Short Trip, many Goals

Posted by bkirk192 on 07/14/24 06:25 PM

Hello, I have the opportunity to travel to London next June (my Grand daughter is participating in an Arsenal soccer training experience). I plan to travel to Scotland and certainly want to see Edinburgh and the Highlands. But, I also want to go to the Dumfries area, specifically to the Closeburn Castle and Village Kirkpatrick. My Scottish roots are there and I am hoping to make connections for my genealogy research. Within the short window of 5-7 days what advice can be offered for travel tips, accommodations, etc.?

Thank you.

Posted by Lane

Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico

07/14/24 07:12 PM

1900 posts

With 7 days it will be a scramble to fill all three of your goals. With 5 days, I think you have to decide which is least important and skip it.

Depending on what you want to see and do in Edinburgh, two full days is a bare minimum, and three days might not be enough.

I think your best bet is to stay in Edinburgh for five nights and do a day trip to the Highlands (look at Rabbie's, which many people here speak highly of, maybe this tour), and do two nights in the Dumfries area.

Posted by bkirk192 OP

07/14/24 10:27 PM

2 posts

Thanks, that does sound like a good plan. I have lots of time to consider options.

Bill

Posted by GerryM

London

07/14/24 10:43 PM

1235 posts

I'm not sure I would allocate any time at all to the Highlands this trip. You could have a nice time in Edinburgh and then spend a few days in Dumfries and Galloway.

I was just reading about Closeburn Castle since you mentioned it. One of the longest continuously occupied dwellings in Scotland!

Would you be open to renting a car? That would make seeing Dumfries and Galloway easier. Which Kirkpatrick is it you're interested in? [edit: I just noticed your username. I guess you're interested in both :)]

Posted by S J

Western Canada

07/14/24 11:26 PM

3430 posts

Hi there.
If you don’t already know about it, you can reserve a few hours, or all day, at the Scotland's People centre in Edinburgh.
It’s at the Eastern end of Princes St, the main road through the centre of Edinburgh, so very easy to get to.

https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SP%20-%20United%20States%20-%20Brand&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMraEuqN7HR-U7ockdf-VWlaF7amsjBz60IvnAsAfy9JZOh8E0-LBCxhoC-

They hold every single accessible record for Scotland.

I did it a few years ago, and it’s absolutely worth it!
It tells you how to book on the website.
Do this before you go to Dumfries, and you will hopefully have more info to make your trip there worthwhile.