The Best Places to Travel in Scotland for Foodie Families
Scotland is one of the world's best destinations for family-friendly holidays. It has plenty to offer for every type of family, including foodies. With an abundance of fresh seafood, delectable shortbread and chocolates, divine salmon and whisky galore, Scotland is a delight to explore. But given the many incredible places to see, you're probably at a loss on where to go. So, here's a guide to the best places to travel in Scotland for foodie families.
TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS IN SCOTLAND FOR FOODIE FAMILIES
1. Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is great for family holidays, offering activities for all ages. You can hike the Old Man of Storr, search for fairies in the Fairy Glen, or explore the Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. And when it comes to eating out with the family, the Isle of Skye offers a wide range of specialities, so you are guaranteed to find a restaurant that suits everyone's taste.
When it comes to fine dining, seafood dishes are always popular. They are traditionally prepared with the freshest ingredients and are incredibly delicious. Local specialities include venison and Cullen skink, a Scottish soup made of smoked fish, potatoes and onions. But if you have kids who are picky eaters, you can stick to famous dishes like fish & chips and burgers, which you'll find in several restaurants around the isle.
Take the family to Edinbane Lodge, an eatery dating back to 1543. It's the oldest inn on the Isle of Skye, and its restaurant is known to serve excellent and satisfying Scottish cuisine. When dining at popular restaurants like Edinbane, it's always a good idea to contact them in advance to book a table, especially during the peak summer months. It's also worth checking the menu in advance to see if there's anything there that the entire family will love.
** Please do make sure you check seasonal opening hours**
2. Aberdeen
Sitting at the heart of Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen is famous for its rich coastline dotted with picturesque fishing villages and pretty harbours where fishermen haul fresh seafood daily. Families come here to see dolphins, take up water sports like surfing, or enjoy a lovely stroll alongside the charming harbour. Aberdeen also lures families who love to eat with its excellent dining restaurants making it a unique place to visit for its local food scene.
Aberdeen lies at the edge of the North Sea, so it's not surprising that its food scene is mostly about seafood. Restaurants serve quality seafood dishes, including delectable fish and chips. They also focus on local products like Aberdeen Angus beef, which you'll find on almost every restaurant menu. Restaurants in Aberdeen range from cheerful cafes to elegant bistros. You can feel the influence of Aberdeen's past in some of its historic pubs and restaurants housed in renovated industrial buildings.
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at Cafe Ahoy, a family-friendly cafe serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon teas. What's great about this restaurant is that they welcome dogs, making it one of the most popular dog-friendly cafes. The restaurant menu features traditional breakfast fare made with fresh ingredients and sumptuous homemade cake, guaranteed to delight the kids!
3. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the charming capital city of Scotland, is a popular destination for families. It offers fun attractions and activities that kids and adults will love. You can visit the National Museum of Scotland, discover wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo, and explore Edinburgh Castle. Best of all, you will find plenty of luxury holiday cottages in Scotland, many of which are in Edinburgh.
Families who come here to eat will not be disappointed. The city has many incredible places to dine and drink, including eateries serving delicious local Scottish produce. Families with little kids should check out The Scran and Scallie, a rustic gastropub featuring a Modern Scottish menu. Run by Michelin-starred chefs, it serves upscale dishes like Dressed Newhaven Brown Crab and Highland Wagyu Beef Burger, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
If your kids are craving pasta and pizzas, take them to Antonietta, a charming Italian with a welcoming, trendy, family-friendly atmosphere. Order the small pasta dishes and mini pizzas for the kids while the adults can feast on risotto and seafood dishes.
4. The Scottish Highlands
Famous for its deserted beaches and rugged landscapes, the Scottish Highlands have everything adventurous families want for a holiday. You can go boating in the tranquil Loch Lomond, climb the Ben Nevis, or lounge at its beautiful beaches. If you're a family of foodies, the Highlands are also a delight to explore, as it's home to several child-friendly restaurants serving delectable traditional and international cuisines.
You will find a wide variety of child-friendly dining in places like Aviemore, Fort William, Perth, Oban, and Inverness. There are also delightful family-run restaurants in Wick and Thurso. If you're visiting the Isle of Mull, hop over to Ulva to visit The Boathouse, a lovely cafe with delectable seafood dishes on its menu, made from fresh ingredients delivered straight from their fishing boat in the morning.
If you're driving along the famous North Coast 500 route, drop by the Lochinver Larder, a popular restaurant in the Assynt district of Sutherland. Order the chicken curry pie baked daily from scratch using high-quality ingredients.
** Please do make sure you check seasonal opening hours and ferry times**
5. Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is a fantastic choice for family holidays in Scotland. It's an island paradise famous for its pristine white sand beaches with crystal clear blue waters. While most families would come here for the beach, foodie families will find many food outlets to indulge in. Whether you are up for some fancy award-winning fares or tasty takeaways, the Isle of Harris is a delight for foodies.
Hotel Hebrides, a boutique-style hotel, has a restaurant known for offering exceptional food and drink. Aside from the regular menu, they have a children's menu, making it an ideal choice for families whose kids are picky eaters. If you're craving desserts, head to the west of the island, where you'll find Flavour, famous for their delightfully decadent pralines made of Belgian Ruby chocolates. Families with a sweet tooth will surely have a blast in this superb dessert place!
** Please do make sure you check seasonal opening hours and ferry times**