Itinerary for 3 day trip to Scotland

Scotland is a fantastic place for a family adventure, especially when you have the freedom of a van. You can explore stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns at your own pace. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 3-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained, including your 8-year-old!

Day 1: to the

Morning:

Start in : Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some traditional Scottish porridge or a full Scottish breakfast to fuel up for the day!
: Before hitting the road, take a quick visit to . The views from the castle are breathtaking, and your child will love exploring the ancient fortress and learning about its history.

Midday:

Drive to the (about 1 hour): Head south to the picturesque . The drive is beautiful, with rolling hills and charming villages.
Visit : Stop at , a stunning ruin that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Kids often enjoy the stories of knights and monks associated with the abbey.

Afternoon:

Lunch in Melrose: Grab a bite at a local café. There are plenty of family-friendly options.
Explore : Just a short drive away, this was the home of Sir Walter Scott. The gardens are lovely, and there’s a great visitor center with activities for kids.

Evening:

Camp in the Borders: Find a family-friendly campsite nearby. Many have facilities for kids, and you can enjoy a cozy evening around a campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows!

Day 2: The Highlands and

Morning:

Drive to (about 2.5 hours): After breakfast, set off for the Highlands. The scenery will be stunning, so keep your camera ready!
Stop at : This charming village at the southern end of is perfect for a quick break. You can watch boats navigate the locks and maybe grab a snack.

Midday:

: Hop on a family-friendly boat tour on . Your child will love the chance to search for Nessie, the famous Monster! The views of the surrounding hills are spectacular.

Afternoon:

Lunch in : Enjoy lunch at a local pub or café. Try some haggis if you’re feeling adventurous!
Visit : After lunch, head to , which overlooks . Explore the ruins and enjoy the stunning views. There’s a great visitor center with interactive exhibits that kids love.

Evening:

Camp by : Find a campsite near the loch. Many have beautiful views and facilities for families. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the water, perhaps with some stargazing if the skies are clear!

Day 3: and the North Coast

Morning:

Drive to (about 30 minutes): After breakfast, head to , the capital of the Highlands.
: Start your day with a visit to . While the castle itself is not open to the public, the views from the hill are fantastic!

Midday:

Explore the City: Take a stroll along the and visit the for some shopping and snacks. There are often street performers that will entertain your child!

Afternoon:

Lunch in : Enjoy lunch at a family-friendly restaurant. Try some local seafood or a classic fish and chips!
Drive to the North Coast (about 1.5 hours): Head towards the stunning North Coast. You can stop at places like or along the way for a quick look around.

Evening:

Visit : If time allows, stop at , which is a bit of a fairy tale castle with beautiful gardens. They often have falconry displays that your child will find fascinating!
Camp on the North Coast: Find a campsite along the coast for your last night. Enjoy a family dinner and reflect on your amazing Scottish adventure!

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

Snacks and Games: Keep a stash of snacks and travel games handy for the van rides.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your plans. If your child finds something particularly interesting, take the time to explore!
Nature Breaks: Make sure to stop for nature breaks. Scotland has plenty of beautiful spots for a quick run around!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Scotland! Enjoy your adventure!