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Our trip to Scotland with children among magical places in the Higlands

20 essential plans to travel to Scotland with children + map + tips + route

Discover what you need to know to travel to Scotland with children, an ideal destination for families without a doubt. Its landscapes, its history, the epic legends of each of its corners and, of course, its castles make it an attractive trip for family vacations.

Scotland has magic and for you to imbue yourself with it, we have prepared a great article for family trips based on our personal experience. Here we explain our route, the best tips for traveling with children to Scotland and a list of the 20 essential plans that you cannot miss if you decide to undertake this wonderful adventure. You dare?

We'll tell you all about it based on our own experience from our recent 10-day campervan trip through Scotland. A trip through Scotland in a campervan with our 7 and 10-year-old children that we'll never forget and that we'll definitely repeat!

We've said we'll do it again so many times that today, two years after our trip through Scotland, I'm adding an update to this post and a post I've written about Edinburgh with 25 essential things to see and do with children, so you can discover even more about Scotland with kids.

And if you don't like motorhomes, don't worry, there are a thousand tour options with great hotels for families through the best of Scotland with everything you need to enjoy yourself and forget about planning and preparation, because with children, we all know we have everything but time!

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Let's get started, hold on tight behind the wheel, we're going to prepare this family trip!

Our 10-day route to see and do the 20 essentials of Scotland with children

Last October we were lucky enough to fulfill a dream: traveling to Scotland for 10 days as a family.

Our trip began by flying from Barcelona to Glasgow and from there we picked up the rental motorhome that we reserved through Yescapa from an individual, which saved us €600 versus what a rental company there was asking us for. Yescapa is an AirB&B type platform but for motorhomes of which we have honestly been very happy with everything. The motorhome was 10, its owner was super attentive and the platform was agile and very easy to use.

In case you're interested, I've written a post about how to rent a cheap motorhome through Yescapa : Tips and tricks that might interest you.

South of Loch Ness, at Fort Augustus
South of Loch Ness, at Fort Augustus

Summary of our route to travel to Scotland with children

A tip: Don't travel without travel insurance . Avoid medical co-payments, have a doctor just a click away on your app, have a lawyer specializing in any issues that might arise during your trip, and avoid unpleasant surprises like cancellations or incidents along your route. The travel insurance that has convinced us the most for family travel so far is Iati Familia. Its price and coverage are ideal for traveling within Spain, Europe, and beyond. It covers everything on your trip, not just essential medical needs with 24-hour access to a doctor and pediatrician via the app's chat . I've included a discount they'll give you at the end of your quote request.

So, we started our route in Glasgow and this is the 10-day route through Scotland with children that we did and that we propose:

In 4 more days, 2 years later we have done another route to visit Edinburgh and from there the east coast with Dunnotar Castle and St Andrews.

Mount custom route
Our personalized route assembly service

Map to travel to Scotland with children

Our choice of places to visit on our route was the result of planning work to maximize our time in the place, starting with the preparation of this map that we made with those places of interest in Scotland with children that we might like to visit.

I leave you the map, so that you can also choose other places and have a broad vision of everything that Scotland offers.

9 tips for traveling to Scotland as a family

In the suitcase: Take raincoats, Goretex hiking boots and waterproof pants and forget about umbrellas!

Scotland's weather is rain-sun-rain-sun and so changeable and unpredictable all day. Of the 10 days we stayed, it rained 9. Of the 9, only 1 was heavy rain.

Based on our experience, I recommend you to wear raincoats, one of those that are made into a small package and that you can put in your backpack or fasten around your waist. Without a doubt, it was the most used part of the trip.

The goretex mountain boots were also the protagonists of the trip and we did not need to use spare shoes thanks to them.

Finally, the waterproof pants, which are sold at a very good price at the Decathlon, were also very good for us, especially for the day of intense rain, although the latter, due to the use we gave it, you can do without.

What I don't recommend bringing are umbrellas, the air when it rains makes them useless in Scotland, and apart from that they limit your mobility with the children a lot.

Oh and if you forget here a chain of mountain clothing stores that saved our lives!

