My husband is from Edinburgh, Scotland. We met in Japan (I explain more about our story here) but, naturally, we are back and forth to Scotland to see family often.
THINGS WE LIKE TO DO IN EDINBURGH WITH KIDS
Drive to see some Highland Cows (It’s also possible to take a bus.)
Swanston Farm is the social media hype spot for seeing Highland Cows – BUT there are a few here but most of the cows mean a 20-30 minute walk-in (and it can be slippery and muddy so I don’t recommend this with kids and definitely not with a stroller.) I do have pictures of our visit to Swanston Farm, regardless, down a little further in this article.
Instead, I recommend visiting Mortonhall Garden Centre. The paddocks next to the garden centre are the home to a few highland cows – but the paddocks are right next to the road so it’s WAY better for photos and also much easier for little kids to really spot and watch these beautiful animals do their thing. It’s really really special. It is 25 mins drive from the centre of town. You can also take a bus from the centre of town for around 35 mins to Mortonhall Gate and walk for a little under 5 mins.
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The small fruit, veg & gourmet market is also adorable here and the garden centre itself has some cute souvenir items. See the website for the Mortonhall Garden Centre here.
When we travel in Europe I use a Holafly esim and have had the best experience ! I loved having constant internet access (for google maps but also facetime) so much that I got another esim for my daughter (and one for my husband while we were in Italy.). I have an affiliate link here for a Holafly esim if you’re like to use it (no extra cost to you but I receive a small commission when you use my link.) Also, use the code, TOKYOCHAPTER for a 5% discount.
If you still decide to go to Swanston Farm to see the cows (because you don’t have a stroller and you have teenage kids who don’t mind a 30 min or so hike each way to the paddock) the Swanston Farm website has details on where to find them. There are also a couple of cows in a paddock just 5 mins walk from the Swanston Farm Brasserie (it can be a bit of slippery walk on a wet day though.)
The Swanston Farm Brasserie / Cafe here is also quite nice and the food was good.
There is a kids menu (cheeseburger, chicken goujons etc) and they also have a breakfast menu. See here for the full Swanston Farm menu. I had a capscium & cauliflower curry, my husband had haggis bon bons, my father in law had scampi and chips, my brother in law had a felafel burger and the other had a chicken ciabatta sandwich.
See a musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse
We also always check what musicals are on at The Playhouse in town. We have seen Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Shrek, Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert here over the years.
Check out the Edinburgh Fringe
Tickets for Edinburgh Fringe – there are the most adorable kids shows and pantomines and discos for small children during the fringe in summer. I highly recommend checking the website to see what is on.
Take a walk down the Royal Mile
Without a tour guide I find that I would miss so much of the Royal Mile and it’s rich history (and would have only really seen it as old buildings + tourist tat shops + restaurants, otherwise.)
For this reason, I recommend a walking tour with a guide (for kids who are old enough to listen to stories and historic anecdotes.) My Father-in-Law used to be a guide like this and he recommends booking with this company here (please note that this walking tour of Edinburgh is for children 5 years and older.)
While on the Royal Mile, I recommend having lunch or dinner at Angels with Bagpipes or a more casual meal at Burgers & Beers Grillhouse, Royal Mile. I speak about these restaurants in more in the recommended restauraunts section of this article.
While exploring the Royal Mile you can also visit St Giles’ Cathedral. Entry is free with a suggested 6 pound donation. Please note it is open everyday but only from 1pm-5pm on Sundays.
Explore Victoria Street
Victoria Street (as in the street that is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter) is very touristy and the lines for shops and street food options reflect this. However, it is such a beautiful street and definitely worth taking a walk along here as a family.
Blank Coffee is “the place” to grab a matcha latte or an earl grey matcha right now. It’s popular but the line does move quickly.
Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips
You can dine-in or get take-out at Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips on Victoria Street.
I speak more about this restaurant below (with my long list of recommended Edinburgh restaurants for families.)
Oink (pulled pork sandwiches)
The longest line on Victoria Street is usually for the pulled pork sandwiches at Oink. To avoid the line, arrive at 10:30am (30 mins before they open.)
