate Square
• Sergiev Posad
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Shepherd’s Museum
• Shrewsbury Walking Tour
• Skaftafell National Park
• Skellig Experience
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Skogar Folk Museum
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• Snowdonia National Park
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
• Sponza Palace
• Square of the Five Wells
• St. Anastasia
• St. Andrews Castle
• St. Andrews Walk
• St. Anne’s Church
• St. Asaph’s Cathedral
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• St. Catherine’s Church
• St. Columba’s Cathedral
• St. David’s Cathedral
• St. Fagans Castle
• St. Fagans National Museum of History
• St. George’s Basilica
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• St. Isaac’s Square
• St. Jacobs Cathedral
• St. John’s Cathedral
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• St. Mark’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• St. Michael’s Mount
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• St. Patrick’s Grave
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• St. Peter and Paul’s Church
• St. Peter’s Church
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
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2025 Tours: Save $100pp - Use Code EBD25100

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Best Itinerary for Touring Scotland with Kids

24 Nov, 2020

Touring Scotland with kids can create lifelong family memories you’ll all treasure. This country is filled with magic, wonder, and countless opportunities for adventure. If you’re bringing the kids for a family holiday in Scotland, we’d love to offer some tips and advice for your trip planning. 

We know this country inside and out and we love sharing all our incredible sites and stories…especially if we can inspire a love of Scotland in the next generation! At Inspiring Travel, we have several Scotland itineraries you can check out for inspiration, or you can always create a tailor made tour to suit your family’s interests. We’d love to show you how magical Scotland truly is!

How to Tour Scotland with Kids

We wrote a whole article on everything you need to know about touring Scotland for more general information on travelling in the country.

But, of course, the best way to tour Scotland with kids is by private tour. Just think of the stress you can avoid if you’re not trying to navigate, drive, entertain the kids, and actually try to enjoy the views all at the same time. Gift yourself some serenity and let someone else handle all the driving…and most of the entertaining, too!

Best Itinerary for a Family Tour of Scotland

Choosing the best places to visit in Scotland with your kids will largely depend on their ages and interests. If you’re bringing very little ones, then we’ll want to plan your time around naps and ensure shorter travel days. If your kids are a bit older and, say, looking for Harry Potter locations in Scotland , then we have lots of places they could visit to relive that magic!

Whatever interests you and your family have, we have plenty of advice to offer. It would be impossible to outline every single itinerary option for travelling Scotland with kids just in this one article. But we’ll give you a starting point and then we’d be happy to chat about your specific family adventure. 

This itinerary is anywhere from 7-12 nights, but you may have a different timeframe in mind for your Scotland trip. Use this as a baseline and then we can cater your tour to your family. Feel free to contact us any time with any questions.

Visiting Edinburgh With Kids: 2-4 nights

Edinburgh is a magical city, no matter your age. From Edinburgh Castle to Dynamic Earth and everything along the Royal Mile in-between, the Old Town is sure to enchant every visitor. Kids especially love Camera Obscura, the National Museum of Scotland, and running around in Princes Street Gardens or the Royal Botanic Gardens on a sunny day. Head to the shore to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia if the kids are keen on fancy ships or journey through time with a tour at the Real Mary King’s Close.

Getting around Edinburgh with kids is easy, although the cobblestone streets and plentiful staircases can make it a bit of a challenge with a buggy or pram. If your kids are a bit older and looking for some adventure, climb Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view of the city, or walk up the shorter Calton Hill right at the top of Princes Street.

If you’re touring Scotland with kids, it’s a good idea to base yourself in a few places for several days each. Stay in Edinburgh for multiple nights to truly enjoy the city. We’d be happy to include a day trip from Edinburgh, too.

Falkirk and the Kelpies

As you begin your Scotland tour, stop in Falkirk to visit the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. Kids marvel at the sheer size of the giant metallic horse head sculptures, and the Falkirk Wheel is an engineering wonder that amazes kids (and adults) of all ages. You could stop in Falkirk in the morning en route to Stirling.

Stirling Castle & Beyond

Stirling Castle is ideal to visit with kids, especially if you book a private tour for a more customised experience. You should also head up to the National Wallace Monument for views over the whole city and beyond. Go inside to check out historic memorabilia, including massive swords the kids are sure to love! Stirling University campus offers another space to wander and let them stretch their legs if they’re needing a distraction. 

When you’re ready, drive on towards the Cairngorms for an overnight stay.

Cairngorms National Park: 1-2 nights

Touring Scotland with kids means you should take advantage of the natural beauty of this land and let the kids get out any excess energy along your journey. Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and hosts an incredible array of topography and wildlife for everyone to enjoy. 

Pitlochry, a popular Victorian village, rests just before the national park boundaries if you’re driving from the Edinburgh area. You could spend a night here to start the next morning with the kids checking out the salmon ladder. Also in this area, visit Blair Castle, head up to Queen’s View for a panoramic vista, or even dare the kids to try the Soldier’s Leap at Killiecrankie (don’t let them actually try the 5.5m jump, though…just to be safe).

Once you’re in the Cairngorms, there are adventures aplenty to be had. Aviemore is a great outdoor adventure town, with the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre being a huge hit with kids of all ages! If you got an early start, you could head on to Inverness for your overnight stay. Or enjoy a second night for more time in the park if you’re keen.

Inverness & Surrounds: 2-3 nights

Inverness is often called the capital of the Highlands and serves as the perfect base for exploring this beautiful area. Take the kids on a boat tour of Loch Ness and check out the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition for fun. Visit Urquhart Castle while you’re here, and then head to the Moray Firth to look for dolphins. You could take a day trip up to Dunrobin Castle or, alternatively, get a sober history lesson at Culloden Moor and the visitor centre. Enjoy a few nights in the area to relax after several busy days of sightseeing.

Scottish Highland Highlights: 1 night

The Harry Potter fans will want to see the steam train crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. You could even book a ride on what’s been dubbed The Hogwarts Express for an extra special day! History lovers will want to explore Fort William. 

Driving through Glencoe is a Scotland tour requirement for its stunning topography and photo opportunities. Of course, in true Scottish fashion, you could get total cloud cover and miss out on those beautiful views. That’s what makes it extra special when you do get to see them in their full glory!