Anna was wearing Decathlon Goretex hiking boots but Arnau was wearing only sneakers that seemed to be waterproof. Only on the first day did Arnau end up with wet shoes and we had to use a few spare seconds that also got wet.

Good luck with The Mountain Warehouse, a chain of mountain clothing stores that I already knew when I lived in the North of England. Here we found some great goretex hiking boots that solved the whole trip for us and at a good price.

Before going, look at the Harry Potter saga, Brave and some tales of the Loch Ness monster

There is nothing better than soaking up what we will later see live and direct. Children love to have a little knowledge and then recognize in their own experience what they have learned. The travel experience becomes more intense, I assure you.

To introduce our children to Scottish culture and history we watched Brave set in Scotland, read stories and watched videos about Scotland on Youtube made for children. The story of the Loch Ness monster cannot be missing, within these.

The daddies also watched Braveheart and Outlander, without them, and then we told them a little history about Scotland.

Finally, we saw the Harry Potter saga shot in many places in Scotland that we later visited.

Books that we bought once in Scotland, at home we saw the movies that we told you about above

Passports and airport queues with children, and from April 2025 the ETA, a tourist visa!

With Brexit, from 2022 onwards, entry into Scotland will require valid passports for all family members. And from April 2025, an ETA visa will also be required through the official UK government website.

That's why it's important to remember to apply for or renew your passports and electronic visas online in advance.

For children, both to do it for the first time, and to renew the passport, you will need both parents or guardians to go with your child, take a photograph and bring the family book, in addition to bringing the amount in cash of what it costs.

Also, if you renew it you must bring the last expired passport, don't forget it!

Taking the Ryanair plane

European health card, mobile roaming and driving license

Although Great Britain has left the European Union, it has maintained as before certain aspects such as the use of the European health card, roaming as if it were a country of the European Union or the use of the driving license of European countries as valid and your vehicle insurance.

So, you should not worry about the use of your mobile, it will be like going to France, at most the data will limit you a little depending on which company you have.

Nor should you worry if you go with your car insurance or your driver's license, they will be valid the same as in Spain.

And for health you can take the European health card and they will attend you in the emergency room of any hospital. Although here, you should know some important things. Public health in Great Britain is not like in Spain, it is minimal. That is why if you have to use the European health card, we know from friends that you are going to have to make a significant copayment, depending on what you go for and that part of that copayment will not be returned to you by the Spanish health system when you return, and the one that is returned to you they will do it at 2 years as we know from experience.

To avoid a bad drink, we with the children contracted travel insurance with Iati, which for the price of 10 days, the 4 of us, was worth being calm. Luckily we didn't have to use it, but on other occasions we did, we know that with a simple call everything is very easy with Iati.

If you plan to hire travel insurance in this link you will get a 5% discount at the end:

   

Currency and currency exchange, discover how to save a little on your trip

The pound sterling is a different currency to the euro and that causes some inconvenience to the traveler.

Currency exchanges must always be looked at with a magnifying glass. Due to the associated commissions, they are a source of great income for banks.

The first recommendation in this regard to save is that whenever you pay or withdraw money there you choose the pound sterling as the payment method (it will give you a choice between euro or pound), in this way it will always work out better for you.

The second recommendation is that before traveling to the United Kingdom and Scotland you take a good look at the conditions that your card has in 3 aspects:

  • The commissions that apply to you for withdrawing money from ATMs.
  • The commissions that apply to the currency exchange in card payment transactions.
  • The currency exchange Euros - Pound sterling at how much they have it on the same day.

Looking at these three things well you can save a lot of money at the end of the trip.

To get the best change, I recommend 2 cards that after much comparison are the best for currency exchange and worldwide:

  • The smart account card of Evo Banco, formerly Nova Caixa Galicia. A card with absolutely 0 commissions and worldwide in money withdrawals and currency exchange. It's what we carry. Since I left for Erasmus in the United Kingdom when I was 20 years old, I have had it and used it and once after another I verified that they did not charge me a single euro in commissions and that the currency exchange rate is the same as the official internet rate.
  • The Revolut card, which some of our close friends use and have always recommended to us, although we have not tried it yet. A card that is easily activated in minutes from the internet and that supports unlimited top-ups. The bad thing that we see is that you can only withdraw 200 euros per month at ATMs maximum without commission.
Visiting Dunvegan Castle

In summer sun cream and anti-mosquitoes, for other times it is not necessary

Many people told us to bring mosquito repellents, but, on the other hand, when we went in October, we didn't find a single one. If you are going to travel to Scotland with children at least, think about it.

