After leaving Inverness (more on that leg of the trip here), we headed for the Isle of Skye, where we stayed three nights. The drive there is part of the experience — we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle along the way, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and it ended up being the perfect break to let the kids stretch their legs.
Outside the castle, the kids climbed on rocks, threw pebbles into the water, and ran around the grounds. My son was thrilled about the cannons specifically — he talked about them for the rest of the drive. From there we went through Kyle of Lochalsh, crossed the Skye Bridge, and were on the island. Most people drive in, but you can also take a ferry — we ended up leaving Skye that way at the end of our stay.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
Portree is the biggest town on Skye and where you’ll find the most hotels, restaurants, and shops. If you want a central base, that’s your spot.
We wanted to be closer to the hiking trails, so we stayed in Dunvegan at Millburn Bed and Breakfast. It worked out great — the owners were warm, breakfast was excellent, and the family room fit all five of us comfortably. That saved us from booking two separate rooms, which matters a lot in Scotland since most places cap rooms at two or three people.
Other family-friendly places to stay on the Isle of Skye:
- Cuillin Hills Hotel – Beautiful views of Portree Bay, luxury touches, family rooms available.
- Sligachan Hotel – A great choice if you want to be near the Cuillin mountains.
- Uig Hotel – Perfect if you plan to take the ferry to the Outer Hebrides.
- Skeabost House Hotel – Historic property with beautiful grounds.
Tip: Most hotels and B&Bs across Scotland (and Europe generally) cap rooms at two or three people, so plan ahead if you’ve got a family of four or five. If you want help finding family-friendly accommodations on Skye, I can help you plan it — no cost to you.
Things to Do on the Isle of Skye with Kids
The biggest mistake people make on Skye is trying to see the whole island in a day or two. It’s bigger than it looks on a map, and the roads are slow. Pick a section, focus on it, and don’t try to cram everything in.
We had two full days and split them between Northern Skye and Western Skye (including Portree). If we’d had a third day, Southern Skye would have been next on the list.
Northern Skye
Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
- Old Man of Storr – more of a workout than I expected, especially carrying a 3-year-old. There’s a halfway viewpoint if you want the view without the full climb.
- Quiraing Viewpoint – incredible scenery, but the actual hike has steep drop-offs. We just drove to the viewpoint and skipped the trail with the kids.
- Fairy Glen – short, magical, and totally doable with toddlers. Skip the scramble up Castle Ewen with little ones though.
Other Stops:
- Staffin Dinosaur Footprints – real dinosaur tracks on the beach, genuinely fun to hunt for with kids. After you go down the stairs, turn right — they’re close, you don’t need to wander far.
- Staffin Museum – small, but a good stop if you’ve got a dinosaur-obsessed kid.
- Mealt Falls & Kilt Rock – pull right off the road for dramatic coastal views, zero effort required.
- Skye Museum of Island Life – a quick, interesting look at traditional croft life.
Where to Eat in Northern Skye:
- Columba 1400
- The Anchorage Café
- The Hungry Gull
We actually packed a picnic for this day, which I’d recommend — a lot of the north is remote and you don’t want to be hunting for food between stops.
Portree
Portree is the heart of the island and worth a half-day stop even if you’re not staying there.
Walk along Bosville Terrace for the classic view of the colorful harbor, and head up The Lump for panoramic views and a bit of history.
For shopping: Skyeskyns, Home in the Highlands, Carmina Gadelica Bookstore, and the Isle of Skye Candle Company are all worth a browse.
Dining in Portree
- Gasta Port Righ – really good Neapolitan pizza, casual and easy with kids
- Antlers Grill
- Pizza in the Skye – solid takeout option when everything else is full
- Sea Breezes – excellent seafood.
- Dulce & Brose
- Caberfeidh
- Cuchullin
- The Isles Inn
- Birch
Western Skye
Hikes
- Fairy Pools – clear, beautiful pools, about a 2.6-mile round trip and manageable. Get there early, parking fills up fast.
- Sligachan Waterfalls – short and scenic, an easy win with kids.
Other Attractions
- Talisker Distillery – kids can come into the Visitor Centre (just not the production areas), and there are playgrounds across the street to keep them busy.
- Coral Beach – a short walk to a beach made of crushed white coral, worth the detour.
- Dunvegan Castle – the castle, gardens, and kids’ area are all worth seeing. The seal boat trips are first come first served, so get there early if that’s the plan.
- Neist Point – one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the entire island
Where to Eat in Western Skye
- Old School Restaurant – so good we went twice. Get the langoustines, thank me later.
- The Dunvegan: Fire Restaurant– fire-cooked local dishes.
- Waterside Café Bistro
- Dunvegan Bakery – The oldest bakery on Skye.
- The Misty
- Blas
- Atholl Guest House – Book a week in advance.
- The Three Chimneys – Michelin-caliber, genuinely excellent, but I’d save it for a trip without young kids.
Final Thoughts
The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places we’ve been, kids or no kids. I’d go back in a heartbeat once they’re older and able to handle the longer hikes.
We left via the Armadale to Mallaig ferry — book ahead, especially if you’re bringing a car. It’s cheap and easy to use, and the ferry terminal itself has a little waterfront café with ice cream and a few shops nearby, which made the wait pretty painless.
From here, our trip continued on to Glencoe, another stunning stop in Scotland.
FAQs about Visiting the Isle of Skye with Kids
How much time should I spend on the Isle of Skye?
We stayed three nights and it wasn’t quite enough. Five nights would let you explore at a more relaxed pace.
Is driving on the Isle of Skye difficult?
The narrow, winding roads take some getting used to. Go slow, use the pullouts on the left to let people pass. We drove a mid-sized SUV and had no issues.
Do I need restaurant reservations on the Isle of Skye?
Yes, especially in summer. Places book up fast — having a reservation just makes life easier.
What is the best time of year to visit the Isle of Skye with kids?
Summer (June–August) has the longest days but the most crowds. Spring and early fall are quieter with still-decent weather.
Can I visit the Isle of Skye without a car?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it with kids. Public transport exists but buses are infrequent and a lot of the best spots are remote.
Are the hikes on Skye stroller-friendly?
No — most trails are rocky and uneven. A child carrier backpack is the way to go.
Are there grocery stores on the Isle of Skye?
Yes, Portree has a Co-op and the Isles Shop, both good for stocking up on snacks or picnic supplies.
Is the Isle of Skye worth visiting with young children?
Absolutely, as long as you set realistic expectations. The big hikes might be too much for toddlers, but Fairy Glen, Fairy Pools, the castles, and the beaches all deliver without requiring a serious trek.
Before You Go
I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.
Want Help Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Skye or anywhere else in Scotland and want help with where to stay or how to put together the right itinerary, I do this for families all the time and it costs you nothing.
Shoot me an email at [email protected] and tell me where you’re headed.