To truly enjoy this stunning part of the country, you should spend a night in Oban or the surrounding area. You could just carry on for a full day of road tripping between Inverness and Glasgow, but it’s nice to relax and really bask in this beauty. We’re fond of several special hotels in the Scottish Highlands , though not all of those are particularly kid-friendly, so we can advise on the perfect stay based on your kids’ ages.

Visit Glasgow with Kids: 1-2 nights

Finishing up your family tour of Scotland, you’ll want to head to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow is well-known for its fantastic music and arts scene, great shopping, and modern aesthetic. 

There are tons of museums to enjoy with the kids, including free options like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the People’s Palace on Glasgow Green. Both of those are surrounded by big parks where the kids can run around and have fun. You should also check out the Tall Ship and the Riverside Museum, and take the kids on a boat tour on the River Clyde while you’re there! There’s loads of shopping in the city centre, too.

Touring Scotland with kids can include such a variety of things to do and places to visit. It’s impossible to say this is the best itinerary for your family visit to Scotland, but it’s certainly a starting point to get inspired. If you want customised advice based on your kids’ ages and interests, we’d love to help you create the perfect tailor made tour of Scotland .

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The best things to do in Scotland with kids

Jun 13, 2023 • 8 min read

With inspiration for the perfect family trip, here are the best things to do with kids in Scotland © Paul McGee / Getty Images

Scotland is a stronghold of child-friendly favorites, and you’re here for superlative, soul-stirring experiences that ambush parents as much as itchy-footed kids.

Take the road north from Edinburgh — leaving behind three fantasy brick-block castles and passing through a storied countryside home to tales of giant water spirits and a humped, ancient loch monster— and, between the fairy glens and newfangled Harry Potter tradition, you’ll find yourself transported into a moody landscape ripe for a travel-bragging family adventure.

This is a country brimming with family-first cultural and wildlife encounters and a wealth of hill, loch and river adventures for bigger kids. Plus, it tastes as good as it looks — sugar-sweet fudge, tablet, shortbread, Tunnock’s teacakes and fizzy Irn Bru will fuel even the stubbornest, tantrum-throwing toddler. 

Indeed, a trip to Scotland is the connoisseur’s alternative to an all-inclusive resort or theme park holiday — less a Disneyworld, more a Caledonian magic kingdom — and, at the end of it all, the reward isn’t so much the place, but the open-armed hospitality and absurdly friendly people.

Is Scotland good for kids?

In one word: yes. Traveling with children is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy (as locals say) and the combination of plenty of public amenities, wallet-friendly family tickets at attractions and short distances to travel (compared to many other kid-friendly destinations, at least) is an irresistible proposition. Then there’s Scotland’s trump card: the great outdoors. It’s a brazen, open-air playground and escapist joy, with trees for climbing, beaches for castle building and rivers, waterfalls and lochs to splash and dip toes in.

Comfort is also king. Breastfeeding in public is widely accepted and encouraged by government campaigns, while restaurants regularly have high chairs, dedicated children’s menus and kids-eat-free deals. Equally critical to know is licensing laws mean pubs have to have a special Children's License for children to be able to eat there. Check with the bar staff to be sure.

For those with little ones, a stroller or buggy is also perfect for roaming all towns and cities, even if Edinburgh’s medieval cobblestone parades take no prisoners; at times, you feel as if you’re mere moments away from a puncture. Also a non-negotiable for outdoorsy families is a baby carrier or backpack. 

Perhaps the biggest factor to consider before visiting is the weather. Notoriously fickle, heavy rain and midge clouds can blot even the most glorious summer day, while a simple forest walk, picnic, or bike ride can be ruined by a carousel of conditions. A sturdy pair of shoes or waterproof jacket is no match for the lashing rain and high velocity gusts that often play peekaboo from Perth to Paisley to Portree . 

Where is best in Scotland for kids?

From the galleries of Glasgow to the bike trails of the Borders to the fabulous beaches of Fife , it’s obvious why so many families carry grins as wide as the Clyde. 

You’re in Scotland for the history, so start in Edinburgh with its rock-topped castle and wizard-worthy Royal Mile; equally, Stirling is a more manageable version for those with short legs. Leave for Aviemore in the Cairngorms , a mountain amusement park with plenty of adventures, then Loch Ness , where the prospect of realizing the childhood fantasy of monster hunting is only a short boat trip away. To the west, Glencoe and Glenfinnan deliver Harry Potter movie magic. And the beaches ? You’re spoilt for choice in Argyll and the Northwest Highlands, particularly on Barra, Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides .

Best things to do in Scotland with babies and toddlers

Cruise the kelpies by canal boat .

The Kelpies , two gigantic, 30m-high (98ft) equine sculptures at the eastern gateway of the Forth and Clyde canal, deliver more than a wow factor for wee kids. Rather, they have come to embody a new-found spirit around Falkirk in Scotland’s Central Belt. 

Start close by examining the almost dragon scale-plates, then head to the nearby monster-sized playground at Helix Park. Better still is to cruise from the Falkirk Wheel — the only rotating boat lift in the world — to eyeball them, pirate-style, from the water. For the uninitiated, Scottish myth holds that kelpies are water spirit demons with humongous horse heads — maybe, best not tell any younger kids that.

See a show at the world-beating Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Over the past few years, the world’s largest arts festival has had to evolve, with venues changing to become more accessible and the program for children more inclusive than ever. From master magicians and puppet dragons to balloon-bending acrobats and a soap bubble circus, this month-long cultural extravaganza every August has something for every age group, every taste, every mood, every huff. 

For first-time parents, there’s no shame in being intimidated. Count around 3500 shows across 300 city-wide venues and it can be hard to know where to start. Ask around: locals rely on newspaper and digital reviews as well as word of mouth to find out what not to miss. Lastly, book ahead. It means you’ll miss the freedom of spontaneity, but this is particularly advised when traveling with younger children — especially as the most popular shows tend to sell out long in advance. 

Best things to do in Scotland with kids

Follow the whale trail in the hebrides .

The Isle of Mull , with its cliffs tumbling down to pogoing seas, has many of the magic properties of the west coast islands. But it is also an entry point for the Hebridean Whale Trail, a self-guided route that encourages accessible, low-impact wildlife-spotting from land. Silhouettes creep from the depths. Shadows swirl below the surface. Rolls of dark skin emerge from the water.

