Heart of Scotland Tours
BEST FOR
Ages 5+
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
Small-group bus tours out to Highland castles, distilleries and standing stones, departing from Edinburgh.
This one is a proper day out for kids who can sit still on a bus and get excited about castles rather than soft play. You join a small-group tour from Waterloo Place in Edinburgh and head out to the Highlands, the islands or heritage sites, stopping at places like distilleries, standing stones and lighthouses along the way. It suits a five-year-old who likes looking out of a window at scenery and asking a hundred questions, and it suits a twelve-year-old who actually wants to go inside the castle rather than just photograph it from the car park.
Under-fives aren't allowed on the scheduled tours, which rules out a family trip with a toddler in tow, so this is one for when the youngest is old enough to manage a full day. Entry fees to the attractions themselves are on top of the tour price, and lunch isn't included either, though the tour does stop somewhere sensible so you can buy something or eat a packed lunch. Worth factoring both into your budget before you go, since a day that starts as a bus ticket can add up once everyone's had an entry fee and a sandwich.
Turning up on time matters here. They want you at the bus stand fifteen minutes before departure and the tour leaves on time, no waiting around for stragglers, so build in a bit of slack getting into town that morning. Luggage is fine if you're doing an overnight tour, up to 15kg a person, carried free but at your own risk.
Same-day bookings are possible if there's space, but for anything with an overnight stay it's better to sort it further ahead. Overnight tours also mean some B&Bs along the way only take cash, so it's worth having some on you rather than relying on cards the whole trip.
Need to know
- Best for
- Age 5 and up who can handle a full day on a bus
- Booking
- Change or cancel up to 24 hours before day tours, 8 days before overnight tours
- Some B&Bs on overnight tours only take cash, so bring some with you
- Luggage allowance is 15kg per person on overnight tours, carried at your own risk
- Book overnight tours well ahead; day tours can sometimes be booked the same day
- Pack a picnic if you'd rather not rely on buying lunch at the stop
Plan your visit
What age is this suitable for?
Five and up. Under-fives aren't allowed on the scheduled tours.
Do we need to book in advance?
Same-day bookings are accepted if there's space, but overnight tours are best booked further ahead to avoid missing out.
Is food included?
No. The tour stops at lunchtime somewhere you can buy food or eat your own picnic, but you're paying for that separately.
Are castle and distillery entry fees included in the tour price?
Admission fees to castles, distilleries, boat trips and similar are on top of what you pay for the tour.
Where does the tour leave from and when should we arrive?
Tours depart from Bus Stand ZE on Waterloo Place in Edinburgh. Get there at least 15 minutes early, as the bus leaves on time.
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