Depart early to make the most of the day; the drive is roughly 3.5–4.0 hours depending on traffic — plan a comfort stop en route for the baby and dogs.
Simple, hearty breakfast near the harbour so the dogs can join for a short walk afterwards; cafes by the harbour typically open around 9:00am but check the chosen café's hours.
Explore the dramatic ruins above the town — great for photos and for older child to imagine history; English Heritage site usually open ~10:00–17:00 in October (confirm seasonal hours).
Easy, flat walking with good views — suitable with a pushchair for short sections; the museum is usually open 10:00–17:00 (check October hours) and is an engaging stop for the older child.
If you need a hotel with a good swimming pool and pet-friendly rooms, consider staying slightly south in Scarborough (Crown Spa Hotel has a large leisure complex). It's a 20–30 minute drive from Whitby; confirm dog policy and pool access for children/babies when booking.
Relaxed dinner near the hotel or at the hotel's own restaurant; good choice for families and easier logistics with a baby and dogs. Confirm restaurant opening times and dog policy for outdoor seating.
Dalmahoy outside the city centre has an indoor pool and family rooms; confirm dog-friendly room availability and the pool's child-access rules when booking.
For a special meal near Edinburgh Castle choose The Witchery (book ahead); for a quicker family option there are many cafés on the Royal Mile that welcome families during the day.
Iconic fortress with great city views; attractions open roughly 9:30–17:00 in autumn but check official times and book tickets in advance to avoid queues. Pushchair access can be limited in places — plan for the older child to walk and baby to use carrier where helpful.
Choose a restaurant near the Old Town with early sittings suitable for children; popular places fill fast so reserve a 6:30–7:30 slot for a smoother evening with a baby.
If the kids still have energy, use the hotel pool (check kids' swim times and lifeguard rules). Many pools have family swim sessions in the early evening — confirm on booking.
Drive time Edinburgh to Dunnottar ~2h30m then 20–30 minutes to Aberdeen; leave early to arrive at coastal ruin for quieter visiting and good light for photos.
Dramatic cliff-top ruin a short drive south of Aberdeen; usually open ~10:00–17:00 (seasonal changes possible). Steep paths down to the site — not ideal for pushchairs but manageable with a baby carrier; dogs allowed on leads in the grounds.
Ardoe House is a country house hotel near Aberdeen with a spa and pool; confirm dog policy and which rooms accept pets. It's a peaceful base with family rooms.
Important historic site with a modern visitor centre — open around 10:00–17:00 in autumn; interactive exhibits help older children engage with the history. Dogs are allowed in parts of the grounds but not inside the centre (check current restrictions).
Fort George is a large fort with sweeping views (open 10:00–17:00) or choose an easier riverside walk around Inverness for a relaxed afternoon with dogs.
Choose a relaxed venue with early sittings; Inverness has many family-friendly pubs and restaurants where children and dogs are welcome in outside areas.
Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness and is a child-friendly ruin with fabulous views; castle and visitor centre opening times are generally 10:00–17:00 in autumn — book cruise times in advance if you plan a boat trip.
Losehill House & Spa (Hope Valley/Castleton) offers a pool/spa and is known for family rooms; many Peak District country-house hotels accept dogs in certain rooms — confirm when booking.
Gentle, short walk to stretch legs after the drive and give dogs a run — choose routes that match the baby’s nap schedule and allow for a pushchair if needed.
Use the hotel pool for a short family swim (check children's pool policies); a spa treatment for adults can be arranged while grandparents / partner looks after the baby if helpful.
If you have time and energy, stop at Chatsworth House gardens for a last family-friendly castle/garden visit; gardens are dog-friendly on leads but check opening hours (typically 10:00–17:00).