The Paper Airplane Travel Company

6 DAY SCOTLAND ITINERARY WITH KIDS

Castles, Creatures & Curiosity Collide

DURATION

6 Days

SEASONS

May–Jun; Sep

BASE CITY

Edinburgh (5 nights)

PACE

Moderate

Traveling with wee bairns? Definitely for bravehearts. Luckily, this six-day Scotland itinerary skips the “stand and stare” stops in favor of hands-on adventures that spark curiosity and invite play. (For reference, my kids were 6 and 9 when we did this trip.)

Explore the seaside in St. Andrews. Walk the Highlands where legends still linger. Climb the ancient stones of Hadrian’s Wall. Two bus tours add ease without sacrificing energy, with plenty of chances to roam, wonder, and wander. Spend precious family time in a place where history feels alive and magic lingers in the mist. Just one important question remains: who’s going to try some haggis first?

Where to stay

Use Edinburgh as home base to set out on your adventures each day. An excellent place to stay is the Kingsway Guest House. I cannot recommend it enough. (It seems others feel the same; it was awarded Best B&B in Scotland in 2019.) Breakfast is included in the rate.

Please keep in mind, however, that it’s located about 10 minutes from the city center. You will have to rely on public transportation or rideshares (i.e. Uber or Bolt) to get you closer to the action and meet your tour group if you choose to stay there.

However, the innkeepers assisted us with everything from booking taxis to prepping to-go breakfast bags so we could catch our early-morning tour.

Note: Kingsway offers standard single, double or triple rooms, but can also accommodate a family of four in their family-size room. To book it, contact them directly using the form on their website.

DAY 1: WELCOME

Fàilte gu Alba!

Welcome to Scotland! Once you clear customs, take a taxi or rideshare from the Edinburgh Airport to the Kingsway Guest House or your accommodations of choice.

Bolt

Bolt is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber and widely used across Europe. Download it before your trip so it’s ready when you land. Many frequent European travelers prefer it over Uber for reliability and driver availability.

After check in, take some time to get settled, then head out for a walk, find a local grocery to replenish your snack stash, or hit the playground. Try to stay awake — you’ll regret succumbing to your jet lag right now.

Keep the rest of the day simple. Enjoy an unhurried dinner close to your hotel and get to bed early. You’ll want to be well rested for tomorrow’s early start into the Highlands.

The Meadows

A 20-minute walk from the Kingsway Guest House, there’s a little playground and green space called The Meadows. Don’t miss The Meadows Mural, “an artistic interpretation of the history of a Scottish park, combining poetry with anthropomorphic animals.”

The Salisbury Arms

Also near the Kingsway Guest House, I recommend The Salisbury Arms for dinner. It’s only about a 10 minute walk and they offer a children’s menu. There’s extensive information on allergen and dietary requirements on their website as well. You can book reservations on their website.

SCOTLAND FOOD GUIDE FOR KIDS

Scotland has no shortage of delicious food, and there’s plenty to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. Here’s how to navigate Scottish cuisine with your family in tow.

Kid-Friendly Traditional Dishes

  • Fish and chips: Crispy battered fish and fries.
  • Tattie scones: Biscuit made with mashed potatoes, flour, and salt.
  • Scotch pancakes: Small, fluffy pancakes.
  • Bangers and mash: Sausages with mashed potatoes.
  • Scotch Pie: Savory pie filled with minced meat.

Snacks and Treats

  • Shortbread: Buttery thick sugar cookie.
  • Clootie Dumpling: Steamed fruit pudding.
  • Tablet: A sweet, fudge-like candy.
  • Flapjacks: Oaty bars.
  • Irn-Bru: Iconic soft drink.
  • Soor Plooms: Hard, sour candy with a tart green apple flavor.
  • Edinburgh Rock: Crumbly sweet with a mild peppermint flavor.

UK “Kid Food” Lingo

Random stuff that’s helpful to know when ordering for kids.

