I am in the process of planning my honeymoon, and my fiancé and I were considering Scotland as our destination. However, we were concerned about timing - due to my work schedule, our honeymoon would be approximately during the time period of July 26-August 8. I can't fathom going to Scotland without spending time in Edinburgh, but we were concerned that the Fringe Festival might make Edinburgh unmanageable during this window. Would it be better to save Scotland for a trip that's less date-restricted? Would it work to do Edinburgh first before things get too hectic?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7046 posts
Bear in mind that your trip falls square in the middle of high season. So there will be crowds, regardless. However the Fringe Festival ( and the Tattoo) doesn't start til Aug 7. You could reasonably book your Edinburgh days for the first few days of your trip, and perhaps leave Scotland from Glasgow. Expect accommodation prices in Edinburgh to be amongst the highest of the year.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8609 posts
We went to Scotland 11 years ago, and were in Edinburgh during the Fringe/Tattoo. I’m not a fan of crowds (less and less as time goes on), but while there were lots of people then, that was the blue way to attend done offer Fringe performances, as well as one night at the Tattoo. The wonderful festival happenings made the crowds acceptable, and none of it was unmanageable, except for a Literary Pub Crawl tour, where we got lost in the crowd while trying to follow the fast-moving tour guides.
Depending on the sights and activities you’re envisioning during your honeymoon, maybe you aren’t considering Festival Fringe performances, but don’t let them spoil or prevent your Edinburgh plans. As mentioned above, and as you suggested, you could see Edinburgh early in your trip, then skedaddle to other Scottish destinations before the Fringe gets started.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5631 posts
Wherever else in Scotland you're planning to be I'd start checking hotels now, right before the festival in Edinburgh are the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23rd to August 2nd.