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Scotland for Two: The Ultimate Mother & Daughter Escape

Highlights

Create lifelong memories on this girls’ trip as you explore Scotland’s castles, legends and breathtaking landscapes.

At a Glance

Royal heritage in Edinburgh, wild beauty in the Highlands — a mother-daughter journey through Scotland designed to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Duration of the trip : 10 days.

Price

From £ 5,300 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Celebrate quality time together on this unforgettable 10-day Mother & Daughter Scotland Escape. Based in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, this carefully curated journey combines iconic Scottish landmarks with memorable experiences designed to be shared. Explore Edinburgh’s historic streets with a private guide, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle, uncover hidden stories beneath the city at Mary King’s Close, and visit the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse. Venture into the Highlands for a scenic journey to Loch Ness and Glen Coe, discover the historic stronghold of Stirling Castle, and step into the magic of Alnwick Castle, famous for its links to Harry Potter. For a truly unique souvenir, create your own Harris Tweed handbag during a hands-on local workshop. Blending culture, history, creativity and spectacular landscapes, this Scotland itinerary is ideal for mothers and daughters looking to share meaningful experiences and create lifelong memories together.

Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock overlooking the city of Edinburgh, Scotland

Mother and daughter enjoying a luxury afternoon tea in the Scottish Highlands on a tailor-made Girls' Trip with High Point Holidays.

Mother and daughter on a private walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, led by a top local guide — tailor-made Girls' Trip with High Point Holidays.

Mother and daughter crafting a bespoke Harris Tweed handbag at the Islander Handbag Workshop in Edinburgh — creative workshop on a High Point Holidays Girls' Trip.

Guide leading visitors through the Real Mary King’s Close underground streets while explaining history — a private Girls' Trip / Mother & Daughter experience with High Point Holidays.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh!

Edinburgh is a beautiful city which has two UNESCO designations, one for its wonderfully chaotic medieval Old Town and another for its planned Georgian New Town. We recommend visiting the city’s medieval castle where you can see Scotland’s crown jewels, and going underground to explore some of the city’s medieval past. You can also climb an extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat. Other sights to explore include the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace, and Princes Street Gardens.

Day 2: Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide

Puzzled by wynds and closes? Join this two-hour Old Town Edinburgh Tour with a local guide and learn all about the city's history. You'll trace the Royal Mile that runs between the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the Queen and the Castle. This part of the city is crammed with old mansions and other landmarks that provide the perfect backdrop for an examination of social history, political intrigue, and possibly even ghost stories. This walk is perfect for first timers, or those looking to develop a more comprehensive view of the city.

Day 3: Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens; and even the odd pirate or two. Though parts of it remain in military use, the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction. It's also an iconic part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

Legend has it that Anna Maria Stanhope, 7th Duchess of Bedford, was too hungry to wait for a late dinner and she requested a selection of biscuits and cakes to be served in her dressing room. The Duchess quickly become attached to this afternoon custom and began sending invitations to her friends requesting their company to share in the niceties. Queen Victoria learnt of this activity and also fell in love with the idea. By the late 1840’s the royal household was also hosting daily tea parties which later became known as ‘afternoon tea.’

Day 4: Stirling Castle Ticket and National Wallace Monument visit

Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. Nowadays Stirling Castle is famous internationally as one of Scotland's must-see visitor attractions.

On the other site, the National Wallace Monument is open to visitors all-year round with lots to see and do. Start your visit by following The Wallace Way through the ancient woodlands of The Abbey Craig. Along this journey you will discover a timeline of woodcarvings telling the history of Stirling. Conquer the 246-step spiral staircase and explore The Hall of Arms, The Hall of Heroes and The Royal Chamber to discover the remarkable story of Sir William Wallace. Once you reach the top of the 220ft tower, experience breathtaking views in all directions from The Crown. If you've enjoyed your visit to the Monument ; take a little piece of it home with you! Stop by The Tower Shop and pick up a memento of your visit to Stirling's iconic landmark.

Day 5: Small group visit of Mary King's Close

Plan your visit to The Real Mary King’s Close. Get ready for your tour of Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th century underground street. The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Scotland’s most unique historic sites. Open throughout the year, the warren of underground spaces can be accessed from the Royal Mile.

Day 6: Guided Day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness & A Taste of the Highlands

Enjoy a fantastic full day adventure in the Highlands, visiting mysterious Loch Ness, where you can go monster spotting on a 1-hour boat cruise. Learn about our turbulent history while you soak in all the classic scenery for which Scotland is famed: Glen Coe, the Great Glen, Highland Perthshire and maybe even catching a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis along the way!

Day 7: Make your own handbag workshop

Welcome to the Islander Handbag Workshops, located in both Edinburgh and St Andrews.
Within your session you will create your very own Islander Harris Tweed® Handbag by selecting the body colour of the bag, your favourite Harris Tweed® cloth lid and decorative straps. Be as creative or safe as you want! Once you have selected your different components, you will begin to construct your bag with a set of tools all ready for you.

Day 8: Alnwick Castle & the Borders Guided Day Tour

Combine movie magic and historic wonder on this Scottish Borders and Alnwick Castle tour from Edinburgh. You will visit the picturesque seaside village of Bamburgh and have the chance to visit 5th century Bamburgh Castle, sitting dramatically above the beautiful beach. Another highlight of the day is Alnwick Castle. This historic gem represents royal splendour and was a key filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Lose yourself in tales of the past, and the enchantment of it all, on this journey between the border of Scotland and England.

Palace of Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh — historic royal residence for a Girls' Trip or Mother & Daughter getaway with High Point Holidays.

Day 9: Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.

Mother and daughter walking side-by-side through a stone‑built Edinburgh street, natural candid moment on a tailor-made Girls' Trip with High Point Holidays.

Day 10: Free time in Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh at your own pace, in complete freedom. Stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic heart of the city, lined with hidden alleys and iconic landmarks. Step back in time in the charming Dean Village, a peaceful riverside haven. Climb Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Scottish capital.
End on a high note at Calton Hill, famous for its neoclassical monuments and unforgettable sunsets.