We took our kids, ages 8 and 10, on one of our trips that included Edinburgh as well as Paris. Our DS was 8, and of the two, he enjoyed Edinburgh more. The Castle, Arthur's Seat, the closes, Scott Monument, etc. Overall, he was more enthralled with Edinburgh than Paris. Fast forward to last year when he did a study abroad semester in Europe. One of the places he wanted to go back to, and did, was Edinburgh as he remembered how much he liked it as a kid.

historytraveler/mms

Thanks for that input, with that experience I think I'll go for going with Edinburgh.

I will also note that on the way to Edinburgh, I plan to stop at York for a couple days. I think overall this will be a good side trip outside of London which was originally the trip was planned for...

In Edinburgh, walking tours leave from outside Starbucks on The Royal Mile. Most are free with a donation at the end if you are so inclined. There is one that includes Edinburgh Castle and there is a charge for that one to cover the cost of entry to the castle. We did two of the tours and they were both excellent.

Even though I suggested York, I don't think in 2-3 days, you have enough time for 2 days in York AND time in Edinburgh, not to speak of the transportation time and the moving hotels time. Unless you've added more days to this excursion.

Goods choice, Nutsnbolts. You can see Paris and its environs next trip.

Finally comments by people about what kids liked. Well done historytraveler and mms.

I wasn't trying to suggest your son might not have interests other than Xbox and Mcdonald's nutsnbolts, I was trying to point out that you had not indicated anything about his interests at all. As I wrote earlier,
"An unanswerable question. "which would be a better experience for my son."

Unless you provide criteria that would make it 'better' for your son, no one can answer your question."

Now you finally have, "he loves castles and he loves culture(whatever you mean by that word)."

In that case, I would forget York and turn it into a castle trip. Base yourself in Edinburgh and you could visit a different castle every single day if you wanted to.

http://www.wow247.co.uk/2014/04/08/5...with-kids/Here are just a few:

Also not to be missed on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh for him would be The People's Story and Museum of Childhood. The Royal Mile alone can take you an entire day to explore. Read more here:
http://www.bestofedinburgh.com/Page....tion=65&Page=1