Scotland is magical. Scotland is history. Scotland is culture and heritage. And we love Scotland.
Yes, it’s the most picturesque part of the UK – and we’d argue the world – but it’s not always about the looks. It’s about what’s underneath that matters. Cliche, we know, but it’s true. Scotland has centuries worth of history and life that have made the country what it is today. And if you’re hiring a motorhome in Scotland, you’re perfectly positioned to see them all!
It’s a place where kids’ (and adults’) imaginations can run truly wild. The Loch Ness monster is real, you know?
Read on for our four favourite locations that will bring history to life for kids.
Stirling Castle – Stirling
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles. Its story is centuries old and tells a tale of our nation’s history dating back to 1110, guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries. And what kid doesn’t love a castle?
Sterling Castle, known as the ‘Key to Scotland’ was home to Mary, Queen of Scots, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, almost every Scottish Monarch lived, was crowned, or died here. Beware of the haunted halls!
And to say they caused drama is an understatement – the assassination of James I being the most brutal. Still, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Stirling Castle was the venue for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots (and her escape of death by fire in 1561), and The baptism of James VI.
Today, it’s a historical playground.
The opening hours are:
- April–September: 9:30 AM–6 PM, last entry 4 PM
- October–March: 9:30 AM–5 PM, last entry 4 PM
- Closed December 25–26
- Open January 1, 11 AM–5 PM
Tickets are £17.50 online and £10.50 for children ages 7-15. Kids under 7 can go in for free!
Riverside Museum – Glasgow
The Riverside Museum in Glasgow is pretty cool – we’re fully grown adults and love it. They’ve designed it so well that you’re fully immersed in Glasgow’s transport and travel history – the inside is a mockup of old days Glasgow. Still, this is for the kids, and they’ll definitely love it.
You’ll find the award-winning transport and technology Riverside Museum on the banks of the River Clyde. There’s plenty of parking around it.
Inside, the design and layout of exhibits span several eras, and they literally do, the design of each exhibit replicates streets and factories of that era. With over 3,000 objects to look at and fully interactive designs, we know this one will be a hit with the kids. There’s everything from vintage cards, trams, and steam trains to a tall mast ship – the Glenlee- docked outside.
And it’s a learning experience – each exhibit teaches you something new.
Entry is free!
The Hogwarts Express (Jacobite Steam Train)
You didn’t think we’d do a post about bringing history to life and leave out the Jacobite Steam Train, did you? Well, would you class this as history? Fictional history counts.
More people know the Jacobite Steam Train as the Hogwarts Express – and you best believe that as soon as you mention it to your kids, they’ll want to go. Running from Fort William to Mallaig for 41 miles, this magical journey that’ll bring out the kid in most of us. Look out the window to see iconic stunning Scottish landscapes, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the famous bridge in Harry Potter films). According to the website, the train is a magical experience, ‘effortlessly combining legendary Scottish folklore, luxury travel and beautiful scenery.’
Still, while you’re looking out the window, we guarantee your kids will be playing wizards!
Tickets start at £65 for a standard adult day return, £89 for first class, and £36 for children under 16.
Top tip: Sit on the left-hand side travelling to Mallaig and on the right-hand side on the way back. You’ll get the best views!
Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh
This is Scotland, of course, there are two castles in this post.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous. Sat on top of Castle Rock and overlooking the city, this majestic, historical castle sees hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, known boldly as ‘The Defender of The Nation.’
Built in 1103, it’s one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe, not only in Scotland. All those years bring so many interesting tales to tell. And it’s actually one of the most besieged castles in Britain, with the Scots retaking the castle from the English in 1314 in a risky night raid led by Thomas Randolph being one of the most iconic in history.
There’s so much we could tell you about its history – you’ll have to go and see it for yourself.
Ticket prices are:
- Adult: £15.50 – £19.50
- Children 7-15: £9.00 – £11.40
- Children Under 7: Free
You can also take guided tours to make the most of the experience.
Scotland will give you an endless list of things to do that bring history to life for kids. Each city, town, and village has something to offer. Start planning your Scottish historical trip now!
