Taunton to Edinburgh Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary (December 9-15, 2023)

Saturday, December 9: Taunton

Start your trip in Taunton, a historic town in Somerset. In the morning, visit the Museum of Somerset to explore the region's rich heritage. Enjoy a picnic in Vivary Park in the afternoon, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the River Tone and admire the charming architecture of Taunton Castle.

• Museum of Somerset: Estimated cost £5 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Vivary Park: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Taunton Castle: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Brewhouse Kitchen, located in the heart of Taunton. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from hearty full English breakfasts to lighter pastries and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about £8 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Brazz, an elegant bistro-style restaurant situated near Taunton's high street. Their menu features a range of delectable dishes, including seasonal salads, gourmet sandwiches, and classic mains. Average cost for a meal is about £12 per person.
• In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Augustus, an upscale restaurant known for its contemporary British cuisine. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, their menu offers a fusion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about £25 per person.

Sunday, December 10: Bristol

Head to Bristol, a vibrant city known for its maritime history and cultural attractions. Start your morning at the SS Great Britain, an impressive ship turned museum. Spend the afternoon exploring Bristol Zoo Gardens, home to a variety of animals. In the evening, visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge for panoramic views of the city.

• SS Great Britain: Estimated cost £17 per adult, £9 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Bristol Zoo Gardens: Estimated cost £16.50 per adult, £11.50 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Clifton Suspension Bridge: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bristolian. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options, including pancakes, eggs benedict, and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about £10 per person.
• For a tasty lunch, head to TARE, a contemporary restaurant focusing on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy dishes like their seasonal salads, hearty soups, or gourmet sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about £15 per person.
• Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Ox, a top steakhouse in Bristol. Here you can savor high-quality cuts of meat, cooked to perfection, along with tasty sides like truffle mac and cheese or creamed spinach. Average cost for a meal is about £35 per person.

Monday, December 11: Bath

Explore the beautiful city of Bath, famous for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. Start your day by visiting the Roman Baths and Museum, where you can learn about the city's ancient history. In the afternoon, wander through the picturesque streets and take a relaxing stroll in the Royal Victoria Park. End the day with a visit to the stunning Bath Abbey.

• Roman Baths and Museum: Estimated cost £22 per adult, £12.50 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Royal Victoria Park: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Bath Abbey: Suggested donation £4 per adult, Free for children, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• The Pump Room Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional English breakfast in the elegant setting of the iconic Pump Room. Indulge in classics like eggs Benedict or a full English breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about £15 per person.
• Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House & Museum: For lunch, visit the oldest house in Bath and savor a delicious Sally Lunn bun, a local delicacy served sweet or savory. Average cost for a meal is about £10 per person.
• The Scallop Shell: Experience fantastic seafood for dinner at this award-winning restaurant. From fish and chips to grilled fish dishes, their menu offers a wide range of flavors. Average cost for a meal is about £20 per person.

Tuesday, December 12: Stratford-upon-Avon

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Begin your day by exploring Shakespeare's Birthplace, a beautifully preserved Tudor house. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the River Avon or visit the Butterfly Farm for a family-friendly experience. In the evening, catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

• Shakespeare's Birthplace: Estimated cost £16.50 per adult, £10.50 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• River Avon Boat Trip: Estimated cost £7-£12 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Butterfly Farm: Estimated cost £8.25 per adult, £6.25 per child, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre: Show prices vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 13: Manchester

Visit the vibrant city of Manchester, known for its rich industrial heritage and thriving arts scene. Start your day at the Museum of Science and Industry, where you can discover Manchester's contributions to science and technology. Spend the afternoon at the People's History Museum, exploring the history of democracy and social change. In the evening, enjoy live music at one of the city's many venues.

• Museum of Science and Industry: Free admission, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• People's History Museum: Free admission, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Live Music Venues: Prices vary, Time spent: Evening

Thursday, December 14: York

Travel to the historic city of York, known for its medieval architecture and Viking heritage. Start your morning at the magnificent York Minster, an iconic cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the interactive exhibits at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Take a leisurely walk along the city walls and enjoy the charming streets of the Shambles in the evening.

• York Minster: Estimated cost £12 per adult, Free for children, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Jorvik Viking Centre: Estimated cost £12.50 per adult, £8.50 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• City Walls: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• The Shambles: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Friday, December 15: Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Start your day by exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock. In the afternoon, stroll along the Royal Mile and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. End the day with a hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city.

• Edinburgh Castle: Estimated cost £17.50 per adult, £10.50 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Royal Mile: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Palace of Holyroodhouse: Estimated cost £15 per adult, £8.70 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Arthur's Seat: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Edinburgh, make sure to visit the National Museum of Scotland, where you can discover the country's rich history and culture. For a unique experience, take a tour of the Real Mary King's Close, an underground network of narrow streets frozen in time. Don't forget to try some traditional Scottish cuisine, such as haggis or Scottish shortbread.

For more travel information and to check hotel and flight prices, visit Kayak.