In total, 33 sites have been tagged for their extraordinary marine diversity and these are scattered from Mull right along the west coast, around Ardnamurchan and all the way to the tip of Lewis. For kids and adults who have never seen bottlenose or common dolphin, harbor porpoise, basking shark, or humpback, minke, fin, beaked, pilot, or killer whale, the prospect is a pure, undiluted thrill.

Feel the magic of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley is based on Victoria Street in Edinburgh. George Heriot’s School is the precursor to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Several wizards, witches and mad-eyed loons are named after those laid to rest in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard . 

J.K. Rowling was inspired by the city’s magician’s hat spires, Gothic steepled schools and squiggly lanes and, just as Edinburgh is the city of Harry Potter, Scotland is a Potter fan’s dream. For the ultimate kid-friendly trip, follow The Road to the Isles towards Mallaig, stopping in Glencoe, Glen Nevis and then Glenfinnan. All were production locations for the big-screen wizarding saga and few can resist stopping to see where Harry Potter and pals rode the Hogwarts Express over the Glenfinnan Viaduct railway bridge. 

For further literary inspiration, check out Dumfries . It’s home to the National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling , and where Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie found inspiration for Neverland.

Best things to do in Scotland with tweens and teenagers

Go wild in the cairngorms.

The itinerary looks like this: canoeing on Loch Morlich in the morning, off-trail biking through stag-filled Rothiemurchus Forest shortly after lunch, then finishing with a trip up Cairngorm Mountain on Britain’s only summit funicular. The problem with Aviemore, the basecamp for adventures in Scotland’s largest national park , isn’t the lack of things to do. It’s having time to catch your breath.

Timing in the Cairngorms is everything, of course. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the buzzwords, while summer is for watersports galore and autumn brings out the rutting stags — an off-road Highland safari to see osprey, black grouse and red deer has a bit more grit for the older kids. 

A word of warning: Aviemore can get mobbed in summer, so book your activities in advance. For a quieter, if more expensive alternative, consider Braemar on the eastern side of the national park in Aberdeenshire .

Bike the 7Stanes

There’s no better way to pull teenagers away from their smartphones — and, possibly, out of their comfort zones — than to take them downhill biking in southern Scotland. Both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are wellsprings of gnarly biking trails and home to the 7Stanes , a matrix of dedicated centers including competitive hot spots Glentress, Innerleithen, Glentrool, Newcastleton and Kirroughtree. 

While many of them are all about the teen- and adult-appropriate downhill roller coasters, wooded chicanes and face-slapping descents, there are plenty of easier routes for novices and kids keen to push their skills beyond the pump track.

Planning tips

As easy as it is to travel with children around Scotland, a few in-the-know insider tips will certainly help you — and your budget — go the extra mile.

Traveling at the weekend? ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid promotion means tickets only cost £1 return each for up to four children for every paying adult at the weekend. Added to that, kids under five always travel free.

Many museums and galleries are also free of charge for all ages. Three standouts are the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and V&A Dundee on the city’s river esplanade. Otherwise, plenty of attractions, activities and transport options offer discounts and savings for families.

With so many islands to explore , island-hopping by ferry is an affordable and thrilling way to see everywhere from Islay all the way to Shetland in the far northeast. A more digestible journey to Gigha, Cumbrae or Arran — from 20 minutes to less than 1 hour — is a great way to introduce toddlers to sea travel, but bear in mind Atlantic swells can make journeys uncomfortable and sailings do get cancelled. Check the forecast before travel. 

This article was first published May 2021 and updated June 2023

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The Luxury Scotland Family Tour

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (2 Nights) Atholl Palace, Pitlochry (1 Night) Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (2 Nights) Skeabost House Hotel, Skye (2 Nights) Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (1 Night) Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond (1 Night)

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Scotland is a country with so much to see and do that it can be hard to plan a trip that really makes the most of your time here. So, we have taken that task right off your hands and put together this action-packed Scottish adventure for you and the family to enjoy.

You will stay in the very best hotels, have your own luxury vehicle and chauffeur, sample the tastiest local produce, see Scotland’s best sights, and take part in thrilling activities, all the while creating cherished memories to savour.

See your family’s faces light up at the mind-boggling Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Enjoy magical moments at Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. And make your children’s (and possibly your) dreams come true with a trip to Glenfinnan Viaduct, otherwise known as the Harry Potter Bridge.

With boat tours hunting for the Loch Ness Monster, seaplane tours, walking tours, falconry, and dinosaur trails thrown in for good measure, this exhilarating Scottish tour is brimming with exciting adventures.

Our experienced family tour team will be on hand from the word go. They will organise everything from itinerary creation and planning to admin and bookings, meaning all you have to do is show up and have fun.

Arrival location: Edinburgh Airport Departure location: Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport

Points of Interest

– Walking tour of Edinburgh, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh Castle

– Three Bridges Boat Tour, The Kelpies, Pitlochry

– Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns

– Byres Farm, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield

– Loch Ness Boat Tour, The Loch Ness Monster Centre, Eilean Donan Castle

– Portree, Isle of Skye Dinosaur Tracks, Kilt Rock, Uig, Dunvegan Castle

– Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Bridge), Glencoe, Hagrid’s Hut location in Glencoe

– Loch Lomond, Seaplane Tour over Loch Lomond, Falconry at Cameron House

– The Balmoral Hotel , Edinburgh (2 nights) – Atholl Palace Hotel , Pitlochry (1 night) – Kingsmills Hotel , Inverness (2 nights) – Skeabost Hotel , Isle of Skye (2 nights) – Kingshouse Hotel , Glencoe (1 night) – Cameron House , Loch Lomond (1 night)

What’s Included:

– Accommodation – Breakfast – Bespoke itinerary – Premium vehicle & Private chauffeur – Admission to all activities – Local guides where appropriate – Personal travel co-ordinator

Tour Details

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation : The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (2 Nights) Dinner: Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral Hotel

As you touch down at Edinburgh Airport, your chauffeur will be ready and waiting to welcome you to Scotland. They will help you with your bags into your premium luxury vehicle before making the short drive into the heart of Edinburgh. The sense of excitement will start to build as you wind your way through Edinburgh’s iconic streets on your way to The Balmoral Hotel .

