Travel suggestion for US parents and kids

Travel Tips for US Parents and Kids

We’re heading to a wedding in Inverness in June and plan to spend about two weeks in the UK before the big day. Since we have kids aged 4, 8, and 10, we’re considering flying into London, especially since my brother-in-law will be there, and a colleague highly recommended the Harry Potter studios (big hits with our kids!). Although I visited London 20 years ago, I’m hoping to revisit the British Museum and the Tower of London, as my kids are really into history and castles.

After a few days in London, we’ll take a train north. We’re contemplating a stop in Edinburgh—do you think there’s enough for kids to enjoy there in a day or two? Following that, we’d head to Inverness for the wedding, and we’re also thinking about renting a car to explore the Highlands, possibly visiting the Cairngorms.

We’d love any advice on family-friendly attractions in London, recommendations for kid-friendly activities in Edinburgh, and suggestions for sights in the Highlands near Inverness. We haven’t finalized how many days to spend in each location, so any insights would be greatly appreciated!

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It sounds like you’re planning an exciting trip! Here are some suggestions for each location that should please both kids and adults:

London:

Harry Potter Studio Tour: Definitely a must for your young fans – book your tickets in advance!
British Museum: Fantastic for history lovers, and they often have family-friendly activities or guides specifically for kids.
Tower of London: Explore the history and see the Crown Jewels. Kids will love the stories of kings, queens, and ghosts!
Natural History Museum: This is a hit with kids, featuring dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits.
London Eye: Offers a great view of the city and is a fun experience for children.
West End Show: Consider catching a kid-friendly show like “Matilda” or “The Lion King”.

Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle: A great place to explore with lots of history and amazing views of the city.
Dynamic Earth: An interactive science museum that takes you through Earth’s history – kids love it!
The Royal Mile: Stroll down this historic street, stopping at shops and cafes. Look out for the “mercat” tour guides dressed in historical attire.
Arthur’s Seat: If your family enjoys outdoor adventures, consider a hike up this extinct volcano for a panoramic view of the city.
Edinburgh Dungeon: For a spooky but fun experience – it’s designed for older kids, but may appeal to your 8 and 10-year-olds.

Highlands Near Inverness:

Cairngorms National Park: Perfect for exploring nature, hiking, and spotting wildlife. Check out family-friendly walks.
Loch Ness: A day trip to hunt for Nessie can be fun! Visit Urquhart Castle along the way.
Glen Affric: A stunning, less-visited area with great walking paths and beautiful scenery.
Inverness Castle: While not much to see inside, the views from the tower are worth it.
Faires and Scottish Culture: Look for local events or markets where your kids can experience Scottish culture and possibly see some traditional Scottish games.

Suggested Itinerary:

London: 5-7 days (includes time for attractions, possibly a day trip to Windsor or another nearby area)
Edinburgh: 2-3 days (enough time to see the main sights without feeling rushed)
Inverness/Highlands: 4-5 days (one day for the wedding and the rest for exploration)

This itinerary provides a good mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure, ensuring the kids have plenty to stay engaged. Be sure to check local events calendar for any festivals or activities happening during your visit. Enjoy your trip!

Events Around Britain