Of course, for all the friends who warned us, if you go in summer, do not forget sun cream or anti-mosquito products. Scotland is full of lakes and water from the rains and with the heat they appear.

They do not let minors pass in many Pubs

Be careful with the pubs. They are ideal places to go with children to eat typical and homemade food in Scotland, but some are forbidden to minors.

Old and very original pub The Drovers Inn in the Trossachs National Park, where children are allowed

Explorer Pass, free tickets and buy some tickets in advance, planning a little for the schedules

If once you review the plans that I propose below, you decide to visit two castles that I am telling you about, or more, it is worth getting the family Explorer Pass to travel to Scotland with children

The Explorer Pass has been changing in recent years, before there were 14 and 7 days, and now, depending on the time of year, they sell it for more or less days or they don't sell it at all.

So go directly to the official Historical Environment of Scotland website and see what options you have depending on when you go: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/travel-trade/explorer-pass/

We traveled in October, they only sold the 7 consecutive days and there was no family option, it cost 35 pounds for adults and 21 for children from 5 to 15, children under 5 tickets are free in the public historical places of Scotland.

The truth is that in the end, we amortized it, but just barely. This is because many places we visited, which are very emblematic, were private and were not among the 70 places that enter with the Explorer Pass. So if you doubt, perhaps for what you can save you will not need it.

On the other hand, plan your visits well. The schedules are not as extensive as in Spain at 17:XNUMX p.m. many of the attractions and places of interest close.

TIP: Above all, if you want to ride the Harry Potter train , book it well in advance, as it sells out quickly, as does the rafting on the Tay River, which is easier for children 8 and older. And finally, if your little ones are die-hard Harry Potter fans, book the Harry Potter Castle tour well in advance —we couldn't go because there were no tickets left!

Finally, if you are going to travel to Scotland with children, take advantage of the free visit to some more than interesting museums such as the Folklore of the Highlands.

Dunvegan Castle that enters with the Explorer Pass and you can also see seals!
Dunvegan Castle that enters with the Explorer Pass and you can also see seals!

Motorhome or bed and breakfast, a whole family adventure!

Traveling to Scotland with children in a rental motorhome

Without a doubt, for us, visiting Scotland in a rental motorhome with children was a great experience. An adventure that the children loved and made it much easier for us by carrying the house on our backs. That it was raining, everyone inside, that the sun was coming out, outside.

So without a doubt I recommend renting a motorhome in Scotland, which you can do like us through the Yescapa platform between individuals. Where we saved 600 euros on another motorhome from a professional.

By the way, to travel by motorhome in Scotland you must be clear about one premise. Staying overnight is mostly prohibited in almost all public and private car parks, so you must have the chip that you should plan the trip well beforehand and go to motorhome areas and campsites, especially to sleep in Scotland with a motorhome. You can read all about the regulations and our experience in Scotland in a motorhome here.

Traveling to Scotland with children from Bed & Breakfast + rental car

The second option, which will cost roughly the same and is also a favorite with children, is to stay in a Bed & Breakfast and rent a car there . You can then create your own road trip, staying in a different Bed & Breakfast each day or two. It's another adventure where you'll discover charming Scottish cottages with amazing breakfasts every day—your children are sure to love it.

From here you can see a lot of Bed & Breakfasts in Scotland and book them easily.

Apartments: Savings on Food

Apartment instead of a hotel : Renting an apartment will allow you to save on meals, as you can cook and enjoy greater comfort. If it's centrally located, even better, to save time and reduce fatigue. We stayed in Edinburgh at the Cheval Old Town, opposite the cathedral, which was excellent in terms of location and amenities. From Edinburgh, on our second trip, we took tours to visit other parts of Scotland, which were fantastic and very convenient.