Sitting at the far end of the iconic Princes Street, The Balmoral is ideally situated right in the middle of the action. From here you have easy access to some of Edinburgh’s top spots, such as Rose Street, The Royal Mile, George Street, and Princes Street Gardens. And if you’re looking for a little pampering after a long flight, be sure to make use of the world-class spa facilities.

After taking your time to get settled in and explore a little of Edinburgh, dinner will be served in the Brasserie Prince Restaurant at The Balmoral. Showcasing the finest Scottish produce and inspired by French cuisine, the Brasserie Prince offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

After a delicious meal, all that’s left to do is get a good night’s sleep before your first full day of touring kicks off in the morning.

Walking Tour of Edinburgh, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh Castle

Transport: Walking Guide For Tour Dinner: The Dome

We recommend filling up on a big Scottish breakfast this morning as your touring adventure begins with a guided walk around the historic streets of Edinburgh . Your private guide will greet you outside The Balmoral and take you to the first stop of the day, the pristine slopes of Princes Street Gardens, complete with a glorious fountain, a mini amphitheatre, and great views of Edinburgh Castle.

At one end of the gardens stands the magnificent Scott Monument, Scotland’s tribute to writer Sir Walter Scott. The monument can be climbed, allowing for picture perfect panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline.

You will then make your way to The Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The street is packed with cosy little pubs and gift shops, so it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir. Towards the top of the mile, you will duck down a side street or “close” as their known in Edinburgh to grab a drink at The Jolly Judge.

You will then head into a world of fun at Camera Obscura . This intriguing collection of exhibits and interactive rooms has been wowing visitors since 1853. There are mirror mazes, vortex tunnels, a magic gallery, and many more fun activities for all the family. Head to the top floor for a guided demonstration of the camera obscura which has a small hole in a darkened room and uses sunlight to act as a camera, allowing views of Edinburgh outside.

Finally, you will head to Edinburgh Castle to enjoy a guided tour teaching you all about the castle’s fascinating history and see some of the treasured artifacts on show here, including the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and Mons Meg, a gigantic cannon which is still used to mark one o’clock each day.

This evening you will dine at The Dome , an incredible building which will have your jaw hitting the floor with its elaborate dome ceiling and lush golden interior. With haggis, neeps, and tatties to start and haddock fillet for main, you’re sure to find a traditional taste of Scotland at The Dome.

Three Bridges Boat Tour, The Kelpies, Pitlochry

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation : Atholl Palace, Pitlochry (1 Night) Dinner: Verandah Restaurant, Atholl Palace

Day three kicks off with an exciting boat tour exploring the three bridges which span the Firth of Forth just outside Edinburgh. This 90 minute cruise around a UNESCO World Heritage Site will teach you all about the three bridges which span not just the Firth of Forth but three centuries, too, with the Forth Rail Bridge of 1890, the Forth Road Bridge of 1964, and the Queensferry Crossing of 2017. The bridges are a staggering sight to behold, but keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as this is a great place to spot seals and puffins. With fantastic views of Edinburgh and the Kingdom of Fife on the horizon, this cruise has it all.

Back on dry land, your chauffeur will be waiting to whisk you off to visit The Kelpies , two huge sculptures of Clydesdale horses’ heads which take their name from the mythical Scottish shapeshifting creatures. Weighing a staggering 300 tonnes each and standing at 100ft tall, this monumental artwork stands as a testament to the work horses who were crucial during the industrial revolution. There are many facilities at the Helix Park, including a coffee shop, lagoon, wetlands and woodlands, water fountains, and a play park for the kids.

From there you will make your way to Pitlochry , a charming little town on the River Tummel, where you will have the chance to wander its quiet streets, grab a coffee, and watch the Tummel tumbling by at Pitlochry dam visitor centre.

This evening you will have the pleasure of staying at Atholl Palace , a truly extravagant Baronial home, nestled in the woodlands outside Pitlochry. Here you will dine at the Verandah Restaurant which boasts incredible views down the Tummel Valley and serves the very best produce Perthshire has to offer.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Cawdor Castle, Clava Cairns

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (2 Nights) Dinner: Conservatory Restaurant, Kingsmills Hotel

Up first today is a magical adventure for all the family. You will head to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and embark on a “Hill Trip” up into the hills of the Cairngorms to admire the beautiful reindeer herd. The reindeer are very friendly, and it is possible to get up close to them, so be sure to pack your camera. The walking route is steep, rough, and boggy in places, and the weather in the Cairngorms can be unpredictable, so sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is required.

You will then make a stop at Cawdor Castle which dates back to the 15 th century. With three immaculate gardens, a courtyard café, and many rooms which have been lovingly maintained as they were in the 19 th century, Cawdor Castle offers you the chance to step back in time and experience Scotland as it was hundreds of years ago.

Rounding off today’s tour is a trip to Clava Cairns . This ancient site traces its origins to the Bronze Age and includes standing stones which are unbelievably well-preserved, elaborate burial cairns, and a medieval chapel.

This evening you will rest your head at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness where dinner will be served in the Conservatory Restaurant. With such prime access to fresh Scottish seafood, we highly recommend checking out the seared scallops to start and cod & potted shrimp for the main course. If you have room for pudding, look no further than the traditional Scottish dessert of Clootie dumpling with whisky butterscotch.

Byres Farm, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Dinner: Conservatory Restaurant, Kingsmills Hotel

Animal lovers will be delighted once more today as you head to Byres Farm . There are paddocks where you can hand feed the animals including pigs, goats, and sheep. There are also some iconic Highland cows on site for that perfect photo op. The farm also has pedal tractors, archery, football, picnic tables, a play garden, and a coffee shop with a range of delicious cakes.

From the farm you will be driven to Nairn , a serene seaside town on Scotland’s north-east coast. To learn more about the local history, head to Nairn Museum in Viewfield House which is full of displays detailing many aspects of Nairn’s colourful past. After that, a stroll along the golden sands of Nairn Beach is a must.

