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• By Lisa Frederick
• October 23, 2019

Given the spectacular landscapes, dramatic ruins, wild coastal beauty and wealth of culture, a family trip to Scotland offers so many tempting possibilities that it can feel daunting to choose. The good news? That also means it’s hard to go wrong. Our top itinerary suggestion for first-time visitors pairs a few days of immersion in Edinburgh’s ancient past and modern-day buzz with a retreat to the rural Highlands for a taste of life in the countryside and an eyeful of some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. The list of ideas for a family vacation in Scotland is as vast as the gorgeous views.

Best Places to Visit in Scotland for Families

If you have time for only one Edinburgh attraction, make it  Edinburgh Castle . Hunkered down on a hilltop, this behemoth presides over the city with all the gravitas of its 1,000-plus-year history. You can take as much time as you like to explore the castle and its museums, but plan on at least one and a half to two hours to get a thorough overview. Try to catch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, which has gone off every day (except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday) since 1861.

Afterward, make a stop at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, a 19th-century funhouse right next to the castle that’s filled with mazes, optical illusions, holographs and other interactive fun. Its namesake and showpiece is an old-fashioned camera obscura through which you can peer at the streets below. Or see the  Museum of Childhood , a quick but fun — and free — detour on the Royal Mile that highlights the evolution of toys over the years. On a rainy day, its one of our favorite things to do with toddlers in Scotland. If the kids are game for a more intensive museum visit, pop into the National Museum of Scotland . The collection is vast and eclectic, but excellent kids’ programs and cool interactive activities help younger ones get the most out of it.

TIP : If you have two or three days to spare between the city and the Highlands, spend them at Gleneagles , located in the countryside about 60 miles northwest of Edinburgh. This magical luxury retreat is bliss for all ages, offering a nearly endless list of family-friendly activities: pony trekking, fishing, biking, falconry, a gundog school, indoor games, a toy-filled playroom, a teen lounge and many more. Parents, meanwhile, will be partial to the spa, the golf course and the first-rate onsite dining.

Ciao Bambino can help you plan an incredible family vacation in Scotland

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Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

A few hours’ drive west of Edinburgh, Inverness — a hub of the Scottish Highlands — makes a convenient base for one of this region’s signature sights:  Loch Ness . Reserve a spot on a  Jacobite Cruises  boat tour to cruise the waters and keep an eye out for the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Although parents may or may not buy into the Nessie lore, kids will get a kick out of searching for her with the radar monitor that combs the depths of the water. And the setting, with views of evocative Urquhart Castle (an optional stop), is a highlight for everyone.

For a totally unique glimpse into life in the Highlands, plus memorable time together as a family, book a lesson at  Scottish Highland Art , deep in the countryside about 30 minutes from Inverness. Artist Ros Rowell welcomes guests to her cozy studio and does a fantastic job instructing families in different painting techniques, making sure they create pieces they’ll be proud to show off at home.

The classic itinerary for a family trip to Scotland includes a visit to the Isle of Skye or another of the Hebrides , and that’s certainly doable from Inverness. But for a more offbeat coastal excursion, drive north to Spey Bay for dolphin watching and strolling along the bay’s pretty beach. The  Scottish Dolphin Centre  has a staff of naturalists who can help you spot the sea creatures, plus a small educational center. On the way there or back, make time for a stop at  Dunrobin Castle . It flies under the radar compared to big-name cousins such as Stirling and Eilean Donan, but its rooms and gardens are well worth touring, and its small museum displays a collection of taxidermy and Celtic stones.

Where to Stay in Scotland with Kids

Luxury-loving families will adore the iconic Balmoral Hotel as well as the Waldorf-Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian . Both of these 5-star properties are located on Princes Street a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile, and both pamper guests in every imaginable regard. We offer our clients wonderful perks when their stay is booked through our agency.

Depending on where you travel to in the Scottish countryside, we can recommend full-service resorts or intimate castle stays or quiet bed and breakfasts. Reach out to our family travel advisors to beginning planning your perfect getaway to Scotland!

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Hi Team. I am new to the UK and we would like to plan a trip to Scotland. My wife and I, along with our son (2.5 years), would love to go on a 3 day trip to Scotland. Please help me with this. Thank you.

Hi Karthik, our Family Vacation Advisors will be happy to help! Someone will reach out in email about next steps.

Another important point is while you are traveling in the Highlands to bring some insect spray as the small insects (midges) can be really irritating and the bit although not dangerous is uncomfortable. And dress in layers!

We are planning to go to Edinburgh on November 28th with 1.5 years baby. We are interesting to go highland, castle and lochness as well. Could you please advise the suitable tour for us?

Hi Aries, thanks for using our site! We can book tours as part of our complete family vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor get in touch via email to explain more about how we work. Enjoy your trip!

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Hello My sister & I are planning a wee road trip in Scotland with our 5 kids boy 10 girl 7 girl 4 boy 4 & baby In August, we’ve done the East coast so keen to do a bit more maybe an Inverness starting point then ending back in in Glencoe and would majorly appreciate a pre-tried itinerary for travelling with kids in Scotland. Time wise 3/4/5 days worth TIA

Hi Kim, sounds like a fun adventure! I’ll pass this along to our Family Travel Advisor team, and the right person will reach out in email to see if our planning service is a good fit. Happy travels!

Hi there ! We are planning a trip to Scotland in May with our 5 year old and 2 year old. Would you point us in the right direction ? Thanks !

Hi Usmaan, we’d be happy to help! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will follow up via email. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi there! Planning a trip to Scotland in June with my family of 7/ 3 children (4yr, two 2yr olds) 4 adults. Looking for advice on best stops for then to run and enjoy the wilderness while still having fun visiting unique places. As well as the best affordable places offering larger room accommodations or catering to families as we’ll be traveling on a budget. Thanks!

Hi April, thanks for reaching out! One of our Family Vacation Advisors will be in touch via email to discuss next steps and how we can help with your plans. While our specialty is upscale to luxury accommodations, we do maintain a select list of more affordable properties. Best of luck with your travels.

Good day, We are staying in Edinburgh, Scotland this Dec. for 1 week with a 2.5 year old. Any tips and advise will be appreciated (what to wear, pram or baby carrier) and advise on kids friendly places to go to in Edinburgh and outside.

Hi Chandre, thanks for reaching out! We’d be glad to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors will get in touch via email and explain more about our trip planning service. Happy travels!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this February and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this.

Hi Nadya! We’d be happy to help as part of our full planning service. Would you like one of our Family Travel Advisors to reach out in email?

We would love to do the same as Nadya with our 2 year old in April. Could somebody help us with an itinerary?

Hi Sophie! Let me relay your request to our Family Travel Advisor team, and one of our planners will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Would like to know about packages for a 3 or 4 day visit to Scotland strating from Edinburgh. Family of 3 with a kid 3 years old.

Hi there! We do offer a Scotland package and you can find out more here: https://ciaobambino.com/family-vacation-package/scotland . Our Family Travel Advisor Team can also arrange a custom trip for you if you decide to go that route. I’ll have a colleague reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 2 year old daughter will be on our Scotland tour from 3rd Nov to 6th Nov ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us. we would like to visit Lochness, Isle of Skyee , is it advisable to visit during November ? if not what are the other options

Hi Krishna, thanks for your request! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi, Me , my wife and our 22 months old son will be on our Scotland tour(11th Aug -14th Aug ’18). Could you suggest a 3 days itinerary for us on an urgent basis. Thanks,

Hi Jeetendra – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best of luck.

Hi, my family and I are going next summer and my daughter will be 4.5. We love golf and are partially coming to play 3-5 courses, but also want fun for the whole family and especially my daughter. Can you help?

Hi Michael, absolutely! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are a total of : Adults : 4 Children : 2 ( both children between 6 – 7 Years of age ) Infants : 2 (Infant 1 – 8 months old & Infant 2 – 1 Year 8 months ) We want to book the Family 1 day tour of – Loch Ness , Glencoe & the Highlands on 20th June 2018 . Pls let me know the following : 1. Are infants allowed on this tour ? 2. Is car seat mandatory for infants on this tour ?

Hi Shagun – Your best bet is to reach out to the tour company directly to check availability. They can advise about age limitations and car seats. Best of luck and thanks for using our site!

We have our 1.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. Could you advise on how we can arrange this

Hi Farah, absolutely, we can help with this. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy travels!

we want to travel on the 18-22nd June with our 2 and half year old. please can you advise re itinerary – would like to go to Loch Ness, isle of Skye if possible. could you please email us over options many thanks

Hi Davina, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors will reach out in email to see how we can help. Happy planning!

Hi , I am planning to come with my family including 3 kids(9,14 and 3 Year old). Not many tour planners offer with less than 5 year old and the ones which have are very expensive. Can you please suggest

Hi Aman, thanks for reaching out! Our specialty is 4- and 5-star itineraries. If you’d like to find a budget travel-focused operator for Scotland, we recommend that you check in with the Scotland Tourist Board and have them direct you, https://www.visitscotland.com/ . Happy planning!

Hey, we are a family of three with a 14 months toddler. We plan to take a day trip from Edinburgh. Do you have anything in store for us?

Hi Rutuja, we’d be happy to help. One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

I am planning a trip to Scotland with my 2 year old daughter and would be staying at Glasgow. Please advice

Hi Tony, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to talk about how our service works and how we can help. Happy planning!

We will be travelling to Scotland in April/May with our 2.5 year old and would love some information on the best things to see/do in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands… as well as the best way to go about it logistically in 10-14 days. Any information would be great! Thank you.

Hi Christie, we’d be glad to help! A Family Vacation Advisor specializing in the UK will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thank you for using our site.

We are attending a wedding in Aberdeen July 24/25 2018 and would like to take our then 1.5 and 4.5 yo kids with us. Could you help us plan logistics and a great vacation?

Hi Jenny, thanks for reaching out. We’d be happy to help – one of our Family Travel Advisors will contact you in email about next steps. Best of luck!

Hi My husband n me are planning to go to scotland at the end of November 2017 with my 2.5 years old daughter.we are staying in Portsmouth now.we don’t want whole day tour…we want three days tour but 3 to 4 hours in a day for the sake of my baby…is it possible ? Please let me know as soon as possible

Hi Soma, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! A Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

I would like more information about traveling with a 1 year old and two adults please 🙂

Hi Monica! Thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email. Best wishes!

hi I am travelling with 5 month old and would like to do a tour of the highlands with my mom and the baby. my mom wants to see Eilean Donan Castle

Hi Joy, are you currently traveling or planning for the future? Let us know, and we’ll have the right Family Travel Advisor reach out in email to help. Thanks!

Hi We are planning for a trip to Edinburg between 26th Oct (reaching night 11:30) till 29th (by around 6:30 PM – tour you may end by dropping us on Edinburgh Waverley station)) and looking for an all-inclusive package (accomodation and travel). We are 2 family, as in 4 adult and 2 kids (of 3 year and 2 year old). Can you please provide a option to cover best places in these 3 days with a cost? We haven’t decided the places to cover and would like your advice over same.  For accommodation, we would need 2 separate twin or double room. Looking forward for your response.

Hello Aniket, thanks for using Ciao Bambino. We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to see how we can help with your plans.

hi, we are travelling with 2 kids.. one is an infant (1yr) and other one 4 yr old. can u let us know if there are any 3day tour in scotland for the same. please contact me on [email protected] regards Sahil..