Explore Cockburn Street
Heads up – it’s pronounced Co-burn St (I know because I got it wrong and my brother-in-laws are still laughing at me now about it.)
While on this street, I recommend visiting Minalima and Swish Edinburgh stores (both I’ve listed in my recommended Edinburgh souvenir sections below.)
Ride a Double Decker bus!
You can use a credit card to buy tickets at the front of the bus when you get on. Make sure you sit up the top and knab those front seats if you can!
High Tea at The Dome
We have been to The Dome for High Tea and it was really special. This building is also so beautiful at Christmas time (inside and out.). Best to book this a few days or weeks ahead of time. You can make high tea reservations at The Dome here.
You can take a photo like this from the lobby – you just can’t go into the restaurant without a reservation.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
Yes, you will need to pre-book tickets to Edinburgh Castle online – especially in summer and at christmas time. Make reservations to visit Edinburgh Castle online here.
It’s a nice walk with kids up the Royal Mile and then to explore the castle. It can be a bit of an uphill climb for little legs so you may want to bring a baby carrier or piggyback children for some of the walk ( I would say a stroller but the Royal Mile with a stroller can be hard work so I don’t recommend.)
Right after the castle – to mix it all up and change the vibe a bit – I recommend heading to Camera Obscura (buy tickets ahead of time online.)
Visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
This is cute and very interactive science and optical illusion museum -it’s just near the Edinburgh Castle entrance. I believe it’s best for kids 3-10 years of age. A baby in a carrier would also be ok too. There are no elevators and the floors are only accessible by stairs. It’s cute and worth a visit. I recommend allocating 1.5 – 2 hours here. Kids under 5 are free! Edinburgh residents can buy discounted tickets.
Have a play and even a picnic at Princes St Gardens
I love this playground as there are often food trucks here, my kids like the playground and every photo taken here has that stunning castle backdrop. There are public toilets here at the west end of the gardens (opposite South Charlotte Street.)
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
Entry to the museum is free! So it’s also low pressure if you wanted to explore every single floor or you wanted to just take a quick look and get a babychino (1 pound!) from the Hawthornden Café on Level 1 (open from 10am.) The Museum Kitchen in the basement floor has high chairs.
The restaurant Sichuan House is 1 min walk from the museum (I speak about this restaurant below in my list of recommended restaurants for families.)
The Greyfriars Bobby Statue is also 1 min from the National Museum of Scotland.
Also 1 min walk from the National Museum of Scotland is Artisan Gelato.
“Get a Chinese”
Omg, to me it sounds to wrong to say “get a Chinese” but it’s totally the done thing and the way to say “order chinese food” in the UK. The Chinese food is nothing like you’ll ever find in China – it’s like the Panda Express equivalent in the UK – a hybrid and a cultural UK moment of its own. Apologies to my friends from China – shall we just call this “fusion” for now?
If always makes me sing the Lily Allen song line ” we can get a chinese and watch tv….”
Menu options include : chips with curry sauce, prawn crackers, noodle and rice dishes. We ordered from Taste Good Edinburgh last time we visited – and it was the quintessential “chinese” UK experience – I love it. It’s so so funny to me how it’s like aussie chinese food in the 80s with some additional options (and these options seem so far from real chinese food – so you need to just take it as a whole completely different cuisine. Either way – it’s indulgent comfort food and is yummy.
Another great option in the centre of town is Sichuan House in Edinburgh (the yummy aromas from outside of the restaurant is enough to make anyone’s tummy rumble)- it is just around the corner from the National Museum. I speak about this restaurant in more detail below.
Try a “deep fried mars bar”
6 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle, you can try one at Clamshell Takeaway
For a sit down deep fried mars bar with ice-cream you can order one while dining at Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips on Victoria Street.
1 min walk from the National Museum of Scotland is a Kurdish Kebab House called Yum Yum and they also sell deep fried mars bars.
Go for Bowling and Arcade Games at Lane 7
Lane 7 is within the St James’ Quarter complex in the middle of town. Best to book your bowling lanes ahead of time (either call them or pop in in-person.) This is a lovely friendly-family activity (can get a bit “clubby” late at night so I recommend visiting with kids before 8pm.)