Culloden Battlefield is next on the itinerary today. This site is of huge significance in Scottish history as it is here that the famous Jacobite Rising was ultimately defeated in 1746. The Jacobite’s supported the restoration of the House of Stuart to the British throne. However, the British Government forces led by Prince William Augustus crushed them once and for all in the last pitched battle on British soil. The visitor centre use artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays to tell the full and fascinating story.

This evening you will return to the Kingsmills for another delicious dinner in the Conservatory Restaurant .

Loch Ness Boat Tour, The Loch Ness Monster Centre, Eilean Donan Castle

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation: Skeabost House Hotel, Skye (2 Nights) Dinner: Pier View Restaurant, Skeabost House Hotel

The Scottish people love a great folktale of mythical creatures, and none are more famous than the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Set your kids’ imagination alight on this exciting boat tour of Loch Ness searching for the elusive “Nessie”. While we cannot guarantee sightings of the famous beast, we can absolutely guarantee stunning views of Loch Ness, which is the largest loch by volume in the UK, containing more water than all of the English and Welsh lakes combined. Your experienced skipper will help you spot wildlife in and around these famous shores.

You will then return to land to head to The Loch Ness Centre where the one hour tour will guide you through the full history of Loch Ness. Discover how the legend started, examine real objects found in the loch, hear about scientific research inspired by Nessie sightings, and listen to people’s accounts of seeing the monster.

Day six wraps up with a trip to Eilean Donan Castle . Built in the 13 th century, this well-preserved castle is surely the most photographed in all of Scotland as its prime location on a little island and surrounded by three lochs and mountains makes it a photographer’s dream. As you cross the old stone bridge to the island, take a moment to think of what life would have been like here more than 700 years ago. On your way back, pop into the gift shop for a souvenir or postcard.

You will then head to your accommodation for the next two nights, Skeabost House Hotel on the Isle of Skye . This old Victorian hunting lodge enjoys panoramic views over Loch Snizort which are enjoyed best from the hotel’s Pier View Restaurant , where you will dine this evening. Steamed Loch Eishort mussels, Hebridean white crab, and Skye Estate venison casserole are the pick of the bunch.

Portree, Isle of Skye Dinosaur Tracks, Kilt Rock, Uig, Dunvegan Castle

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Dinner: Pier View Restaurant, Skeabost House Hotel

Your adventure round the gorgeous Isle of Skye begins in Portree , the main town on the island. With an abundance of independent craft and gift shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and a fishing port, Portree is the epitome of Scottish island towns.

The Loch Ness Monster’s existence may be in doubt, but there is no doubting that dinosaurs roamed these lands millions of years ago. Indeed, your next stop is Staffin where there are some wonderfully preserved three-toed hadrosaur footprints . It really is an incredible feeling as you look over these marks, made millions of years ago, to imagine these lumbering giants making their way over the very ground you now stand on.

Your journey continues to Kilt Rock which gets its name due to the way the rock has formed a pleated pattern reminiscent of the traditional Scottish Tartan used for making kilts. This is also a great vantage point to view Mealt Falls , a cliff edge waterfall which thunders 60 metres to the rocks below.

Next up is Uig , a tiny village at the head of Uig Bay on the Trotternish peninsula, which offers unbelievable photo opportunities. For fans of beer, it is definitely worth heading to The Isle of Skye Brewing Company just next to Uig Pier, where they brew an award-winning range of beers and ales.

The final stop today is the 13 th century Dunvegan Castle . Nestled on the banks of Loch Dunvegan, this impressive fortress has undergone many transformations over the years, but one thing has remained true throughout, it is a truly impressive sight to behold. It is now a category A listed building, and its grounds include five acres of gardens to explore, such as the Rose Garden and Water Garden. If you fancy stretching your legs, there is a woodland walk surrounding the castle.

In the evening, you will return to Skeabost House Hotel to sample more tasty treats at the Pier View Restaurant .

Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Bridge), Glencoe, Hagrid’s Hut location in Glencoe

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (1 Night) Dinner: Kingshouse Restaurant

Fans of Harry Potter, young and old, will be delighted to hear that day eight begins with a trip to Glenfinnan Viaduct , the bridge made famous as part of the route Harry and his friends travel on their way to Hogwarts.

From there you will head to the majestic Glencoe . This is one of the most beloved areas in all of Scotland, with its imposing mountains, glistening waterfalls, and crystal clear lochs. The grandeur and atmosphere of Glencoe can be enjoyed from a large car park, giving you plenty time to snap some incredible photos.

There is more excitement for young witches and wizards as you head to the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. Not far from The Clachaig Inn, overlooking Torren Lochan (meaning “a small loch”), and surrounded by Signal Rock Forest, sits the spot where Hagrid, that beloved gentle giant, lived. Even if you are not fans of the movies, this idyllic location is a lovely place just to spend some quiet time in nature.

Nestled in the picturesque Scottish landscape, the Kingshouse Hotel stands as a haven for families seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The hotel, with its rich history and contemporary comforts, offers spacious family accommodations that provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. The expansive windows in each room showcase stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation. One of the highlights of the Kingshouse Hotel experience is the exquisite dining options, where families can savor gourmet meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The culinary offerings, paired with a warm and inviting ambiance, make dining at the hotel an integral part of the overall luxury experience, creating cherished moments for families against the backdrop of Scotland’s rugged charm.

Loch Lomond, Seaplane Tour over Loch Lomond, Falconry at Cameron House

Transport: Executive Vehicle & Private Driver Accommodation: Cameron House, Loch Lomond (1 Night) Dinner: Cameron House Grill

Your final day of touring begins with a drive through the scenic Loch Lomond National Park . The beauty of Loch Lomond is so great that it has inspired many poems, stories, and songs. On a clear day, the tree covered slopes are reflected off the water, giving you a little slice of heaven to admire.

But why just admire this natural beauty from the land? Up next is a thrilling Seaplane Tour which takes you over Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute, providing unbeatable views of the islands of Islay, Jura, and Gigha. They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, it really flies when you are having fun and flying, so savour every second of this incredible 90-mile adventure.

The ariel theme continues after you touch down as you will be treated to a mesmerising falconry display at Cameron House . These elegant birds will put on a show of their flying and hunting skills before you get up close and personal with them as they land on your gloved hand. The sense of awe is palpable as you stare into the eyes of these magnificent creatures.