Our rental motorhome parked in a motorhome area near Loch Ness

The 20 essential things to see and do in Scotland with children

1 Discover the magic of Kelpies

The Kelpies are located in The Helix , a park on the outskirts of Falkirk designed to connect several local communities and transform the confluence of the Forth and Clyde canals into the River Forth. The Kelpies consist of two 30-meter-tall, 300-ton steel sculptures of horse heads. Designed by Andy Scott and inspired by the Clydesdale , the legendary Scottish draft horses, they pay tribute to the working horses that powered Scotland's economy for centuries and, since their unveiling in 2014, have become a national icon.

They owe their name to the Scottish term Kelpie, which designates a water spirit capable of changing its shape and which usually appears in the form of a horse. They live in the lakes and ponds of Scotland, and a well-known Kelpie story is that of Loch Ness.

The visit is completely free, as it is an open-air park, and accessible 24 hours a day. The area invites you to take a peaceful walk by the water and have a hot chocolate while contemplating the magnificent landscape.

One last piece of advice, don't forget to walk along the park's trails that surround the Kelpies, they are full of animals with information panels and the setting is beautiful!

If you're traveling by motorhome or campervan, you can also spend the night in the Kelpies ' parking lot, without facilities, for 7,5 pounds.

Visiting the Kelpies at night illuminated, in Scotland with children
Visiting the Kelpies at night illuminated, in Scotland with children

2 Counting unicorns at Stirling Castle, an essential plan in Scotland with children

Stirling Castle is a 13th-century fortress, expanded between the 14th and 17th centuries, located in Stirling . It is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally significant castles, and has been featured in well-known films such as Braveheart. It was built on the summit of a volcanic peak, and three of its sides are surrounded by steep cliffs.

This is where you discover that the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland.

The visit to the castle holds a surprise for you that, from the beginning, you can fit in as a joke; It's about counting the unicorns that decorate each of the castle's chambers.

In addition, during the visit, a very entertaining contest is held in Spanish, in which the boys and girls must answer questions and solve enigmas.

Finally, you should know that, during the tour, various actors and actresses explain the history of the castle with a certain humor and, even if it is in English, it is worth trying to follow the explanations.

Interior of Stirling Castle, where we can see a unicorn on its shield, the animal symbol of Scotland
Interior of Stirling Castle, where we can see a unicorn on its shield, the animal symbol of Scotland

3 Walk through the most magical forests of Scotland with children

The Hermitage, Dunkeld

Just 30 minutes from Pitlochry lies a forest that seems straight out of a fairytale: Hermitage Forest , located 5 km from the small town of Dunkeld. Between 1738 and 1830, the dukes who lived at Blair Castle in Pitlochry planted millions of conifers around Dunkeld, where they had a winter residence. Centuries later, these giant trees create a dreamlike atmosphere in one of Scotland's most iconic forests.

The Hermitage trail starts very close to the parking lot and you can choose between three different circular routes: one of 2,5 km (1 hour), another of 6,5 km (2 hours) and finally, one of 8 km (2 and a half hours).

The Hermitage Forest

Faskally, in Pitlochry

When autumn arrives in Scotland, one of its forests transforms into a magical and colorful oasis. The Enchanted Forest of Faskally , just outside Pitlochry, becomes a dazzling spectacle of light and music along an evening walk. The circular route takes approximately an hour and a half and is very well signposted. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

During the tour, there are various food stalls and food trucks where you can order something warm, recover and enjoy the experience even more. Without a doubt, the best food truck for our children was the one with the marshmallows, the famous marshmallows. After buying them, we roast them over the campfire boy scout style.

It's super important to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a bank holiday or weekend. In that case, we recommend getting them several months ahead of time. Here's the link to the official website: https://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/tickets/

The Enchanted Forest, in Faskally Forest during October

4 Go kayaking or rafting on the Tummel or Tay rivers on our trip to Scotland with children

The Tay River offers a wonderful opportunity for children aged 8 and up to try rafting in a unique natural setting near Pitlochry . And for the more adventurous, the whitewater rapids of the Tummel River offer a challenging and technical course, filled with several whitewater rapids.

There are several adventure companies where you can hire the activities, they last about 3 hours and the minimum age is usually 8 years old.

One last piece of advice, go up to the viewpoint of the Queen to see the incredible views over the river and lake of Tummel. This family photo will stay with us for posterity.

