Scotland in the summer… pure magic. From walking the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh to soaking in whisky wisdom and even living our best Harry Potter lives ⚡—this trip was packed with history, family fun, and a little bit of wizardry.
🛏️ Where We Stayed
We checked into the Intercontinental Edinburgh—the perfect central location for families. Everything was within walking distance, which was a lifesaver with the kiddos in tow. It felt like the city was right outside our door.
⚡ Harry Potter Walking Tour – Pure Wizarding Magic
Our oldest is a die-hard Harry Potter fan, so this walking tour (booked through Get Your Guide) was basically her dream come true. Honestly, even if you’re just a casual fan, it’s such a fun and interactive way to see Edinburgh.
Here’s what made it so special:
- 🪦 Tom Riddle’s Grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard – Creepy? A little. Iconic? Absolutely. Seeing the real “Tom Riddle” headstone gave us chills.
- 🐍 The Fountain with the Snakes – Our guide pointed out how details like this inspired Rowling’s descriptions of the wizarding world. You start noticing “magic” hidden in plain sight around Edinburgh.
- 🐉 Victoria Street (aka “Diagon Alley”) – The colorful, winding street that directly inspired Rowling’s magical marketplace. It’s lined with quirky shops that feel straight out of the wizarding world.
- ✍️ Elephant House Café – While we couldn’t go inside (it was closed due to fire damage), we stopped outside where Rowling famously wrote parts of the first book.
- 🖐️ JK Rowling’s Handprints at City Chambers – A cool, lesser-known stop. It’s a sweet reminder of how much this city has embraced her legacy.
- 🎩 Sorting Hat Ceremony – Yes, we got sorted into our Hogwarts houses, and yes, it was hilarious. (Spoiler: not everyone was happy with their result. 😂)
- 🧠 Trivia Quizzes – The guide kept things interactive with questions and points for each “house.” It kept the kids engaged the whole way!
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’ve read the books or seen the movies a hundred times, doing this tour makes you see the series in a whole new light—it’s like Hogwarts is hiding in the cobblestones of Edinburgh.
🥃 The Scotch Whisky Experience
My husband is a huge scotch lover, so we had to make a stop at The Scotch Whisky Experience 🍷 right near Edinburgh Castle.
- 🥂 Nearly 3,400 bottles of whisky on display (yes, you read that right!).
- 🥂 A guided tour through Scotland’s whisky regions with tastings and aromas.
- 🥂 A little crystal whisky tasting glass to take home as a souvenir.
Even if whisky isn’t your thing (👋 hi, that’s me), the history and storytelling made it worth it!
🚌 Exploring with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
For families, the City Sightseeing Bus Tour was a total win. We loved the flexibility of hopping on and off at the big attractions, plus the kids rode free 🙌.
Here are the stops we loved most (and why they’re worth your time):
- 🏘️ Lothian Road – A bustling street lined with shops, theaters, and cafés. Great place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and feel the city’s everyday rhythm.
- 🍻 Grassmarket – A historic marketplace turned lively pub-and-restaurant hub. It’s surrounded by stunning views of Edinburgh Castle—one of the best photo ops in town! 📸
- 📚 George IV Bridge – Home to quirky bookstores and the famous Elephant House Café, where JK Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter. A pilgrimage stop for book lovers.
- 🏛️ John Knox House – A medieval treasure dating back to the 1400s, and one of the oldest preserved houses in Edinburgh. The crooked architecture feels straight out of a storybook.
- 👑 Holyrood Palace – The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Majestic gardens, royal history, and an air of grandeur—it’s basically a must-see.
- 🦖 National Museum of Scotland – An absolute gem for families. Dinosaurs, natural history, science, fashion, and hands-on exhibits that keep kids entertained for hours. Bonus: free entry!
- 🏰 The Royal Mile – Edinburgh’s most famous street. Cobbled, charming, and brimming with street performers, shops, and history. Walking here feels like stepping into the past (and yes, you’ll probably leave with souvenirs 🛍️).
- 🎨 The Mound – Linking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, this spot is great for panoramic views and close to the Scottish National Gallery.
💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the top deck if you can—the views are unbeatable, and the breeze is refreshing.
🏰 Edinburgh Castle
We couldn’t leave Edinburgh without visiting Edinburgh Castle. The panoramic views of the city, the Crown Jewels, and the historic halls made this a must-see. Standing on the castle grounds felt like stepping back in time.
🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants
We discovered a couple of gems that worked great for the whole family:
- 🍝 Bovi Napoli – cozy and pasta-perfect.
- 🍽️ The Printing Press – modern Scottish cuisine with a comfy vibe.
Both spots hit the spot (and kept the kids happy too 🙌).
🧳 What to Pack for Scotland in Summer
The weather can be a bit unpredictable—sunshine one minute, drizzle the next. Here’s what we found useful:
- 🌧️ Light rain jacket or umbrella
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes (those cobblestones are no joke)
- 🧥 Layers! It can get chilly, even in summer
- 🎒 Daypack for snacks + water
- 🪄 Harry Potter gear if you’re taking the tour (the kids loved dressing the part!)
🥩 Protein Snacks That Saved Us
Traveling with kids means someone is always hungry 😂. We kept these on hand:
- 🥜 Mixed nuts + trail mix
- 🍫 Protein bars
- 🍎 Easy fruits (apples, bananas) from local markets
Perfect for between sightseeing stops and avoiding hangry meltdowns.
💡 Final Thoughts
Scotland was one of those trips that checked all the boxes:
- History ✔️
- Family fun ✔️
- Food & whisky ✔️
- Magic for the kids (and us, honestly) ✔️
From Harry Potter trivia battles to sipping scotch in the Old Town, this trip gave us memories that still make us smile. If you’re planning a visit, let the city surprise you—wander the Royal Mile, hop on the bus, and don’t forget to raise a glass (or butterbeer) to Edinburgh. Slàinte! 🥂