Dinner this evening will be served in the Cameron House Grill , which serves up a range of the finest Scottish produce, including Shetland monkfish, West Coast whole lobster, and Aberdeenshire lamb.

After a thrilling tour taking in some of Scotland’s best sights, savouring delicious local food, and enjoying fantastic fun for all the family, it is time to say goodbye to this magical land.

Your chauffeur will help you with your bags once more, drive you to the airport, and bid you a very fond farewell.

The Best of Scotland Tour

The ultimate lux tour, the iconic scotland & ireland tour, spirit of scotland tour, scottish romance tour, the 14 day scottish luxury tour, malt whisky indulgence tour, the highland whisky experience tour, the water of life tour, the ultimate scottish golf tour, legends of golf tour, st andrews golf tour, iconic east coast golf tour, north coast 500 & isle of skye road trip, photography inspired drive tour, the luxury coast & waters tour, taste of scotland tour.

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Scotland Tours

The mysterious, mystical allure of Scotland belies the grace and warm hospitality of those who live there, from the Islands to the Highlands and the Lowlands, Victorian cities and heather moorlands. Scotland beckons with diversity of language and landscapes, elegant in simplicity and complex in legacies.

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Welcome to Scotland

Hear the stories of a rogue Rob Roy... heralded family tartans... single malt whiskies... fierce clan traditions... the depths of Loch Ness... Stirling, Edinburgh, and Cawdor castles... peaceful glens... heather-laced gloamings and mountains... Mary, Queen of Scots.... a Royal Mile... Glasgow... Inverness... Georgian Edinburgh...

A scottish whisky experience, a 1,000+ year heritage....

Discovering the iconic food and drink of a destination is an important part of any comprehensive travel experience. Journey through the aromas and flavors that lead to the perfect Single Malt Whisky at the "Scottish Whisky Experience"... learning the history of Scotland's most famous export, hearing the stories behind the craft, and – of course – taste the results.

Special evening celebrating Scottish traditions

Celebrate the best of scotland at a lively evening of scottish traditions.

Bagpipers... Highland dancers... tartan and kilt making demonstration... iconic Scottish traditions that come to life on a special Scottish evening following dinner at Kingsmills Hotel.

Visit the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal palace of holyroodhouse.

At the opposite end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle stands the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), the official residence of the monarch while in Scotland. The earliest part of the palace dates to the 16th century, when Mary, Queen of Scots resided here; see her rooms and more on Tauck's early-opening visit, available when members of the Royal Family are not in residence. The palace was transformed into a modern royal residence by the current Queen's grandfather, King George V. You'll also enjoy the royal gardens and wild Holyrood Park.

Private tour of 244-year-old The Glenturret, one of the Highlands' oldest distilleries

Enjoy a privately guided tour at the glenturret, the highlands' oldest working distillery.

A tour and tasting at the Highlands' oldest single malt distillery reveals, in the words of The Glenturret, "Since its origins among the smugglers and illicit stills of the 18th century, The Glenturret has had some fascinating stories to tell. Whisky booms and prohibition might have ruffled its feathers, but The Glenturret scotch malt whisky, still made by hand in the traditional way, weathered all these challenges and has matured into an enduring brand that remains as the only traditionally hand mashed whisky in Scotland."

Highland treasures at Inverness

Macbeth's castle and more at inverness in the highlands.

Capital of the Highlands, Inverness is set within Scotland's Great Glen at the mouth of the River Ness. In the "happiest city in Scotland" (according to a recent survey), explore the Clava Cairns of Bulnuaran, circa 2500 BC, and Cawdor Castle, portrayed in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" (actually built long after the real Thane was dust). Or visit Culloden Moor – where Bonnie Prince Charlie's uprising was defeated in 1746 – and Fort George. Also cruise the Caledonian Canal to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and explore brooding Loch Ness in a canoe or tour a local distillery.

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Experience Tours of Scotland

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Guest Favorites in Scotland

"'A Week In... Scotland' was my 8th trip with Tauck and once again my expectations were met. Our hotels were excellent, the food first rate, our Tauck Director was well informed and delightful to travel with, there was a good measure of planned versus free time and the local guides were well informed and easy to understand."   Deborah W., CO

England, scotland & wales, a week in... scotland, legendary scottish isles, edinburgh & glasgow, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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Luxury Scotland Family Tours made for you

Beautiful Scenery

Explore the Scottish Highlands, hills of Skye or wild West Scotland

Rich History

Uncover Scotland's fascinating history by exploring castles

Vibrant Cities

Wander around lively Edinburgh or Glasgow

Adventurous Activity

Hike through lush green, see wildlife and take a dip in a loch

Experience epic landscapes, wonderful rail travel and historic castles

A warm welcome awaits in charming Scotland, the perfect family trip destination. Sightseeing in magical Edinburgh, discovering the rugged beauty of Aviemore and the Cairngorms. Hike the Highlands, island hop the idyllic west coast or explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Scotland is one big outdoor playground with epic scenery, a wealth of wildlife and plenty of opportunities to get active and enjoy the incredible landscapes. With its soaring mountain peaks, vast lochs and rolling moors, the Scottish Highlands are a feast for the eyes. Take to the hiking trails and enjoy incredible vistas as you climb, or hop on a bicycle and explore tracks that take you deep into the wilderness.

All over Scotland there are ancient castles, each with their own story to tell. From the ruins of Eilean Donan to the mediaeval fortress of Urquhart Castle that looks out over Loch Ness, there is so much history to uncover. Our expert local guides will bring the stories of these castles to life and kids of all ages will love hearing about the rivalry between ancient clans.

There are also some great options for luxury train travel in Scotland. The  Belmond Royal Scotsman  departs from Edinburgh and journeys into the highlands, out to the west coast and through the Cairngorms National Park, depending on which route you choose. This is a wonderful way to see the country and the train itself is the epitome of old fashioned glamour. Those who are fans of the Harry Potter films will want to check out the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, better known as the Hogwarts Express.

Wildlife lovers will have a great time spotting deer, red squirrels, seals and otters as well as lots of different species of bird.

And, wherever you travel in Scotland, you can bed down in some of the country’s best hotels, including some incredible luxury castle hotels that are great fun for everyone.