Hi Sahil – Thanks for reaching out! A Family Travel Advisor will be in touch via email to talk about next steps. Happy travels!

Hello, I am interested to travel Scotland and England from London with my wife and 3 year old Daughter in October, 2017. Please provide details.

Hi Gaurav! Thank you for using Ciao Bambino as a travel resource! We’ll have one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland and England reach out in email. Happy planning!

Hi We are 4 adults travelling to Edinburgh for a 4 day holiday in August. We will have a 9 month old baby with us. We would like to go for a day tour in the Highlands. Any suggestions please? Thanks

Thank you MaryAnne for your using Ciao Bambino as a family travel resource! We have sent you a message about your inquiry. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to visit Edinburgh this year in the end of june. I am travelling with a a 1.5 years old child and looking for a tour company that will allow young toddlers too. Could you suggest someone? thanks Sunny

Hi Sunny – Thanks for reaching out! Our focus is on providing full itineraries for parents traveling with kids rather than standalone tour and activity recommendations. If we can be of help with a more comprehensive trip plan, please let us know!

Hi, We are planning to visit Scotland by end of june for 5d/4n with two kids 16 month n 9 yrs. Can you suggest good bus tour guide who is ready to take kids along as most of the travellers are not allowing kids. Please suggest Thanks Monika

Thank you Monika for your message! We sent you a private message in response. Happy travels!

Hi we will be traveling with our 22 month old daughter to Scotland from July 19-25 and would love some help with going to and getting around the Highlands and Loche Ness!

Thank you Missi for your message! We have sent you a private message. Happy travels!

Hi, I am planning to Visit Scotland this late June. The problem I am facing is that all the bus tours are not ready to take along with my 6 months old Infant daughter. Can you suggest me any bus tour guides who will allow it. We are not weighing private cab tours because of our budget constraints. Please suggest. Thanks Raj

Thank you Raj for your message! For this we would suggest to contact the Tourist Board. Here is their official website. https://www.visitscotland.com/contact-us/

Hi. I’m traveling to Scotland with my husband and 2 year old daughter fro 17-23 June 2017. We intend to base ourselves out of Edinburgh, but I haven’t been able to find any tours that take us to the surrounding areas that allow toddlers – can you please help?

A Family Travel Advisor will connect with you soon. Thanks for your patience!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburg with my family on June 8, 2017 with 2 year old and would like to make a 2 day trip to highland, Glancoe , Lochness, Fort williams etc Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Manali

Hi Manali – We can help with tours as part of our comprehensive vacation planning service. I’ll have a Family Vacation Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out via email and explain more about how we work. Thank you!

Plan to visit the highlands with a 10 month old baby in July – from Cairynryan. Can someone please contact me with suggestions for a base location? Thanks

Hi Louise – We’ll be glad to help! A Family Vacation Consultant specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Enjoy your travels!

Hi, I’m visiting Edinburgh with my family on 20 May 2017 with 1 year old baby and would like to make a day trip to highland, Glancoe and Lochness. Could you please advise on the family support tours? Thanks, Charlie

Hi Charlie, thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We work with several local family-friendly companies who offer tours – I’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to discuss options.

Hi I am planning to travel with my Kid 2 years old in Scotland for a short tour in June.Can you recommend the places to visit and the option of transport please ?

Hi Somnath – thanks for using Ciao Bambino! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Happy travels!

Hi lisa, We would be travelling to scotland for 4 nights in june with our 6 year old daughter can you pleasevhekp us plan our itenary with some stay at farm bookings. Thanks, Ami

Hi Ami, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to talk about next steps. Thanks and happy planning!

Hi Lisa, We are here in Edinburgh right now with our 14 Month Old daughter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We are having a hard time finding ways to take kids this age through tours or even dining for Dinner. We will be here for the next 4 weeks so we have time to look into any suggestions. Thank you.

Hi Felix – Thanks for using Ciao Bambino! Our focus is on full itineraries and accommodations. If you’d like help booking hotels and activities, we can have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email.

Hi Lisa, We would be in London from May 24 to June 2 n plan a Scotland tour of 3 days. We are a couple accompanied by ouy 2.25 yr old son. Thanks

Hi Prashant, one of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi, we are travelling to Scotland with a 5.5 year old boy in June/July for a week, can you please help us plan our trip considering there’s a child with us Thank you

Hi Patel – Absolutely. One of our Family Travel Planners specializing in Scotland will be in touch via email. Happy planning!

Hi, I and my wife were planning to visit Scotland with our 2yrs old daughter. Would love to get some help in arranging our plans for this July. Thanks

Hi Ryan – We’re happy to help! One of our Family Travel Advisors specializing in Scotland will reach out in email. Thanks!

Hi. Can u help me out with recommendations to travel with 5 year old in the month of April -may

Hi Sanam – Absolutely! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out in email to see how we can help. Thanks!

Hi Interested in recommendations for travel with two and half year old in Scotland around july

Hi Angela – We’re happy to help! Our Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland will reach out to you in email. Happy planning!

Hi. We are an Indian family of four, 2 adults and our 2 children aged 16 &8 yrs. We are planning to fly straight to Edinburg fromNew Delhi this June and cover the best of Scotland in 4-5 days. Then we plan to head onwards to Brussels, London, Paris and end our European escapade withSwitzerland. Can one of your local experts help us in planning our trip? Much thanks

Hi Tandons – Thank you for your message. One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in those destinations in Europe will reach out in email to help. Happy Planning! -Amie

Ciao! I will be traveling with two children: 2.5 y/o and 7 y/o. I’d like to be contacted by a Scotland focused family travel advisor please. Thank you!

Hi Jen, Wonderful! One of our Family Vacation Advisors specializing in Scotland will be in touch to help. Happy Planning! Best, Amie

Hi, I am planning to reach Edinburgh on 25th Sep and want to go for some places in Scotland. Could you please suggest some places or tour packages which allows 10 months baby in it. I am coming with my wife and my 10 months baby. My mail id: [email protected]

Hi there, and thanks for using Ciao Bambino! We’ll have a Family Travel Advisor specializing in Scotland reach out in email to help.

Hi! My husband and I and my 16 months would want to take a 3 day tour in Scotland in June. Can you please recommend something for us?

Hi Renalyn – One of our expert Scotland planners will reach out to you in email. Thank you for your interest!

Hi Amie, Can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly Scotland tour? we have our 2.5 yrs baby coming with us to Scotland this October and would love to do loch ness, Glencoe and highland tour. regards, Axaya

Hi Axaya, Indeed, I’ll have our Scotland-focused Family Travel Advisor reach out. Thanks! -Amie

I also plan to do a 3-4 day tour to Scotland with a 20 month old. Please help

Regards Anurag

Hi Anurag, thanks for reaching out to us. When do you plan to travel? Let us know and we can determine how best to help!

Hi we have a 7 month old infant and we are keen to do isle of skyre tour please can you suggest the best way

Hi Sargam, I’ll have one of our Family Vacation Consultants specializing in Scotland reach out. Thanks! -Amie

hi Amie, can i also have your contact for the toddler-friendly scotland tour? we have our 20 months baby coming with us to Scotland this Dec and would love to do loch ness, glencoe and highland tour. thanks

Hi Cendana, Thanks for your message. I’ll have one of our Scotland specialists reach out to help (she will email you). Best, -Amie

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Scotland Family Vacation Packages 2024/2025

If you’re looking for Scotland family vacation packages, we have a wide variety of group family tours and private family getaways. With kid-friendly museums, like the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh (it has treasure hunts around the exhibits!), wild Barra beaches perfect for sandcastles and surfing, and family kayaking excursions on Loch Lomond, there is something to engage everyone. Scotland tours with the family are a great way to experience the country without having to constantly think of new and exciting things to do — the itinerary and logistics are already sorted for you! Opt for a group Scotland family vacation package trip where you can travel with other families, or choose a private tour of Scotland that leaves quality time for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the best Scotland family tours for inspiration.

• Best Time To Visit Scotland

83 family trips in Scotland

• Starts Edinburgh, Scotland
• Ends Glasgow, Scotland

Best of Scotland

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Mountains & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='22540'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Ferry & Coach
• Age Range 5-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,850
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 210
• Total Price from: US$ 1,640
• Apr 21 10+ seats left
• Apr 28 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Edinburgh, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

• Activities Chill out & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Guest House
• Transport Ferry & Train

Highlights of Scotland

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Classes and workshops & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='22775'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle, Boat, Ferry & Bus
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,599
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 520
• Total Price from: US$ 2,079
• May 14 Only 10 seats left
• May 19 Only 2 seats left

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='23441'>+2 more
• Transport Coach & Ferry
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Apr 21 Only 6 seats left

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander

• Activities Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing Walking tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='20936'>+1 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,595
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 460
• Total Price from: US$ 4,135
• May 13 Only 9 seats left
• May 20 Only 6 seats left

Scotlands Highlands Islands and Cities

• Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & War sites 'data-more-tripid='22537'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,875
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 496
• Total Price from: US$ 4,379
• May 06 Only 9 seats left
• May 13 10+ seats left

• Starts Glasgow, Scotland

Majestic Scotland

• Activities Adventure
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,650
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 165
• Total Price from: US$ 1,485
• May 25 10+ seats left
• Jun 22 Only 8 seats left

Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Transport Bus
• Oct 26 10+ seats left
• Oct 30 10+ seats left

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

• Activities Chill out
• Transport Ferry

Essential Scotland

• Trip customizable
• Activities Art and architecture & City sightseeing
• Transport Boat & Coach
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Apr 25 10+ seats left
• May 02 10+ seats left

Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities

• Activities City sightseeing & Local culture
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 497
• Total Price from: US$ 4,378
• May 06 Only 8 seats left
• May 13 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Inverness, Scotland
• Ends Inverness, Scotland

Scotland's Orkney Islands

• Activities Beach & Art and architecture Beach , Art and architecture & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='34494'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hut & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Train & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,095
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 524
• Total Price from: US$ 1,571
• Apr 23 Only 6 seats left
• May 07 Only 9 seats left

• Starts Aberdeen, Scotland
• Ends Aberdeen, Scotland

Scotland's Shetland Islands

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Ferry, Minibus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Bus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,160
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 108
• Total Price from: US$ 2,052
• Jun 09 Only 3 seats left

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Chill out
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Private Vehicle, Train, Bus & Taxi
• Apr 26 Only 2 seats left
• Apr 29 Only 1 seat left

Scotland Family Vacation Reviews

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Luxury Family Vacations Scotland

Design your own personalised private family tour of Scotland and step into an unforgettable experience packed full of adventure, jaw-dropping views, mystical tales, and sumptuous hospitality, all wrapped in Scottish luxury.

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Private Family Tours of Scotland

From dining in culinary excellence to family-friendly hotels to traveling through Scotland in comfort with your own bespoke chauffeur, everything is tailored to you and your family’s needs.

Get started now with Luxury Tours Scotland and make it an exciting family holiday that you will cherish forever.

What to include in your Private Family Tour of Scotland?

Mystical castles, spectacular glens, dazzling midnight Highland skies and an endless array of luxurious hotels nestled in Scottish serenity.

Where do you even begin to plan your private family tour of Scotland?

Good Question:

Why Choose Luxury Scotland Tours For Your Private Tour?