Yes, they can also do bumper bowling.
There is also a Lego Store in the St James Quarter complex. It’s small but my kids still love taking a look each time we walk by.
Gravity Active Edinburgh (an indoor climbing & trampoline centre)
This centre is right next door to the Fountain Park Cinema & Shopping Complex (there is a games arcade in there too.) Make an online reservation here.
Visit Spylaw Park Playground, Colinton (15 mins drive from the centre of town)
This playground and park is in South Edinburgh. It has an enclosed playground and spots to picnic too.
And right next to Spylaw Park is the Colinton Tunnel
This is a great little walk to do as a family. The tunnel is all painted inside.
Visit The Georgian House on Charlotte Square
This restored Edinburgh New Town House is still done up just like it was in the late 18th century. I really loved visiting here and it’s a great visual history lesson for kids too (it’s like Downtown Abbey in “real” life!” Family tickets are 24 pounds.
Walk up to the viewing point at Calton Hill
This includes a decent amount of stairs so I’d only bother with babies in a carrier or kids who are used to “stair hikes.” I also don’t, personally, think it’s worth it on an overcast/cloudy day. Please note that if kids need to use the restroom – there aren’t any public toilets at the top and you’ll need to use those at the City Observatory or Cafe Calton (only open during the building business hours so that makes it a little bit tricky if you’re doing an early morning or evening walk.)
After doing the walk up to Calton Hill – I recommend eating at Howies for lunch as a family (restaurant details below.)
Meet cats at a Cat Cafe
Please note that Maison de Moggy cafe is for children ages 10 and older (and one adult per child for children under 14 too.) Reserve a timeslot at Maison de Moggy cat cafe here.
Visit the Dean Village
Quite walkable from the centre of town and some of the hop on and off buses will also drop you nearby.
I recommend NOT doing this with a stroller as I’ve spotted many families with a tantrumming toddler under one arm and a stroller under the other. The roads are old and cobblestoney and bumpy and there are lots of stairs. So, for this reason, I recommend doing with little kids in carriers or kids that are big enough to walk for themselves. There isn’t really a way to get a cab to the bottom so you can’t avoid the walking bit (sorry!) There aren’t restaurants or public bathrooms here so make sure you come prepared and kids know what they are in for. There were some coffee carts along the way.
For kids, there is a very small public playground that will make young kids happy for 10 -15 mins or so. It is called “The School Yard”
Go to Marks & Spencer
If you’ve been anywhere in the UK you know how amazing Marks & Spencer is – especially M&S Food! I also find their clothing to be such fabulous quality (especially underwear and also kid’s clothing.)
Visit Elephant House
This is a cafe where JK Rowling wrote a significant portion of Harry Potter.
Visit Craigies Farm (and cafe) 20 mins drive from the city centre
This little farm and restaurant are so cute for a little family outing. Kids can meet the animals, use the play equipment and then everyone can have lunch together at the all-day farm cafe. There is even a little farm grocers where you can take home fresh produce. Make a reservation for the farm / animal portion here. See the Craigie’s Cafe menu here. There are some vegan, vegetarian or gluten free options. You can book a high tea here too (must be reserved tat least two days in advance.)
The Alpine Coaster
We haven’t been able to try these yet (they have been booked out when we visit) but I’m so so keen to try!
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT WITH KIDS IN EDINBURGH
For the more formal, popular restaurants in Edinburgh I STRONGLY recommend making reservations a few weeks in advance – just so you don’t miss out. For example, if you wanted to book Dishoom – even 2 or 3 weeks in advance is a good idea.
Pizza Express in Morningside
Pizza Express is a chain so may seem like such a random reccie BUT it is in an old church and I just love eating here every single time. So do my kids! It’s reliable and so yummy and rarely that busy (we do like to make reservations just in case though.)
Indigo Yard
A lovely and rowdy kid-friendly pub. We always revisit when we are in town. I love it so much!
The food here is casual and hearty – Don’t get the Thai Green Curry though – it’s bad. Really bland.
