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Travelling by train
A long but comfortable travel day, all by train.
Allow plenty of time to change trains in Brussels — at least an hour for Eurostar checks.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
This is where your trip begins. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof you'll take the ICE towards Brussels, where you'll change onto the Eurostar to London.
1 night · Sat 17/07
One night in London gives the long journey a relaxed break. The hotel is centrally located in Belgravia, with plenty within walking distance and easy access to the station for the onward journey the next day.
Places to stay that fit
Pimlico Studios
apartment · Pimlico, London · approx. 150–220 €/night (estimate)
Serviced apartments within walking distance of Victoria station, with separate sleeping areas suitable for families.
Luna & Simone Hotel
guesthouse · Belgravia, London · approx. 130–190 €/night (estimate)
Family-run guesthouse a few minutes' walk from Victoria station, with family rooms available.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
020 3589 3990Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival in Scotland
After arriving, take it easy and explore the area around the Royal Mile on foot.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
From King's Cross, the fast LNER train runs up the east coast to Edinburgh. Young Harry Potter fans might enjoy a short detour to the famous Platform 9¾ with its embedded luggage trolley.
1 night · Sun 18/07
An apartment right in the heart of the old town on the Royal Mile, just a few minutes' walk from Waverley station. An ideal base for the coming days, with room for the whole family and self-catering facilities.
Places to stay that fit
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
apartment · Old Town, Edinburgh · approx. 170–260 €/night (estimate)
Serviced apartments right on the Royal Mile with a kitchenette, ideal for families with children.
Grassmarket Hotel
guesthouse · Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh · approx. 140–210 €/night (estimate)
Boutique hotel in the historic Grassmarket, centrally located in the old town with family rooms.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Castles & history
A relaxed city day entirely on foot, with no train travel.
In the afternoon, adjust the climb up Arthur's Seat depending on the weather and how the children are feeling.
The castle sits atop an extinct volcanic rock above the city and tells centuries of Scottish history. Children enjoy the Scottish Crown Jewels, the one o'clock gun, and the sweeping views over Edinburgh.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The cobbled street links the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is lined with narrow closes, street musicians and small shops. A relaxed stroll with plenty of opportunities to stop for a break.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A green hill right in the middle of the city with a manageable climb and superb all-round views. For children, it's an adventure that isn't too tiring, with meadows and small lochs along the way.
Nothing is planned yet for the night from Mon 19/07 to Tue 20/07.
Taking cities at an easy pace
Second relaxed city day, with plenty of room for spontaneous breaks.
Everything is easily reachable on foot, no need to change accommodation.
A large, free museum with dinosaurs, hands-on technology and the history of Scotland all under one roof. Perfect for a morning when bad weather isn't a problem.
A small hill with the best-known views over Edinburgh, crowned by classical monuments. The climb is short and manageable even for tired little legs.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
An interactive exhibition about volcanoes, ice ages and the formation of the Earth. Plenty to touch and marvel at, ideal as an afternoon activity for children.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Nothing is planned yet for the night from Tue 20/07 to Wed 21/07.
Scenic journey west
The travel day is long, but the scenery makes it the highlight.
Bring snacks and drinks, as the on-board offering is limited.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
The journey towards the Highlands begins at Waverley station in the centre. Via Glasgow, you'll continue on the West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful railway routes in Europe.
5 nights · Wed 21/07 – Mon 26/07
A family-friendly guesthouse in the centre of Fort William, a few minutes' walk from the station and the High Street. A perfect base for the coming excursions into the Highlands, without changing accommodation every day.
Places to stay that fit
Aparthotel Adagio Amsterdam City South
apartment · De Pijp, Amsterdam · approx. 180–280 €/night (estimate)
Spacious apartments with a kitchenette in the lively De Pijp district, well connected to the centre.
Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments – Amsterdam Suites
apartment · Jordaan, Amsterdam · approx. 200–310 €/night (estimate)
High-quality apartments in the Jordaan with separate bedrooms, in a quiet location near the canals.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
07368 186124Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Steam train adventure
The big highlight of the trip, with everything revolving around the steam train.
Be at the station in good time — the train won't wait.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
The historic steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, familiar from the Harry Potter films. One of the finest train journeys in the world, with views of lochs, mountains and the coast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The lively fishing village at the end of the railway line is the steam train's stopover point. During the time here, a walk along the harbour, fresh fish, or an ice cream with views of the islands of Skye and Eigg is well worth it.
Legends by the loch
A long excursion day by bus, but without changing accommodation.
If you'd prefer things quieter, you can instead book a guided day tour from Fort William.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
The capital of the Highlands sits on the River Ness and is the starting point for excursions to the famous loch. Boat tours in search of the legendary monster set off from here.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The sprawling ruins of Urquhart Castle sit picturesquely on the shore of Loch Ness, offering one of the best views over the deep loch. A boat trip across the loch brings the legend of Nessie to life for children.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Nature & hiking
Bring sturdy walking boots and waterproofs, as the path can be muddy.
The suspension bridge is optional — the waterfall is well worth seeing even without crossing it.
Glen Nevis begins at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. The visitor centre provides information on walking routes and is a good starting point for walks, without having to tackle the whole summit.
A spectacular waterfall at the end of a family-friendly walk through a wild, romantic gorge. The path runs alongside rocks and river, with an adventurous rope suspension bridge as the highlight for braver children.
Canals & wandering the town
A thoroughly relaxed final day with short distances to cover.
Time for souvenir shopping and a last wander around Fort William.
Scotland's longest staircase lock raises boats along the Caledonian Canal over eight steps. Children enjoy watching the boats slowly rise and fall, and the towpath makes for a relaxed stroll.
A small but charming museum in the centre of Fort William, telling the story of the Highlands and the Jacobites. A good tip for a rainy day, with a hidden secret portrait as the highlight.
Homeward journey by train
A long travel day, but comfortable aboard the train.
If you'd like to save time, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper directly from Fort William to London and plan the onward journey to Frankfurt from there.
Long leg — build in some breaks.
From here begins the long but scenically beautiful return journey along the West Highland Line to Glasgow and onward towards London.
Arrival in London for an overnight stay, before the Eurostar takes you back to the continent the following day. If you like, you can use the evening for a short stroll around the city.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
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