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Hi. We are two couples in our 50's going to Scotland to see the Tattoo in August. That part is all set. After that, we will have 4 days and would like to visit 1 or 2 other locations. Ideally, would love a beautiful B&B, or better yet a castle, but would like to keep it to 150 pounds or less per couple per night, if possible. We would prefer to take the train OUT of Edinburgh, then rent a car for the duration of our visit. Interests would be scenery, atmosphere and of course a brewery tour. Suggestions would be MOST welcome!
1 week in Scotland
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Don't be afraid of driving out of Edinburgh, it's very easy and well sign posted. It also greatly depends on where you're flying(?) out of before suggesting places to go.
If you are flying out of Edinburgh, then go up the East coast towards Inverness and Grantown.
If out of Glasgow, then Skye, Iona etc.
Driving out of Edinburgh isn't always horrible -- but can be a schlepp w/ serious congestion. The easiest/best option is to take the airport bus or a taxi out to EDI and pick up a car there. The airport is a much easier collection point than most anywhere you could get to by train. Plus it is on the main roads to get you in any direction.
For a VERY special stay -- check out Traquair House in the Borders. It is a bit over your budget at £180 per room -- but very much worth it. Plus you would get the average night's cost below your budget by staying 2 nights at Traquair and then the other 2 nights at a very nice B&B in the £70-£90 range.
http://www.traquair.co.uk/
You could spend 2 nights at Traquair and visit the Border abbeys, Abbotsford, etc Then head north and spend 2 nights near Loch Earn, Loch Tay, Dunkeld or thereabouts.
You want a brewery tour? Do you mean a distillery?? Beer is brewed in Scotland of course, but most folks are more interested in the whisky.
Let me second the suggestion to pick up the car at Edinburgh's airport. It is on the way out of town, and you get to start your left side driving experience on multi-lane roads. Intersections are the tricky part, and leaving from the airport will give you minimal intersection encoutners before you get on the freeway. It's also a good idea, if you do this, to take a look at your exit from the airport using Google Earth--allows you to preview how you will work your way from the airport rental area onto the freeway.
Wow! I looked up Traquair House on the web - it looks fantastic! I've emailed to check availability so we can but hope!
And although it is in a different direction, I like the idea of Inverness or Loch Earn (flights aren't booked yet but will likely be out of Edinburgh). Any suggestions for B&Bs, or some special experiences, in either of those areas?
And janisj, you are right. While I SAID brewery, I meant distillery!
Castle Stuart and Fernie Castle might be in your budgets. Fife would be a good two days and so would north Perthshire and the Borders. and, indeed, Dumfries and Galloway