We are attending a concert in Blackpool next August and figured we would head to Scotland for 5 days. I know it's short but would love suggestions. I think we will head to Ireland for 5 after so thinking 3 in Edinburgh and then 2 in Glasgow before heading to Belfast. Thoughts? Going to pubs, chilling with locals is something we prefer over museums.
Posted by
Irving
3190 posts
You have the right idea spending three days in Edinburgh and two in Glasgow. Never been to Glasgow but have been to Edinburgh and the pub I recommend is The Old Bell Pub that’s a bit off the beaten path but still within walking distance of the old town. I was there late on a Sunday afternoon in the fall and there was a soccer game on the big screen with lots of fans cheering. It reminded me of a US football game. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered the best carbonara I’ve tasted in Europe.
Do walk up Arthur's Seat and another fond memory was walking along the Royal Botanic Gardens. After reaching a certain point across the street was this vast country side. I also liked touring the Britannia and walking along Victoria Street. Make sure your camera is handy at all times.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
687 posts
We had a fabulous food tour in Glasgow that included amazing food, wonderful history, and gin and whiskey tasting. Haggis samosas anyone?
Posted by
San Diego, California
5538 posts
The Fringe runs through most of the month of August in Edinburgh. It is fantastic, the largest performing arts festival in the world. I've been twice and plan to return. Just want you to be informed- prices for lodging increase significantly during the Fringe, and availability can be scarce. So- either plan to attend or plan to avoid.
Safe travels!
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
734 posts
When I plan a trip that involves cities such as those you mention, I always Google "walking tours". I've gone on some fabulous ones and some not-so-fabulous, but even mediocre ones give you a good orientation and list of places to visit. All three cities have interesting offerings.
Posted by
Washington DC
27925 posts
I enjoyed a Charles Rennie Mackintosh walking tour in Glasgow run by the CRM Society: https://www.crmsociety.com/tours-events/special-mackintosh-tours/. I see that tours are currently suspended, but I'm sure we're all hoping the COVID situation will be better next August.
To prevent future confusion, I want to point out that Belfast is in Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) rather than in the Republic of Ireland.
And yes, unpleasant things happen to Edinburgh hotel rates in August. It's a short train ride between the two cities. Perhaps you can finagle your itinerary so that you spend 2 nights in Edinburgh and 3 in Glasgow, taking an early-morning or late-afternoon train between the two, as appropriate, so you can spend the bulk of that day in Edinburgh. (I, being a Mackintosh fan, liked Glasgow just as much as Edinburgh.)