London/Scotland Itinerary Help for Summer 2003
 

Hello Fodorites,<BR><BR>I am in the early planning stages of our family vacation for summer 2003. We are a family of 3, my daughter will be 13 at the time of the trip.Here is what I have so far:<BR><BR>June 5 - Arrive London Gatwick - 9:00<BR> Gatwick Express to Victoria<BR> ? Where can a family of 3 stay fairly reasonably? Last spring I stayed in the Belgravia area and while I liked it the prices that I have found for a triple are really high. We would like someplace, quiet, restaurants within walking distance and good tube access. <BR><BR>I am thinking of staying in London until through 8th. Then on the 9th take the train to Edinburgh. Staying there until the 12th. Once again looking for a triple room "in the middle of things".<BR><BR>Here is where I need the most help. We are planning on renting a car and striking out into the countryside. We have until the 19th when we have a 10:00 flight out of Glasgow.<BR><BR>I would like to pick a couple of "home bases" as last time my family took a trip I tried to do too much and spent way to much time in the car.<BR><BR>My husband would like to spend some time fishing and sitting by the fire drinking scotch. I would like to see some countryside and all of us would like to do some light hiking. We all are into interesting historical sights, cool castles(for the 13 year old) and are open to all your sugestions.<BR><BR>Can you help me map out this part of the trip? I am looking to stay in nice B & B's and maybe a splurge in some kind of castle type hotel. My daughter would really like this. <BR><BR>I am doing searchs and doing my homework but would really like some experienced opinions.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>

We splurged and stayed a few nights at the Kildrummy Castle Hotel...wonderful! It is west of Aberdeen...and on the castle trail, so you would be able to explore many more. Try www.celticcastles.com to find the hotel (and others) and see if it fits your needs. We had our 2 children with us and were all in one room, so they would be able to accommodate you.

Stirling Castle comes immediately to mind, but you can't stay there. YOur 13 y.o. would love it though. Callendar in the Trossachs is a quaint little town. And, be sure your husband visits the whisky center at the top of the Royal Mile to take the whisky tour and tasting. Edinburgh Castle can take several hours, the dogs graves, and the story about the little Westie who guarded his masters grave. Get your daughter a historical fiction book about Mary Queen of Scots and James 1 and then go see Holyrood. Have a great time. In London, the London Elizabeth near Hyde Park will accomodate families reasonably. It's just close to Lancaster Gate tube stop and then you can transfer easily at Marble Arch to go anywhere. Check out www.Londontown.com for bargains and all the info on London you could ever want.

If I can send you some details of Edinburgh or Glasgow let me know.<BR><BR>"My husband would like to spend some time fishing and sitting by the fire drinking scotch. I would like to see some countryside and all of us would like to do some light hiking. We all are into interesting historical sights, cool castles(for the 13 year old) and are open to all your sugestions."<BR><BR>There are a number of general locations which spring to mind. I'm tempted to suggest Loch Tay or the Upper Spey for your first base. Both are beautiful places with plenty of B&Bs, and great fishing. You're not really in good fishing season but your husband will have a great time anyway.<BR><BR>I have to say, I don't much like Castle hotels. But have a look at the web site for the Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. And I just had a brainwave. Look, too, at Garth House at Fortingall. If you're far enough off the season they may do a short break for you.

Thanks for the comments. Sheila - what do you mean they will do a short break?

They're a self catering place that normally lets by the week.

To clarify Sheila's comment - A short break is a long weekend or a 2 or 3 day rental. Most vacation properties rent for whole weeks except during the winter when they often do "short breaks"<BR><BR>June is still not high season in Scotland so a short break MIGHT be possible.<BR><BR>But for just the three of you B&Bs would be just as good. many have family rooms which are very economical.<BR><BR>If you have from June 12 to the morning of June 19 you probably won't be able to rent a cottage anyway since they usually rent starting on Saturdays (or sometimes Friday)<BR><BR>Places you should be sure to visit include Linlithgow - I have yet to meet a child who did not LOVE it. It is a huge ruin that is very complete and you can climb all over it. Stirling castle, Glen Coe and maybe one island -- Skye or Mull are the easiest and both are GREAT.<BR><BR>You won't have trouble finding B&Bs outside of Edinburgh in June so you might want to leave your itinerary loose and decide where as you go.<BR><BR>In Edinburgh I STRONGLY recommend Castle View Guest House. It is on Castle Street right off Princes street, with a fab. view of the Castle and next to Rose street which has lots of restaurants. <BR><BR>In London you could try the Travel Inn County Hall. It allows up to 2 children to share their parents' room for one rate. Currently it is about &pound;72 per room for all three of you. it is right on the river across from Big ben and next to the London Eye.

Is there actually a view of the castle from any room at Castle View Guest House? I stayed there in June, in an incredibly tiny single room made even smaller by the ackward furniture arrangement. Don;t forget those 74 steps up a dreary stairwell to the guest house and then another 20 or so up to your room.

There is one tiny single (I stayed in it once and was glad to have it since the city was very booked up!) But the other rooms are much larger and two of them have castle views - one has a bay window. A family of 3 would not be in the tiny room.<BR><BR>Plus the window seats in the residents' lounge have a great castle view.<BR><BR>Simone - I recommended the place because sheryl said they enjoyed light hiking. Every fit friend I have told about Castle View loved it - I don't recommend it to people who can't climb three flights of stairs. <BR><BR>You give up the luxury of a lift to have the best located B&B in the city center.