Visit the places that inspired J.K.Rowling in Edinburgh, including the famous Elephant Cafe

Visit the  Alladale Wilderness Reserve, for incredible private grounds ripe for exploring and activities ranging from guided walks with the rangers, to wild swimming, mountain biking and fishing

Explore Edinburgh’s vibrant Royal Mile and the epic castle

Enjoy a moment of peace at the stunning Loch Lomond or Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for the infamous creature that is said to live within the waters

Melania Siriu

Senior Travel Designer

Scotland is the ideal destination for families looking for a bit of adventure. The wilderness of the Highlands is the place to dream of kings and queens and the great battles of history. Edinburgh and Glasgow have thriving arts and music scenes, perfect for teenagers. And the whole family will love the Highland steam train which features as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter.

Luxury family accommodation in Scotland

West Coast and Islands

Scottish Lowlands

The Garden Route

Irrawaddy River Cruises

Trip Inspiration

11 Day trip

19 Day trip

Whatever you want from your Scotland family tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Discover more of Scotland

Draped across a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags and sandwiched between the Firth of Forth and the flat landscape of the Lothians, Edinburgh is Scotland‘s most handsome and charming city.

Scotland‘s largest city is a thriving metropolis renowned for its culture and style. It is home to world-class museums and galleries, a vibrant arts scene and some of Scotland’s best shopping and nightlife.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a sublime landscape of lochs, stark mountains, forest and a winding coastline dotted with empty beaches and remote fishing villages. For many, the Highlands is the most beautiful region of the British Isles.

The Lowlands encompass the southern half of Scotland between the Highlands and the English border, along with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

The stretch of coastline between Cape Wrath and Loch Linnhe is likely the most beautiful landscape in Britain. Sparse granite mountains are blanketed with heathland dotted with hill lochs, while winding single track roads skirt fjords and azure watered sand beaches each more beautiful than the last.

Luxury British Train Journeys

With intricately restored carriages, including some that date back to the 1920s and 30s, relive rail’s golden age accompanied by gourmet cuisine, flowing champagne and fine service.

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When to visit

Depending on where you want to go, Scotland can be a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. May to June and September to October are particularly pretty as the wildflowers and heather are at their best, falling either side the summer holiday surge in domestic visitors. Rain can make an appearance at any time of year, and the Highlands can be particularly unpredictable. Christmas in Edinburgh and its market make it an appealing time of year to visit the city while snow clad mountains and a chance of spotting the northern lights from a fire-warmed mountain retreat hold a certain allure for some.

Wildlife Spotting

Bluebells & Primroses

Outdoor Activites

Spring/Summer

When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

Scotland travel guides.

5 Luxury Castle Stays in Scotland

A Family Vacation in Scotland and Ireland

Top 10 Cultural Things to Do in Scotland

Plan your family trip to Scotland

Whatever you want from your family adventure in Scotland, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised Design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic Experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible Travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

My booking for Scotland was arranged through Kit & Alice. They were extremely helpful to determine my preferences and confirm everything. It was facilitated in a timely manner with all the details. Everything was executed flawlessly during my trip.

Jacada has dramatically changed our life when it comes to travel. Jacada has been planning our travel for 6 years and each trip gets better

The product was excellent in all respects. The selected itinerary, guides, drivers, accommodations, vehicles, and restaurants were all first class, well coordinated, and consistent with our expectations. The entire family, covering three generations all with individual interests, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Jacada Travel has consistently offered excellent travel destination options with personal customization available. The two people we worked with, Kate and Marta, were knowledgable about the area we were traveling (Scotland), places to visit, stay at and dine. Their expert recommendations were never wrong. Both of them listened to our family wishes and needs, adjusted our trip easily to these,…

We loved the attention to detail that Alex gave us. This was our first trip with them and we did not have to worry about a thing.

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Genealogy and Ancestry Tours of Scotland

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Real Britain (6 Days)

Fine tour with a lot of nice people from almost all over the world. To us it was a disappointment that the optional tour in Edinburgh with Johnnie Walker experts, advertised in the program, wasn’t available.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Britain (11 Days)

We really enjoyed the tour! Although most of the days were quite packed, it was a perfect way to discover the highlights of Britain!

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

I really enjoyed the trip

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

England and Scotland Heritage (8 Days)

Accommodation could have been better. The last accommodation could have been in a better suburb. It was scary in that area Bradford. I probably would not go again because of this area. Stephan was very good as a guide and our driver also. BUT the wifi was a joke. If we were lucky we got wifi in morning for about 10 minutes. Why advertise you have wifi when it didn’t exist!!

• Sightseeing

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Guide spoke very fast with a lo

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Britain (Classic, Summer, 9 Days) (21 destinations)

Greg is an excellent Tour Director. He was well organised and kept us well informed. He had interesting and amusing stories and anecdotes relevant to the tour and never boring. He followed up on things on our behalf and kept a sun above our heads for 9 days in the UK!

Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

Exceptional trip. Our tour guide Lestor was was funny and very educational. I learned a lot from this trip nothing else to be said . Very good

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Don &Dom are great guides ,narrators and excellent drivers to boot. Impressive tour!!

5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

The entire tour was amazing. I really enjoyed everything about the experience.

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

Good trip, recommend for solo travelers if looking to cover a lot of Scotland. Only 1 major issue - Unpleasant accommodations on isle of Skye. Company seems to be aware of rude hostess and continues to book people there.

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh

I had an excellent time on this trip. It was informative and entertaining; our tour guide Eoan (not sure how to spell it) gave us a good variety of historical facts and fiction, also mixing in the use of music to pass the time. Both accommodation mornings we got picked up right outside of each of our various accommodations. We were never driving for more than 1 hour straight, as there were various stops to stretch your legs and take photos along the route. It was never boring as our guide always had something to say about whatever it was we were driving past. All in all, I highly recommend this bus tour as a way to explore the Scottish Highlands, specifically the Isle of Skye.

British Landscapes featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Edinburgh to London)

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (Edinburgh to Dublin) (2024)

British Royale (Small Groups, End London, 11 Days, Door To Door)

Reviews of england and scotland family tours.

