7 days in Edinburgh with kids

7 days unlocks a Highland day trip and a slower weekend in Stockbridge.

Family Score · 83/100 for Edinburgh

7-day family trip to Edinburgh

7 days unlocks a Highland day trip and a slower weekend in Stockbridge.

Day-by-day

  • Days 1–5: As the 5-day plan
  • Day 6: Loch Ness + Pitlochry day trip (long but memorable; book via Rabbie's)
  • Day 7: Stockbridge Sunday market, Royal Botanic Garden afternoon

Where to stay for a 7-day trip

A longer trip rewards a quieter, more residential base. You will not be rushing out the door every morning.

📍 Old Town (around Grassmarket)

Walk to the castle, the Royal Mile and chippy dinners. Noisy at weekends, perfect weekdays.

📍 New Town (around Rose Street)

Flatter, more pram-friendly, closer to the gardens and the National Museum.

📍 Stockbridge

A proper neighbourhood — playgrounds, Sunday market, 15-min walk to the castle. Best for a longer stay.

Budget for 7 days — family of 4

Comfort tier estimate

£2,800+ for 3 nights (boutique hotel, Royal Mile private tour, Michelin-ish Timberyard dinner).

Saving tips (apply to any trip length):
  • 💡 National Museum of Scotland is FREE — one of the great family museums in Europe
  • 💡 Royal Botanic Garden is free; glasshouses have a small fee
  • 💡 Lothian Buses day family ticket (£10) covers 2 adults + 3 kids city-wide
  • 💡 Lunch deals at pubs are £8–10 vs. £15–20 dinner mains

Best time for a 7-day Edinburgh trip

When: May–Sep (summer, long daylight), Oct half-term (classic), Dec (Christmas markets + Hogmanay)

Getting there: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) → centre by tram in 35 min, direct and step-free. Direct flights from most UK + European hubs (1–2.5h).

Build this trip around your kids' ages

Famila takes your dates, your kids' ages, and your budget — and writes a Edinburgh itinerary that actually fits your family. Not a feed of generic "family-friendly" places.

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