I'm (hopefully) attending a conference in Aberdeen next August. With my relatively limited PTO, I won't have a lot of time for additional exploration, but I'll have a few days to play with on either end. Would you recommend trying to get to Edinburgh to see the Tattoo? If I did, I'd have about three days (including the arrival day) in the Aberdeen area before the conference, and a day or two in Edinburgh at the end (could spend part of the backend time in Aberdeen as well). I've been to Edinburgh before as well as other parts of Scotland, but not the Aberdeen area.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10439 posts
If you find the price of Edinburgh hotels too rich during August, be aware that both Scottish Citylink and Ember Bus run overnight buses every night of the year between Edinburgh and Aberdeen - around a 3 hour journey.
The relevant departures are at just before midnight and 1am. But there are later services.
So you could go to the tattoo for the evening, then back to Aberdeen.
I've been on the 1am, and it was quite well used.
Or if you are driving Ingliston park and ride by Edinburgh airport is open from 0400 to 0200 daily.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1227 posts
If you're okay with the higher hotel rates and the crowds, I say go for it .
It sounds like your conference isn't set in stone yet. Tickets for the Tattoo are already on sale and they do sell out. If you decide to pass on the Tattoo, there are plenty of other places to explore.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis/St. Paul
147 posts
@jeanM, it is a bit nuts how high the prices are! But while I would likely never intentionally plan a trip to Edinburgh in August, if I do decide to attend the Aberdeen conference, I'm going to be so close that it seems like I should just build the extra cost into my budget and go for it (much of the conference hotel will be covered by hotel loyalty points, saving money there). It's early enough that I've been able to find some private rooms in hostels near the castle still available, and I can book the refundable rate. That way if I decide not to go to Aberdeen (or the Tattoo is already sold out for the one night I could attend) I can get my money back.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1227 posts
Linnea, sounds like you've made a good choice.
Here's the info on the Edinburgh Tattoo. We attended many years ago. Back then you had to send a letter requesting tickets. I remember our b&b hostess handing us a lap blanket to take because she was worried we'd be cold after sunset. She was right!
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35689 posts
you may be able to catch a couple of acts at the Edinburgh Fringe. The Fringe by the way really packs in the crowds, much more than the Tattoo, hence the sky-high hotels in August