Royal Highland Centre (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Royal Highland Centre?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Royal Highland Show, LEGO Brick Fest and livestock arenas grant sub-12s free or cheap entry, Kids Zone and wristbands; broad paths aid strollers, but long outdoor walks may tire little legs.
Positives:
- Free child admission: Kids under 15 enter free with each paying adult ticket.
- Hands-on activities: Kids Zone and RHET Centre offer complimentary interactive exhibits.
- Easy transport links: Frequent Lothian buses run from central Edinburgh to Ingliston.
Challenges:
- Large crowds: The Grand Parade and ring events can get busy. Arrive early to secure space.
- Weather exposure: Most outdoor areas have limited shelter. Pack waterproofs and sun protection.
What is Royal Highland Centre?
- A sprawling indoor and outdoor event complex at Ingliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, featuring expansive exhibition halls, conference suites and open-air arenas
- A purpose-built venue designed for diverse gatherings, from agricultural showcases and trade fairs to major concert performances and corporate conferences
- A permanent facility combining adaptable indoor halls, ring arenas and outdoor spaces to host hallmark annual events such as the Royal Highland Show
What is so special about Royal Highland Centre for with kids?
- Free entry for under-15s with paying adults
- Hands-on farm fun at RHET Discovery Centre
- Thrilling pony games and Champion Parade
- LEGO® festival and family workshops in May
- Big Wheel ride for aerial views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time to explore key zones, watch the parade, and enjoy rides without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Royal Highland Centre
Royal Highland Show (June):
Explore the Kids Zone, livestock displays and cookery demos.
Tip: Buy adult tickets online in advance. Collect free wristbands for kids at entry. Children under 15 enter free.
RHET Discovery Centre:
Interact with farming exhibits like cow milking simulators and sheep shearing demos.
Tip: Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and join scheduled demos.
Pony Club Games & Grand Parade:
Watch fast-paced equestrian games and the Champion Parade in the main ring.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for best seating. Bring small binoculars for close-up views.
Brick Fest Live (May):
Enjoy LEGO® pits, Glow Zone and derby races at this family festival.
Tip: Book family tickets (£50) online. Under-4s go free; arrive early for building workshops.
Big Wheel Ride:
Take a Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the showground.
Tip: Check operating times onsite. Tickets cost around £5 per person, paid at the ride booth.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Highland Centre
- Use wristbands: Fit free wristbands on kids at entry to reunite quickly if they wander.
- Time demos: Check the show schedule and visit exhibits like sheep shearing when crowds thin out.
Reviews of Royal Highland Centre
Fraser C
The Royal Highland Centre hosts a range of events. We were lucky enough to visit during the Beyond Van Gogh event. Really super!
Natalie Kelly
Comic Con 2025 was absolutely fantastic. Getting to meet Neil Newbon was a dream come true and definitely the highlight of the weekend. The venue was spacious, clean, and well maintained, and it was amazing to see so many people in costume – the creativity and atmosphere were incredible. There was plenty to see, do, and buy, so there was never a dull moment. A small note for Monopoly Events: it w...
Declan Hugh Shields
It's a decent venue, very easy to navigate once inside, especially for the capacity and has great sound. However, transport links back to Glasgow particularly during the week make it impossible to visit without driving home.
jd
Okay so ultimately it’s a good concert venue but the parking is ATROCIOUS. Like how can they keep doing it and not get it right? Easily it would seem. We went to Jade and Chappell Roan both nights. The pictures and videos are from the VIP section. I’d recommend but pay extra for VIP. More space. Better toilets. But be aware the parking feels like the seventh dimension of Hell.
Steve Allchin
Considering this was supposed to be a garden show, there was a very limited amount of plants for sale than we expected. We have been to many garden shows and exhibitions and this had to be the worst display / event. We felt sorry for the stalls that did attend because the footfall was very low. Inside was maybe 80% full of stalls but too many stalls that were not plants or flowers etc. A few exhib...
When is the best time to visit Royal Highland Centre (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In June, pack rain jackets and sunscreen for changeable weather. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter. For Brick Fest in May, book sessions in advance.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult Show tickets (2 × £46) | GBP 92 |
| On-site parking | GBP 10 |
| Lunch & snacks (£8 per person) | GBP 32 |
| Big Wheel ride (4 × £5) | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 154 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Royal Highland Centre
Address: The Stables, 2 Ingliston Rd, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, UK
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About Royal Highland Centre
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 335 620010 BEST nearby Activities
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