That's why I suggested teh Jorvik Center -- it was the "2 teenage boys" bit. I think they might enjoy something like that and it really is informative besides the animatronics and odors (yes - the smells of a viking settlement :) )

Doune is a great castle for exploring and clambering about. The Python connection is just icing on the cake.

Stirling Castle is wonderful - some like it more than Edinburgh Castle. If they want to do any walking/hiking, there are several lochs and waterfalls near Callander.

If you have the time - a boat excursion over the Falkirk Wheel.

Another castle that might work into your route is Loch Leven Castle. It is on an island and you take a boat to get to it.

BTW, there is a terrific castle right IN St Andrews w/ tunnels (NOT for the claustrophobic) and towers.

Yes, the Whitsun half term holiday is just a week, although some schools tag on the Friday before or the Monday after. Places such as the Jorvik centre will be heaving during half term but far emptier once the children are back at school. It really will make a big difference!
As far as the Jorvik centre is concerned you will get mixed reviews. Personally I think your lads would probably enjoy it, but I wouldn't queue to get in (waste of time with too many other things to spend your time doing) and also it isn't cheap - if you are on a budget I wouldn't bother.
I meant to mention before - York has its own 'wheel' - situated directly outside the Railway Museum and again something your boys might like.
www.york-wheel.metaltype.co.uk
www.nrm.org.uk
You are visiting at a good time (late May, early June) - the days stay light until late and York is wonderful in the evening, just to wander around in.

In Edinburgh, I would have thought you definitely want to do a ghost tour. If you are there at a weekend- and you are coming right at the end of the season- your sons might enjoy a visit to see one of the local teams play football- Hearts or Hibs.

There are lots of really interesting pubs to visit including the Burke and Hare, and that story is really fascinating. Your younger on is really too young to visit, but he can probably "pass" provided he doesn't drink alcohol.

There are also some really good folk music pubs and other music venues in Edinburgh. Get a copy of The List magazine at the station when you arrive.


If any of you are into crime fiction, read some of Ian Rankin's "Rebus" books before you get there and you'll find the locations all over the town. If any of you are into politics, visit the Parliament building. I might add that I think it's worth it for the architecture alone.

Read R L Stevenson's "Kidnapped" and have lunch at the Cramond Inn.

Get a DVD of the original "39 Steps" so you can know what you're crossing on the Forth Rail Bridge.

Personally, I wouldn't bother moving accommodation to visit Fife or Stirling. Rent a flat- there should be lots and reasonably priced at that time of the year- and take day trips- one day in Fife; one in Falkirk, Stirling and Doune; two in Glasgow- one to see it and one to go doon the watter on the Waverley.

Visit the Secret Bunker when you go to Fife.

Hope this helps.


1. Husband wants to run on the beach at St. Andrews like the movie "Chariots of Fire." How best to get there?
2. Should we rent car for St. Andrews, Stirling, Duone, Glasgow and then train back to London? Or is there a public transportation option?
3. Any specific attractions for two sons: 15 & 20?
4. Any other recommendations after Stirling besides going to Glasgow?

In regards to St. Andrews. Try to visit the town on a Sunday since the course is closed to golfers and you can walk the grounds. Even if you are not a golfer you can feel the history of the location.

We stayed at the York Backpackers Hostel in York. We had a family room that was very large. You may prefer a full service hotel but I would stay there again. It is also very close to the train museum.

marking for future reply...

In 2003, 2005 and 2006, I spent a total of 8 weeks in Glasgow and/or Stirling with a large group of teens and their families. While this was not all sightseeing time (the teens were members of a youth bagpipe band), we did all have free time for exploring, so I got to see a lot of the kids and their likes and dislikes.

I'd add to the comment above about skipping the 'dungeon' sites that the Stirling jail is similarly to be avoided. The family I know who went there said it was really dumb.

The Wallace Monument in Stirling is worth a visit (Braveheart connection here) - you can climb the monument and get some great views of the surrounding countryside. There are also good views from the Stirling castle, imagining the original swampy land that lay around and gave Stirling's high ground such strategic importance. The Stirling Castle is fantastic; the day we were there we saw a bird of prey demonstration.

In Edinburgh the teens enjoyed seeing the street performers on the Royal Mile, and of course the castle was a big hit.

Hiking up to Arthur's seat was a highlight of our time in Edinburgh. This takes a couple of hours, but gives an amazing view of the city below.

The Scott Monument in Edinburgh was also fun for my family to climb - I didn't go up, but apparently it gets a bit tight towards the top.

The Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow is newly reopened, as of summer 2006, and has something for everyone - great art, natural history, etc. It's a very cool site. There's a transportation museum right across the street (both are in the West End).

The People's Palace, on Glasgow Green, is a museum that gives a very interesting glimpse in to the history of the people of Glasgow.

My children (now 19 and 22) just LOVE the Indian food in Glasgow. We especially like the Wee Curry Shop (make reservations, this place is TINY - also it's cash only) and its parent restaurant in the West End, Mother India (larger, more extensive menu, accepts credit cards)

Another favorite of ours is Babbity Bowster, a pub in the Merchant City section of Glasgow. They have absolutely delicious haggis. We went from dubious curiosity to three big fans (my younger daughter was not won over) - I've never had haggis as good anywhere else.

In York, make plenty of time for the Minster. We spent close to 3 hours there, but could have given it more. Do not miss the undercroft (have to get an additional ticket for this), as you will see foundations and parts of the original Roman fort and the Romanesque earlier church that stood on the site.

If you like churches, there are many other very old and worthwhile examples in York.

Walking the walls in York was quite cool as well, although we ran short on time.

Of course, as has been mentioned several times above, the Railway Museum is extensive.

We were in York in August, and were surprised to see the 'Ghost tour' go by - it was still daylight. I think the tours are offered at the same time year round, so in the summer it is not dark. Also, the tour group was very large; I think York gets pretty crowded in summer. The throngs in the streets thinned considerably in the evening, so staying overnight is a good idea. I got up early and walked the streets in the medieval center and was able to experience the Shambles pretty much by myself.

Hey noe847: Isn't delicious haggis an oxymoron??? Seriously, thanks for the great information. It was good to hear more information about Stirling and Glasgow. I'm starting to think that 7-8 days will not be enough time.

Excuse me! For meat eaters, delicious haggis is a tautology.

You don't mention how you plan to spend the other 4 or 5 weeks of your sojourn. Maybe you did but I wasn't about to take the time to see if you had other postings.

I suggest you add a little more time to your northern visit. I looked at the York racing site (www.yorkracecourse.co.uk) and note they have have a couple of meets in May. Take a look, it would be a novel experience.

If you rented a car, Durham, a great university town, and Hadrian's Wall are between York and Edinburgh and well worth the time. Durham Cathedral is a prime example of Norman architecture and sits majestically above the River Wear along with the Castle and University. Hadrian's Wall - well, what can I say.

Honestly, Scotland could take all the time you can give it. But I'm sure you'll find that with all the different areas you will see in England! But, if you can swing some extra days, they will not go to waste. There's so much to see in Scotland. The Highlands are especially beautiful, imo.