Because my original trip was cancelled by Trafalgar to rearrange a new tour was difficult I am giving a little more tolerance as the tourist industry was smashed my amended timetable cost me a lot of money The trip if your a new first trip bus tour user it’s ok far to rushed for us experienced lots 1 hour walk around s. Then bed. ie Liverpool Glasgow I won’t do another bus tour in the UK

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Family Travel Agencies 2024

South African family hotel group opens latest masterpiece in Scotland

Red Carnation Hotels , a South African family-owned hotel collection, has announced the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland,  100 Princes Street .

Heralding the start of a new era at its storied Edinburgh address, this boutique hotel is poised to become a beloved destination providing an exclusive, intimate and authentic Scottish experience.

Inspired by the adventures of the Scottish explorers who frequented the building as the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, 100 Princes Street is an exquisitely curated property that promises a journey into Scotland’s rich cultural, historic and nautical legacy.

The hotel’s enviable location, a stone’s throw from Scotland’s National Gallery and directly facing Edinburgh Castle, positions it as a unique vantage point for both discerning travellers and culture-seekers. 

Evocative of a chic private members’ club and a celebration of all things Scottish, 100 Princes Street is led by distinguished Resident Manager Laura Jamieson.

It features 30 beautifully appointed ensuite rooms and suites; ‘The Wallace’, a plush dining room, bar and lounge offering hearty, local fare and an expertly selected list of craft cocktails; and ‘Ghillie’s Pantry’, an elegant private dining room offering over one hundred whiskies and custom tasting menus.

A collection of distinctive Scottish experiences, created exclusively for guests of the property, further enhances the “anything, anytime” ethos, for which Red Carnation is renowned.  

AUTHENTIC DESIGN: WHERE EVERY DETAIL TELLS A STORY  

The soul of 100 Princes Street is captured through its inspired design and meticulous attention to detail, a collaboration from the acclaimed team behind Botswana’s  Xigera Safari Lodge  and Ireland’s iconic  Ashford Castle , with the superb vision of Toni Tollman at the forefront.

Whilst the Tollman family has focused on protecting the architectural heritage of the building and lovingly restoring its original features, a wealth of 21st century luxuries have been added for its discerning guests, delivering every creature comfort.  

Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately invited on an artistic voyage, marked by a hand-selected array of artworks including bespoke pieces by the notable decorative arts specialists,  Croxford and Saunders .  

Among these, a breathtaking, hand-painted mural stands out, celebrating the daring spirit and ingenuity of Scottish explorers.

This artistic marvel stretches the length of the majestic five-story staircase and tells the story of the journeys of Scottish botanists, whose discoveries and contributions to the world of plants, trees, and flowers are depicted throughout, with each vignette representing a different location. 

The style of the mural harkens back to the late Victorian to late Edwardian periods, reminiscent of vintage posters and postcards, giving the mural the feel of a historic book illustration from that era.

Set against the backdrop of high-gloss hand-carved woodwork, the masterpiece culminates at the top of the staircase with an impressive glass and bronze chandelier shaped like an adventurer’s hot air balloon. 

In the rooms, skilled local artisans were commissioned to create custom-made furnishings, fabrics and artworks that are totally unique to the hotel, including five tartans by revered Scottish designer  Araminta Campbell .

Handpicked antiques and nautical design elements have been cleverly woven throughout the property and come together to narrate the building’s illustrious history. 

A PRIVATE RESIDENTS’ CLUB WITH UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS  

100 Princes Street exudes the feeling of a private residents’ club, with its 30  rooms  and  suites  each individually designed with exceptional attention to detail, and each a testament to the hotel’s rich heritage and its connections to historical figures.

The two exceptional signature suites, named  The Archibald  and  The Isobel  after renowned Scottish explorers Archibald Menzies and Isobel Wylie Hutchison, offer guests breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, making them the city’s most coveted accommodations. 

AN EXPLORATION OF SCOTLAND’S FINEST PRODUCE  

Looking directly at Edinburgh Castle and helmed by the hotel’s talented South African chef, Willhelm Maree, the gastronomic heart of 100 Princes Street is undoubtedly  The Wallace .

A plush dining room, bar, lounge and tasting room, where guests feast on delicious, hearty fare, prepared using the best and most freshly available local produce.

Hotel guests are invited to indulge in rare Scottish whisky tastings, refined afternoon teas and a menu that pays tribute to the richness of Scotland’s local produce.  

Adjoining The Wallace,  Ghillie’s Pantry  is an elegant private dining room, seating up to 12 guests, where discerning gourmands can enjoy custom tasting menus. Intimate and stylish, the walls of the room are lined with more than one hundred whiskies, including many rare bottles such as the Laphroaig 20-Year-Old Director’s Special, and The Glenlivet 25 Years Single Malt. Ghillie’s Pantry is crowned by a stunning astrological ceiling mural by Croxford and Saunders. 

A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION OF BESPOKE SCOTTISH EXPERIENCES   

Exclusively for its guests, 100 Princes Street presents a collection of  experiences  designed to showcase the beauty of Edinburgh and the idyllic Scottish countryside.

These tailored adventures range from creating a personalised Scottish gin to serene fishing excursions on the River Tweed, ensuring an unforgettable stay for every refined traveller. 

Nightly rates at 100 Princes Street start at £450 (approx. R10 700) for an entry-level ensuite double room, including a sumptuous Scottish breakfast for two.

For more information, visit  www.100princes-street.com

Click  HERE  to meet the Red Carnation Hotel executive team

WHO IS BEA TOLLMAN?

The  Red Carnation Hotels  story began when a woman called Beatrice caught the eye of a distinguished young hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel.

Almost 35 years later, Beatrice and Stanley Tollman purchased The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair.

Driven by Beatrice’s lifelong affair with the world of hospitality, and celebrating her husband’s signature flower, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection came to life.

President and founder Beatrice Tollman built Red Carnation Hotels with a vision for service excellence and a passion for generous hospitality.

Today, the collection proudly stands at 17 properties around the world, each unique and special, whilst sharing the founding values that define the family-owned and run business.

The red carnation symbol of hospitality is also worn by every member of the team.

“At the heart of the Red Carnation Collection is our people and their passion and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences” – Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder.

Beatrice Tollman. Image: Red Carnation Hotels website

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