A Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary to Scotland

  1. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
    16 minutes (1.3 miles) from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Get a taste of history and culture at the Edinburgh Castle, the most recognizable landmark of the city. The castle houses the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny and provides a stunning view of the city’s skyline.

  2. Day 2: Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
    52-minute drive (36.8 km) from Edinburgh Castle

    Spend a fun day at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. Meet a range of animals from around the world, such as elephants, tigers, lions, and giraffes. Take the adventure rides, enjoy a boat safari or go into the pet farm, for a fantastic day out with the family.

  3. Day 3: Loch Ness
    3 hours and 21-minute drive (241 km) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

    Discover whether Loch Ness is home to the elusive Nessie, the Loch Ness monster! Take a cruise along the loch, and marvel at the beautiful Scottish scenery as you make your way towards the center of the loch. You'll learn more about the history and lore of Loch Ness and have a chance to spot Nessie herself.

  4. Day 4: Edinburgh Zoo
    3 hours and 54 minutes (330 km) from Loch Ness

    Edinburgh Zoo has over 1,000 animals, including adorable koalas, giant pandas, and chimpanzees. Make sure to visit the famous penguin parade, where you can see these cute creatures waddle down the zoo’s pathway. Edinburgh Zoo is fun, informative, and educational for the whole family.

  5. Day 5: Stirling Castle
    1 hour and 5-minute drive (60 km) from Edinburgh Zoo

    Explore Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland’s history. The castle played a significant role in the wars of Scottish independence, and visitors can have a great time exploring the castle’s history and the artifacts on display. Also, the castle houses a great cafe and restaurant, which offers beautiful views of the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, £18.50 per adult, under 5s go free)
  • Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park (4-6 hours, ticket from £16 per person, depending on age and height)
  • Loch Ness Cruise (1-2 hours, tickets from £15 per person, depending on the tour)
  • Edinburgh Zoo (2-3 hours, tickets from £24 per adult, children under three go free)
  • Stirling Castle (2-3 hours, tickets from £16 per adult, under 5s go free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £95.50

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, visit the Isle of Skye, famous for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. Families with children under three could allocate more time to Edinburgh Zoo, whereas families with teenagers may find The Royal Mile more interesting. If you have less time, you could consider removing Loch Ness from the itinerary.

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