Scottish tours and itinerary ideas

Baby's First Holiday

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:34:18 +0000

When choosing your baby’s first holiday experience, give Scotland some consideration. It may be the home of golf and tartan but unbeknown to many tourists, it is an ideal family destination.

The laws in Scotland are very accommodating to parents with young babies. For example breastfeeding is encouraged and by law you are able to feed in public. And more so, If you would like a quiet space to feed and change your baby, public places such as accommodation providers (that allow children), restaurants, shops and even historic castles have to provide an area that is clean and safe. Health and safety is also very important in Scotland, and you will find that in many playcentres, a designated space is provided solely for baby and toddler use.

Scotland has many beaches and parks that are perfect for a baby’s first summer holiday where they can paddle, play in the sand and just enjoy the general outdoors. Many of Scotland’s coastal towns provide the perfect day out with arcades, ice cream, cafes and restaurants that are the envy of the world. Some locations even provide under 2s lots of fun with special toddler activities.

There are also many events across Scotland which provide family day out activities. The Up and Coming Largs Festival is an example of this. Furthermore if mummy and daddy want to experience a great Scottish Music Festival, little bambinos are more than welcome at the Hebridean Celtic Festival on the Island of Lewis. It would make for a great story to tell them when they are older!

On SearchScotland.ORG we have many family oriented places to see and stay. We even have blogs written by our reporters with families to give you a better insight and inspiration when holidaying with children in Scotland:

http://www.searchscotland.org/tag/family-days-out.html

We hope that you give Scotland serious consideration, and we hope to see you and your little-ones soon

Travelling Scotland by car

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:38:05 +0000

One of the great things about living in or near a country as compact and historical as Scotland is that you have a number of travel options that require very little effort or hassle. For many other people all around the world, the idea of travelling off to parts unknown involves a great deal of planning, and probably the purchase of plane tickets.

Meanwhile, if you are in range of Scottish travel destinations, all that is necessary is to gas up your car, make sure your Aviva insurance is updated, and then get ready for a casual day trip to an attractive vacation destination. Here are a few ideas of the types of places you may want to look into if you are living in or visiting the Scottish area.

• Castles – One of Scotland’s main attractions for tourists, or even merely for those interested in history, is its plethora of medieval-aged castles, many of which remain in very good shape. Consider visiting famous locations such as Urquhart Castle, which still stands at the edge of Loch Ness as a picturesque and strong specimen of a castle. Or, for something a bit more modern, consider stopping by Balmoral Castle, which still exists as a place of residence, and which has been maintained and renovated throughout the years.
• Cities – Scotland is home to a number of cities worth visiting for their strong cultural centres and important places in history. For example, consider spending some time in Glasgow, which was once one of Europe’s largest cities, and which remains the most populous city in Scotland; or, stop by Edinburgh, the capital city sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North” due to its historical significance during the Enlightenment Era. Both of these cities have a great deal of historical significance and modern personality that makes them well worth visiting.

These are just a few of the most noteworthy locations in Scotland that you may want to consider visiting if you have time to drive around the country. In truth, there are almost too many sites and locations in this country to mention easily, meaning that just about anywhere you go you are likely to find something beautiful, historical, and/or interesting. Scotland is home to numerous old cities and impressive castles, as well as picturesque settings ranging from mountains to beaches. You may be surprised just how much is in store for you on a quick trip to Scotland.

Edinburgh and St. Andrews 2 Day Guided Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:57:57 +0000

Specially designed with families in mind

DAY 1

A short journey takes us to the Capital where we visit the mighty fortress of Edinburgh Castle.

Formerly a palace, a treasury, and a prison, the castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, the “Stone of Destiny” upon which Scottish Kings were crowned, and the famous 15th-century gun Mons Meg. The castle is also a working barracks where the Royal Regiment of Scotland are billeted.

The earliest, and smallest building, is St. Margaret`s Chapel which sits on the highest part of the castle. This Norman building dates back to the early twelfth century and was built by King David I in honour of his mother Queen Margaret who was later canonised. Edinburgh Castle has been besieged many times and was taken when attacked by the English King Edward I during the Scottish Wars of Independence in 1296. It was recaptured and destroyed, except for St Margaret`s Chapel, by the Earl of Moray in 1313.

