I took a wonderful trip to Scotland last Summer (late June/July). I will give travel highlights here. Edinburgh B&B - Kenvie Guest House. Recommend it. Not fancy,clean, good location. Rabbie's One Day Tours - Alnwick Castle in England, great for families with young children as there are children's activities on the castle grounds. Wish we had more time there. Could have used 3-4 more hours for castle and gardens. Oban Train travel was beautiful as we got closer to Oban. Goes alongside Loch Lommond, Loch Awe. Oban is charming harbor town with restaurants. Most enjoyed Fingal's Cave and Lunga (Puffins). Lucked out with Sunshine on boat trip to Staffa and Lunga. Inverness B&B - Castleview Inn, friendly owner, great location, clean and cozy.
Great town for strolling, shopping, and restaurants. Loch Ness is pleasant, but not a must-see. Culloden battlefield is good for History Buffs. Last stand of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Barb - Any thoughts, recommendations on Edinburgh besides your B&B?
Posted by
OP
Central Florida
484 posts
Edinburgh is a bustling place on Royal Mile. Most attractions are on Royal Mile. St. Giles is good for a walk-through. The Castle is significant. Deacon Brodie's Tavern near the castle is good for lunch. Funny story about Deacon Brodie. Holyrood Palace is at opposite end of Castle. Art museums - the Queen's gallery has a small, private yet very good collection. The main art gallery along Prince's street park is very good for a few hours. No admission fee - donation box at entrance. Portrait Gallery is good for those wanting to learn the history of Mary Queen of Scots and her family. Britannia - Queen Elizabeth II's retired yacht is a public bus trip from town center. Moored to a shopping mall. You have to go through the mall and up an escalator to get to it. Use the audiotour. National Museum is good for a rainy day for a few hours. Nice children's area as well. Rabbie's Tours runs trips from Edinburgh. We took two day-trips with them. Nice van. One group only had 5 people besides ourselves. Good tour company.
Arthur's Seat is a 25-30 minute hike upwards. Nice natural area. Gets you out of the town bustle for 1 1/2 hours.