Unrivalled 5-star reputation.

Our 5-star reviews are the resounding voice of our satisfied travellers, attesting to the exceptional service that defines Luxury Scotland Tours. We consistently deliver a flawless experience that goes beyond expectations, leaving a trail of delighted and discerning travellers in our wake.

Local Expertise, Passionate Roots

Our foundation is built on local expertise in both Ireland and Scotland. We are deeply passionate about these lands, and our team members have personally visited and vetted all the hotels and activities we recommend. This first-hand knowledge ensures that our clients experience the authentic heart of Scotland, steeped in local charm and authenticity.

Dedicated Travel Coordinator

At Luxury Scotland Tours, meticulous planning is our hallmark. We provide you with a dedicated Travel Coordinator who handles every facet of your journey. From hotel reservations to dining arrangements and excursion scheduling, your Travel Coordinator is your guardian angel throughout your trip. They are on hand to swiftly address any issues that may arise, ensuring that your journey is nothing short of seamless.

Bespoke Itinerary Planning

We take pride in crafting bespoke itineraries that are tailor-made to encapsulate your family's unique interests and requests. Our expertise in itinerary planning means that your Scottish adventure is designed to be as unique as your family itself. Every detail is considered, ensuring that your vacation is a truly personalised experience.

Unbreakable Supplier Relationships

Our long-standing and unbreakable relationships with local suppliers are the key to unlocking the very best that Scotland has to offer. These strong partnerships mean that our clients gain exclusive access to top-notch hotels and private experiences that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. With Luxury Scotland Tours, you can trust that you'll have access to the crème de la crème of Scotland's offerings.

Our Luxury Family Vacation Booking Process

Our Private Tours Booking Process is a seamless journey that begins with your initial inquiry and culminates in an unforgettable Scottish adventure. Here's an in-depth look at how we turn your dreams into reality:

Step 1: Enquiry and Information Gathering

It all starts when you reach out to us with your desire to explore the beauty of Scotland. Upon receiving your inquiry, a dedicated member of our travel planning team takes the reins. They'll engage with you to gather crucial details, such as your preferred tour dates, the duration of your stay, and, most importantly, your interests and specific desires. This initial conversation sets the stage for crafting a truly personalised experience.

Step 2: Crafting Your Bespoke Itinerary

Armed with a treasure trove of information, our experienced travel advisor sets to work. They employ their local knowledge and expertise to create a bespoke itinerary that aligns perfectly with your requirements. This tailor-made itinerary is a work of art, carefully designed to encompass all the elements that will make your journey unforgettable. It includes visits to handpicked destinations, exclusive experiences, and accommodations that meet the highest standards of luxury. Alongside the itinerary, you'll receive stunning images that provide a visual glimpse into the beauty that awaits you.

Step 3: Collaborative Refinement

At Luxury Scotland Tours, we believe in collaboration. You and your travel planner will work closely to fine-tune every detail of the itinerary. Whether it's adjusting the schedule, adding personalized touches, or addressing any specific requests, this collaborative process ensures that the final itinerary reflects your vision for the perfect Scottish adventure.

Step 4: Confirming Your Journey

Once the itinerary is perfected to your satisfaction, it's time to take the next step. You'll pay the deposit, marking the confirmation of your tour. This is where the magic truly begins. You'll be assigned your very own Travel Coordinator, who will take charge of the logistics that make your trip smooth and hassle-free. Your Travel Coordinator will oversee everything, from booking luxury hotels to securing reservations at the finest dining establishments. With their meticulous attention to detail, you can rest assured that every facet of your tour is flawlessly organised.

Step 5: Embarking on Your Scottish Adventure

As you touch down in Scotland, you'll be greeted by one of our expert driver guides who will accompany you throughout your journey. You'll receive a stunning hard copy of your meticulously planned itinerary, a tangible symbol of the unforgettable adventure that awaits. With your Travel Coordinator's support and your expert driver guide at the helm, your Scottish adventure begins in style and comfort.

At Luxury Scotland Tours, every step of the process is designed to ensure that your experience is nothing less than exceptional. Your journey is not just a tour; it's a personalised masterpiece, a unique exploration of Scotland's beauty and culture that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

Below, are listed some of the most popular destinations and hotels that grab the spotlight.

FAMILY HOTELS

Atholl palace.

Atholl Palace, a historical castle that overlooks beautifully picturesque wooded parkland grounds can be regarded as the quintessence of Scottish Baronial splendor. The palace accentuates a Harry Potter aura that adds a magical tinge for families who have brought children with them. Make sure to reserve a night or two for an unforgettable getaway for you and your family.

Kingsmill Hotel

Nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands is the luxurious Kingsmill Hotel, which offers a fantastic family atmosphere that will make you feel as if you are right back at home. The hotel provides impeccable dining options, sumptuous comfort, and an outstanding whisky bar for parents to wind down after an adventurous day out with the kids.

Cameron House

Enjoy an exquisite stay in the luxurious Cameron House, which sits by the legendary banks of Loch Lomond. Every facet of this luxurious hotel embodies premium hospitality with staff always going the extra mile to create a wonderful family experience, ranging from family activities to children’s menus, and ensuring that everyone feels like they are at home.

Gleneagles Hotel

An iconic country estate nestled beneath the breathtaking Ochill Hills is the iconic Gleneagles Hotel. The Gleneagles is steeped in history and has been a luxury destination for nearly a century. Families, friends, and guests of all types have traveled from afar to enjoy the warm hospitality of this legendary hotel – an absolute must for any private family tour of Scotland.

The Fife Arms

The Fife Arms is a 19th-century landmark that will offer you and your family a truly unique experience through the warmth of its comfort and the depth of its character. Filled with extraordinary art and splendid Scottish decor, this luxury 5-star boutique hotel was adored by Queen Victoria who visited here frequently.

FAMILY TRIPS

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is an excellent opportunity for the little ones to see some wildlife in Scottish tranquility. Get up close to the reindeer and enjoy an adventurous day out in the heart of Scottish woodland.

Hairy Coo Safari

Visit the iconic Hairy Heilan Cows where you and your family will be guided by a friendly and experienced park ranger in the Highlands. This is a perfect family day out where kids can interact with some of the wildlife and parents can enjoy the fresh air from the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Dinosaur Footprints Skye

Pay a visit to the dinosaur footprints on a Skye beach to get an insight into what dinosaurs were roaming the Scottish lands 170 million years ago. This is a popular family outing where kids can run free on the beach and let their imaginations go wild with the scary dinosaur footprints.

Visit a unique farming facility where families can get to the heart of Scottish agriculture and discover the ins and outs of what happens on in a farm. Children of all ages are welcome and there are numerous packaged activities for you to choose from to make it a truly bespoke family tour that caters to your needs.

4×4 Adventures Scotland

Experience an enthralling adventure in a private or corporate 4×4 through Loch Lomond’s stunning landscape. Here you will enjoy a fantastic family experience where you and your loved ones will go off track, roam through the local wilderness and witness the breathtaking views of Loch Lomond from the glorious hilltops.

Go on a fast-paced zip-wire adventure with your family in the picturesque Trossachs National Park for an unforgettable day out. Go Ape Aberfoyle boasts two of the longest zips in the UK, which both offer superspectacular views of the mountain backdrops and moorland – an activity that cannot be overlooked in any private family tour of Scotland.

Visit the Loch Ness Monster (Private Boat Tour)

Hop on a private boat tour, spend the day with your family and search for the infamous Loch Less monster in a remarkable landscape that’s worthy of being on any holiday postcard. The magic of Scottish folklore mixed with dazzling scenery, Scottish tranquility and the mystique of Urquhart Castle that overlooks the bay makes this an excellent activity to add to your private family tour of Scotland.

Scotland Private Tours FAQ's

What's included & excluded in the cost.

• Included: Your luxury tour encompasses VAT & taxes, a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences, an executive vehicle such as the Mercedes V-Class with a professional driver dedicated to following your route as per the itinerary. Additionally, you’ll have the services of private local guides for activities listed in the itinerary, admissions to all scheduled sites, breakfast at all hotels, accommodation according to the itinerary, and expert coordination and support throughout your journey.
• Excluded: Items not included in the cost are international airfare, travel insurance, gratuities, lunch and dinner, beverages, personal expenses, and laundry services.

How Much Does a Private Family Tour Cost?

• The cost of a private family tour varies based on factors such as the number of nights, preferred hotels and rooms, and the time of year you choose to travel. While there’s no fixed price, our packages generally start at £4000-£5000 per person, ensuring that you receive exceptional value for your tailor-made experience.

What Should I Pack?

• Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to be well-prepared. Essentials include hiking boots for outdoor adventures, a waterproof jacket for rain, a rucksack for day trips, and warm attire to stay comfortable in varying conditions.

Can I Choose My Dates?

• Absolutely, we tailor our tours to suit your schedule. You have the flexibility to select the dates that best fit your travel plans. However, please note that we do not offer tours between December and February due to less favorable weather conditions.

Can We Visit Ireland and Scotland on the Same Trip?

• Yes, it’s a practical choice if you’re traveling a long distance to explore both regions. Fortunately, we are experts in Scotland as well, with our sister brand being Private Tours Scotland. This allows us to seamlessly combine the best of both Ireland and Scotland in one unforgettable journey.

Where Should I Visit In Scotland?

• Scotland boasts numerous captivating destinations. Consider exploring St. Andrews, the mysterious Loch Ness, the historic Royal Mile, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque Trossachs National Park, the dramatic Glencoe, the enchanting Isle of Skye, and the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park.

Can I Customise My Private Tour?

• Customisation is our specialty. We offer unlimited revisions until we’ve crafted your perfect itinerary. Your journey is as unique as your preferences, and we’re dedicated to making it precisely as you envision it.

Contact Our Team at Luxury Scotland Tours

Our team are available for calls throughout the week and we love discussing how to make your perfect Scottish honeymoon tour a reality. Just give us a call today to get started:

T: 0044-131 510 9424

E: [email protected]

The Best of Scotland Tour

The ultimate lux tour, the iconic scotland & ireland tour, spirit of scotland tour, scottish romance tour, the 14 day scottish luxury tour, the luxury scotland family tour, malt whisky indulgence tour, the highland whisky experience tour, the water of life tour, the ultimate scottish golf tour, legends of golf tour, st andrews golf tour, iconic east coast golf tour, north coast 500 & isle of skye road trip, photography inspired drive tour, the luxury coast & waters tour, taste of scotland tour.

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Scotland Tours & Vacations

Misty highlands, sparkling lochs and rolling hills – there is a reason Scotland is known for its natural beauty. 

But it’s not all just deserted moors and moss-covered forests (although there are plenty of those too!), Scotland’s rich history and culture are also a big drawcard. From exploring the medieval city of Edinburgh , to the lively fun of a traditional pub where many a wee whisky can be enjoyed, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the hospitality of the local Scots beyond the clichés of kilts and bagpipes. Discovering areas like the enchanting Scottish Highlands , the modern hub of Glasgow and the wilderness of the Isle of Skye, all with the inside knowledge of a local leader is an entirely unique experience.

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Scotland highlights

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Highlights of Scotland

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Articles of Scotland

Uncovering Edinburgh’s unseen stories with Invisible Cities  

The world’s first rewilding centre in Scotland is tuning into nature’s healing instincts 

Visit the site of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland  

England or Scotland? Which country should you visit next?

