Planning a Trip to Scotland? Here are 5 Family Travel Ideas for you.

Are you thinking about traveling to Scotland? Scotland has been an increasingly common vacation destination due to the rising popularity of the TV Shows Game of Thrones and Outlander. It is also considered one of the most beautiful locations to visit with its mild climate and varied landscapes. Despite its growing popularity, it’s still a relatively inexpensive place to visit.  Plus, did you know that you can drive through the entire country in a single day? Therefore, it’s easy to visit all the major tourist spots in a reasonable amount of time. 

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The climate in Scotland is temperate and varies throughout the year. Always be prepared for rain. If traveling with a family, the best time to visit would be the summer when the temperature averages 65-70 degrees. However, summer is also when it will be the most expensive to visit, and when there will be the most people at the tourist sites. If you are trying to avoid crowds, the month of August is the busiest and most expensive to vacation in Scotland due to the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh. 

Traveling to Scotland on a Budget?

If you are working with a tight budget, travel during the off season – in the fall and winter. Winter in Scotland is not as bad as you might think. It does snow, but when it does, it only snows a few inches at most. Rain is much more common than snow. The temperature is usually fair, reaching the 40-50s during the day and falling into the 30s at night. Just remember that Scotland has humidity; therefore, the air will feel colder than it actually is.

So, when you are in Scotland, what are the destinations that should make it to the top of your list when you are short on time? Below are what we believe to be the top 5 places to visit when traveling to Scotland: 

Edinburgh Castle

Who wouldn’t want to visit a castle built on an extinct volcano?! Edinburgh Castle is located in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by walking through The Royal Mile. Yes, you read that right – you can only visit the castle by walking up to it. So please bear that in mind if you have children with you. 

The castle is open every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day (the day after Christmas). I would recommend visiting during the week and early in the morning to avoid crowds. Please allow a full two hours for touring the entire castle. The castle does have two cafes for those who get hungry while there. For more information on entry and fees, visit their website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is one of the most sought out places in Scotland due to its raw and stunning beauty. Connected to the northwestern portion of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is easily accessible by major highways and the Isle itself is accessible via The Skye Bridge. Travelers can also ride to  the Isle of Skye on the CalMac Ferry at the Port of Mallaig. Make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater with you because it does get a little extra chilly at this destination! While there be sure to visit Dunvegan Castle, Portree, and the Quiraing. 

The Highlands

The Highlands encompass the northwestern part of Scotland. If you are traveling through this portion of Scotland, it will be worth your time to stop every few miles while driving to take in the scenery and take a few pictures. Many movies and television shows have been filmed in the Highlands village of Glencoe including Skyfall and Harry Potter. A few other places I would suggest visiting while in the Highlands are Kilchurn Castle and Cairngorms National Park. 

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is a coastal town located on the southeastern portion of Scotland. This is the place where golf was invented, and you can still play on the original golf courses! If you are not a golf fan, but maybe a fan of the royals, Kate and Will met here at St. Andrews University. You can tour the university and walk the areas that they once walked. History fans will absolutely love the St. Andrews Castle as well as the St. Andrews Cathedral, which is not a cathedral in the traditional sense. Both the castle and cathedral are in complete ruins with only a few standing walls. Bring good walking shoes and a light jacket as it’s right on the ocean and can get breezy. In the winter, it is very quiet so if you love that kind of atmosphere, you will love this place. 

Loch Lomond 

While many people suggest going to go see Loch Ness, Loch Lomond is a hidden gem. It’s not often recommended, but it’s one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. If you are not familiar with the word loch, it means “lake” in Gaelic. Loch Lomond is also famous for its story., one that is actually quite sad which I would only recommend for older children. It’s popularized now in the modern day song “Loch Lomond” by Peter Hollins. While at Loch Lomond you can visit The Trossachs National Park where you can kayak and go on many beautiful hikes. Just make sure to bring extra food and water as there aren’t too many restaurants within a short, drivable distance! 

So there you have it – the 5 top places to visit when traveling to Scotland. 

All of these major tourist spots are accessible through major highways. However, if you would rather not have to go through the stress of driving in an unknown country, there are many wonderful driving tours to take. One of the tours I would recommend is Rabbie’s Tours. Their customer service is absolutely amazing and their tours are fantastic, all at a reasonable price. Timberbush is another great day tour company to consider. I would recommend that you book these tours well in advance, as they book fast even in the off season. 

Scotland is a place that feels as if it’s yet untouched by humans with its amazing scenery. The people are so generous and kind. You will leave the country with the most amazing memories. Consider visiting Scotland today! 

If you want to hear from a local, please check out Claire Ferguson on Instagram @alittlebitofclaire. Clair is an amazing mum from Scotland that we follow on social media. Claire is insightful, funny, and genuine.

Have you visited Scotland? 

Photos and author: Heidi Lynn @thecaffeinated_bibliophile