  • Lemonade = Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
  • Lemon squash = What Americans would call lemonade
  • Chips = Fries
  • Crisps = Potato chips
  • “Plain” sandwich (no mayo, mustard, etc.) = Still comes with a thin spread of butter on the bread
  • Chicken goujons = Chicken tenders

Planning Ahead for Tomorrow’s Tour

Remember, you’ll need to be up early to meet your tour group. As I mentioned, I let the innkeepers know our plans and they graciously arranged for a taxi to pick us up in the morning. (Another option is to book a Bolt or Uber ahead of time using the app. Don’t wait until the morning though, there probably won’t be many out and about that early.) They also packed to-go breakfast bags for us, and had them ready at the door. It made the early morning much less stressful.

DAY 2: THE HIGHLANDS

Highland wonders and lake monsters

Today begins early, but the reward is a full day in the moody, majestic Scottish Highlands. This tour with Heart of Scotland is an excellent tour for children. Yes, it’s a long day but there was plenty of time to rest on the bus between stops.

Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

This full-day small group tour loops from Edinburgh through some of the Highlands’ biggest hits: Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and Loch Ness, with a return through Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire. There’s an optional cruise on Loch Ness with live sonar (for the optimists) and a short woodland walk in the Cairngorms on the way back.

Our guide was highly entertaining and wove history, folk tales and even music into her commentary. There is ample opportunity to run, hike, and explore throughout the day.

The final stop on the tour offers time for a short stroll and light refreshment, but not a full meal. Since you’ll return to Edinburgh around 8 PM, consider asking your hotel to arrange a light supper or room service for your return.

Highlights:

  • Drive past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle
  • Glimpse Doune Castle (Outlander, Monty Python, Game of Thrones)
  • Morning coffee stop in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
  • Photo stop at Loch Tulla and drive through Glen Coe(where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed)
  • Free time at Loch Ness with optional monster-hunting cruise
  • Woodland walk in Cairngorms National Park
  • Pass Dalwhinnie Distillery and Blair Castle
  • Evening stroll in Highland Perthshire before returning to Edinburgh

DAY 3: ROSSLYN CHAPEL AND HADRIAN’S WALL

From mystery to history

Today, trace legends from Rosslyn Chapel to the windswept edge of Roman Britain. Same tour group as yesterday, same meeting spot. However, this one meets a little later so you should be able to have a quick breakfast (if everyone can get up and moving).

Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

This day tour covers a surprising amount of ground: a 15th-century chapel covered in cryptic carvings, a drive through the rolling Scottish Borders, and a stop at Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My family and I loved it.

Rosslyn Chapel

Made famous by The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is a delightful and intriguing first stop. Founded in 1446, the chapel took 40 years to build and is still thought to be unfinished. Nearly every stone surface is covered in elaborate carvings (look for the Green Men and the Apprentice Pillar). There’s an excellent interactive exhibit for children housed in the building next to the gift shop.

Rosslyn Chapel Scavenger Hunt

If you’re traveling with kids, ask for a scavenger hunt sheet at the visitor center before heading into the chapel; it gives them something to look for among the hundreds of carvings.

En route to the Roman ruins, you’ll stop for photos at the breathtaking Borders region. Can you stand with one foot in each country? (It’s a bit of a stretch!)

Housesteads Fort & Hadrian’s Wall

The second half takes you south across the border to Housesteads Fort, one of the best-preserved Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall. Built nearly 2,000 years ago to mark the northern edge of the Roman Empire, the fort ruins are an especially fun place for kids to play hide-and-seek. It’s a bit of a hike up to the fort and wall from the entrance. Potty break before you leave the information center, wear good shoes, and watch out for sheep poo.

There is only one section of Hadrian’s Wall that visitors are actually allowed to walk on top of and it can be a little confusing to find the path. Ask around or just hop over the gate (like we did) and be on your way.

DAY 4: ST. ANDREWS

A day on par with princes

No guided tours today, so linger in bed and take a little more time at breakfast. You’re heading to St. Andrews. Most people know it as the birthplace of golf, but it’s also a lovely seaside college town to wander around in.

William and Kate’s old stomping grounds, St. Andrews is a quick one-hour train ride from Edinburgh and my family enjoyed it immensely.

GETTING TO ST. ANDREWS

If you’re following my recommendations (and want to make the most of your day in St. Andrews), you should get to the Waverly train station no later than 8:45 AM to catch your 9:30 AM train. (I’d utilize the Bolt app or Uber to book a ride to the station ahead of time.)

