A light, travel-friendly breakfast (porridge, fruit, bottles for the baby, sandwiches/snacks packed) so you leave on time and have infant supplies ready; good for a long drive with stops. This is practical with very young baby and dogs.
Direct drive north (M1/M62/A1) to the Whitby area; expect motorway + A-road travel with one short comfort stop. Driving is the most straightforward way with baby gear and two small dogs.
Iconic cliff-top abbey with dramatic views and a great place to let older child explore, while dogs are usually permitted in the grounds (check current rules). Open usually 10:00am–5:00pm; check English Heritage for seasonal hours.
Famous fish & chips on Whitby harbour — child-friendly, quick and a local must-try; seating can be busy so expect a short wait at peak times. Open midday onward (typically from 11:00am).
Stay at a nearby country/spa hotel (e.g., Raithwaite Estate) that offers an indoor pool and pet-friendly rooms; check-in usually 3:00pm and confirm dog policy and cot for the 2‑month-old when booking.
Family swim and relaxation in the hotel pool — a great way to calm the children after a day of travel; pools often open from early morning to early evening (confirm exact times with hotel).
Relaxed evening meal in the hotel’s restaurant or a nearby tavern — the hotel will usually offer a family menu; dogs can often wait in designated areas but check the restaurant policy.
Hotel buffet breakfast (hot options, cereals, baby-friendly choices). Confirm early breakfast if you want to depart before standard hours and request a highchair/cot if needed.
A long scenic drive north-east up the A1/M62/A68 to Edinburgh. Plan a comfort stop halfway for the baby and the dogs. Roads are straightforward but allow time for traffic near Newcastle/Alnwick.
Family-friendly café on or near the Royal Mile for sandwiches, bakes and child-friendly options; good place to settle before visiting the castle. Many cafés open from 9:00–10:00am.
Historic fortress with panoramic city views, museum displays and short guided talks — very engaging for the 13‑year-old; open usually 9:30am–5:00pm (last entry earlier) so mid-afternoon is still feasible. Dogs are not permitted inside most interiors but are usually okay in outdoor lower grounds; check current rules.
City-centre spa hotel with an indoor pool — family rooms and small-dog policy in some rooms (confirm when booking). Use pool to unwind; many city hotels let guests store luggage early if check-in is later.
Atmospheric, high-end dining by the castle — excellent for a memorable family dinner (book in advance). It is a treat evening and may be lively; check whether they can accommodate a baby and any dog rules (many fine-dining restaurants do not allow dogs indoors).
Scenic drive north along the A90; enjoy coastal/river views and a comfort stop for the baby and the dogs en route. Expect around 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic.
Dramatic clifftop ruined castle just south of Aberdeen — fantastic for photos and exploration; site typically open 10:00am–5:00pm. Dogs usually welcome in the grounds (on leads). Steep paths so keep the baby in a secure carrier.
Country-house spa hotel just outside Aberdeen with an indoor pool and family rooms; many country hotels are dog-friendly in certain rooms — confirm when booking. Good base for a relaxed evening.
Use the hotel’s leisure facilities to let the children play and unwind after the drive; pools typically open to guests in the afternoon (confirm hotel times).
Hotel brasserie offers a relaxed family menu; if you prefer town, Moonfish Café provides modern seafood with harbour views — book ahead for evening service.
Atmospheric castle ruins on the shore of Loch Ness with interpretation centre; typically open 10:00am–5:00pm. Great for older child’s imagination and dog-friendly around the grounds (on lead).
Well-known Inverness hotel with an indoor pool and family rooms; some Highland hotels allow small dogs in selected rooms — confirm the dog policy and cot availability when booking.
Afternoon swim for the family followed by a gentle walk along the River Ness — the walk is flat and stroller-friendly and great for letting the dog stretch its legs.
Choose a welcoming family-friendly restaurant with local produce (The Mustard Seed on the river is relaxed; Rocpool is more refined). Book in advance and check dog rules — many restaurants do not allow pets inside but are accommodating outdoors.
Hotel breakfast; prepare for a short morning outing to Culloden Battlefield and visitor centre which is evocative and informative for older children and adults alike.
Important Jacobite history site with a modern visitor centre and accessible trails; open typically 9:30am–5:00pm. The site is poignant and outdoors so dogs may be allowed on the grounds (confirm local rules).
Either picnic near the battlefield (weather permitting) or stop at the visitor centre / café for sandwiches — good flexible option for the baby and dogs.
Stroll across to the castle viewpoint (exterior only in many cases), browse the Victorian Market and pick up local souvenirs; town centre is compact and stroller-friendly.
Short boat trips on the canal or loch-side walks are relaxing and suitable for children and dogs; check the tour operator opening times (many operate into late afternoon).
A cosy, family-friendly dinner by the loch (The Dores Inn is a great local choice) to finish your Highland stay; confirm dog seating if you want the pets with you in the evening.