The annual Military Tattoo is staged on the floodlit esplanade, overlooked by the battlements.

On leaving the castle we embark on a walking tour on to The Royal Mile for sightseeing and shopping. Exciting places we visit include Camera Obscura and World of Illusions where you will be captivated by the unique experience known as the “Eye in the Sky”. We then stop for lunch at “The Birthplace of Harry Potter”, The Elephant House where J.K.Rowling was inspired to write much of her early novels.

Nearby we find the statue of Greyfriers Bobby, the wee Skye terrier who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years.

Across the street we enter the unmissable National Museum of Scotland. Take in the spectacle of the life-size T-Rex and see Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell.

Our city tour continues as we drive around The Palace of Hollyrood House, The Scottish Parliament Building and along The Royal Mile.

As we leave the “Old Town”, we cross Waverley Bridge and pass the Scott Monument on our way out of the city and onward to enjoy views of the Forth Bridge.

Crossing the River Forth, we enter the Kingdom of Fife and head towards St Andrews, where we take dinner and stop for the night.

DAY 2

Morning begins with shopping and sightseeing in St. Andrews, with opportunities to visit the Cathedral, the Castle ruins and Visitor Centre and The British Golf Museum. We take lunch at the 9 hole Balgove Golf Course.

No need to pre-book your round of golf here, just arrive, pick up your golf clubs and tee off. This course is great for families, children and beginners, offering everyone a great golfing experience at world-famous St Andrews.

By mid-afternoon we say goodbye to St. Andrews and take a walk on the wildside at The Scottish Deer Centre where we watch the wolves being fed and see the bird of prey demonstrations in the indoor theatre.

Passing through the picturesque villages of Fife and the town of Stirling, we continue through the Trossachs and arrive back in Glasgow at around 8 pm.

Tour departs:
From your hotel.
Cost £35.00 per hour.
Includes vehicle, driver, and guiding services.
(does not include entry to visitor attractions or ferry fares)

Tour provided by Go-Go Bus Tours.

City of Glasgow Guided Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:36:42 +0000

(Half day tour)

Host City for 2014 Commonwealth Games

The Glasgow City Tour takes us from past to present and covers more than thirty points of interest. Glasgow was founded by St. Mungo in the 6th Century on the spot where Glasgow Cathedral now stands and where our tour begins.

From its humble beginnings, Glasgow reaped the wealth of the industrial revolution, evolving into one of the richest cities in the world. This heritage can still be seen in the architecture of the buildings, as we will see on our tour as we pass through the Merchant City.

From Glasgow Cross we move into the east end, the old medieval part of town and Glasgow Green, Britain’s oldest public place. Here we visit the People’s Palace and see the Victoria Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain.

Travelling along the banks of the River Clyde we pass St Andrew’s Cathedral and through the new central business district. This area was formerly the site of the shipbuilding yards and has now been transformed into an entertainment and residential district. The results of this regeneration are shown in the modern design of the recently erected buildings such as The Glasgow Science Centre and The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel.

Our tour continues through the west end where we see the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the buildings of Glasgow University and the Botanic Gardens.

We head back to the city centre to Charing Cross and the Mitchell Library, the largest public reference library in Europe and recognizable by it distinctive copper dome. Next stop is the iconic Glasgow School of Art, designed in 1896 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

On into the city center, past the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and through the shopping areas of Buchanan Galleries and the St Enoch Centre. We continue into Royal Exchange Square and the Gallery of Modern Art and then George Square, site of Glasgow’s City Chambers, where we end our tour.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Guided Tour:

The Glasgow City Tour itinerary can be included in a one day Charles Rennie Mackintosh tour and visiting your choice of the following locations:
The Willow Tea Rooms, The Scotland Street School Museum, Hunterian Art Gallery, House for an Art Lover, The Hill House (Helensburgh), The Lighthouse, The Glasgow School of Art. (guided tours through the school can be arranged).

Tour departs:
From your hotel.
Cost £35.00 per hour.
Includes vehicle, driver, and guiding services.
(does not include entry to visitor attractions or ferry fares)

Tour provided by Go-Go Bus Tours

Fort Augustus and Loch Ness

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:23:20 +0000

On the most southern part of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is situated on the Great Glen Way of the Caledonian Canal and is half way between Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and Fort William. The original name for the village was Cill Chuimein, literally “the Church of Chuimein”, after the said Chuimein, Abbot of Iona, who established the church in the 6th century.