ScotRail

ScotRail is the official train operator in Scotland. Here’s how to purchase tickets ahead of time, step by step.

  • You have tabs for different types of tickets: Single, Return, Flexipass, or Season. Select “Return”
  • From: Edinburgh (Waverly) (City Centre, Main) “EDB”
  • To: St. Andrews Bus (this will give you both a train and bus ticket) “SAO”
  • Outbound Date: Date you want to visit St. Andrews
  • Outbound Time: Opt for a morning outbound time by choosing “arriving before” and then selecting a morning time. (Remember to give yourself plenty of time to get to the train station from the Kingsway Guest House if that’s where you’re staying.)
  • Return Date: The same date as your outbound date
  • Return Time: Opt for later in the evening if you want a full-day in St. Andrews. Select “departing after” then choose an afternoon time.
  • Passengers: Select number of passengers (Note: Children under 5 do not need a ticket.)
  • Hit “Find times and tickets” button
  • Train times screen: From here, you’ll be presented with a table to select your Out and Return tickets. Choose the options that best fit your schedule, then hit “Next” on the fare total window that will pop up on the right.
  • Select seats screen: You can opt to reserve seats (no extra charge, but they aren’t guaranteed). Reservation options include: Direction (No preference/Airline style/Forward/Backward), Position (No preference/Aisle/Window), Coach type (No preference/Quiet), Table seat, Near luggage rack, Power socket, Near toilet.
  • From here, you will be asked to create a login and pay for your tickets.
  • The night before departure, schedule your rideshare to arrive at 7:30 AM. This gives you plenty of time to get to the station and find the correct departure platform.

Omio

Omio is built for tourists. Their website and app are easy to use. It does upcharge tickets a bit, but the extra cost might be worth it to you. Personally, I tend to use Omio only in countries with a language barrier, like France or Italy, when the train websites are a little tougher to navigate.

The Old Course & St. Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club

Naturally, golf is the huge draw. If the Old Course is closed while you’re there, you’ll have the opportunity to walk around on it and snap photos.

For a fun family activity, I definitely recommend heading to the Ladies’ Putting Green (“The Himalayas”) to play a round of fancy-pants putt-putt. Not only will you and your kids have a blast, you’ll technically be able to claim you’ve played golf at St. Andrews!

“The Himalayas” Putting Green

You can reserve at tee time online here. It’s also recommended to do this ahead of time if you plan to visit in the summer. However, note that you can only reserve the 18-hole option online. The 9-hole option (which is better for kids) is only available for same day turn-up-and-play. Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, but times vary based on day. Open to the public on weekends in March, then daily from April to October.

Cathedral Ruins

The ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral are hauntingly beautiful. Damaged during the Scottish Reformation and later abandoned, the once-majestic structure now stands as a relic of history. Wander through the crumbling stone wall and soak in the coastal views. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a few moody photos.

For lunch or an early dinner, this is a university town, so you have plenty of laid-back dining options to choose from.

PS: If you really want to impress your kids, be on the lookout for a street name that’s, no doubt, been delighting children for centuries: Butts Wynd. (A wynd is a Scottish term for a small alley.)

DAY 5: EDINBURGH

Destiny to sorcerer’s — leave no stone unturned

It’s finally time to explore this medieval-meets-modern metroplis, followed by an evening ghost tour.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, split into two distinct halves. It’s a very walkable city, and the contrast between the two sides is part of what makes it so fun to explore on foot.

The medieval Old Town, complete with castle, sits on a volcanic ridge, with the Royal Mile running its spine and narrow cobblestone alleyways (called “closes”) branching off in every direction.

Cross over to the 18th-century New Town and the feel shifts completely: wide Georgian streets, orderly squares, and Princes Street Gardens stretching below the castle.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits on top of an extinct volcano that’s been a defensive stronghold since the Iron Age. It served as a royal residence for centuries, survived 26 sieges (making it one of the most attacked places in the world), and houses the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain. The oldest building on-site, tiny St. Margaret’s Chapel, dates to around 1130.