Scotland or Ireland: which country should you travel to next?

Eat at these 8 Inverness restaurants for a meal you won’t forget

Raise a glass to these top 11 bars in Glasgow

7 must-see castles in the Scottish Highlands

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Learn more about Scotland

Local culture.

Some might know the Scots, as they are fondly referred to, for their tartan kilts, bagpipe playing, whisky or delicious shortbread, but there is a lot more to this British nation than these clichés.  

The people of Scotland are a mixture of Scottish,  British  and several minority immigrant groups. Many of Scotland’s traditions have roots in Celtic heritage. A large portion of the population are Christian, with some Catholics and others who make up the Kirk, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Scottish are famous for their polite and friendly nature, stoic attitude and good sense of humor.

Soccer or football as it is known locally is a very popular sport, with rugby also being widely watched. For literature fans, the Harry Potter book series is deeply connected with the city of Edinburgh, as it was here that author JK Rowling lived when she wrote most of the books. You can visit the cafes where she wrote as well as see many of the places that inspired parts of her stories, including cemeteries and other buildings.

Geography and environment

Scotland is the most northern part of Great Britain and borders England. The low mountains of the highlands make up 60 per cent of Scotland’s land. Scotland’s flora is similar to most of northern Europe with forests, rugged coasts and moors. There are 62 different species of wild mammals in Scotland, common ones include: grouse, wild cats and off the coast there are many seabirds, seals and dolphins.

The climate of Scotland is classified as temperate, which means it has distinct seasonal changes and wider ranges of temperatures throughout the year. In winter, average temperatures are between five and seven degrees Celsius (41 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit) and in summer between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The western highlands experience a lot of rain throughout the year, but other areas of Scotland receive much less rain.

If you’re looking to buy authentic Scottish wares, there are options aplenty in the capital city of Edinburgh and other large cities like Glasgow.

If you are after something special, some Edinburgh Crystal, which is owned by Waterford Wedgewood makes an excellent luxury souvenir. Deck yourself out with a set of new drinking glasses, bowls or for something really different – a crystal bell.

If you’re after a gift or souvenir that is a little more edible, you can’t go past a bottle of authentic Scottish whisky. Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a popular choice and whether you’re a connoisseur or a total whisky novice, the local proprietors will love talking you through the different tipples – they are a passionate lot.

If you have family heritage in Scotland, it can be a fun exercise to hunt down your clan tartan. But even if you don’t have one, a woollen scarf, hat or if you’re feeling brave, a kilt, is a distinctly Scottish piece of attire to add to your wardrobe.

Festivals and events

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is on during August each year and is a massive global arts and cultural event. It takes places in over 300 venues around Edinburgh and includes a range of performances and experiences across theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Hogmanay Street Party

Hogmanay is a traditional Scottish celebration that takes place over New Year’s. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is a three-day festival that runs at various locations across the city. With multiple stages with entertainment set up, a torchlight procession and plenty of opportunities for a ‘wee dram’, tickets for this festival are highly sought after and can sell out months in advance.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are held in spring and summer and are one of Scotland’s most iconic events. There are many traditional athletic events like tug-of-war and caber toss, where competitors dress in traditional kilts and spectators enjoy all the social and cultural festivities that come with it, including traditional food, drinks and music.

The Glasgow Whisky Festival

If you’re heading to Glasgow as well as Edinburgh (and you should!) the Whisky Festival is a great time to go. A showcase of Scottish and specifically Glaswegian distillers is the focus, but there is also a celebration of international whisky too, with attendees from all over the world. It is Scotland’s national drink after all…

Scottish food

The Scottish food scene is garnering international attention thanks to Scotland's elite chefs like Gordon Ramsay (Scottish born, even if he did spend his schoolyears in England), Nick Nairn and Andrew Fairlie. These culinary wizards are taking the country's incredible natural produce – beef, venison and seafood – and bringing us a whole new era of more refined Scottish cuisine. However, if you’re looking for some traditional Scottish fare, here are some dishes you must try.

It might not sound very appealing but if you’re a meat eater, you might surprise yourself by enjoying haggis too. Haggis is made of sheep or calf offal, mixed with oatmeal and seasoning before being boiled in a bag (although traditionally it was boiled in the lining of an animal’s stomach). The overall effect is not dissimilar to a sausage with a grainier texture and is often served alongside a traditional roast dinner.

Scottish porridge

A traditional breakfast food, Scottish porridge differs slightly from the standard oatmeal you might be used to eating at home. It has been a population dish for centuries and traditionally should be eaten out of a wooden bowl, with everyone dipping their oats into a communal bowl of cream (for some reason you should also eat it standing up). The preparation is also quite unique – traditionally it should be stirred with a wooden rod called a spirtle and only ever stirred clockwise with your right hand, unless you want to incur the wrath of the devil. While you might put sugar on your porridge at home, in Scotland it’s served with a generous pinch of salt!

A traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple biscuit cake with only three ingredients. Butter, sugar and flour. Cover it in sugar and cut the cake into wedges while it’s still hot and it will cool into delicious, crumbly triangle-shaped biscuits. It’s all in the texture…

Scotch pies

A scotch pie is a meat pie, traditionally filled with mutton or other mincemeat. It is double crusted, single portion pie that is often enjoyed at soccer (football) games, which has earned it the nickname of ‘football pie’. The lid of the pie is slightly sunken from the crust, to allow space for condiments to be put on top.

Further reading

• Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns

Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Stevenson

The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle by Hugh McDiarmid

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Dame Muriel Spark

Not While the Giro by James Kelman

Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin

Scotland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Visa regulations are always subject to change, which is especially likely after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), so it's essential to check before leaving home.

Citizens of EU countries, Australia, Canada and the United States have visa-free access to Scotland.

Is tipping customary in Scotland?

Tipping is customary in some situations in Scotland.

Restaurant bills usually include an option to add a gratuity. If this option isn’t present, it’s still common to tip about 10 per cent of the bill.

Tipping about 10 per cent is also standard in taxis. 

What is the internet access like in Scotland?

You will have reliable internet access while in Scotland’s major cities and towns. 

Can I use my cell phone while in Scotland?

You will have cell coverage across most of Scotland, except for some rural and remote areas.

R emember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your cell phone while traveling. 

What are the toilets like in Scotland?

Scotland has Western-style toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

• Cup of coffee = £2.5
• Pint of beer = £4
• Glass of wine = £4 - £5
• Pub lunch = £12 
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant = £30

Can I drink the water in Scotland?

Drinking tap water is safe in Scotland unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, we recommend avoiding buying bottled water and bring a refillable bottle or canteen with you. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Scotland?

You will be able to use your credit card readily in Scotland, however it never hurts to carry a small amount of cash on you to make things simpler if you are splitting bills or just want a quick cup of coffee.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are referred to as cashpoints in Scotland and are commonly found.

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro at most Scottish ATMs but you will also find international bank ATMs in major cities like Edinburgh and Scotland.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Scotland?

Please note, Scotland's public holidays may vary from year to year.

Is Scotland a safe destination for LGBTQI+ travelers?

Scotland is an open country and legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular have small but flourishing gay communities. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex   or  Smartraveller  before you travel.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

The best things to do in Scotland with kids

Jun 13, 2023 • 8 min read

With inspiration for the perfect family trip, here are the best things to do with kids in Scotland © Paul McGee / Getty Images

Scotland is a stronghold of child-friendly favorites, and you’re here for superlative, soul-stirring experiences that ambush parents as much as itchy-footed kids.

Take the road north from Edinburgh — leaving behind three fantasy brick-block castles and passing through a storied countryside home to tales of giant water spirits and a humped, ancient loch monster— and, between the fairy glens and newfangled Harry Potter tradition, you’ll find yourself transported into a moody landscape ripe for a travel-bragging family adventure.

This is a country brimming with family-first cultural and wildlife encounters and a wealth of hill, loch and river adventures for bigger kids. Plus, it tastes as good as it looks — sugar-sweet fudge, tablet, shortbread, Tunnock’s teacakes and fizzy Irn Bru will fuel even the stubbornest, tantrum-throwing toddler. 

Indeed, a trip to Scotland is the connoisseur’s alternative to an all-inclusive resort or theme park holiday — less a Disneyworld, more a Caledonian magic kingdom — and, at the end of it all, the reward isn’t so much the place, but the open-armed hospitality and absurdly friendly people.

Is Scotland good for kids?

In one word: yes. Traveling with children is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy (as locals say) and the combination of plenty of public amenities, wallet-friendly family tickets at attractions and short distances to travel (compared to many other kid-friendly destinations, at least) is an irresistible proposition. Then there’s Scotland’s trump card: the great outdoors. It’s a brazen, open-air playground and escapist joy, with trees for climbing, beaches for castle building and rivers, waterfalls and lochs to splash and dip toes in.

Comfort is also king. Breastfeeding in public is widely accepted and encouraged by government campaigns, while restaurants regularly have high chairs, dedicated children’s menus and kids-eat-free deals. Equally critical to know is licensing laws mean pubs have to have a special Children's License for children to be able to eat there. Check with the bar staff to be sure.

For those with little ones, a stroller or buggy is also perfect for roaming all towns and cities, even if Edinburgh’s medieval cobblestone parades take no prisoners; at times, you feel as if you’re mere moments away from a puncture. Also a non-negotiable for outdoorsy families is a baby carrier or backpack. 

Perhaps the biggest factor to consider before visiting is the weather. Notoriously fickle, heavy rain and midge clouds can blot even the most glorious summer day, while a simple forest walk, picnic, or bike ride can be ruined by a carousel of conditions. A sturdy pair of shoes or waterproof jacket is no match for the lashing rain and high velocity gusts that often play peekaboo from Perth to Paisley to Portree . 

Where is best in Scotland for kids?

From the galleries of Glasgow to the bike trails of the Borders to the fabulous beaches of Fife , it’s obvious why so many families carry grins as wide as the Clyde. 

You’re in Scotland for the history, so start in Edinburgh with its rock-topped castle and wizard-worthy Royal Mile; equally, Stirling is a more manageable version for those with short legs. Leave for Aviemore in the Cairngorms , a mountain amusement park with plenty of adventures, then Loch Ness , where the prospect of realizing the childhood fantasy of monster hunting is only a short boat trip away. To the west, Glencoe and Glenfinnan deliver Harry Potter movie magic. And the beaches ? You’re spoilt for choice in Argyll and the Northwest Highlands, particularly on Barra, Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides .

Best things to do in Scotland with babies and toddlers

Cruise the kelpies by canal boat .

The Kelpies , two gigantic, 30m-high (98ft) equine sculptures at the eastern gateway of the Forth and Clyde canal, deliver more than a wow factor for wee kids. Rather, they have come to embody a new-found spirit around Falkirk in Scotland’s Central Belt. 

Start close by examining the almost dragon scale-plates, then head to the nearby monster-sized playground at Helix Park. Better still is to cruise from the Falkirk Wheel — the only rotating boat lift in the world — to eyeball them, pirate-style, from the water. For the uninitiated, Scottish myth holds that kelpies are water spirit demons with humongous horse heads — maybe, best not tell any younger kids that.

See a show at the world-beating Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Over the past few years, the world’s largest arts festival has had to evolve, with venues changing to become more accessible and the program for children more inclusive than ever. From master magicians and puppet dragons to balloon-bending acrobats and a soap bubble circus, this month-long cultural extravaganza every August has something for every age group, every taste, every mood, every huff. 