In the early 17th century the village became known by the name of the fort built by General Wade, Fort Augustus. Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland, became infamous in the Highlands as “Butcher Cumberland” because of his atrocities inflicted on the population by this orders.

Running through the village is the river Oich and the impressive 60 miles long Caledonian Canal (stretched from Fort William to Inverness) and lock system built by Thomas Telford which was first opened in 1822. It was constructed to help commercial shipping avoid the treacherous journey around the west coast.

Fort Augustus offers visitors a superb range of hotels, B&Bs, shopping, bars and restaurants, attractions and activities, as well as a warm character and community spirit.

AUGUSTA will be delighted to show you the village and around either on the boat Augusta or on the minibus. Customized tours and cruises or angling trips can be booked on the website www.augusta.uk.com or by email at info@augusta.uk.com.

Written by Mrs Laurence Northcote of AUGUSTA

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Family Day Trip

info@search-southafrica.com (Catriona Stevenson) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:10:59 +0000

Take in the sites of Burns' Birthplace whilst entertaining the kids. This trip is suitable as a day trip:

Morning: Make the trip to the village of Alloway where Robert Burns was born. Spend the morning visiting the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (cottage) and the famous sites from the Tam O’Shanter Play: Brig O’Doon, Auld Kirk and then the Tam O’Shanter Experience.

Lunch: The village is beautiful and there are a few cafes dotted around. There is also lunches at the Tam O’Shanter Experience. Alternatively, you can head to one of the nearby beaches and have a picnic.

Afternoon: You can either stay at the beach if the weather permits or head to the Heads of Ayr Farm Park which is nearby. Whichever you choose the kids will have a great time.

Rennie Mackintosh, Whisky and Lochs Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:10:01 +0000

Includes Hill House, Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Distillery.

Starting from the Glasgow area and can be undertaken in 1 day.

Enjoy the cream of Scotland`s finest architecture and scenery as well as the taste of a wee dram of single malt whisky from Scotland`s most beautiful distillery.

On leaving Glasgow, cross the Firth of Clyde and make for the town of Helensburgh and Hill House. This masterpiece of innovative Scottish architecture was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904.

The next port of call is at the beautiful village of Luss on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

From Luss head past the town of Balloch towards Glengoyne, Scotland`s most beautiful distillery for a tour and a free taste of single malt whisky.

Go Go Bus provide this tour. For more information please see their website.

Inveraray and 3 Lochs Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:24:15 +0000

Take in Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Loch Fyne & Loch Awe

See spectacular vistas of 3 Scottish lochs and enjoy a visit to the town of Inveraray seat of the Clan Campbell. Heading west from Glasgow, the first stop is the pretty village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Journey on for a photo-shoot at the “Rest and be Thankful” and then onward to Inverarary for lunch and sightseeing on the banks of Loch Fyne.

Turning north the next visit is the idyllic setting of Kilchurn Castle at the head of Loch Awe. Then drop in to visit the Dalmally 3 including Hamish the Highland Coo. The final stop is at the historic Drovers Inn.

Go Go bus provides above tour. To see rates view their website.

Clyde Cruising

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:08:15 +0000

Take in the sites whilst cruising the “Wonderful Clyde”. See stunning views like the Isle of Arran, Millport and more. The trip is best undertaken within the full 4 days however the trip can be easily altered to meet your individual requirements.

Day 1

Starting from the Glasgow area. Go to Ardrossan to get the ferry to Arran. In Arran you can visit Brodick Castle, hire a bicycle, get up close to the local wildlife or try and tackle the famous “Goat Fell”. If you would like to see more of the island known as “Scotland in miniature”, staying overnight may be beneficial.

Day 2

Start the day in the small town of Largs: Have a walk to the Pencil Monument, Visit Vikingar! And see the Neolithic tombs. In the afternoon take the ferry crossing over to Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae. It is very popular to have a picnic or barbeque on one of the beaches whilst having a cycle around the island.

Day 3

Take the Ferry from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Rothesay Castle is a a real gem with a moat. Big and small kids alike will enjoy climbing through a “trap door” to see the dungeon. The Island is also home to Ardencraig Gardens, a real treat for botanists.

