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Top 10 Things To Do in Edinburgh With Kids In The Summer Holidays
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breath taking landscapes. And as beautiful as it can be, finding the top things to do in Edinburgh with kids can be quite challenging over the summer holidays as everyone is thinking the same so here’s a guide to the top 10 most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh, including tips on visiting during the school summer holidays, access via public transport, costs, and interesting facts.
Busy During Summer: Extremely busy, especially during the school summer holidays.
Public Transport: Easily accessible by bus with numerous routes stopping nearby. The closest train station is Edinburgh Waverley, about a 10-minute walk away.
Cost: Adult tickets are approximately £17.50, with discounts for children, seniors, and families.
Interesting Fact: Home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.
Busy During Summer: Very busy, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August.
Public Transport: Numerous buses run along or near the Royal Mile. Edinburgh Waverley is at one end of the mile.
Cost: Free to explore, but individual attractions along the mile may have entry fees.
Interesting Fact: The Royal Mile is actually 1.81 kilometres long, slightly longer than a true mile.
Busy During Summer: Moderately busy; popular with both tourists and locals.
Public Transport: Accessible by bus; the closest stops are around Holyrood Park.
Cost: Free.
Interesting Fact: Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano and provides panoramic views of the city.
Busy During Summer: Quite busy, especially during the height of the tourist season.
Public Transport: Easily reachable by bus, with several routes stopping nearby.
Cost: Adult tickets are around £17.50, with concessions available.
Interesting Fact: The palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
5. The National Museum of Scotland
Busy During Summer: Busy but spacious enough to handle large crowds.
Public Transport: Centrally located, accessible by multiple bus routes and a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley.
Cost: Free entry, though donations are appreciated.
Interesting Fact: Houses over 20,000 artefacts, ranging from Scottish history to the natural world.
Busy During Summer: Very busy, particularly during school holidays.
Public Transport: Buses 12, 26, and 31 stop near the zoo.
Cost: Adult tickets are approximately £22.95, with various concessions available.
Interesting Fact: Home to the UK’s only giant pandas and the famous Penguin Parade.
7. The Scotch Whisky Experience
Busy During Summer: Quite busy, bookings recommended.
Public Transport: Situated at the top of the Royal Mile, accessible by many bus routes.
Cost: Tours start at around £17 for adults.
Interesting Fact: Features the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, with over 3,500 bottles.
8. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Busy During Summer: Moderately busy, a peaceful escape from the city centre crowds.
Public Transport: Buses 8, 23, and 27 stop near the gardens.
Cost: Free entry to the gardens; charges apply for the glasshouses (around £7).
Interesting Fact: Founded in 1670, it’s one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world.
9. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Busy During Summer: Busy, especially during school holidays.
Public Transport: Located on the Royal Mile, easily reachable by bus.
Cost: Adult tickets are around £19.95, with various concessions available.
Interesting Fact: Features a rooftop camera obscura that offers a unique view of the city.
10. Calton Hill
Busy During Summer: Moderately busy, with ample space for visitors.
Public Transport: Accessible by several bus routes; a short walk from Princes Street.
Cost: Free.
Interesting Fact: Home to several iconic monuments, including the National Monument and the Nelson Monument, offering stunning views of the city.
Tips for Visiting
- Book in Advance: For attractions with entry fees, booking in advance can save time and ensure entry during peak periods.
- Public Transport: Edinburgh’s public transport system is efficient and extensive, making it easy to reach most attractions without a car.
- Visit Early or Late: To avoid the biggest crowds, visit popular sites early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Edinburgh’s attractions offer something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.