 The viewpoint of the Queen, over the river and lake Tummel
The viewpoint of the Queen, over the river and lake Tummel

5 Visit the Highland Folklore Museum, a must when traveling to Scotland with children

From April 1 to August 31 (daily from 10:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.) and from September 1 to October 28 (from 10:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.), you can experience what life was like in the Highlands between the 1700s and 1950s. This is a free, donation-based, open-air museum with some 35 historic buildings from the era and various volunteers who recreate the activities of those times, along with numerous animals such as the typical hairy cows of the Highlands or the breed of Scottish horses that look more like a unicorn than a horse.

It's very interesting, especially for the little ones in the family, and you can find the details at the following link: https://www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum/

Highland Folklore Museum with children, an essential plan to do with children
Highland Folklore Museum with children, an essential plan to do with children

6 Highland Wildlife Park Safari

In Kingcraig , you can embark on a 2-3 hour safari in your own vehicle, where you might spot deer, bison, and reindeer. Within the same park, you can also follow a walking trail to discover other animals such as monkeys, polar bears, tigers, and lynx. If you're traveling to Scotland with children, this safari is a must-do.

Pets are not allowed in the car park or the park itself, with the exception of assistance dogs. You can find more information and purchase tickets at the following website: https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/tickets/

On a mini safari in the Highland Wildlife Park
On a mini safari through the Highland Wildlife Park, in the background we see deer

7 If you travel to Scotland with children, do not miss the Cairngorm National Park

The Cairngorm mountain range is part of the National Park, in the heart of the Highlands. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland and one of the most popular ski resorts in the UK. But Cairngorm 's appeal isn't limited to winter; it's also a favorite summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

You can climb the 400 meter difference in altitude between the base station and the top station and use the funicular to descend. Normally, hiking is not allowed after the funicular ride, unless you are going on a guided tour or want to ski or mountain bike down. The funicular routes are every 20 minutes and the last one going up is at 16:16 p.m., while the one going down is at 30:XNUMX p.m. At the top station, there is a restaurant with panoramic views.

Also located within the National Park is Glenmore Forest Park , where the collection of ancient trees and sandy-beached lakes make it an idyllic destination. One of its lakes is Loch Morlich , known as Scotland's highest beach, where water sports can be enjoyed.

On foot from where the cable car to Cairgorm Peak departs
On foot from where the cable car to Cairgorm Peak departs

8 Boat tour from Inverness and the search for seals

Dolphin Spirit is an initiative that offers motorboat trips through Moray Fjord, where you might spot dolphins or seals along the way. There are two types of excursions: The Mischief , a 2-hour trip, and The Spirit , a 1-hour and 15-minute trip. You can find more information and purchase tickets at https://dolphinspirit.co.uk/

Also, you can see seals at two more points, and more likely than here:

  • At Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye where small boats go out to see the nearby seals
  • In fort William where a boat departs to see them on an island in the lake.

If I tell you that we went to these three places and that we didn't see seals in any of them, would you believe it? Well, as you can hear, in Inverness at Dolphin Spirit we had no luck, in Dunvegan in October the little boats don't leave to see the seals anymore and in Fort William they closed just the day we went and that here are 365 days that the boats leave... One another anecdote to tell and something for which we must return to Scotland.

On the Dolphin Spirits boat in search of seals or dolphins, in Inverness
On the Dolphin Spirits boat in search of seals or dolphins, in Inverness

9 The magic of Leakey's Bookshop

If you feel that reading is a religion for you, you can't miss the opportunity to visit Scotland's largest secondhand bookshop, Leakey's Bookshop , located in an old church in Iverness. There you'll find classic volumes, antique maps, and you can have a drink and sit down to read and breathe in the age of some of its books through their pages.

Leakey's Bookshop, one of Scotland's oldest second-hand bookshops, in Inverness
Leakey's Bookshop, one of Scotland's oldest second-hand bookshops, in Inverness

10 Have you seen Nessie? Traveling to Scotland with children is looking for Nessie

Three kilometers from Drumnadrochit, overlooking Loch Ness, stand the ruins of Urquhart Castle, whose foundations date back to the 6th century, although it wasn't until the 13th century that it acquired its current form. What we see today are the ruins left after the fire started by the English in 1692 to prevent it from falling into Jacobite hands. From this magnificent spot, you can enjoy a splendid view of Loch Ness and perhaps try your hand at searching for Nessie.