For first-time parents, there’s no shame in being intimidated. Count around 3500 shows across 300 city-wide venues and it can be hard to know where to start. Ask around: locals rely on newspaper and digital reviews as well as word of mouth to find out what not to miss. Lastly, book ahead. It means you’ll miss the freedom of spontaneity, but this is particularly advised when traveling with younger children — especially as the most popular shows tend to sell out long in advance. 

Best things to do in Scotland with kids

Follow the whale trail in the hebrides .

The Isle of Mull , with its cliffs tumbling down to pogoing seas, has many of the magic properties of the west coast islands. But it is also an entry point for the Hebridean Whale Trail, a self-guided route that encourages accessible, low-impact wildlife-spotting from land. Silhouettes creep from the depths. Shadows swirl below the surface. Rolls of dark skin emerge from the water.

In total, 33 sites have been tagged for their extraordinary marine diversity and these are scattered from Mull right along the west coast, around Ardnamurchan and all the way to the tip of Lewis. For kids and adults who have never seen bottlenose or common dolphin, harbor porpoise, basking shark, or humpback, minke, fin, beaked, pilot, or killer whale, the prospect is a pure, undiluted thrill.

Feel the magic of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley is based on Victoria Street in Edinburgh. George Heriot’s School is the precursor to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Several wizards, witches and mad-eyed loons are named after those laid to rest in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard . 

J.K. Rowling was inspired by the city’s magician’s hat spires, Gothic steepled schools and squiggly lanes and, just as Edinburgh is the city of Harry Potter, Scotland is a Potter fan’s dream. For the ultimate kid-friendly trip, follow The Road to the Isles towards Mallaig, stopping in Glencoe, Glen Nevis and then Glenfinnan. All were production locations for the big-screen wizarding saga and few can resist stopping to see where Harry Potter and pals rode the Hogwarts Express over the Glenfinnan Viaduct railway bridge. 

For further literary inspiration, check out Dumfries . It’s home to the National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling , and where Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie found inspiration for Neverland.

Best things to do in Scotland with tweens and teenagers

Go wild in the cairngorms.

The itinerary looks like this: canoeing on Loch Morlich in the morning, off-trail biking through stag-filled Rothiemurchus Forest shortly after lunch, then finishing with a trip up Cairngorm Mountain on Britain’s only summit funicular. The problem with Aviemore, the basecamp for adventures in Scotland’s largest national park , isn’t the lack of things to do. It’s having time to catch your breath.

Timing in the Cairngorms is everything, of course. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the buzzwords, while summer is for watersports galore and autumn brings out the rutting stags — an off-road Highland safari to see osprey, black grouse and red deer has a bit more grit for the older kids. 

A word of warning: Aviemore can get mobbed in summer, so book your activities in advance. For a quieter, if more expensive alternative, consider Braemar on the eastern side of the national park in Aberdeenshire .

Bike the 7Stanes

There’s no better way to pull teenagers away from their smartphones — and, possibly, out of their comfort zones — than to take them downhill biking in southern Scotland. Both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are wellsprings of gnarly biking trails and home to the 7Stanes , a matrix of dedicated centers including competitive hot spots Glentress, Innerleithen, Glentrool, Newcastleton and Kirroughtree. 

While many of them are all about the teen- and adult-appropriate downhill roller coasters, wooded chicanes and face-slapping descents, there are plenty of easier routes for novices and kids keen to push their skills beyond the pump track.

Planning tips

As easy as it is to travel with children around Scotland, a few in-the-know insider tips will certainly help you — and your budget — go the extra mile.

Traveling at the weekend? ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid promotion means tickets only cost £1 return each for up to four children for every paying adult at the weekend. Added to that, kids under five always travel free.

Many museums and galleries are also free of charge for all ages. Three standouts are the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and V&A Dundee on the city’s river esplanade. Otherwise, plenty of attractions, activities and transport options offer discounts and savings for families.

With so many islands to explore , island-hopping by ferry is an affordable and thrilling way to see everywhere from Islay all the way to Shetland in the far northeast. A more digestible journey to Gigha, Cumbrae or Arran — from 20 minutes to less than 1 hour — is a great way to introduce toddlers to sea travel, but bear in mind Atlantic swells can make journeys uncomfortable and sailings do get cancelled. Check the forecast before travel. 

This article was first published May 2021 and updated June 2023

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Private Family Tours Of Scotland

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Visit the historic castles. Witness breathtaking views. Explore the most romantic and historic locations of this enchanting country. And create memories that will last a lifetime on a magical private family tour of Scotland.

Get your tailor-made itinerary now for an immersive and personalized experience for you and your loved ones.

Design Your Bespoke Itinerary Now

Wind down in luxurious accommodation.

Each accommodation on your private Scotland tour is handpicked to provide you with the utmost comfort and luxury. From Highland hotels exuding warm hospitality to historic castles steeped in grandeur, every place you stay is a reflection of Scotland’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in the enchanting surroundings and unwind in opulent settings, ensuring that each moment is infused with relaxation and tranquility.

Experience Scottish Culinary Excellence

Your private tour of Scotland offers an exceptional dining experience where gastronomic excellence takes centre stage. Immerse yourself in the flavours of Scotland as you dine at the country’s most prestigious and renowned restaurants.

From Michelin-starred establishments to luxurious hotel restaurants to warm cosy pubs, each culinary experience is a symphony of exquisite flavours that will showcase the richness of Scottish cuisine.

Have Your Very Own Chauffeur Driver

From the moment you arrive in Scotland, you will be greeted by your very own chauffeur driver who will convey you to every location on your trip. Not only are our fleet of chauffeurs exceptional drivers but they each possess knowledge of Scotland’s most captivating landmarks, hidden gems, and fascinating historical sites.

With a deep understanding of Scotland’s rich heritage, our chauffeurs serve as knowledgeable guides, sharing their insights and anecdotes along the way.

Take Part in Fantastic Family Excursions to Create Unforgettable Memories

Our primary aim is to deliver a Scotland private tour filled with extraordinary moments that will be etched in your memory for years to come. We have meticulously crafted an itinerary that is brimming with unique and unforgettable experiences. From awe-inspiring sights to heartwarming interactions, every aspect of this trip is designed to create cherished memories for your family.

Luxury Accommodation at a Glance

Atholl palace.

Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the Scottish Highlands is the legendary Atholl Palace. Step inside this famous establishment and you will be struck by its luxurious character, Scottish charm and historical substance.

Indulge in opulent accommodation adorned with elegant furnishings, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of lush landscapes and immerse yourself in world-class amenities from a rejuvenating spa to exquisite dining options.

Here you can explore the surrounding enchantment of Highland Perthshire, with its majestic mountains, serene lochs, and captivating castles.

Kingsmills Hotel

Cameron house.

One of the most unrivalled luxury establishments in the United Kingdom is the Cameron House. Sitting on the enchanting shores of Loch Lomond, Cameron House is a haven of elegance and refinement where the rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with luxurious furnishings, plush bedding, and modern amenities.

The resort boasts a wealth of leisure and wellness facilities to enhance your stay. Here you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in relaxation at the luxurious spa, where skilled therapists offer a range of treatments and therapies to rejuvenate your body and mind.

It’s the perfect place for you and your loved one to unwind in the sauna and steam rooms while the little ones enjoy their play in the indoor swimming pool. From start to finish, the Cameron House promises a family-oriented atmosphere where everyone will feel right at home.

Gleneagles Hotel

Staying at Gleneagles on a family luxury tour is an experience that embraces a perfect blend of opulence, adventure, and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, the warm Scottish hospitality envelops you and your family, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Accommodation at Gleneagles is designed with families in mind, offering spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Each is carefully curated to provide comfort and privacy, allowing you to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration.

With its natural surroundings and wide spacious greenery, you and your family can take leisurely strolls along the scenic trails, immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature.

The Fife Arms

The accommodation at the Fife Arms is a testament to refined luxury, with beautifully-designed rooms and suites that offer a haven of comfort and relaxation for the entire family. Not many other luxury establishments in the United Kingdom can match the charm, beauty, and historical substance of this 5-Star Boutique Hotel.

The hotel’s dedication to art and culture is evident throughout, as you explore the extensive art collection and discover the stories behind each masterpiece. Children are warmly welcomed at The Fife Arms, with dedicated activities and amenities designed to keep them entertained and engaged.

What’s more is that the warm and friendly staff will go to the nth degree to ensure a seamless and memorable stay for your entire family.

Family Trips

Hairy coo safari.

Nestled deep in the stunning Aviemore region, the Hairy Coo (cow) Safari offers a thrilling journey that will captivate both children and adults alike. Set amidst the idyllic Scottish Highlands, the Hairy Coo Safari offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic Highland Cattle, affectionately known as “hairy coos.”

You will be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will share captivating stories and interesting facts about these gentle giants, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Scotland’s rich natural heritage.

It’s the perfect family outing that combines the fresh outdoors, spectacular scenery and Scottish wildlife, creating an immersive experience that fosters a deep connection with nature and a sense of awe and wonderment.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd allows the little ones to witness the splendour of Scottish wildlife amidst the pristine outdoors. This extraordinary experience offers a close encounter with the majestic reindeer in their natural habitat, allowing children to marvel at these magnificent creatures while immersing themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

This outing is a family favourite on our bespoke tours because it combines the joy of discovery with the freshness of the great outdoors, creating unforgettable memories.

A visit to Byres Farm invites you and your family to immerse yourselves in the idyllic countryside and experience the authentic Scottish farming lifestyle. The farm provides a unique opportunity to engage with the daily workings of a traditional Scottish farm, providing you with an enlightening experience that captivates both the young and old.

Children will be delighted as they interact with friendly farm animals, learning about their care and feeding. From cuddling adorable lambs and playful piglets to collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop, every moment will be filled with joy and wonder.

Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness

Go Ape promises a thrilling adventure among the high tree tops that are surrounded by the lush Scottish countryside. As you arrive at Go Ape Aberfoyle, you’ll be greeted by a team of friendly and experienced instructors who will ensure your family’s safety and enjoyment throughout the experience.

Children will have the opportunity to navigate through a series of thrilling obstacles, including rope bridges, zip lines, and Tarzan swings, where they will soar through the air and conquer tree-top challenges.

4x4 Adventures Scotland

Experience an enthralling adventure in a private or corporate 4×4 through Loch Lomond’s stunning landscape. Here you will climb aboard a luxury 4×4 vehicle and prepare for an unforgettable adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping off-road exploration with the comfort and elegance befitting a luxury tour.

This is a family activity that’s suitable for children of all ages, where each will be captivated as they experience the thrill of traversing challenging terrains, conquering rugged hills, and navigating through picturesque valleys.

You will also have the opportunity to learn about the rich Scottish history and the unique geology of the Scottish landscapes as your expert guides provide fascinating insights along the way.

Are there family rooms at most hotels in Scotland?

While many hotels offer family rooms accommodating three or four people, availability can be limited. To secure your ideal package, it is advisable to book well in advance, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for your family.

How far in advance should I book my family tour?

To accommodate the specific room requirements of families, we highly recommend booking at least six months in advance. This will ensure ample time to secure the ideal room arrangements, guaranteeing a seamless and tailored experience for your family's stay.

