East Coast of Scotland Road Trip
East Coast of Scotland Road Trip – I know that a lot of visitors to Scotland wish to dot from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, then to Skye but this involves SO MUCH DRIVING! I’m here to tempt you up the east coast of Scotland. This region features an epic castle trail, my favourite castle, the Queen’s holiday residence, the town where Kate & Wills met, plus access to beautiful beaches, as well as distilleries, galleries and museums.
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Here is a 7 day itinerary up the East Coast and into Royal Deeside, which could easily be extended to 10 ( see the suggestions at the bottom if you wish to do this). Some attractions open for the season, so do double check visitor hours.
Day 1 & 2 – Edinburgh – East Coast of Scotland Road Trip
I’m going to keep Edinburgh simple because most people have their own bucket list for the capital city. Day 1, arrive in Edinburgh and get settled from the plane, jet lag or journey you’ve undertaken.
For inspiration I include:-
Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
Rainy Day/Indoor Activities in Edinburgh
Accommodation – Self-Catering options deliver well – here is a guide to family friendly options in Edinburgh. For a budget hotel the Apex on the Grassmarket, and for boutique luxury Dunstane Houses are renowned.
Day 3 – St Andrew’s – East Coast of Scotland Road Trip
Morning, drive to St Andrews. This town is the home of golf, but so much more besides. St Andrew’s Cathedral is where much of Scotland’s Reformation history unfolded, and it’s a beautiful ruinous location where kids can run about and adults can explore.
Be sure to take a stroll on West Sands beach, famous for that scene in Chariots of Fire. FREE. We also found the World Golf Museum surprisingly engaging and fun for kids, this is the home of golf after all…
The shops in the town centre are lovely, including many independent boutiques and gift shops. If in town, I’d recommend the famous fudge doughnuts from Fisher & Donaldson, and drop by Janetta’s for light lunches and ice cream. Other activities to mull over include St Andrew’s Aquarium and St Andrew’s Castle.
Read a full Guide to St Andrews here.
Accommodation – In terms of accommodation the Fairmont is a real crowd pleaser, and luxurious too. It has a spa, pool, games room for kids and teenagers, its own golf course, and it offers a Savoy afternoon tea. It’s slightly out of town, but runs a courtesy bus. Read why it works for everyone, from young couples, families, retirees and golfers here, and book here.
Day 4 Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle – East Coast of Scotland Road Trip
Dunnottar Castle is one of my favourite castles in Scotland. It looks simply stunning sitting on a rocky outcrop, jutting out into the north sea. The Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here, and many prisoners suffered in its dungeons. History and beauty combine beautifully within these walls.
Drive to Stonehaven, parking near the harbour, which is a pretty destination in its own right, then take the coastal walk to Dunnottar Castle. Children aged probably 6 or 7 upwards can manage this hike, which is 1.5 miles each way. Find all the walk details here. The hike passes Stonehaven’s unexpectedly wonderful War Memorial.
Alternatively, drive to the castle and park there, before descending the steep steps to the castle walls. It’s rewarding simply to take in the castle from outside, but it’s definitely worth paying the entrance fee (prices here) to explore the ruins within.
Informal dining options in Stonehaven include either The Ship Inn or the Marine Hotel by the harbourside.
To continue your time in Stonehaven, walk or drive from the harbour along the beachfront to Stonehaven’s heated outdoor Art Deco Swimming Pool for a fabulously warm salty dip. There’s a playground and skate park nearby for kids. Then grab an ice-cream at Betty’s on the seafront, or some traditional fish and chips.
Read a full Guide to Stonehaven here.
From Stonehaven, drive to Aberdeen and get settled. For contemporary chic, with a great whisky bar and cocktail menu, consider a room at Sandman Signature – read a review here, and book here.
Day 5 – Aberdeen – East Coast of Scotland Road Trip
There are so many FREE things to do in Aberdeen so it’s easy to budget.
Guide to Free Things to Do in Aberdeen
Start the day exploring the free Aberdeen Art Gallery. There are activities in every gallery for children (or big kids) to try. The art ranges from the likes of Tracey Emin and Joyce Cairns to Henry Raeburn.
Free activities in the city include the Nuart Walking Tour, covering the city’s street art. Visit a host of free museums, then take in Marischal College (the world’s second largest granite building) and its water fountains that are fun for kids during the summer, and perhaps follow a free Granite Walking Tour.
Outwith the immediate city centre, hit the beach and explore the traditional fishing village of Footdee (pics above) and its colourful, unique outhouses. There are a host of independent cafes on the beachfront too.
Or, head to Old Aberdeen (see pics above) to wander around the university and its attractive buildings, the Cathedral, Seaton Park (which also has a cool playground for youngsters), the university’s free Zoology Museum, and Johnston Botanic Gardens (also free).
Overnight for a second night in Aberdeen, or drive into Royal Deeside. In Deeside foodies should opt for accommodation at Douneside House in Tarland, with its exquisite tasting menu and remarkable history. Read a review here, and book here.
A family friendly option beautifully situated by the river, is Banchory Lodge Hotel. Pic below, read a review here, and book here.
For a mind blowing experience, priceless art, luxury, with a fantastic games room for kids, a spa and a drying room for hiking gear, it’s got to be the inimitable Fife Arms in Braemar. It’s pricey but unique. Read a review here. And if you don’t want to overnight then pop into the Fife Arm’s Flying Stag bar for a drink/bar meal.
A Guide to Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail
Day 6 Royal Deeside
Royal Deeside is in the heart of Aberdeenshire’s Castle Country. Balmoral Castle near Braemar is the jewel in the crown, as the Royal summer residence. Step inside the Grand Ballroom, explore the grounds, and discover the history of the castle through displays and films. If you’re visiting Scotland in September try to get tickets for the Braemar Gathering (which falls on the first Saturday of the month). The Queen attended annually and King Charles is also a regular guest.
Other destinations to consider include Crathie Kirk (where the Royals attend church. John Brown, Queen Victoria’s loyal servant is buried in the kirkyard), and take a tour and tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery (children must be 8 and over to take a tour).
Stay at the Fife Arms, Banchory Lodge Hotel or Douneside House, as mentioned above.
Day 7 – Drive to Edinburgh and Fly Home
Other Options
DUNDEE
If you’d like to mix things up or extend the trip then I’d also recommend a day in Dundee with the fantastic and original RSS Discovery, the child friendly V&A museum, the Jute Works and lots of outdoors fun by the water plus excellent contemporary accommodation.
Thing to Do & Where to Stay in Dundee
FIFE
I’d also recommend dedicating more time to Fife – the East Neuk of Fife is particularly picturesque featuring beaches, fishing villages, gardens and tidal pools. If you’d love a seaside retreat I’d thoroughly recommend the Ship Inn in Elie. Or, for a child-free foodie destination, make sure you overnight at the Peat Inn in Fife, with its Michelin Star.
Things to Do in the East Neuk of Fife
East Neuk of Fife Accommodation
Have a fantastic time!
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