Day 4

Travel to loch Katrine, known for its beauty where you can take a ride on the steamship “Sir Walter Scott”

*If you feel really adventurous and have a bit more money to spend, A trip doon the water on the Waverley Paddle Steamer is a must (The Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.)

Lochs, Whisky and a castle

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:37:10 +0000

A great day tour example visiting Loch Lomond, Glengoyne Distillery and Stirling Castle. A wonderful day out visiting Scotland`s most romantic loch, most beautiful distillery, and most important castle.

Leaving Glasgow you journey to the Erskine Bridge where you cross the River Clyde, then proceed along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you visit the picturesque village of Luss. Your journey then takes you past the town of Balloch and on to Glengoyne Distillery known as Scotland`s most beautiful distillery.

Here you have the chance to tour a working distillery, see the production process, and sample a free nip of the finest single malt whisky.

Turning north you make your way towards Stirling Castle, much fought over during the Wars of Independence.

Visit go-goscotland for more information

Ayrshire Explorer tour, suitable for one day

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:21:03 +0000

This day tour from Glasgow will allow you to see the River Clyde, Burns Country and Culzean Castle. Don`t forget to bring your camera on this photographic extravaganza along the River Clyde and down the Ayrshire coast.

Driving along the River Clyde you can stop for a photoshoot and take in the stunning view from the Greenock Free French Memorial. Following the coast stop for refreshments at the seaside resort of Largs.

Then its on to Alloway, the birthplace of Scotland`s National Bard, Robert Burns. Here you have the opportunity to visit Burns Cottage and take lunch at the Burns Heritage Centre.

Travelling along the Electric Brae you experience the world famous optical illusion. Finally you visit Culzean Castle and Country park, seat of the Clan Kennedy.
Visit go-goscotland for more information

The house of Robert Burns

Culzean Castle

Loch Lomond Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:20:22 +0000

Start from the Glasgow Area. The tour can be altered from a 2 day to a 1 day trip if required, but to truly experience the area that gave us the song “Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond”, we would suggest the full 2 days.

Day 1
En route, visit Dumbarton Castle steeped in history and prominence in the area. Visit Balloch where you can make a stop for interesting Scottish themed gifts or clothing. If travelling with children, there are both Sea Life and Birds of Prey centres nearby.

Stop for lunch at the Drovers Inn where you can also take a walk up to the Falls of Falloch, made famous by Rob Roy.

Take Pictures along the loch or relax on one of the beaches. Stay the night in the area.

Day 2
Do a Boat trip on the loch or any of the other water sports on offer.
Have lunch in one of the many restaurants or pubs along the road
Spend the rest of your time taking in the beautiful scenery. If you are a keen photographer, you will be spoiled. Return to Glasgow or carryon your tour of Scotland.

William Wallace Tour

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:46:08 +0000

Wallace Tour Itinerary
Starting from the Glasgow area. The tour can be altered from a 3 day to a 1 day trip if required, but to truly experience Wallace and Scotland at the time of his life, we would suggest the full 3 days.

Day 1.
Visit Elderslie, the birthplace of Wallace. Although his house is a ruin, you can still get the feel of what the house would have looked like and marvel at the size of the rooms. To get the most out of the Elderslie experience, it best to visit in August on Wallace day.
See Paisley Abbey nearby where William Wallace was educated.

Visit Lanark where you can still see the house remains where Wallace lived with his wife.

If time permits visit Bothwell Castle. The place where the English soldiers (elite) were kept as prisoners after Bannockburn.

Day 2.
Visit Stirling - The castle and the Wallace Monument in commemoration of Wallace’s victory at Stirling bridge. Bannockburn is also nearby and will provide information on the Wars of Independence that Wallace eventually sacrificed his life for.
Cambuskenneth Abbey is the next stop where it is said after Wallace was executed, his arm was sent to be hung up as a warning. The monks at the Abbey apparently took it down and buried it somewhere in the Abbey. It is said to be the only place in Scotland which houses a part of Wallace’s remains. It may only be rumour but the romance of a part of Wallace being there, certainly makes it a worthwhile stop.

Day 3
Visit Falkirk, the location of Wallace’s defeat.

On the way back to Glasgow, visit Dumbarton castle where Wallace was held before taken to London for “trial”.