The Angels Share
I love dining here with and without kids.Make an online reservation here. The cuisine here is Scottish food and you can see the full menu here. This is also a great place to have a Sunday Roast as a family. There is no “kids menu” but there are plenty of options that kids will also enjoy. There are lots of vegetarian options on the menu here too. See here for information on what live sport is showing right now at The Angels Share.
The Doric Bar & Restaurant
This pub has traditional live folk music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm so definitely go then, if you don’t have kids (as kids can only be in this pub until 6pm – or in the upstairs dining room until 11pm.)
This pub has vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menu options. See the full menu at The Doric here.
They have a kids menu and also wordfinds and crossword activities for kids. All kids menu options can include a scoop of ice-cream for 1 pound.
Civerinos Slice, Forrest Road
This is a walk-in restaurant only – no bookings allowed. You can dine in or takeaway. They have vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and nut free options. See the full Civerinos Slice menu here. Kids are welcome and they can make space for folded strollers.
Milnes Bar
This is a super casual pub in the centre of town – to me it feels like a quinessential UK pub – a tiny bit rough round the edges, a mixture of families and corporates and solo drinkers. They have a kids’ menu. All orders are taken at the bar and then collected from the same place or brought to your table. This pub is busy after 4pm so make sure you grab a table before ordering. This restaurant has vegetarian and gluten free options for diners.
Angels with Bagpipes
If you’re on the Royal Mile, I recommend eating at Angels with Bagpipes. This is the restaurant I ate at the day I got engaged and it’s also one of my Mother & Father-in-laws favourite places to eat for a special occasion. See the full Angels with Bagpipes menu here. You can also book a private dining room for a family function. There isn’t a kids menu so maybe not the best option for the fussiest of eaters but there are lots of options little tastebuds might like such as haddock goujons (fish tenders) or fried chicken with siracha.
Burgers & Beers Grillhouse, Royal Mile
A good option for when eating out with kids on the Royal Mile. Make an online reservation for dinner at Burgers & Beers Grillhouse here. They have gluten free and vegan meal options here. Here is the full menu.
Mary’s Milk Bar
Best Milkshakes not far from the castle! The cutest little small business to support, as well.
Sichuan House
This Chinese Restaurant is so popular and just the beautiful aromas coming from outside the restaurant itself are enough to show you why. This restaurant is around the corner from the National Museum of Scotland and is also across the road from The Elephant House where JK Rowling wrote a large portion of Harry Potter. Open everyday 11am-10pm. This restaurant also has several vegan menu options.
This restaurant is also 1 min walk from the Greyfriar’s Bobby Statue.
All Bar One
I’m a sucker for the chain All Bar One all over the UK. There is an All Bar One on George St in Edinburgh. I just like how it’s always reliable and they welcome kids.
Edinburgh Street Food
If everyone in the family likes very different types of food AND if kids aren’t great at sitting still for a meal – I really recommend the street food food court Edinburgh Street Food. They also have high chairs for babies. Food options include burgers, sushi, salads, tacos, banh mi, pizza. It’s very close to the Playhouse Theatre – use google maps to get you there as I found it a tiny bit tricky to find.
Dishoom (Indian fusion)
Extremely popular – so much so that you will need to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Indian fusion (and they are also famous for a great Indian breakfast. See the all day kids menu at Dishoom here.
Wagamama (Japanese fusion)
There are a few of these in Edinburgh. They are soooo popular on weekends so definitely make a reservation or try for outside of traditional meal hours. This is a chain restaurant so you can also find these in other places in the UK. See the kids’ menu at Wagamama here.
Have a drink and take in the view from the lounge at the top of The W Edinburgh
The W Edinburgh menu is here. Kids are allowed up here as long as accompanied by an adult (it’s a date spot so I recommend coming with bigger kids over toddlers who can’t sit still – although they do have highchairs for babies so it depends on what your tolerance and expectations for your kids is like.) The view is spectacular. Make online reservations here.
Burger King on Princes St
This is a random reccie but, if you get the seats at the front window, you can see Edinburgh Castle while you dine! I love the Vegan Royale sandwich at Burger King in Edinburgh – it’s really good. The softdrinks here are also unlimited refills.
Starbucks on Princes St
The first floor also has a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle on a clear day.