Next to the castle ruins there is a parking lot and from there, an underground passage leads you to the visitor center, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.

South of Loch Ness in Scotland with children
In the south of Loch Ness, in Scotland with the family

11 Eat like a Scotsman on your trip to Scotland with children

Don't end your Scottish experience without having a proper Scottish breakfast: the typical dish of eggs with bacon or porridge , made with milk, oats, seeds and fruit.

For food, don't miss the fish & chips (also known as fish supper ), the stovie (typical stew), the meat pie or, for the more adventurous, the haggis (a sausage prepared with sheep offal and that tastes like an onion blood sausage).

Typical Scottish stew that our children loved
Typical Scottish stew that our children loved

 12 From castle to castle and I shoot because it's my turn

Eilean Donan Castle is a magnificent 13th-century fortress on Loch Duich , which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via another loch ( Loch Alsh ). Its only access was by boat or via a narrow stone bridge connecting the island to the loch shore, making it a formidable defensive position. It's an idyllic spot with its own legend—would you like to discover it? Don't miss it on your trip to Scotland with children.

On the other hand, there's Dunvegan Castle (13th century), the longest continuously inhabited Scottish castle, located on the Isle of Skye . You can visit it today, take a boat trip, and even stay in one of its nearby rooms. Inside, it houses three historical artifacts that have been passed down through generations—try to find them! Here are some clues: The Dunvegan Cup, the Fairy Flag , and Sir Rory Mor's horn.

https://www.dunvegancastle.com

And you can't forget Dunnottar Castle (40th-XNUMXth centuries), the most beautiful ruins in Scotland. This castle stands on top of a rocky outcrop on the spectacular cliffs of Stonehaven. It can be reached on foot in about XNUMX minutes from Stonehaven, through a dreamy narrow path between hills.

https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/

The visit of many castles includes activities for children and there is the option of buying the family ticket pack that works out very well, that is if you do not have the explorer pass. Although for example the Eilean Donan does not enter the Explorer Pass, since it is private.

Eilean Donan Castle, one of the ones we liked the most on the trip to Scotland with children
Eilean Donan Castle, one of the ones we liked the most on the trip to Scotland with children

13 Skye, Fairyland

Fairy Glen is the fairy valley on the Isle of Skye and one of Scotland's most beautiful and magical natural landscapes. The diverse geological formations ignite your imagination, and the highest point, a rock formation reminiscent of castle ruins, is called Castle Ewen.

The Fairy Pools natural pools , at the foot of Mount Cuillin , make up one of the most popular hiking routes, due to the spectacular landscape and the beauty of the pools, where, if you dare, you can bathe and experience the low temperature at which the fairies bathe.

Fairy Valley on the Isle of Skye
Fairy Valley on the Isle of Skye

14 Do not skip tea time if you are traveling to Scotland with children

After a few days in Scotland, you'll be talking about afternoon tea . The habit of enjoying this afternoon snack, between 3 and 5 pm, quickly spread among the aristocracy and upper class of the United Kingdom. And if you prefer, you can substitute the tea with hot chocolate with marshmallows , cheesecake, carrot cake, or brownie.

One of the places where we most enjoy tea time and its cakes in Pitlochry
One of the places where we most enjoy tea time and its cakes in Pitlochry

 15 Climb Ben Nevis

We encourage you to hike part of or all the way to the summit of Ben Nevis , the UK's highest mountain (1340m), near the town of Fort William . The hike is suitable for families, although you should be aware that there is a significant elevation gain and the weather can change suddenly, so be prepared. The ascent takes about 3.5 hours and the descent a little less, although with children the total duration can reach 10 hours.

Ascending Ben Nevis
Ascending Ben Nevis

16 Enjoy watching the Harry Potter train go by

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located very close to Fort William , at the entrance to the Scottish Highlands, and is famous for having appeared in all four Harry Potter films. In fact, the Hogwarts Express does exist, although it's called the Jacobite , and it crosses the viaduct daily from May to October.