Be sure to gather your bunch in the Middle Ward for the traditional 1:00 PM firing of the cannon, a guaranteed kid-pleaser.

Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Please note you must book tickets and entry time ahead of time online (although a flex pass is available). There are no tickets sold at the castle itself. We didn’t opt for a guided tour here, but they have them. Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Highlights:

  • Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels) and the Stone of Destiny in the Crown Room
  • St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh (c. 1130)
  • The Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511
  • Mons Meg, a massive medieval siege cannon
  • The One O’Clock Gun, fired daily (except Sundays) since 1861
  • The room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI

A Wee Bit O’ the Wizarding World

A quick 3-minute walk from the castle are a couple of ties to the Harry Potter universe.

The Elephant House

This cozy café is where single mom J. K. Rowling would park her pram and steal a few minutes to write her latest story idea — a story about a boy with a scar, an unusual school, and a powerful enemy. The Elephant House can get crowded in the evenings. Opt for a visit between regular mealtime hours but try to have lunch here if you can.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is right across from the cafe. If you want to continue the Harry Potter theme, see if you can locate the grave of Thomas Riddell. (Spoiler: J. K. Rowling herself said she did not get the inspiration for Tom Marvelo Riddle from this, but it’s still fun to walk around.)

This cemetery is also famous for the story of loyal little Greyfriars Bobby, a terrier who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner in the 1800s. A statue erected in his honor is across from the cemetery. (Who knows, maybe he was an animagus!)

The Old Town

If you’re sticking around Old Town, you’re in the heart of it with plenty to see. There’s an evening ghost walk planned tonight, and the tour meeting spot is just a two-minute stroll from The Elephant House. But you’ve got time to kill before 7:00 PM. If you want, now is a good time to head back to your hotel for a quick rest.

But, if you want to keep exploring, there’s no shortage of options. Here are a few ideas.

  • The Royal Mile: A historic street packed with shops, pubs, and hidden closes, connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • St. Giles’ Cathedral: Admire the stunning architecture of this medieval church and don’t miss the striking Thistle Chapel inside.
  • The Real Mary King’s Close: Step beneath the streets for a guided tour through this preserved 17th-century close.
  • Grassmarket: A lively square with rich history, now filled with bustling shops and a fantastic view of the castle.
  • The National Museum of Scotland: A treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, plus incredible rooftop views of the city.

Dining Options

I can’t personally vouch for any of these, but I did some research. They’re all family-friendly, known for their unique or historic locations, and have decent reviews. Almost all of them provide online reservations.

A Haunted Evening

Cap off your Scotland adventure with a spooky (but not scary) evening walking tour with Mercat Tours.

The tour begins at Mercat Cross before heading underground to the Blair Street Vaults, where both the criminal and supernatural elements of the city were said to dwell. At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will lead you to cozy Megget’s cellar to enjoy to drams of whisky, locally-made beer, soft drinks, and ghost stories by candlelight. Your family will love it.

Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls

Led by a Master Storyteller, this evening ghost tour takes you into Edinburgh’s Blair Street Underground Vaults for a candlelit mix of dark history and folklore. The guides use audio devices with layered sound effects, so it’s more immersive than your typical walking tour. Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. During the summer months, there is an additional tour time 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

Farewell, bonny Caledonia

If possible, book a later flight so you have some time to eat breakfast, pack, and make it to the airport. Plan to arrive at least three hours prior to your departure. Getting through security is a pain. Getting through security with kids is on a whole other level.

Return home with heads and hearts full of memories of your Scottish adventures!

Scotland itinerary with kids FAQs

Planning a trip like this comes with a lot of logistics. Here are the questions I hear most often.

What’s the best time of year to visit Scotland with kids?

May, early June, and September are the sweet spots. The weather is mild (by Scottish standards), the days are long, and you’ll dodge the peak-season crowds that pack Edinburgh and the Highlands in July and August. August is tempting because of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but hotel prices spike and the city gets chaotic. If your kids are school-age and you’re locked into summer break, late June works well. Just pack layers and a waterproof jacket no matter when you go.

How do I get around Edinburgh without a car?