Soderberg Bakeries
There are many of these beautiful bakeries dotted all over Edinburgh. Most of them have a small dine-in area too. They also have vegetarian bakery options. Here is a full list of all the Soderberg Bakeries in Edinburgh.
Pizza Hut (did you know that Edinburgh still has the old school dine-in Pizza Hut?)
So they have the all you can eat pizza buffet and everything ! See the full menu for Pizza Hut on North Bridge here. They have high chairs here.
Waterstones Cafe (the cafe above the Waterstones Bookshop) on Princes St
Also has a view similiar to Starbucks (I don’t think it’s quite as nice though.)
Duck & Waffle
This is just on one side of the St James’ Quarter complex in the middle of town. It’s fab for a fancy meal out and they welcome children. There is also a Duck & Waffle in Dubai and another in London. Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and they do have a kids’ menu. This is a special occasion type place and the prices reflect that too.
Maki & Ramen, St James
Also in the same St James’ Quarter complex. It’s a casual Japanese restaurant that comes off a food court style restaurant in this complex – on the bottom floor. They have a vegan, vegetarian and halal menu. See the full menu here.
The Huxley
Also an upmarket pub – this restaurant has a great kids menu – all kids’ mains are 5 pounds! See The Huxley kids menu here. They also have high chairs. Here is the rest of the menu at The Huxley (all yummy, comfort food.) Please note that kids under 18 are only allowed to be in the pub before 10pm.
The Huxley, Edinburgh.
Browns
This is a familiar friendly pub chain. They have a great kids menu. See the Browns Edinburgh Kids Menu here. They also have high chairs. Be sure to make reservations in advance on weekends and in summer (as it’s on George St that is closed to cars and becomes a popular outdoor eating space in the warmer months.)
Pizza Pilgrims
In the middle of town, this restaurant specializes in pizza but also do salads, sides and desserts. The restaurant interior is bright and the vibes are fun and rowdy. Pizza Pilgrims is a chain restaurant so you can also come across them in London. They have kids menus and highchairs.
Bella Italia
This is an Italian chain restaurant and they are so kid-friendly. See the full Bella Italia menu here (check their official website first as they often have free meals or discounts advertised for if you join their mailing list etc.) They have a gluten free, vegan and vegetarian menu here. They also have an extensive kids’ menu. They also give kids a colouring sheets and crayons upon arrival. They also have high chairs and changing table facilities. Make an online reservation at Bella Italia here.
Fat Hippo
This burger restaurant has big menu and all mains come with sides. Kids can get a main, side and a drink for 7.5 pounds. They also have several vegetarian and vegan options. Book a table at Fat Hippo Edinburgh here.
Howies Waterloo, Edinburgh
I mentioned this above as it is right at the base of Calton Hill. They have high chairs and a kids’ menu. Feels a bit fancy – but they are also very welcoming when it comes to kids. It is open 7 days a week. I recommend making a reservation – especially on weekends. Here is the link to the Howies menu. Go between 5:15pm-6:30pm for the early dinner specials if you’re watching your budget. If you have a large group or a special celebration – reserve a private dining room. There is another Howies closer to Edinburgh Castle and another in the historic old town section (they also have a kids’ menu and high chairs)
Chaakoo Bombay Cafe
This restaurant is an Indian restaurant in the centre of town. They have vegan and vegetarian options too – so please ask to see their allergen menu. See the full menu online here. The kids menu is also great and they give kids a colouring sheet to keep them busy at the table.
Chaophraya Edinburgh (Thai cuisine)
This thai restaurant has brilliant views of Edinburgh Castle. It’s open everyday of the week for lunch and dinner (they have also just introduced a Thai breakfast option!) See the full menu here. They also have a full Thai vegan menu here. Make an online reservation at Chaophraya here. This restaurant has high chairs.
A casual food court with lots of different fast food options
Under Waverly Station is a food court called Waverly Market. This is not a “pretty” food court or anything but lots of different food options for everyone in the family. Food options include jacket potatoes, churros, Greggs, Kebabs, McDonalds, KFC, bubble tea, Starbucks, Subway – see the full list here. There is also a Sainsbury’s Supermarket. Open 9am-7pm.
