While growing up in Scotland (Glasgow to be exact), Edinburgh always held an attraction as there seemed to be more to do for families and us kids, so a quick car ride across the country was never a bother. Things haven’t changed much, there is still so much for families and kids especially to do in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a short train ride or flight from London and if visiting Edinburgh is part of a longer Scotland vacation then you only need 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh.
When planning a trip for a family to Scotland we always recommend that early in the trip that some time is spent with a local to get a better understanding of the city, what to see, where to go and a little history of the city and its people. Time with a local at a pub, bar, coffee shop for an hour or two can be very beneficial but even better is taking an orientation tour of the city over half a day or a full day if the kids are old enough and don’t get bored too quickly (I know there are not too many of those around!)
Some of the sites or activities I present here could be incorporated into an orientation tour but if you are looking to self guide then here are the top sites and things to do in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh’s main attraction is the mighty castle that sits on top of a volcanic crag and watches over the city below. The castle now still serves as a military station and is home to the Scottish National War Memorial. It is also plays host to the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place each year in August. Most visitors are keen to see the Crown Jewels and also the Stone of Destiny. Kids love to explore the castle ramparts as well as the many gun holes and will enjoy the weapons and armory displayed in the Great Hall. Try and be around at 1 o’clock to hear the gun salute that is fired at this time.
The Royal Mile is likely to be your first stop on a visit to Edinburgh. The central street runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Park and was constructed on the ridge of a long-extinct volcano. Attractions along the Royal Mile on Castlehill include the Witches Well, Scotch Whisky Experience, Goose Pie House, Witchery by the Castle and Camera Obscura some of which we’ll explore in more detail later. For sure if all you do is stay on this road you will find your day filled with plenty to do. There are plenty of bagpipe playing street performers to be found on the Royal Mile to delight the family. I never tire of hearing these dulcet tones (but maybe I’m biased!)
The Camera Obscura & World of Illusion is a tower with five floors of attractions related to optical illusions and a roof top observation deck. The interactive hands-on exhibits include a Magic Gallery with magical illusions; a Light Fantastic exhibit where the tricks of light are displayed and the Fun, Games and Stairway section shows optical illusions are used in art. There is an Electric Room, Moving Pictures Room and Mirrors, Light and Lenses Room. Great for kids!
Gladstone’s Land – During the 17th century the Old Town was a cramped area with tenement buildings which maximized their space by building upwards. This particular building has been restored and reflects the lifestyle of the various residents who lived in each of the apartments. The building has been furnished to give visitors an idea of the living conditions at the time. Among the tenants there was a merchant, knight and guild officer.
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the top attractions of Scotland and with plenty of interactive activities kids won’t get bored. There will be the opportunity to learn about Scottish history but also international cultures and the Adventure Planet gallery is where they can dig for dinosaur bones and crawl through the roots of an oak tree to search for bugs and other creepy crawlies.
The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and games from across the generations. The Museum also explores other aspects of growing up, from schooldays and clubs to clothing, health and holidays.
The Dynamic Earth is a science centre and is Scotland’s largest interactive visitor attraction and is a fun yet educational way to spend a few hours in Edinburgh for children. Take a visually stimulating journey through time to witness the story of Planet Earth.
For slightly older kids and those who love literature we have the The Writers’ Museum, a castle-like house built in 1622 for Sir Walter Grey. The museum focuses on three of the Scotland’s greatest literary talents – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Scotch Whisky Experience offers you a fun amusement-park-like way to learn about how whisky (without the ‘e’) is made in a moving carriage which looks like a whisky barrel. The Silver Tour is suitable for children. A family ticket is available for purchase. Children are given a glass of Irn Bru (Scotland’s ‘national’ soft drink) and are also given a badge and an activity worksheet to entertain them. Along the tour, they will be given a trail to follow ‘Peat the Cat.’ If you opt for the Gold tour, your child may stay with you whilst you enjoy your welcome tray of single malt tastings in the McIntyre Gallery. I won’t really be Scottish if I didn’t mention that one of the best meals to accompany Scotch Whisky would be a plate of Haggis, found at many fine establishments in Edinburgh!
Climb Arthur’s Seat (251 metres) and enjoy views of Edinburgh from a different viewpoint. This extinct volcanic is only a short walk from the Royal Mile and is part of Holyrood Park which is home to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the queen while she is in Edinburgh. It can be a bit of a steep climb in places but it is a good way to get some exercise while in Edinburgh. There are different routes depending on your skill level. An alternative hike would be up Calton Hill found at the east end of Princes Street. Here you will find the National Monument of Scotland, incredible views of the city and the best spot to view the Scottish sunrise!
Edinburgh Zoo – although most families would not plan a vacation abroad and normally include a zoo visit as a highlight, if the kids are really restless or have had enough of art galleries or museums the zoo might be a welcome distraction. It is home to the only giant pandas in the UK and has 82 arces for the kids to run around in.
Explore the Royal Yatch Britannia – The Queen’s former floating palace for over 40 years is now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh. It is 5 decks of 5 star luxury and attracts almost half a million visitors per year.
Take a Harry Potter tour – If you have little Harry Potter fans in your family then this is a must do in Edinburgh. As JK Rowing is from Edinburgh this is the city where Harry Potter was conceived. It is here that she found inspiration for Hogwarts, her famous characters, and you can discover the places where she wrote the books. There are many Harry Potter tours to choose from. We can help you choose the best option for your family.
Have a picnic in Princes Street Gardens – these gardens divide the Old Town and the New Town of Edinburgh in two, the east and west sides boasting acres of sloping green lawns, perfect for running around on a clear day and enjoying a family picnic. Sandwiches and snacks can be purchased from nearby stores or arranged through your hotel.
Scotland is not known for its tropical rain forests, but at the Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World that is exactly what you will find. There are hundreds of beautiful butterflies to admire indoors and this venue is probably better know for the insects and creepy crawlies than for the butterflies. Great for a rainy day. The interactive sessions give you the chance to hold a tarantula or a snake or two.
A word of warning, if you are planning on visiting Edinburgh in August then it will be busy with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival (which is the worlds largest art festival) and takes place over 25 days. So finding accommodation in the city will be difficult, so best to plan well in advance – this is where we can help.
