Since the release of the new Disney-Pixar film Brave, set in Scotland, kids everywhere the country have wanted to find out more about the country. Edinburgh makes a great place for a family break, both for children and parents, so why not get to explore this ancient and yet thoroughly modern city for yourself? While Scotland might be famous for kilts, bagpipes and haggis, at the moment the hottest tickets in town are Chinese exports: giant pandas. The pandas arrived in Edinburgh in December 2011 and have instantly proved a massive hit with young and old alike. In fact they’re still so popular that if you want to see them you need to book a viewing spot. A family ticket for two adults and two children will set you back £47.70, and there’s no extra charge to see Tian Tian and Yang Guang.

While the pandas might only have arrived last year, Edinburgh Castle on the other hand has existed in some form from as far back as the 12th century. The castle has played a pivotal part in numerous battles and has been a home to both royalty and inmates, so it easily sparks the imagination of any child.

If you want to escape the city and let your kids really run wild then the Dalkeith Country Estate, just five mile from the centre, is the place to turn to. It might not boast millions of visitors a year, but here you can enjoy beautiful wildlife and let your kids have adventure about on tree top walkways and rope swings. You can even bring your own barbecue to help fill up their stomachs once they’ve worn themselves out.

Whether you want to be close to the action or a little bit more removed for some peace and quiet, there’s an abundance of hotel accommodation available for families in Edinburgh itself and the suburbs surrounding it.

Image by Extra Medium