The Devil’s Advocate, Edinburgh
This restaurant is in a back alley behind Victoria St and the Royal Mile. It’s in a historic building so there are stairs so this one would be hard with a stroller. See The Devil’s Advocate Edinburgh menu here. Make an online reservation here. Kids are welcome but there isn’t a kids’ menu. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips
Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips is on Victoria Street (a sightseeing spot that I mention above.). It’s popular so it’s best to have a reservation OR get takeaway. This is also a great place to try a deep fried mars bar in Edinburgh. Make an online reservation at Bertie’s Proper Fish’n’Chips here. See the kids’ menu here.
The full Bertie’s menu is here – it’s a good place to try Haggis Spring Rolls or Black Pudding. This restaurant also has gluten free and vegan menu items.
Mamma’s American Pizza, Grassmarket
Mamma’s American Pizzeria, Grassmarket serves pizza and calzone. They have a kids menu and also have vegan and vegetarian options. Make a reservation for Mamma’s American Pizzeria here. See the full menu here.
All day breakfast at Quinn’s Cafe
The Quinn’s Breakfast Stack is the most popular option for those who want to try a proper Scottish breakfast with Haggis and Black Pudding. But you can also get scrambled eggs or a full vegetarian breakfast, cereals with yoghurt, toasties or crossiants. There are also vegan options. This cafe is open from 8am-2pm daily.
If you like antique and second hand books, then I recommend Armchair Books (Victorian Illustrated & Secondhand books) and Edinburgh Books just near Quinn’s Cafe.
Bread Meets Bread
This is a burger restaurant. There are a few of these around Edinburgh (& Glasgow, actually.) They have highchairs. There are vegetarian and gluten free meal options. See here for the Bread Meets Bread gluten free menu. All items on the kids’ menu items are all 8 pounds (includes juice, fries and ice-cream) and include chicken nuggets, burgers, hot dogs and toasties.
Innis & Guss Brewery Taproom
This pub is mostly steak, burgers and craft beers. Many people love the Steak Frites and the vegetarians can go for the Spiced Cauliflower & Cheese or the Vegan Burger. Make an online reservation here. See the full Innis & Guss menu here. Kids are welcome here until 8pm. There is no kids menu but plenty of options kids will love – and they have highchairs here too. This pub is really close to the gift and stationery store “Paper Tiger” – a recommended shopping spot that I mention above.
Shakespeare
Shakespeare is one of the oldest pubs in the city. It’s located right next to the Lyceum Performing Arts Theatre. This is a cute spot to eat as a family – big hearty mains or lots of little plates to share. They also have the pub classics like fish’n’chips, steak, mac’n’cheese ,scampi etc. But they also have a whole burger section of the menu and sides like onion rings or sweet potato fries. The small plates menu has the best stuff though – in my opinion. Check the website before you go as they have an app that includes discounts and treats for first time visitors. This is also a great place to go if you want to watch live sport. See the full menu for Shakespeare here and here is their gluten free menu. Here is the kids’ menu for Shakespeare in Edinburgh. This is also a great place to go as a family if you’d like to try a Sunday Roast.
This pub is really close to the gift and stationery store “Paper Tiger” – a recommended shopping spot that I mention above.
Turtledove Playcafe
This cafe with a soft play space is a little bit out of town but if you have time to travel – or a car – it’s a cute spot for little ones. Turtledove Playcafe is run by two Edinburgh mums. If you are travelling from the centre of town, it will take 21 mins by bus or you could take a taxi and it will take approximately 14 mins.
The Cramond Inn (20 mins drive from the centre of town)
This pub is 20 mins drive out of town but is by the water and is a good option for a Sunday Roast with kids. This pub is kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
WHAT WE LIKE TO BUY AT THE SUPERMARKET IN EDINBURGH
Whenever I travel anywhere I love making sure I check out their supermarkets (and McDonalds!). Scotland is no different! I love seeing what they have – especially in the sweets and bakery aisles.
Irn Bru
This doesn’t have to be purchased in a supermarket but I can’t talk about Scotland without mentioning the soft drink Irn Bru. Did you know that it’s one of the only countries that has a softdrink that is more popular than coke? My husband and daughter LOVE the stuff.
