Scotland & The Cotswolds: A 10-Day Family Adventure

Explore Edinburgh Castle


Start your trip with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll find amazing views and lots of history. There are lots of stairs, so using a baby carrier for the youngest is the way to go.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

In the afternoon, head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.

Pub dinner


For dinner, head to a cozy pub. The atmosphere is perfect for families, and it’s a great way to experience local food in a relaxed setting.

Breakfast by the beach

Start your day at the Beach House in Portobello. Enjoy coffee and pancakes while watching the waves. It’s a peaceful way to ease into the day.

Royal Mile & St. Giles’ Cathedral

Spend your morning wandering down the Royal Mile. Be sure to pop into St. Giles’ Cathedral — the architecture is stunning, and it’s an easy place to explore with the family. Keep an eye out for street performers along the way!

Lunch at a local pub


After some sightseeing, stop at another local pub for lunch.

Arthur’s Seat

If you have the energy, take a scenic walk up to Arthur’s Seat. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Plus, the kids will love running around when you reach the top.

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Before hitting the road, grab breakfast at Urban Angel. The pastries are delicious, and the coffee will fuel you up for the long drive ahead.

Drive to Isle of Skye

The drive to Isle of Skye (about five and a half hours) will be your longest of the trip, so be sure to take breaks. Stop at a cute café halfway through to stretch your legs, grab a snack and keep the kids entertained.

Dinner in Portree

Arrive in Portree and head straight to a restaurant overlooking the harbor. The seafood here is incredible, and it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal after a day on the road.

Hike the Old Man of Storr


Get an early start with a hike at the Old Man of Storr. It’s a bit challenging, but the views are unbeatable. On the way, you’ll see some adorable Highland cows grazing, and the kids will love spotting them along the trail!

Spot Highland cows and waterfalls


After the hike, take a scenic drive around Skye, stopping to see more Highland cows and some stunning waterfalls. There’s no rush, so take your time to snap photos and enjoy the natural beauty.

Breakfast at Birch Cafe

Start the day with a cozy breakfast at Birch Cafe. It’s a great spot to grab a warm coffee and some delicious pastries, truly perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.

Explore Portree


Take the morning to explore the town of Portree. The harbor is picturesque, and there are also some fun shops to pop into if you want to pick up souvenirs.

Hike at Fairy Pools


In the afternoon, check out the Fairy Pools. The walk is family-friendly, and the clear blue water is magical.

Neist Point Lighthouse


Start the day with a visit to Neist Point Lighthouse. The walk to the lighthouse offers dramatic cliff views and stunning coastal scenery perfect for a family photo op.

Drive to Glencoe

Afterward, it’s time to drive to Glencoe. The journey is about two and a half hours, and it’s a beautiful route that will keep the kids entertained.

Lunch at The Wildcat


Stop for lunch at The Wildcat in Glencoe — it’s a friendly, cozy spot with tasty, fresh food.

Playground time


If you need to burn off some energy after lunch, head to a playground. Let the kids have some fun on the swings while you take in the mountain views.

Glencoe Lochan Trails


Start the day with a walk around the Glencoe Lochan Trails. It’s a peaceful spot with stunning scenery, and the kids will love running around the forest paths and exploring the area.

Hike Buachaille Etive Mòr


Afterward, head to Buachaille Etive Mòr for a hike. It’s a bit more challenging, but the views are spectacular. Even if you don’t go all the way to the top, the lower part of the trail offers amazing scenery.

Dinner at Garrison West


For dinner, stop by Garrison West Public House and Kitchen. They’re known for their trout, which is a must-try. It’s the perfect way to end a day of hiking.

Stop at Stirling Castle


On your way to the Cotswolds, make a quick stop at Stirling Castle. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and learn a little about Scotland’s history. The kids will enjoy the castle’s towers and ramparts.

Scenic drive to the Cotswolds

Continue the drive to the Cotswolds. It’s a long one, but the rolling hills and charming villages make it all worth it.

Spend the next three days at a minimum exploring the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is all about taking it slow.

Breakfast at The Old Shed


Head to The Old Shed for breakfast. It’s a farm café with plenty of space for the kids to run around and see the animals. The food is fresh and it’s the perfect way to start your day.

Explore Cotswold Villages


Take your time exploring charming Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Arlington Row and Stow-on-the-Wold. Each one has its own unique charm, with quaint shops and pretty streets to wander.

Visit local farms


The kids will have a blast meeting more farm animals and learning about life in the countryside. Many farms offer tours, so be sure to ask about any local experiences.

Farmdale Market


Don’t miss Farmdale Market, a great place to pick up local produce, meats, cheeses and artisanal goods. Grab some fresh ingredients to cook meals back at your Airbnb.

On your last day, take a quick detour to Oxford. Drive around and check out the historic university buildings before heading to the airport for your flight home.