Visit Edinburgh in the School Holidays

Edinburgh Family Holidays

Edinburgh, as capital city, reflects the rich heritage of history and culture of Scotland. Visit Edinburgh in the school holidays for a family vacation. Edinburgh family holidays will let you enjoy the magnificent views that suddenly appear when you turn a corner. You discover points of interest tucked away in nooks of the narrow winding roads. Don’t be misled by the Old town because newer parts of Edinburgh are destinations for shopping. Be ready for an active short break in Edinburgh with its steep climbs and walks in and around the city.

	What to Do in Edinburgh

	Things to do in Edinburgh with Family

The iconic Edinburgh castle is steeped in history and you can manage to get around with a buggy too. Tickets are £16.50 for adults and £9.90 for children (5-15)

Edinburgh Zoo – The only place in the UK to see Koalas and Pandas, the Edinburgh Zoo is very attractive to children. Ticket prices are £17 for adults and £12.50 for children between 3-15 years when booked online.

Museum of Childhood – is a fun way for children to learn about how children lived in the past. Entry is free and the museum is at 42 High Street, Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TG

National Museum of Scotland – Discover the history of Scotland, nature and many more things here. Entry is free.

Edinburgh Treasure Trail -Ideal for anyone >6 years, the treasure trail is a self-guided route and you solve clues to reach the treasure. The trail is 1.75 miles long and typically takes 2 hours to complete. A trail booklet costs £6.99 and is good for 4-5 people. This is not push chair or wheel chair friendly. 

Gorgie City Farm is a farm in the city with a set of cute farm animals. It’s free to visit and good fun for the whole family. You can find this at 51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2LA

Free Edinburgh Tour – If the family is game for a walking tour, then join this free tour to have an informative and enjoyable time seeing Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh Botanic Gardens for a stroll through this nearly 350 year old garden for free

Edinburgh Castle

	Getting To Edinburgh

Get there by Car

By Car

This is the cheapest way to get to Edinburgh if you own a car. You can take as long or little time as you like. Travel via the M6 to get to Edinburgh.

Get there by Bus

By Bus

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National Express is the next cheapest way to get to Edinburgh, but the journey takes 9 hours.

Get there by Train

By Train

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The train journey can be scenic but comes at a price and is the most expensive way of travelling to Edinburgh

Get there by Air

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By Air

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Edinburgh is connected to from most of the major airports in the UK and gets you there within an hour for a reasonable price on a budget airline.

	Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city where finding budget accommodation isn't easy. Accommodation get even more expensive in the summer during the festival when it can be impossible to find a room anywhere.  

Budget	Independent Self-Catering/Hotels	Chains	Others
	Cowgate Tourist Hostel   Dorm Style costs £15 for a family of 4 per night ​		Search Budget Options
		Premier Inn Hotel costs £50-140 per night depending on the season for a family room Innkeeper’s Lodge, Corstorphine   B&B, from £59 a night	Search Mid Range Options
	The Balmoral Hotel £500 per night for a family of 4.		Search Luxury Options
	Few options	Plenty of options

For even more accommodation options in Edinburgh, click here

	Tips

Edinburgh is a charming and quirky city to visit in the UK.

It might be overwhelming for young families going to Edinburgh in August during the festival time. A short winter break is also beautiful in a very different way.

	What others say

“Characterful and vibrant city “

Looking to explore more family city break options?  Take a look here.