Sweeties! (aka “lollies” if you’re from Australia)
These are some of our favourites.
A Scotch Pies & Macaroni Pies
Birthday cakes
In Australia and Japan, you definitely can’t just pick up a random themed cake at the supermarket. This Minion option is from ASDA and I also love the caterpillar cakes at Marks & Spencer
Eyeball candle placement by my big girl in celebration of her brother’s birthday.
Tunnocks Tea Cakes
I love these so much that they are always my first stop when I arrive in Scotland. If you like marshmallows and biscuits and chocolate – you will LOVE these too.
Cucumber Sushi
For fellow aussies, the M&S Food Hall sells simple cucumber sushi! (I’ve been a bit too scared to try the other kind.)
Riesen Sweets
These are actually from Germany but they are new to me. They are dark chocolate around caramel toffee. More of a grown-up taste than for kids.
EDINBURGH AT CHRISTMAS
I LOVE Edinburgh at Christmas time. The sun sets early and the christmas lights makes everything look like a Christmas movie. There is a big christmas market in town with carnival rides and the opportunity to meet and take a picture with Santa.
There is an temporary/pop-up ice-skating rink on George St in Edinburgh around Christmas time.
Does it always snow at Christmas in Edinburgh?
It has but not always (global warming means that recent years it hasn’t, for the most part.)
WHAT KINDS OF SOUVENIRS DO WE LIKE TO BUY IN EDINBURGH FOR ME AND FOR MY KIDS?
My brother in law ordered this for my dot art loving daughter on Amazon while we were in Edinburgh. If you’ve read my tips on keeping bigger kids entertained on planes – you will have seen other dot art suggestions that we love.
As for me, I always head straight to the supermarket to buy Tunnock’s Tea Cakes. I love these so much. A biscuit with a tiny bit of jam and a big soft marshmallow on top – dipped in chocolate. I have pictures of Tunnock’s Teacakes in this article in the “Supermarket” section.
Millionaire Shortbread
If you’re in a bakery, coffee shop or cafe and they have Millionaire Shortbread – grab it! It’s an iconic Scottish treat! It’s super rich though so maybe start with one piece to share ?
Stationery from the National Library of Scotland
I love the souvenir shop at the National Library of Scotland (just 1 min from the National Museum of Scotland.) It’s just a small shop but I really like the small gifts and keepsakes here.
Cards & Souvenirs from Paper Tiger
Paper Tiger is close to two of my recommended restaurants for families (listed below.) I LOVE this shop so much as I love stationery and beautiful cards.
Scotland Souvenirs at “Born in Scotland”
There are two stores in Edinburgh. One is out at the Gyle and the other is in the centre of town. See all of their products online here first, if you like.
Beautifully illustrated prints, books and stationery
The Minalima stores on Cockburn St and Victoria St are so so beautiful – like us, you might find you already have a Minalima Harry Potter book in your home!
Swish Edinburgh
This is a graphic tee shop on Cockburn St, Edinburgh and I love this play on Jaws, Scotland style, so much.
WHERE TO STAY IN EDINBURGH WITH KIDS
As I mentioned at the start of this article, we are lucky enough to be able to stay with family in Scotland as my husband was born in Edinburgh. However, we have stayed in some hotels/airbnbs for family events and I also wanted to share what I believe to be the most convenient spots to stay with kids in Edinburgh.
Personally, I think anywhere ON or a few mins walk from Charlotte Square is the BEST option for families. That means you’re near the Castle and the sightseeing spots on the Royal Mile but also the Princes St Gardens and the playground there too. You’re also only 10 mins walk from George St for shopping and restaurants then too.
We stayed at this airbnb in Edinburgh on Charlotte Square with my husband’s brother and his family and we LOVED it. Loved it for the actual interior and facilities – but mostly for the location! 3 mins walk to the Princes St Gardens playground at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle and you practically fall onto the high street for shopping and all of the bustling restaurants. 5 mins walk to Tesco Express. 6 mins walk to Sainsbury’s Local supermarket.
Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG
Also in the beautiful Charlotte Square location. Some of the rooms can cater to two double beds. This hotel also has a indoor pool and a gym. They also have 24 hour room service and two on-site restaurants.
The Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh is also in a fabulous and very central location. It’s on the edge of Victoria Street (as in the street that is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.) The hotel is lovely and modern. The Family Suites also have bunk beds. 8 mins walk from Sainsbury’s Local supermarket & Tesco Express. 11 mins walk to Marks & Spencer. 12 min walk to Lidl supermarket.
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
The Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is inside the most beautiful old building (it used be a department store building in the late 1800s.) This hotel is 8 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle and 9 mins walk from the Princes Street Gardens. Most rooms are for 1-2 people with the exception of the Two Double Bed rooms – which can sleep 4. There is an on-site restaurant (including a buffet breakfast) and 24 hour room service. 3 mins walk to Sainbury’s Local supermarket. 5 mins walk to Tesco Express. 10 mins walk to Marks & Spencer. 8 mins walk to Lidl supermarket.
Raddison Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
This hotel is right on the Royal Mile. The Raddison Blu Hotel is 8 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle and 9 mins walk from the Princes St Gardens. The hotel has a gym and an indoor pool. The suite and family rooms can accommodate 4 people. There is also a connecting room option. Cots for babies are also available upon request. There is an on-site restaurant (including a buffet breakfast in the morning.) 3 mins walk from Sainsbury’s Local supermarket. 8 mins walk from Tesco Express. 11 mins walk from Marks & Spencer. 12 mins walk to Lidl supermarket.
The W Edinburgh. This is a new hotel with many stunning restaurants on the top floors. It is part of the St James Quarter complex. Just outside the lobby is a coffee shop Black Sheep Coffee. The elevators here are really cool – screens on the ground make for a trippy ride.
This hotel has a spa, gym and also room service. Please note that all room types sleep 1-2 people (so you will need multiple rooms for a larger family.) 5 mins walk from Marks & Spencer. 12 mins walk to Sainbury’s Local supermarket.
The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
This is such a beautiful hotel in such a lovely and central location. They have on-site bars and restaurants – and room service too. The hotel has a gym as well as a steam room and indoor swimming pool. The rooms sleep 2, 3 or 4 people and one suite room can sleep as many as 6.
This hotel is 12 minutes walk from Edinburgh Castle. 1 min walk to Tesco Express. 2 mins walk from Sainsburys Local supermarket.
3 mins walk from one of my recommended restaurants for families Indigo Yard and also 2 mins walk from The Angels Share (details in the restaurants section of this post.)
EDINBURGH AIRPORT WITH KIDS
Inside security there are lots of really nice dining options (shopping options too – souvenirs and clothing and a big Boots, as well) once you’ve been through security.
The main places we like to eat within the airport are:
Wetherspoons
Starbucks
Burger King (BEST vegetarian and vegan options here!- the Vegan Royale is so so good)
This was my food selection at the Turkish Airlines lounge at Edinburgh Airport.
How to get from Edinburgh Airport into town with kids?
Tram or 24 hour bus are the cheapest options but taxi is the most direct and convenient (expensive though at 40 pounds +.)
SMALL CULTURE SHOCK WE EXPERIENCE WHEN VISITING SCOTLAND WITH KIDS
Light nights until almost midnight in Summer
I think this is such an Aussie thing to be surprised by but it’s so funny to me for it to be broad daylight skies even at 10 or 11pm. On the flip side, the sun does set in winter around 4pm.
Vaping & Smoking in Public
Especially coming from Australia, it is quite a shock how many people are smoking and vaping on the street (not at bad as Italy or France -but still…..)
Blander food
I find the food out to not be as heavily flavoured (when eating out) as I am used to in Australia in Japan. This can take a little while to get used to. I recommend choosing Asian fusion or spicier options if you have tastebuds like mine.
A tiny niche difference..
My daughter loves sprite with raspberry cordial when we are dining out in pubs in Australia – in Scotland we asked for this and they either did blackberry or it was sometime of syrup that just wasn’t the same. I thought it was worth noting in case your kids’ standard order is also a “fire engine”- best to pre-warn them that it’s a bit different.
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