Are there lots of family activities in Scotland?

Yes. From immersive farm tours to exhilarating adventure parks, a plethora of options await you and your family.

Whether you seek educational experiences or thrilling adventures, there are abundant choices to cater to every member's interests and create lasting memories.

What’s the minimum age for children on a trip?

Our tour packages don't have a minimum age - we cater to all ages from newborns to teenagers. With our custom trips, every aspect can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of your entire family, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Can I customise my tour?

Yes, we offer as many redrafts as necessary in all of our private tours of Scotland. Our dedicated travel planners are passionate experts who thrive on curating bespoke journeys through Scotland. You can choose to visit whatever destination that takes your fancy. Some of our most popular locations include:

• Private guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
• Walking tour of the Royal Mile
• Trossachs National Park
• Stirling Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Loch Lomond
• Fort William
• The Scottish Highlands

Whether you prefer to have a full-day private tour or a half-day tour of your chosen locations, our tour operators will design a bespoke itinerary that exceeds your expectations and immerses you in the true essence of Caledonia.

Do you book flights?

While we don't directly book flights, we are more than happy to assist you in making informed decisions. We can provide suggestions using Skyscanner to help you find flights that align with your desired start date.

To ensure seamless coordination with your tour's arrival and departure dates, we strongly encourage clients to book their flights before placing their deposit. This ensures that your flights perfectly coincide with the itinerary, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

When is the weather best to visit Scotland?

Spring, summer or autumn are the three best seasons to visit Scotland. Opting for spring or autumn allows you to avoid the peak season crowds, providing a more tranquil and serene experience while still enjoying the beauty and charm of the destination.

Can I choose my dates?

Yes. We pride ourselves on creating private Scotland tours tailored to your preferred dates. Please keep in mind that we do not operate luxury private tours from December to February.

What should I pack?

It is advised to bring waterproofs, rucksacks and sensible hiking boots.

Do I get the same chauffeur driver for the whole trip?

Yes, you will be assigned the same chauffeur driver for the entire trip. Our drivers are not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about their country. It's important to note that while they are not qualified tour guides, they possess a wealth of information to enhance your journey.

However, if you prefer a dedicated private tour guide to accompany you throughout the trip, we can certainly arrange that on request.

Ultimate 10 Day Luxury Scottish Tour

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• Easy and moderate hikes
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• 1-2 hours walking / day

My house in the Scottish Highlands (special family tour)

8 days from £929 / person.

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• Moderate walking holiday and sightseeing
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Discover the Spirit of Scotland: Authentic Small-Group Tours

Embrace the thrill with scotland adventure tours.

Scotland’s wild heart beats strong in its towering fortresses, untamed landscapes, and the echoes of Gaelic spoken by ancient settlers. Our Scotland adventure tours delve into this storied past, offering you a chance to walk in the footsteps of clans and kings. Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where every glen and loch tells a story. Discover more about our curated expeditions, or perhaps, weave your own narrative by combining your journey with our enriching Tours of Ireland to experience the best of both Celtic destinations. 

Authentic Experiences with Our Guided Tours of Scotland

With Wild N Happy, small-group travel in Scotland transcends the ordinary. Our expertly led excursions not only cover the grandeur of renowned Scottish icons but also usher you into the hidden nooks that escape the typical tourist routes. Whether it’s uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney Isles or tracing the rugged trails of the West Highland Way, we’re here to guide your adventure. If the allure of Scotland calls to you as a siren song to visit the land of your ancestors, let us craft a vacation in Scotland that’s as unique as your own clan tartan. We encourage you to reach out if you’d like to find out if our Scotland tours go to specific spots that help you reconnect with your Scottish heritage. 

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Scotland Vacation FAQs

Do i need a passport or a visa to travel to scotland.

UK and EU citizens are required to have a valid passport or a national identity card to enter Scotland. Citizens of all other countries must have a valid passport.

Citizens of the EEA member states as well as other countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA are not required to apply for a visa to travel to Scotland.

Prior to travelling to Scotland, citizens of all other countries should contact their local Scottish Embassy or visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website for more information.

What currency is accepted in Scotland?

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, so its official currency is the British Pound.

Is tipping customary in Scotland?

Tips are not included in our tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. A guided price to tipping in Scotland is generally between 10-15% of cost value. In taxies, it’s usually nice to round up to the nearest five, but it’s not expected.

What is internet access like in Scotland? 

Internet access is quite good in Scotland.  Most B&Bs, hotels, cafés, pubs, and tourist attractions across the country offer Wi-Fi access to their customers or visitors. As you venture into the highlands and islands, you will struggle to access reliable mobile internet signal.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Scotland?

Mobile phone coverage is good in most parts of Scotland. However, ensure your global roaming is fully activated before travelling to Scotland, so you can enjoy the benefits of your phone plan away from home. 

What are toilets like in Scotland?

Toilets in Scotland are modern and flushable. In addition to the public restrooms you can find in most towns and villages, some are also available in service stations and pubs.

Is smoking legal in Scotland? 

In 2006, Scotland banned smoking in public buildings. While smoking is prohibited in work and public places, it is however permitted in the street and in private accommodation.

Can I drink the water in Scotland?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in most parts of Scotland — especially in large cities and towns like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Sterling. However, it is recommended not to drink from the bathroom sink.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Scotland?

In Scotland, most stores will accept credit and debit cards, and it’s illegal in the UK to charge you to use them. Some small stores won’t have card machines, though, so it’s good to have some spare cash — just in case.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are common in Scotland, they can generally be found outside banks, in grocery stores and in transit centers.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Scotland?

Our tours do not include travel insurance but we highly recommend travel insurance for all Wild N Happy tours. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before travelling. We accept no responsibility for the theft, loss or damage to personal belongings or liability for personal injury/death at any time during the duration of your tour. 

What public holidays are celebrated in Scotland?

• 1–2 January / New Year’s Day
• 15 April / Good Friday 
• 18 April / Easter Monday
• 3 June / Platinum Jubilee bank holiday
• 1 August / Summer Bank Holiday
• 30 November / St Andrew’s Day
• 25 December / Christmas Day
• 26 December / Boxing Day

What is the weather like in Scotland? 

If you don’t like the weather in Scotland, just wait a minute and it’s likely to change. Expect to have four seasons in one day and pack accordingly.

Travel Guides of Ireland and Scotland

Killarney: All You Need To Know About Muckross Abbey

Kerry: The Best Day Trips You Need To Do

Ireland: What You Need To Know About The Most Exciting Views

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Welcome to Scotland for Families!

A website made for parents that want to explore Scotland, by parents that have.

We’ve put together the best guides, itineraries, tips, and advice to help you plan your Scotland family trip, and take a little of the stress out of your journey.

Whether you’re looking for a short weekend away with your little ones, or the trip of a lifetime with the whole family, Scotland for Families can help you. 

We have tried and tested advice on:

Planning your trip

Destinations to visit

Plus plenty of Scotland inspiration across the site!

We want to make it easy

Plan your trip.

Between deciding when to visit, how to get here, or even what to bring, there’s a lot to consider.

Let us help you put plans into place to ensure you and your family have the perfect trip.

Choose Destinations

Scotland is a fantastic place to explore, but where should you start and what will you see along the way?

Explore Scotland with us and discover your perfect itinerary.

Book Accommodation

We all want that home away from home feeling when we travel with a family!

Get ideas about where to stay, what to look for, and useful tips on how to make it the perfect stay.

Join our Facebook Community for more advice, inspiration, and stories

We’re Phil and Sonja! We met in Scotland and fell head over heels in love with each other and this amazing country. So we got married here and made it our home!

Two became three, and our little family has continued to explore Scotland together.

Travelling with a family is a totally different experience. So we created Scotland for Families with all the guides, tips and advice that we would have loved to have had before we started exploring Scotland as a family!

We hope you find your perfect trip and fall in love with travelling Scotland as a family too!

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Scottish Dream

Starting from $2,595

• The Experience
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Hit Scotland’s highlights – and its Highlands 

Trip details.

Tour start Glasgow

Tour end Edinburgh

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01 Apr 2024 - 21 Apr 2024

01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024

Loch Lomond Cruise

Enjoy the exquisite eye candy on the largest lake in Scotland.

Inveraray Castle

Live out your Downton Abbey dreams when you visit this turreted fairy-tale castle that was featured in the show.

Explore the legendary Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course at the birthplace of golf.

Scottish Sheepdog Demonstration

Watch highly experienced sheepdogs mind their flocks at a charming Scottish farm.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 27th to August 18th departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

Isle of Skye

Enjoy the dramatic mountainous landscapes of the largest Inner Hebrides island.

Blair Athol Distillery

Sip a wee dram or two of Scotch whisky after you discover the secrets to crafting it.

Blair Castle

This ancient castle has been the home of nineteen generations of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The 30 rooms are rich in period detail, with ornate plasterwork, luxurious tapestries, and beautifully carved furniture.

Culloden Battlefield

Explore the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.

Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.

Day 1 Glasgow Tour & Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Day 2 loch lomond cruise & inveraray castle, day 3 isle of skye & loch ness, day 4 culloden battlefield & sheepdog trials, day 5 blair castle, whisky tasting & pitlochry, day 6 glamis castle, st andrews & scottish evening*, day 7 edinburgh panoramic tour & edinburgh castle, day 8 tour ends in edinburgh, where you’ll stay.

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow...

Ballachulish Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel...

Muthu Newton Hotel Nairn, Scotland

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled...

Atholl Palace Hotel Pitlochry, Scotland

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a...

Norton House Hotel & Spa near Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

• Full daily breakfast and many meals*
• An evening of Scottish entertainment
• Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
• Welcome drinks with your group
• Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
• All entrance fees to attractions
• Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

• A travel backpack
• Travel adapter
• Rain poncho
• Luggage strap and tags
• Documents wallet

From our travelers

We loved everything about this tour. Our guide Ian was wonderful. The hotels, meals and places we went to in Scotland were fabulous. I enjoyed traveling through the countryside and seeing many of the places I had always wanted to visit. Ian was able to supply a great deal of interesting information about what we were seeing, and the whole trip exceeded my expectations.

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Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow, known as Scotland's "dear green place".  The city is known for its fabulous art scene, industrial history, and incredible music. The property has a fitness facility, a beautiful restaurant space and bar, with delicious dining options and perfectly executed cocktails. 

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

• 24-hour Front Desk
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• Air Conditioned
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Glasgow Hotel Accomodations

Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel really is a Highland home away from home. All the rooms reflect the region’s Highland heritage, with many offering stunning views of the loch and the breathtaking mountain scenery all around. The hotel serves as a base from which guests can explore the Glencoe and Fort William areas or discover many of the local activities and attractions, from golf to the great outdoors. Enjoy complimentary use of the nearby health club, with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bio-sauna and exercise room.

• Wifi in Public Areas (Complimentary)
• 24-hour Room Service
• In-Room Wifi (Complimentary)
• Room Service

Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled peace and tranquility. Just 10 miles from Inverness airport and less than a mile from Nairn train station. Once frequented by Charlie Chaplin it stands overlooking the Moray Firth and beyond to the Black Isle. The Hotel has 63 rooms with a lush view, the Highland Conference Centre and a wedding venue. The sea-side town of Nairn is one of the prime locations and one of the sunniest spots in Scotland. 

