Is Scotland good for families?
This geographically small country boasts loads of things to do with children of all ages. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh, to the scenic views of the Highlands, the country's rich heritage, culture, and architectural wonders - there's something for everyone, leaving Scotland a must-visit place with the kids.
Trips to Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness are fun for everyone (and both are FREE for under 5s). There's the National Museum of Scotland, a perfect venue to explore and discover with little ones. Mountain treks, beach trips, and even glamping are all available across Scotland.
How can you get a good deal on a family-friendly hotel in Scotland?
Follow the golden rule of hotel booking, and reserve your room well in advance to secure the best price on a family-friendly Scotland hotel. Of course, you can always browse for last-minute deals, too, but these tend to be rare during school holidays and will limit where you can stay.
Scotland's hotel rooms are cheaper in the winter months, but that doesn't mean you should avoid the country altogether. Wrap up warm, and enjoy wintery walks and indoor attractions together.
To make sure you're getting the best deal possible, it's a good idea to use a price comparison sight like TripAdvisor and Expedia.
What’s the best way to travel to Scotland with kids?
You can travel to Scotland from the UK by road, rail, ferry, and air links. Once you arrive, you'll find there is easy access to all regions, and with a bit more careful planning, you can reach the beautiful, secluded areas and islands.
Beware that travelling may take longer than expected. In the most remote areas, roads are very narrow and one-way only. Also, unpredictable wet or wintry weather can make travel tricky.
When is the best time to go to Scotland?
Many travellers make their way to Scotland in the warmer months. If you travel during summer, there are many benefits such as an average of 17 hours of daylight. Therefore, you can take advantage of the lighter evenings. However, you will pay the highest prices for accommodation and expect more tourists. We recommend looking at travelling in the spring or autumn when there should be fewer crowds. Although it's difficult to beat snow-capped peaks, skiing, and winter wonderlands in the cities during the colder months.
When travelling to Scotland always remember one thing: it is almost impossible to predict the weather. The different regions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands are influenced by micro-climates, which means it could be snowing in one place and down the road a few miles it’s beautiful sunshine. You could experience all four seasons within one day, so no matter when you visit, be sure to pack for every type of weather.
September is renowned for being the wettest month. Whichever month you travel be prepared for rain, and pack the wellies, puddle suits and rain cover for the stroller.
How we chose our recommendations
Our recommendations are based on feedback from real parents, Mumsnet forums, customer testimonials, and review sites. Being parents ourselves helps us to understand what families need when booking a holiday, and we always offer unbiased, independent advice you can trust.
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