Help me plan a summer long weekend -Edinburgh or Glasgow?

[SwedeDreams]

Haven't been to Scotland since I was a baby. It would be in the summer, either half term or summer holidays, for a long weekend. Me, DP and DS (7).

Which should go for? Where can I stay that's cheap? What should we see?

Thank you very much for any advice!

[PrimalLass]

Edinburgh in August. Very, very busy because the festival is on, but that means there is so much to see. But book now!

[KissMyFatArse]

Id suggest glasgow, only because I live here and am biased to the the area

Has the science centre for kids, glasgow has millions of good places to eat, lots of parks, George square etc, there's the IMAX also. Strathclyde park and m&ds x

[PrimalLass]

Try AirBbB. Or look at the Holyrood Aparthotel - quite cheap I think and there are 2-bed apartments.

[Figster]

Depends what you want i prefer Glasgow for shopping but Edinburgh for sightseeing.

[PrimalLass]

Love Glasgow too

[SwedeDreams]

Sightseeing, we live in London, you can have too much bloody shopping!

Just want to see a bit of Scotland- as much as is possible in a few days! I know that's not enough time but I am ridiculously excited about it

[RumAppleGinger]

Edinburgh in August is amazing, I'm one of the few locals who adore the many festivals and do as much as possible. It's the only time of year I miss living in the city centre.

As PP says if you plump for Edinburgh book now. Things fill up quickly.

[SwedeDreams]

Ok, leaning towards Edinburgh based on these replies.

Youre not wrong about getting a room-the holyrood is already fully booked! And premier inn is £500+ for three nights

It's too expensive! Bugger!

[evelynj]

I'm going to Edinburgh for the first time next weekend. Any recs on where to eat, not too dear?!

I really want to go to Glasgow too though ;)

[SwedeDreams]

Where are you planning on staying Evelyn?

[Sunbeam18]

Hi, I live in Edinburgh. You should try guesthouses or look for a short let during the Festival. Try googling Edinburgh Festival Accomodation, there are websites devoted to it. Quite a lot of people rent out their flat during the festival and live elsewhere.

To eat, what budget and what sort of food?

[RJnomore]

It's only 50 minutes on train between them. Why not stay in one and have a day in the other?

[SwedeDreams]

Jus realising that the weekend we can do (21st to 24th August) is the fringe thing which would be wasted on my son, and also makes things very pricey!

Hmm I shall keep looking!

[Iggi999]

"The fringe thing"
No point in coming to Ed on those dates if not for the festival. You will get a lot more for your money in Glasgow, still lots to see and do, but not so pretty obviously

[KissMyFatArse]

Then go somewhere else, take him to aviemore, clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, horse riding, great cycle tracks. Ideal outdoorsy things for young boy. And lots of old fashioned authentic food places and pubs for mum and dad

[SwedeDreams]

We would be literally flying in on the Friday and out on the Monday, not planning on travelling- was very much hoping to just do some sightseeing!

I would love the fringe thing if I was withou child, honestly!

I may turn to Glasgow or look at other dates in the May/June half term. Thank you all for your help! You are being very kind.:-)

[SwedeDreams]

He anyone wants help planning a London weekend well you know who to ask!

[KissMyFatArse]

[WhatWouldTheDoctorDo]

The fringe is great for kids too - lots of suitable shows on. It is expensive to stay in here when it's on though, especially at weekends.

There's loads of places to visit across the central belt though, you could stay anywhere and visit others. Glasgow has the science centre,, Kelvingrove, transport museum, the tall ship, Falkirk for the kelpies and the water wheel, edinburgh has the national museum, dynamic earth, beaches, the Castle, the zoo...

[Sunbeam18]

You could stay in outer Edinburgh and just go in and out by public transport? East Lothian is beautiful, particularly North Berwick, and so you could have some seaside and city! Only 30 mins on train into Edinburgh city centre.

[PrimalLass]

The festival is great for kids. Have a look at the Book Festival - lots and lots for kids, and less hectic.

[evelynj]

I'm staying in the Ibis on royal mile I think it is. Just picked up something central after much debating as neither of us have stayed there before.

If there's any galleries worth going to, or young artist stuff to see, please let me know, thanks :)

Also swede, I can highly recommend northern ireland for a weekend. You can pack tons in to your time. Personally I love the North Antrim coast - lots of awesome National Trust things within easy distance & the w5 centre in belfast is fab for a 7 yo.

[AmandaTanen]

I would stay in glasgow and travel to Edinburgh for the day, public transport between the 2 cities is really good. Sometimes scotrail does kids go free on the trains.

[OllyBJolly]

Glasgow and do the Science Museum, Museum of Transport, People's Palace, might be something on at Glasgow Green.

Go through to Edinburgh for a day with the DS - there is a lot on for them, too. Of all the fab stuff in Edinburgh for children - castle, Dungeon, Dynamic Earth, museum of childhood, my kids loved the Camera Obscura.

[muminhants]

Either - they are both brilliant. Edinburgh more beautiful but very touristy. Glasgow has loads to do and great places to eat and you could do a day trip out to Loch Lomond. Honestly - either, you won't regret it!