Muthu Newton Hotel

• Cable/Satellite Television
• Coffee & Tea-making Facilities in Room
• Iron/Ironing Board

Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a traditional large country house, with relaxing public areas. The historic nature of the hotel means that every bedroom is unique, with quirky original features, outstanding views and furnishings of the highest standards. The Verandah Restaurant is famed for its stunning views and its quality cuisine, using the very best of local produce. The Stag's Head bar offers a wide range of malt whiskies. The hotel is located in spacious gardens and is within a 15-minute walk of the town of Pitlochry.

Atholl Palace Hotel

• Disabled Facilities
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Norton House Hotel & Spa, near Edinburgh

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-winning restaurant and boutique rooms with free internet. Edinburgh is a 20-minute drive, and Edinburgh Airport is 3 miles away. Guests can relax in the sauna, steam room or hydrotherapy pool in the luxurious spa. The health club also has a swimming pool with feature fountains, a fully equipped gym and treatment rooms.

Norton House Hotel

See what people are saying about this trip

Darbra k herrick, cie's scottish dream tour truly was a dream highly recommended.

What a way to experience beautiful Scotland! We had a great variety of top-notch hotel accommodations, delicious food/meals (yes, even the haggis! ), and we knew our safety was priority one with our coach driver, Mike. Our tour guide, Fiona was a wealth of knowledge, very patient, and so much fun! We saw such awesome sights, got to rub shoulders with many other marvelous people. My favorite part was meeting Anita, the highland 'coo', and her sheep dog friends!! (In addition to all those beautiful castles we toured!) Thank you, CIE Tours! We can hardly wait to do this again!!

CIE Tours Customer

I enjoyed the history and feel of each place

The views, hotels and tour guide/driver were all great.

CIE Tours are a great way to visit Scotlan..

Our tour guide really made this a memorable experience. He was very knowledgeable and through his stories, taught us about this beautiful country, the people, and its history. The accommodations were very nice on this tour.

This tour was very educational and we experienced a lot of amazing areas.

First time to Scotland. We had a great time. Looking forward to future trips.

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England and Scotland Family Tours & Vacation Packages

Let TourRadar take the hassle out of finding a trip for the whole family. With 195 tours of England And Scotland lasting from 2 days up to 23 days, you're sure to find a great family-friendly adventure. Looking beyond England And Scotland? See all family holidays .

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195 england and scotland family trips with 4,587 reviews.

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Best of Britain (11 Days)

this tour exceeding our expectations, the Guide ( Jacquline Green )and Bus ( Lee ) driver went over and above to make sure every member of tour was included, comfortable and made this trip to UK even more memorable. The Guide gave us plenty of information regarding history and was extremely informative on every location we passed and stopped at. we loved the local treats supplied by the Guide as well. The bus was comfortable, the intinerary was perfect and kept us busy including as much as possible. The accommodation was excellent. I would definitely recommend this company and way of travel to others. and we would use Trafalgar again in the future.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

Best of Scotland (Summer, 7 Days)

The final day of our trip BHLD, we were asked to fill a questionnaire about our trip impressions. I glanced through it and I felt it was insufficient to express our feelings. I believe a 1-10 rating was not fair for this case. In my mind, if a travel director meets the complete itinerary, a 10 is a fair rating. In our case, we were lucky to have the most professional and dedicated tour director. Rose went beyond our expectations. She took note of every participant needs and wants. As a result, she made sure that they were met. One day for instance, Rose was up from 7 AM to at least 9 PM, to ensure everyone satisfaction and peace of mind. She also made sure to point all worthwhile aspect of our tour. We got away in love with a beautiful country. Not a single complaint from us or our other tour takers. Rose deserved a full 20 rating. I have no doubt she is the best travel director at Trafalgar. Wojciech is a real professional driver. We felt safe in even the narrowest roads I have ever seen. He kept the coach clean, the windows cleaner, and he always had a smile on his face. He also deserves a full 20 rating. Not everything in life is perfect. Most of the hotels we stayed in had more that one fault. The sales brochures stated that the hotels were first class. Sorry, they were not. I urge to make sure that future brochures indicate that the hotels you choose are among the best available choice given the locations where they are situated. Then, the complains will be more in line with expectations. Highlights of the trip were lunch with the Wood family, and the Highland farm experience. Overall we were very satisfied, but just wanted you to know what was exceptionally good, and not so good. Our aim in writing these comment where made to help you in keeping Trafalgar high standards. Thank you for a lovely time, German & Yolanda Acosta

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

England and Scotland Heritage (8 Days)

Very memorable tour in my life I enjoyed and the tour guide was excellent thank you very much

• Sightseeing

Best of Britain (Classic, Summer, 9 Days) (21 destinations)

Greg is an excellent Tour Director. He was well organised and kept us well informed. He had interesting and amusing stories and anecdotes relevant to the tour and never boring. He followed up on things on our behalf and kept a sun above our heads for 9 days in the UK!

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Our tour guide Cara was fantastic - fun and energetic and kind and caring. Tour overall was pretty good, however there were some disappointments. The Jacobite train was underwhelming and a waste of time. Would not recommend - stay on the bus. Our ferry to Skye was delayed and Tuesday was about 5 hours of waiting around and not seeing much. I felt there were some stops along the way that were really just toilet breaks rather than a worthy itinerary stop. Too much time in some places and not enough in others. Accommodation was generally good until Inverness. The Waverley Inn was horrible and should be struck off. Breakfast there was unacceptable and not to the standard of other accommodations on offer in Inverness.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

We had a very good time with Maj. He kept us entertained with stories about the history of the areas we toured. Beautiful sights, and lots of opportunities for photos, and souvenir shopping and trying the local food and drink at all our stops.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Best short tour I have ever done. Our itinerary was perfect. The quality of our coach was excellent. Our tour guide Jim was a book of knowledge and very approachable. I felt very safe throughout our journey. Our accommodation and breakfast was always top notch. Can’t wait to do another Rabbies Tour. Totally recommend.

5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Excellant the best ever

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Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Edinburgh

Awesome quick trip. Our driver, Euan was fantastic and more importantly an incredible storyteller. With all the driving on this trip, he made it all the more entertaining. Highly recommend if you have 3 days to explore somewhere incredible!

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

We had a wonderful holiday to celebrate our 50th Wedding anniversary. Excellent service and the drivers were brilliant - very friendly and helpful. Thank you

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (Edinburgh to Dublin) (2024)

British Royale (Small Groups, End Edinburgh, 10 Days, Door To Door)

British Royale (Small Groups, End London, 11 Days, Door To Door)

Reviews of england and scotland family tours.

Because my original trip was cancelled by Trafalgar to rearrange a new tour was difficult I am giving a little more tolerance as the tourist industry was smashed my amended timetable cost me a lot of money The trip if your a new first trip bus tour user it’s ok far to rushed for us experienced lots 1 hour walk around s. Then bed. ie Liverpool Glasgow I won’t do another bus tour in the UK

I really enjoyed the trip

My husband and I had the most amazing time on this trip through Scotland! Couldn’t have asked for a better tour director than Mike and bus driver Mark.

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Per Balmoral Castle's website , "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides. They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle."

In 1852, Prince Albert purchased Balmoral as a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria. The original building was deemed too small, and the royals built a new castle (the one that exists today), and tore down the original.

On the tour, Balmoral Castle's official website notes, "You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family."

On the tour, visitors will also get access to the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, and see King Charles's watercolors that show scenes at Balmoral, Highgrove , and Sandringham .

Balmoral was reportedly Queen Elizabeth's favorite residence, and it was where she passed away on September 8, 2022. "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands," Princess Eugenie said of her grandmother in the documentary Our Queen At Ninety .

In Spare , Prince Harry's memoir, he wrote about Balmoral . "Balmoral. Closing my eyes, I can see the main entrance, the paneled front windows, the wide portico and three gray-black speckled granite steps leading up to the massive front door of whisky-colored oak, often propped open by a heavy curling stone and often manned by one red-coated footman...." He also recalls the many rooms inside, "each with a specific purpose, like sitting or reading, TV or tea, and one special room for the pages, many of whom I loved like dotty uncles."

Tickets are £100, or £150 if you want to also get afternoon tea, and must be purchased in advance. This year, the tours will be available from July 1 until August 4, 2024, and are restricted to 10 people per tour. Tickets can be purchased on balmoralcastle.com .

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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The British Royal Family Is Letting Visitors Inside This Iconic Castle for the First Time Ever — What to Know

Balmoral Castle has been a sanctuary for the royal family since 1852.

Even the makers of "The Crown" weren’t so lucky, and had to use Ardverikie Estate as a stand-in for the Balmoral Castle on their award-winning show. But briefly this summer (from July 1 to August 4), visitors who happen to be in the Aberdeenshire region of the Scottish Highland may be able to step into the famously cloistered royal home.

The notoriously private residence has been a sanctuary for the royal family since 1852 when it was first purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert. Completed in 1855 as a 167-room castle set in a park of a staggering 50,000 acres of land, Balmoral has since become the ultimate private residence. The late Queen Elizabeth II famously viewed Balmoral as her personal sanctuary, a place she retreated to each summer, and where she breathed her last breath in September 2022.

Balmoral also has long been where members of the Windsor family retreat for holidays and summers away from London. It was the residence where the then Prince Charles and Camilla sheltered during the pandemic, where Princess Diana and Prince Charles ended their honeymoon, and where Princes William and Harry were reportedly informed of their mother’s tragic death.

While visitors are granted access to Balmoral’s grounds each year from April through August, outsiders have never been allowed access to the castle’s interior rooms.

This summer’s interior tours are quite small, limited to just 10 people at a time, and run 100 British pounds ($127) per person, or 150 British pounds ($190) with an additional add-on of afternoon tea. The private tours will visit several of the castle’s rooms although with nearly 170 in total, presumably many won’t make the cut.

Usurpingly, the tours sold out within 24 hours, but would-be visitors would be wise to keep an eye on the website for the possibility of cancellations and additional time slots. And for those not lucky enough to snag a ticket to peer inside the castle’s sanctuary, they can opt for  Land Rover expedition tours  to see the surrounding parklands and wildlife. They're also guaranteed to have better luck visiting the Balmoral Estate grounds. Tickets for outdoor visits run under 18 British pounds ($23), and are still available for booking. And with 50,000 acres to explore, that might just be the better deal.

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Balmoral Castle: See Inside the Royal Family Home for the First Time This Summer

By Michelle Duncan

Get ready for an up-close-and-personal look into the lives of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Balmoral Castle , the Scottish holiday residence of the British royals, will open its doors to the public for private tours of the interiors this summer—a first since the castle’s completion in 1855.

In a new promotion dubbed The Balmoral Experience , guests will be taken on a guided tour through rooms in the castle used by the royals from July 1 to August 4. Visitors will learn about the history and use of the spaces along the way. A tour of the Aberdeenshire castle is priced at about $126 dollars (£100) for an adult ticket, plus an extra $63 (£50) for those who add on the option of afternoon tea.

“Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where you can see a selection of rooms within the castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family,” states the castle’s official Instagram page.

Since 1931, Balmoral’s gardens and grounds open up to the public every spring. The ballroom has been the only interior space previously accessible to outsiders until now.

Queen Elizabeth (center), King Charles (right), and Princess Anne in Balmoral Castle gardens circa 1952.

