Edinburgh Extravaganza: 5 Days of Family Fun on a Budget!

Explore the enchanting landscapes and history of Edinburgh with your family.

19 July 2023

A family trip to Edinburgh, United Kingdom offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle and witness the breathtaking views from its ramparts. Delight the children with visits to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where optical illusions, puzzles, and interactive exhibits will leave them enthralled. Finally, take a stroll along the Royal Mile, enjoy street performances, and indulge in traditional Scottish delicacies, making it an unforgettable family-friendly experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Auld Reekie!

  • Check-in at the quirky Castle Rock Hostel, nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle, with cozy rooms and a lively communal area.
  • Wander through the Royal Mile, a charming stretch of cobbled streets filled with medieval architecture, souvenir shops, and street performers.
  • Delight your taste buds with traditional Scottish fare at The Doric, where haggis, neeps, and tatties mingle with whiskey-laced bread and butter pudding.
  • Embark on a spine-tingling evening Ghost Tour through the city's haunted closes and underground vaults. Boo!
Day 2

From Tartans to Tea

  • Explore the colorful world of tartans and kilts at the Tartan Weaving Mill on the historic Royal Mile. Prepare to become the ultimate plaid aficionado!
  • Unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where bizarre optical illusions and mind-bending puzzles await.
  • Treat the family to a classic afternoon tea at Eteaket, where scones, finger sandwiches, and an endless selection of teas will transport you to tea heaven.
  • Ascend to new heights on Calton Hill, offering panoramic vistas of Edinburgh's iconic skyline, from the majestic castle to the imposing Scott Monument.
  • Fill your bellies with hearty Scottish dishes at The Elephant House, the birthplace of Harry Potter, where your taste buds will cast a delicious spell.
Day 3

Gushing Gushets and Majestic Castles

  • Savor a delectable breakfast at Loudons, with fluffy pancakes, smashed avocado on toast, and a cup of artisanal coffee to kick-start your day.
  • Immerse yourselves in the wonders of science at Dynamic Earth, where interactive exhibits take you on a journey through the Earth's history and beyond.
  • Hop aboard the Forth Boat Tours and sail beneath the iconic Forth Bridge, reveling in its Victorian splendor and spotting adorable seals frolicking in the estuary.
  • Transport yourselves to the regal era at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, where tales of kings, queens, and daring battles come alive amidst stunning views.
  • Dine like royalty at The Witchery by the Castle, a bewitching restaurant drenched in history, serving up sumptuous Scottish dishes fit for kings and queens.
Day 4

Wandering in Wonderland

  • Begin your day with a scrumptious breakfast at The Pantry, a charming café known for its mouthwatering pastries, avocado toast, and lovely courtyard.
  • Stroll through the enchanting Princes Street Gardens, where manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and the looming Castle Rock create a fairytale-like ambiance.
  • Dive into the looking glass at the enchanting Writer's Museum, dedicated to the lives and works of Scotland's literary legends, including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
  • Visit the magical Museum of Childhood where nostalgia reigns supreme, and toys from past centuries spark memories of childhood adventures.
  • Tickle your taste buds with modern Scottish cuisine at The Scran & Scallie, a gastropub showcasing the best seasonal produce Scotland has to offer.
Day 5

A Flair for the Fringe

  • Savor a leisurely brunch at Urban Angel, known for its wholesome, organic dishes, before diving headfirst into the world's largest arts festival: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
  • Roam the vibrant streets of the Fringe, where performers from across the globe showcase their talents, from side-splitting comedy acts to mind-blowing acrobatics.
  • Indulge in a pre-show dinner at Angels with Bagpipes, a chic restaurant serving up a delightful twist on traditional Scottish cuisine, guaranteed to leave you cheering "bravo!"
  • Immerse yourselves in the lively atmosphere of the festival's street performers, with juggling, fire-breathing, and mind-boggling tricks setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
  • Bid farewell to Edinburgh with a nightcap at the charismatic Devil's Advocate, a hidden gem boasting an impressive whiskey collection that will leave you spirits soaring.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Edinburgh by plane is to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the city center, with many major airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offering direct flights from a range of cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Edinburgh is a great option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace or are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can reach Edinburgh by taking the M8 motorway, which connects the city to Glasgow and other major cities in the region.

Train

The most convenient way to travel to Edinburgh by train is to catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley station, which is located in the heart of the city center and is well connected to the rest of the UK. Trains are available from a range of cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Boat

If you're traveling from Europe, taking a ferry to Rosyth in Fife is a great option. From there, you can easily reach Edinburgh by car, bus, or train. DFDS Seaways operates a direct ferry service from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Rosyth.

Bus

The best way to get to Edinburgh by bus is to take a coach from Edinburgh Bus Station, which is located just a short walk from the city center. A variety of coach companies, including National Express and Scottish Citylink, provide direct services from various cities across the UK.

Destination

Edinburgh

Looking for a place where history, culture, and whiskey mix? Look no further than this city, where the streets are so steep, you might just stumble down them after a few too many drams.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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