I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Great Britain with my 11 year daughter next July. Early itinerary looks like 5 days in Edinburgh (with time for 1-2 day trips), 2 days in York, and 2-3 days in London. (We have been to London before so are going back for more fun and less sightseeing.)
I've been reading the forums about day trips with Rabbie's, Heart of Scotland, etc. and think that would be a wonderful way for us to see a bit of Scotland outside Edinburgh. I haven't found a lot about which tour might be most kid/tween friendly. Any suggestions? I mean more the content / interest as it appears the tours themselves are ok with this age group.
Based on some of the posts I'm leaning toward Rabbie's West Highland tour as it sounds like it will see some beautiful scenery, and I think that will be a nice balance with lots of history in Edinburgh.
Would really appreciate your suggestions!
thank you
Posted by
3122 posts
Can't comment on the out-of-Edinburgh day tours, but in Edinburgh you may want a couple of options to get in out of the weather, depending on rainy & windy conditions. (I know some kids get crabby in inclement weather.)
The National Museum of Scotland is spacious and has a wealth of varied exhibits of interest to all ages. It also has the Tower Restaurant, which is upscale but not stuffy, and affords a fabulous view of the skyline. If you time your reservation right, you can dine during sunset.
The tour of Mary King's Close on the Royal Mile might be especially appealing to an 11-year-old https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/
Posted by
OP
133 posts
Thank you! I just read about Mary King's close in the guidebook last night and was wondering about that, appreciate the tip! And thanks also for the tip about the restaurant, sound great.
Posted by
Tucson
4151 posts
You might check out the Hairy Coo options. I didn't book early enough to do one of the free tours in May 2016. I went on the 1-Day Highland Lochs, Castles & Whiskey one, only I didn't do the whiskey part. We got out of the bus and walked quite a bit in a couple of parks besides going to the sights listed. The driver/guide was hilarious and feeding a coo was delightful. Be sure to look at the pictures.
On my own by bus, I also visited the Royal Yacht Britannia. No one seems to mention it, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the amazingly modest private quarters for the royal family.
Posted by
Eugene, OR
53 posts
We did a Rabbie’s tour this summer to Hadrian's Wall out of Edinburgh. Tour guide was great. Long drive back was mostly not scenic so he answered any questions but spent over an hour telling epic tales from Scotland’s past in great detail. Our 16 year old daughter fell asleep and my wife and I were raptured. She was good overall just tired. I’d take another tour from them in a heartbeat.
Posted by
OP
133 posts
Thank you for these tips! I am glad to hear the Brittania was good because it's caught my eye but wasn't sure if it was worth the hassle. (I have to admit I'm much more likely to go to something I can walk to!). I had never heard of Hairy Coos so will check that out! Rabbie's will likely get a day trip regardless based on the great recommendations on this site.