Fans of the British royals expressed their excitement in the comments section of the Instagram post. Unfortunately, if you haven’t already purchased a ticket, you’ll have to wait until next year for an expedited or guided tour; according to the official website, those tickets are already sold out just only one day after the announcement. General admission tickets are still available, but those are also quickly being snapped up.

Located in the Scottish Highlands , Balmoral Castle is one of two properties personally owned by King Charles (the other being Sandringham Castle). The King inherited the property after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. Balmoral Castle was one of the late Queen’s favorite places, and where she took her final breaths. “I think Granny is the most happy there,” Princess Eugenie once told ITV of the estate.

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King Charles is also quite fond of the retreat. “I cannot tell you how much I miss Balmoral and the hills and the air—I feel very empty and incomplete without it all,” he said in 1968, before leaving for his second year at Cambridge. Last year , the King began his contribution to the gardens, which include a stretch of cherry blossoms and thousands of daffodils, expanding the work that royals have been adding to the gardens since Prince Albert.

Those unable to score Balmoral tour tickets can get their fill of the royal experience at Buckingham Palace, which will open its east wing to the public this summer for the first time.

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King Charles is opening up Balmoral Castle for the first time

Editor’s Note: This is a version of CNN’s Royal News, a weekly dispatch bringing you the inside track on Britain’s royal family.  Sign up here.

King Charles III is opening the doors of Balmoral Castle this summer for the most intimate tours ever permitted around the British royal family’s much-loved private Scottish home.

The tours will run daily from July 4 to August 11 but a booking frenzy saw all the tickets - priced at £100 ($126) - snapped up by royal fans within 24 hours.

Situated on the bank of the Dee river in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, the Balmoral estate has been the Scottish residence of the clan since 1852, when it was bought by Prince Albert for his wife, Queen Victoria.

Things got off to a rocky start for the couple. The original property was deemed too small for the royal family so another, more substantial, castle had to be built just 100 yards away. Since then, the 50,000-acre estate has provided comfort and privacy for the Windsors, particularly during times of crisis.

This summer, for the first time since the castle was completed in 1856, visitors will be given unprecedented access to parts of the royal retreat that have never been open to the public before.

The move to open up the grounds appears to be part of a broader drive by the King to make royal residences more accessible. The East Wing of Buckingham Palace, which includes the famous central balcony where members of the royal family gather for public appearances, will also be open to the public this summer for the first time. Meanwhile, the grounds of other royal properties like Windsor, Sandringham, Holyroodhouse and Highgrove have routinely opened up for various events.

Back at Balmoral, perhaps one of the tour’s most impressive pit stops will be the castle’s ballroom, which was where the late Queen Elizabeth II lay in rest before making the six-hour journey to Edinburgh in September 2022.

An exhibition held in the ballroom will display a collection of the watercolor artworks by the King’s own hand , depicting scenery at Balmoral and two other royal estates, Highgrove and Sandringham, as well as outfits worn by Charles, his late mother, his grandmother and his wife, Queen Camilla.

During the hour-long tour, which is restricted to 10 people, visitors will be taken on a “historical journey” from the purchase of the estate in the 1850s to the present day, according to the estate’s website . “You will see why Balmoral is such a special place,” the website says.

There’s also the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with a serving of traditional afternoon tea at the onsite restaurant, for an extra £50 - around $63.

As well as the grouse shoots, picnics and muddy dog walks that keep members of the family entertained during the long summer days, the estate has also been a place of solace where the royals can enjoy time out of the limelight.

It is where Prince William and Prince Harry were told the tragic news that their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, had died. More recently, it is where Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days as England’s longest reigning monarch.

“I think granny is most happy there,” Princess Eugenie told ITV in 2016. “It’s a lovely base for granny and grandpa to be for us to come and see them.”

But despite the privacy that Balmoral affords the family, it isn’t the first time that the estate has been open to the public. Previous tours have allowed visitors to explore parts of the estate’s grounds and gardens, but access has always been limited to just one room inside the castle itself.

It is also a little known fact that you can book out five cottages found within the estate’s walls. Some lucky guests have even bumped into the landlord during their stay.

“That’s exactly what happened to me this summer while taking an evening walk around the castle,” former CNNer Jill O’Brien wrote in 2013. “Several loud barking corgis ran up to say hello. It took a minute to realize that the elderly woman walking the dogs was Queen Elizabeth II.”

Charles and Camilla tend to travel to Balmoral in August for a late-summer break. The trip this year will no doubt provide some welcome respite for the couple following the King’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

At the end of the tour, visitors can mark the occasion by purchasing some homemade preserves or Balmoral whisky from the Mews Gift Shop - or perhaps some tweed, which might last a lot longer.

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King Charles Is Opening New Doors to Royal Palaces, Including Family's Summer Retreat, to Public for First Time

Visitors will be able to tour Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth died, and new nooks of Buckingham Palace, including the room that leads out to the iconic balcony

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy

Balmoral Castle and Buckingham Palace are welcoming visitors in new ways.

It was revealed this week that both royal residences will welcome visitors into previously unseen spaces through ticketed tours this summer. In fact, Balmoral Castle in Scotland is opening "for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855," its website says.

Balmoral is famed as the royal family's cherished summer sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands, but it also holds sad memories for the group. Prince William  and  Prince Harry were spending time there in August 1997 when their mother, Princess Diana , tragically died in a car crash in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth , who her granddaughter  Princess Eugenie  once said was "most happy" at Balmoral, died there in 2022. Sources told PEOPLE at the time it was fitting she spend her last hours there because it was such a special place for her and her family — and now, the public can step into the castle in Aberdeenshire for themselves.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

The Castle Internal Guided Tours experience is touted as a "historical journey" through "several of the beautiful rooms," comprised of a private guide that talks visitors through its history from acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 to a peek at how King Charles , Queen Camilla and other royal family members continue to use the space today. 

The royal family has previously permitted tours at Balmoral around the grounds and gardens, but access inside the castle was limited to the ballroom, making the Castle Internal Guided Tours the most intimate yet.

The tours are set to run from July 1 to August 4, capped at 10 people per session. The general guided excursion currently costs about $126 a person, while tickets with afternoon tea are about $189 — and are open to adults only.

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

While many of the internal Balmoral Castle tours have already sold out, there’s still plenty of availability for the Balmoral General Admission, featuring a trove of artwork by King Charles plus some royal fashion. The Ballroom promises "His Majesty The King's watercolor collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham" and a "collection of outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother."

While Buckingham Palace has been a popular stop for royal watchers since 1993 when Queen Elizabeth opened its gates as a fundraiser after a devastating fire ripped through Windsor Castle in 1992, new areas of the famous London residence will be available to tour for the first time this year.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace, where the King filmed his Christmas broadcast in December 2023, will be toured for the first time come summer. On April 3, the Royal Collection Trust announced that the iconic palace will open the wing via the Principal Floor following five years of restorative work.

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The East Wing includes the front façade and iconic palace balcony, "where the monarch and members of the royal family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851," including royal weddings, coronations and Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday.

The Royal Collection Trust said that the royal family still uses the wing today for official meetings and events.

Royal watchers can save the date for East Wing Highlights Tours held daily in July and August starting July 15, booked in addition to standard admission to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

Chris Jackson/Getty 

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The palace will be open seven days a week in July and August for the first time since 2019 before scaling back to five days a week in September.

While Buckingham Palace is synonymous with the British royals and serves as the hub of the monarchy’s operations, King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t actually live there! The palace is in the middle of a $460 million renovation reportedly not due to be complete until 2027 .

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

As King Charles, 75, invites the public into new nooks for the first time this summer, The Times cited royal biographer Robert Hardman’s prediction that the King would open up Balmoral during his reign.

"Balmoral is private property. However, it needs public footfall not just to help pay the bills but to bring benefits to the wider community and to remain in step with other stately homes," the outlet quoted Hardman as writing in Charles III. New King. New Court. The Inside Story 2024 , which was published under the title The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy in the U.S. in January.

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King Charles opens Balmoral Castle to the public for the first time amid cancer battle

King Charles III is making a royal move that's never done before: opening the doors to Balmoral Castle .

For the first time since the Aberdeenshire, Scotland, castle was completed in 1855, guests will be granted behind-the-scenes access to the landmark. Queen Elizabeth II , the United Kingdom's longest reigning monarch, died at the private estate at the age of 96 in September 2022; the residence was where the queen and her family would spend summer holidays.

Tickets for the historic event – with tours scheduled between June 1 and Aug. 4 – sold out this week within a day of being released, according to the BBC .

According to its official website , Balmore is the Scottish castle that serves as a beloved home for the royal family, which was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852.

Historic opening of royal residences to the public comes amid royals' health battles

The monarch's unprecedented decision to open up royal residences comes amid changes within the monarchy.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace is set to open to the public for the first time this summer, like Balmoral Castle. Guided tours of the palace's principal floor are scheduled from July through August, per the BBC .

The guided tours also come as seniors members of the royal family are battling health issues . After Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was notably out of the public eye for several months, Kensington Palace  shared a video  of Princess Kate in which she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer .

"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful; however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present," Princess Kate said. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

The princess said she was "well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits."

Looking back at the last century: A timeline of the royal family's biggest moments

Prior to this revelation, in early February, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III's cancer diagnosis .

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have  identified a form of cancer ,"  Buckingham Palace said  in a Feb. 5 statement.

Before his diagnosis was revealed, Charles underwent a "corrective procedure" at The London Clinic after the palace had previously announced that the monarch, 75, was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Contributing: Pamela Avila

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Tea and a tour of Balmoral Castle? That will set you back £150

For the first time visitors will be able to see areas of the Scottish castle used by Charles and Camilla – if they have deep pockets

Parts of Balmoral Castle used by the royal family will open to the public for the first time – for those who have deep pockets.

For £100 for an adult ticket – and an extra £50 for those wishing to partake of afternoon tea – guided summer tours of the castle in Aberdeenshire are being offered, limited to 40 people a day and in groups restricted to 10 people.

It is the first time since the castle’s completion in 1855 that visitors will be shown two dining rooms, the drawing room, the page’s lobby and the red corridor, where King Charles greeted Rishi Sunak.

The tour also includes access to the ballroom with a collection of Charles’s watercolour collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham as well as a selection of outfits worn by Charles, Camilla, the late queen and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Previous tours, which will continue, have been of the grounds and gardens with access to the castle itself limited to the ballroom.

The tours, from 1 July until 4 August, before the king and queen arrive for their annual break, are being run for a trial period so estate staff can judge how the fragile building copes with increased footfall.

The £150 a head price tag for tour and high tea makes it the most expensive royal residence for visitors wanting the exclusive experience.

Buckingham Palace, which has long been open to the public during the summer months, charges £95 for an exclusive guided tour away from the crowds, though general summer admission with the masses costs between £32 and £35. Afternoon tea is not included, but at the nearby Ritz, the “afternoon tea experience” costs from £64.

St James’s Palace, which started guided tours in 2022 limited to 30 people, costs £80 for an adult. At the cheaper end of royal residence visits, Windsor Castle offers general adult admission at £30 in advance, while Sandringham House in Norfolk costs £24 and the Castle of Mey, the queen’s mother’s former Scottish home, is £14.50.

The Balmoral Castle website said experienced guides on the interior tour “will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle”.

It adds: “Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today.”

• King Charles III

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