Filled with majestic mountains, soaring scenery, rich culture and over 12,000 years of history, myths and legends, Scotland is a treasure trove of adventure. Check out our top choices of what to visit in Scotland, and make sure that you have something fun up your sleeve for the kids.
Situated on the bank of the river Clyde, in the central Scottish Lowlands, the only way to understand why Glasgow is the fifth most visited city in the UK is to visit it yourself! For an easy, but exciting tour of Scotland’s second city, download a themed treasure trail. At 2 miles each, all the trails are buggy accessible and take roughly 2 hours to complete. We recommend the spy trail which starts on Ruthven Street, a comfortable bus ride from our West End Hotel, and has you exploring iconic Glasgow buildings and permanent landmarks as you solve clues to save the city!
Once you’ve completed the circular trail, cross the main road and pop into Ubiquitous Chip on Aston Lane for something to eat. This Glasgow institution serves their twists on Scottish cuisine, including Haggis and fantastic sea-food, as part of a delicious, and well-rounded menu with something for everyone. Get a table upstairs in the brasserie to enjoy the hanging plants in the wrought-iron, Victorian style roof as well as the high-chairs and baby-changing facilities.
More Glaswegian adventures are waiting just 10 minutes down the Great Western Road. The scientists and guards at Jurassic Parrr have all gone missing - will you be brave enough to investigate? The delightful, dinosaur theme of this mini-golf compound is sure to be a hit with mini-adventurers. Enjoy a fun-filled 18 holes for two adults and two kids at just £25.
The best way to get an authentic taste of Scotland’s capital city is to explore Edinburgh’s iconic Old Town.
Climb to the top of the Princes Street Gardens for spectacular views across the city, and then choose one of the many museums in the area to entertain the kids. The iconic Edinburgh Castle or Scottish National Gallery is perfect for history and art lovers. For something a little gorier, try the history of surgery at the Surgeons Hall Museum or the Edinburgh Dungeon.
Our top choice is the National Museum of Scotland which has a little bit of everything and is free entry. Wander through exhibitions on art and design, nature, history and science and technology, and enjoy the incredible, interactive attractions. Race against a cheetah, create your own energy in a human-sized hamster wheel, or excavate a dinosaur in the Adventure Planet zone!
Afterwards, stop for a bite to eat in one of the wonderful, Old Town cafés or restaurants. Try Hemma, on Holyrood Road, for award-winning brunch, cakes, drinks and dinner. They take family-friendly seriously with a fully stocked toy corner, an open bookcase and table football.
Spend a fun-filled day at the Edinburgh Zoo and find out what a binturong or an axolotl is! Famous for their Giant Pandas, the zoo also features trails designed to reveal the secrets of animals from far away environments such as the Budongo of Uganda or the Outback of Australia. Book online and take the bus or train from any of our Edinburgh Hotels for an easy 15-30-minute journey and a hassle-free day out.
Drive north up the A90 to experience more of Scotland, including the stunning Highlands, or catch a quick and easy flight to Aberdeen airport to avoid hours of, ‘are we nearly there yet?’ Check into our Aberdeen hotel, which is easily accessible from the airport, to keep your trip stress-free and straightforward.
The coastal city of Aberdeen is a working port on the North Sea, and the beach and harbour are our number one place to explore. Thrill-seekers can go for a ride at the family-run Codonas amusement park, while history inclined explorers can wander down the beach to the medieval fishing village of Footdee. At the harbour entrance, you can watch the boats come and go from this busy, active port or try to spot the dolphins and seals that play out at sea.
If you’re looking for some authentic Scottish grub to complete your North Sea experience, the Sanddollar café and Highlander café bus along the Esplanade sell great sandwiches, cakes and drinks. For a kid-friendly, sit down meal, try The Silver Darling. Located on the edge of the harbour, they provide fresh, seafood dishes, excellent views and a £6 kids menu that includes a sweet treat!
If you continue exploring the highlands around Aberdeen, make sure to pop into the Grampian Transport Museum. With loads of activities, exhibitions and interactive quizzes and museum trails, it’s the perfect place for a day trip or a picturesque picnic stopover. Make sure not to miss the junior driving school!
For more top travel tips, be sure to visit the Leonardo Hotels blog.
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