Kid Friendly Edinburgh

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Description:

This excellent and economical city tour is run by the local regional transport office and departs every 15 minutes from Waverley Bridge above the train station. A ticket allows you to hop on and off the bus all day, or the full tour takes around two hours as a round trip. It takes in all the major sights, and the commentary is available in several languages. The ticket also gives you discounted admission prices to some attractions. Check the Tour notice board on Waverley Bridge for details or give them a call to book in advance.

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Description:

Information from Historic Scotland.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a stop at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock. First erected in the 12th century, the fortress sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the most breathtaking part of the city's skyline. Within the castle walls you see impressive views of most of the New Town, including the Princes Street Gardens, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags, the famous Balmoral Hotel and more. You can also explore the various rooms, chapels and compartments of the fortress and through interactive displays discover what living and working there might have been like during the medieval era.

The highlight of any tour of the castle is the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels), on display in the Crown Room of the castle's Royal Palace (built in 1617). These include the ancient crown, sword and scepter, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you can also see Scotland's most prized treasure: The Stone of Destiny, otherwise known as the Coronation Stone. This has been used in the crowning of Scottish and English monarchs (much to dismay of many Scottish nationalists) for hundreds of years.

Be sure to arrive before lunch, so you can watch the master gunner fire the castle's canon at 1pm (except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.); it is a tradition that dates back to1861 when the firing of the gun was used to signal for ships in the Firth of Forth and the port of Leith.

A popular visitor attraction and a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle is now proud host to modern day events including rock gigs and the famous Edinburgh Tattoo.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: £13.00
(aged 16 to 59)

Child: £7.00
(aged 5 to 15)

Concession: £10.40
(aged 60 and over, unemployed)

Child under 5: FREE

Opening times:

Summer
9:30am - 6pm
1 Apr - 30 Sep

Winter:
9:30am - 5pm
1 Oct - 31 Mar

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Our Dynamic Earth is an action packed educational adventure. With lots of interactive exhibitions charting the evolution of planet Earth, visitors are encouraged to discover fun facts about the environment. A café is available onsite as is a car park.

Description:

Our Dynamic Earth is an interactive and stimulating activity based in Edinburgh city centre. Popular with school children and families Our Dynamic Earth is a centre that teaches visitors about the formation of Earth, how it has developed and the possibilities of the future. Get involved in helping to save the planet, discover fascinating facts about the ocean or learn about arctic survival. Unwind in the afternoon at the Food Chain Cafe for a well deserved break.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

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Description:

Welcome To The 3D Loch Ness Experience in Edinburgh. The legend of Loch Ness is still the World's most famous mystery. Adrian Shine, scientist & the foremost authority on Loch Ness, presents the whole story and all his and many others' findings. Experience Photos, Illusions, Hoaxes and hear Real Eye Witness Accounts. Does Nessie really exist? This is your turn to be the judge. Be prepared to be dazzled by the awesome 3D effects!

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Description:

The great Scottish fish supper is a tradition not to be missed but Scots Chippers don't just sell fish, they sell anything and everything that is cooked in batter! Order a haggis, black pudding or sausage in this emporium of filling food. Don't forget, that when in the city, the traditional way to eat your chips is with salt and sauce.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

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Description:

Families of all ages are welcomed to Edinburgh Zoo. Hop onto one of the zoo buses and spend the day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Edinburgh Zoo has lots to offer, with scheduled activities such as petting and feeding and everyone's favourite highlight- the Penguin Parade.Visit Rainbow Landings to meet and feed the rainbow lorikeets and see Budongo Trail where they can get up close and personal with chimpanzees. Serengeti animals live on the sprawling land at the peak of Edinburgh Zoo. There are Sun bears, Indian one-horned rhinos, Sumatran tigers, Amur leopards, the UK's only koalas and European wolves.

The Edinburgh Zoo opens at 9am and is located on Corstorphine Road. Admission costs £15.50 for adults and £11.00 for children (kids under 3 get in for free). You can also buy family and group tickets; visit the Edinburgh Zoo website for more information.

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Description:

This is an Italian restaurant serving excellent pizzas and an impressive choice of seafood. Pick your dishes from the blackboard or the extensive menu, which has classici alongside those with a little extra fantasia. Observe the flamboyant cooks as they create your meals behind a transparent partition. This is a great restaurant for families - kids are encouraged to decorate their own pizzas. From Monday to Wednesday there is live Italian music and dancing, including an appearance by the local piano-bar legend Roberto Enzo.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

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Our Local Expert Says:

This museum is a favorite with people of all ages, children can enjoy seeing toys and games throughout the ages and adults can feel nostalgic on their youth. There is a great gift shop to take home a souvenir of the past.

Description:

The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane.

Its large collection is full of colour and variety. Visitors to the Museum can see optical and construction toys, cars from Dinky miniatures to child-size pedal cars, toy soldiers, puppets and dolls' houses. The Museum explores all aspects of growing up, so toys and games sit alongside items such as books, medicines and clothing.

Young people and adults will enjoy finding out about growing up through the ages, from toys and games to health and school days. Hands-on activities, including a puppet theatre and dressing up area, together with the fantastic museum shop, help to make your visit a memorable one.

Opening times:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm;

Sunday 12pm - 5pm.

(The shop closes at 4:45pm each day.)

Admission:

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Description:

This Irish theme bar differentiates itself from the usual formulaic chain pubs with its special wrought iron fittings and unusual decor. They serve a decent pint of Guinness and a good selection of draught beers, as well as delicious Irish coffee and hot chocolate. For the hungry, there is decent food including an excellent breakfast menu. The menu is not restricted to standard pub favorites, but is in fact, quite varied. Even the traditional dishes are prepared with a twist. So the staple of steak pie is served with barley wine and mustard mash.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Description:

TimeTwisters is far more than your average "soft play" centre, it offers a completely unique experience for both children and parents; with its state of the art play facilities, unique Ancient Egyptian themed environment, lots of comfortable seating, superb quality tea and coffee and a healthy café that serves a range of tasty, freshly prepared meals and snacks; you and your kids will be sure to enjoy your stay.

Description:

With a menu that changes on a daily basis and influences from around the globe, this wee single-room restaurant does not fail to impress. There are lots of beautifully executed fresh seafood dishes to choose from, and a few vegetarian and game options to keep everyone happy. The Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce are a particular favourite with regulars. A large box of toys are left on hand for kids, making this one of the most child-friendly and intimate restaurants in Edinburgh.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Description:

You will find straightforward sandwiches, drinks and snacks with superb views of the Royal Mile at this establishment. Order one of their wonderful coffees and relax by the window. Evenings see this establishment metamorphose into a casual and cosy bistro-style restaurant. An a la carte menu is available from 6pm and there is a good choice for vegetarians. This is also a great place to bring the kids, as they are well catered for and it's not expensive.

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Description:

The Ramada Jarvis Mount Royal hotel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the city centre's popular Princes Street.

All standard rooms have flat-screen TV's and Internet access. If you would like your own private balcony with views out across to Edinburgh Castle then book the executive room.

The Princes Bar is ideal for relaxing, whether that be with a cool soft drink, a warming cup of hot chocolate or a classic Glenfiddich malt scotch whisky.

Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the open plan Princes Dining Room restaurant. The Restaurant serves all one would expect to find in a traditional Scottish restaurant, as well as tempting Oriental and Indian menus.

The four naturally-lit conference rooms all have wireless Internet access. Choose the Skyline Suite for panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.

This hotel is a favorite of tour groups. The staff is friendly and helpful.