Construction of the viaduct began in 1897 with the aim of connecting the cities of Fort William and Mallaig , although it didn't become operational until 1901. Its history of over a century is certainly reason enough to stop at a viewpoint and admire this magnificent sight.

Watching the Harry Potter train go by on Glenfinnan Viaduct
Watching the Harry Potter train go by on Glenfinnan Viaduct

17 Traveling to Scotland with children is discovering the settings of Harry Potter

Scotland's natural magic served as the setting for the Harry Potter films and since you're here or planning to visit, why not discover each of those places? It can be a super stimulating activity on your trip to Scotland with children. 

Discover Loch Shiel, Glencoe, Glen Nevis and Steall Falls, Black Rock Gorge, Loch Eilt, Loch Arkaig, Corrour Station on Rannoch Moor, Loch Etive and Loch Morar.

Viewpoint of the 3 Sisters, landscapes of the Glencoe Valley where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed
Viewpoint of the 3 Sisters, landscapes of the Glencoe Valley where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed

18 An essential when traveling to Scotland with children: City break to Edinburgh

A trip to Scotland with children wouldn't be complete without visiting its capital. Edinburgh is a charming city steeped in history. If you're still craving more Harry Potter-related sites, you can visit the Elephant House café , where the character and his adventures were born.

Take the opportunity to visit the Royal Mile, St. Margaret's Chapel , the pubs and restaurants of Leith Walk , stroll through the Old Town , enjoy watching whisky being distilled at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre , have fun on Calton Hill and, why not, admire Edinburgh from the top of Arthur's Seat.

Discover our post here about 25 things to do in Edinburgh with children. It includes a map and tips for exploring the city.

19 A game to travel to Scotland with children: look for Wally, but in "hairy cows"

The Scottish hairy cows or the Highlands cow, a native breed of the area, are a great attraction for the little ones. The best thing is that they are the fewest to see in the Scottish fields, so seeing them will be like a game throughout the trip. A look for Wally of hairy cows.

Here I leave you some clues of where to see them, where we saw them:

  • At the Highland Folk Museum
  • At Romesdal Croft and at other points on the road on the Isle of Skye
  • In a small restaurant near Arduaine Garden
  • Trossachs Woolen Mill, a souvenir cafe in Callander
Hairy Highland cow, on our trip through Scotland with children
Hairy Highland cow, on our trip through Scotland with children

20 Try a bed & breakfast

Scotland has so many picturesque corners that it is always a good idea to savor the hospitality of the people in a special accommodation and enjoy the authentic Scottish breakfast with the feeling of being at home. If you are traveling to Scotland with children, try the warmth of these accommodations.

If you liked this proposal, improve it and enjoy it with your family! Then I hope you share it with us in comments!

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This entry has 9 comments

  1. Ana

    How interesting and well explained!
    Thank you very much

    1. Kucavanera family

      Thank you for your comment Ana, a pleasure to help families like you 🙂

  2. MARIA

    Your post was great for me. Thank you very much for sharing it.
    It's a shame that when we go in May, we can't enjoy the "enchanted forest"

    1. Kucavanera family

      Hello Maria, thank you for your comment, we always like to read you and know that it is useful to someone 🙂 In May there will surely be other things and beautiful spring forests, Scotland is beautiful all year round. I hope you enjoy it. A hug.

  3. Neus

    Thanks for sharing so many tips, this summer it's our turn!

    1. Kucavanera family

      Tell us when you get back, Neus, how wonderful the trip you are going to be and tell us if there have been any changes or news. A big kiss!

  4. Carla

    Very humbled by so much good information! We are going as our 11-year-old children in August, this year. I hope it's not too cold and cold, but I'm just worried about the mosquitoes...

  5. Neus

    Who is the most interesting trip! I have arrived that the AC will arrive at your destination. Nosaltres tenim AC, are we going to consider anar-hi with your driving from Barcelona?

    1. Kucavanera family

      Bones Neus, doncs, segur haguessim anat si haguessim tingut more than the 10 days of vacances that we have llavors, of fet es quelcom that segur fare some day. Scotland is worth repeating!

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