You won’t need one. Edinburgh’s bus system is reliable and family-friendly (the buses have dedicated pram space and kneeling entry), and most of the city center is walkable. Download the Transport for Edinburgh app before you go for route planning, and the M-Ticket app so you can buy bus passes from your phone instead of scrounging for exact change. For airport transfers and longer rides across town, Bolt (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber) is widely used and worth downloading before your trip.

Are the guided day tours appropriate for children?

Yes, with some caveats. The Highlands day tours are long (10 to 12 hours), so it depends on your kids’ tolerance for time on a bus. That said, both the Highlands and Borders tours have plenty of stops to get out, stretch legs, and explore. The guides are entertaining and the scenery keeps things interesting between stops. The evening ghost tour is a good fit for older kids (no children under 5) who can handle spooky stories and dark underground spaces, but it’s probably too intense for anyone under eight or so.

Do I need to book Edinburgh Castle tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets sell out, especially during summer and weekends. Book online before your trip to lock in your time slot and save a few pounds off the walk-up price. If you’re traveling with kids, budget at least two to three hours; there’s a lot to see and the grounds involve some serious uphill walking.

Is Scotland a good destination for picky eaters?

Better than you’d think. Edinburgh has a wide range of restaurants, and most places are used to feeding families. You’ll find plenty of familiar options (pizza, pasta, fish and chips) alongside Scottish staples. A few restaurants in the Old Town have licensing restrictions that limit children’s access in the evenings, so check ahead if you’re planning dinner out.

How much walking should we expect on the day tours?

It varies. The Highlands tours are mostly scenic driving with short stops for photos and leg-stretching, so the walking is moderate. The Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall tour involves more on-foot exploring, and the walk up to Housesteads Fort on Hadrian’s Wall is a real climb (good shoes are a must). Within Edinburgh itself, expect to walk a lot. The Royal Mile is about a mile end to end, and the castle sits at the top of a steep hill. If your family likes to explore on foot, you’ll love it. If anyone has mobility concerns, plan your days with some downtime built in.

What should we pack for unpredictable Scottish weather?

Layers, a waterproof jacket for every member of the family, and shoes that can handle wet cobblestones. Scottish weather can shift from sunshine to sideways rain in the same afternoon, so the goal is to be ready for both without overpacking. Skip the umbrella (the wind will destroy it) and go with rain jackets instead. A light fleece or wool layer is useful even in summer, since mornings and evenings can be cool. And if you’re visiting the Highlands, a hat and gloves aren’t overkill in spring or fall.

Are strollers practical in Edinburgh’s Old Town?

Absolutely. The train takes about an hour, and the town is small enough to explore on foot in a day. Between the cathedral, the underground Etruscan caves, and the food, it’s a full day without feeling rushed.

How far in advance should we book accommodations and tours?

For summer travel (June through August), book accommodations and castle tickets at least two to three months ahead. Popular day tours with smaller group sizes can fill up several weeks out, so don’t wait on those either. Shoulder season (May and September) gives you a little more breathing room, but Edinburgh is a popular destination year-round, so earlier is always better than later. Restaurant reservations are worth making for any group larger than four, especially in the Old Town.

Custom itinerary reviews for The Paper Airplane

Whether you want a fully custom itinerary built from scratch or a detailed review of one you’ve already started, I can help. I look at everything from logistics and pacing to restaurant picks and the details that guidebooks leave out. Here’s what some past clients have to say.

Perfectly Unforgettable

Courtney planned a mother/daughter trip to Ireland for my best friend and me. Beyond the usual tourist spots, she found things like dinner at an ancient pub, the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, and accommodations in a repurposed schoolhouse (we’re both educators, so that was a perfect touch). An unforgettable trip, start to finish.

★★★★★

Deborah I. / IRELAND

Amazing Trip

Everything about this trip has been amazing. I can’t thank you enough.

★★★★★

Donna V. / LONDON AND LIVERPOOL

Relaxing and Self Indulgent

Courtney put together an amazing mini-break for my wife and me in Hungary. Far from the Budapest-heavy itineraries I’m used to seeing, Courtney really knew how to connect us with the more relaxing and self-indulgent side of the country from wine excursions to waterfall hikes and soaks in ancient hot springs.

★★★★★

Mike N. / HUNGARY