Scotland
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without savouring a visit to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens - ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
There is plenty to do, including:
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Guided Tours of the historic castle.
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Fishing and wildlife trips, Loch Cruises and Seal trips to the Loch’s Common Seal colonies.
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Browse our fabulous shops selling Highland jewellery, knitwear, gifts and Harris Tweed.
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Sample the excellent coffee, homemade soup and snacks at MacLeod Tables Café.
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Enjoy a walk around the Castle Gardens including the spectacular waterfall in the Water Gardens.
Caerlaverock Castle
The epitome of the moated, medieval stronghold, Caerlaverocks great triangular defences guard the Solway Shore. This site has had a turbulent past. In 1300, its 60- strong garrison was defeated by Edward I’s vast English army in a siege. Despite the castle’s rugged appearance, its walls conceal a stunning Renaissance residence of the 1630s.
8m of SE Dumfries DG1 4RU Tel. 0131 668 8831 Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Edinburgh Castle
A mighty fortress, the defender of the nation and a world famous visitor attraction – Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. And the high volcanic rock of which it stands has been occupied for thousands of years.
Today it is home to Scotland’s crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny, three military museums, the National War Memorial, the Prisons of War exhibition and much more besides. Castle Hill EH1 2NG
Tel. 0131 668 8831 Emailhs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Fort George and the Highlander’s Museum
March into Britain’s mightiest artillery fortress for an unforgettable experience. You can explore an enormous military base protected by almost 1.6km (1mile) of massive walls. You can gain insight into life as a Redcoat in a garrison fortress, built in 1748-69.
6m W of Nairn IV2 7TD T. 01667 460 232 Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
Melrose Abbey
Trace the lives and beliefs of medieval monks in one of Scotland’s largest and richest medieval abbeys. You will find remarkable sculptures of saints, demons and the famous bagpipe playing pig. King Alexander II and the mummified heart of Robert the Bruce are buried here.
In Melrose TD6 9LF Tel. 0131 668 8831 E. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Linlithgow Palace
Inside of the most spectacular ruins in Scotland you cannot help but walk in the footsteps of royalty. This royal pleasure palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Visit the great hall where monarchs hosted banquets, tour James IV’s suite of chambers or say a prayer in the private oratory of James V. In Lithlithgow EH49 7AL Tel. 0131 668 8831
Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
Jedburgh Abbey
The towering ruins of this vast abbey complex are testament to the power of both royalty and the medieval church. Founded by David I in 1138, the abbey was linked to a nearby royal castle. The abbey museum houses many precious artefacts including an ivory comb from the 1100s that shows Hercules slaying a dragon. In Jedburgh TD8 6JQ Tel. 0131 668 8831
Email hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
Skara Brae
Step back 5,000 years to explorer one of Europe’s best preserved prehistoric settlements. The village was first uncovered during a storm in 1858. Ever since, Skara Brae has been a place of discovery for archaeologists, students, artists and enthusiasts.
19m NW of Kirkwall KW16 3LR Tel. 0131 668 8831 Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
St Andrews Castle
For centuries, the residence of Scotland’s most powerful churchmen. Some of its remarkable secrets are hewn into the rock beneath its battlements. You can explore a unique underground mine and countermine, dug during the brutal siege of 1546-7.
In St Andrews KY16 9AR Tel 0131 668 8831 Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
www.historic-scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most celebrated and much- loved visitor attractions. For centuries Scotland’s kings and queens held court here and revelled in its beauty and grandeur. The Castle’s Royal Palace has been impressively returned to its renaissance glory. The refurbished palace is at the heart of the new visitor experience with its lavishly decorated rooms and costumed characters.
Castle Esplanade FK8 1EJ Tel:0131 668 8831 Email.hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Urquhart Castle
Discover 1000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over the Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands.
Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café.
Email. hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
Dolphin Spirit
Dolphin Spirit offers a choice of 2 boat trips into the Moray Firth from Inverness Marina. We hope to see dolphins, seals and otters along with a variety of sea birds, sightings not guaranteed. The Cruiser is a comfortable, accessible 65 passengers vessel, running 4 times throughout the day lasting 1 ¼ hours. The RIB is a longer trip lasting 2 hours, running twice daily and three times daily in July & August. This is a fast, adrenaline fuelled ride with waterproof clothing provided. Both operate 7 days per week from April to October, weather permitting. Transport from Inverness and food available. Choose your adventure!
British Golf Museum
Their Collection tells the fascinating story of British golf, through material dating from the 17th century to the present day. It is the most comprehensive golf collection in Britain, and one of the finest worldwide, celebrating golf from grass roots to international level.
Over 16,000 items cover equipment (clubs, balls, manufacturing and clothing), prizes (trophies and medals), decorative art (artworks, ceramics, silverware and ephemera), film, photographs and archives (books, periodicals, programmes and patents). They welcome thousands of British and International group visitors each year to the museum. They offer discounted admission rates for groups of 10 or more people. Tour leaders gain free admission to the museum, please contact enquiries@randa.org to book or call 01334 460046. www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk
The Devil's Porridge
The Devil’s Porridge Museum offers a fascinating day out just minutes from the M6 and off the A75. Visitors can explore the unusual history of this region in World War One and Two and enjoy delicious food in the café. With a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year, a lift, coach parking and group discounts this is a real must visit.
Floors Castle
Floors Castle is not only a Duke's family home, but also the heart of the diverse Roxburghe Estates in a beautiful part of the Scottish Borders.
Just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle, visit this stunning Castle and see for yourself the collection of fine art, porcelain, newly restored tapestries, grand rooms and superb views. We have woodland and riverside walks, formal and informal gardens and lots of lovely places to sit and watch the world go by.
Floors Castle welcomes group visitors from April – October and by special request.
On arrival groups receive a welcome introduction from our friendly and knowledgeable guides and visitors are then free to enjoy the Castle and the beautiful gardens and grounds at their leisure. Alternatively, guided tours are available if preferred.
Suggested visit time: 1 hour for the Castle or 2 hours for the Castle, Gardens & Grounds
Our group discount rates are available to groups of 10 or more. www.floorscastle.com
Glamis Castle
Ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and birthplace of HRH The Princess Margaret.
Strathmore Estates (Holding) Ltd, Glamis, DD8 1RJ, Tel: 01307 840393
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village is the perfect place to stop for coaches and groups. We have over fifty stores selling hundreds of brands at up to 50% off rrp, and choice of five tasty cafes. Ample free coach parking and a generous incentive scheme. Gretna exit M74/M6.
Tel: 01461.339028 Web: www.gretnagateway.com
Holland House
Just outside the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, set amongst beautiful countryside. Ideal for a day out with so much to see and do in the surrounding area. Then come and relax, and have a bite to eat in our Coffee shop. Then how about a wander around the shop.
Keith & Dufftown Railway
Open every weekend from Easter to the end of September. Enjoy the beauty of the Banffshire countryside from the comfort of our vintage DMU's. Group bookings welcome and charters available for mid-week trip.
Further details tel: 01343 870429 or visit: www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk
Mellerstain House
Mellerstain House, the grand design among Scotland’s finest stately homes, has been open to the public for over 50 years. Come and discover the story of Mellerstain for a day, and enjoy the fabulous paintings, embroidery, china and furniture collections, admire the classical perfection of Robert Adam’s architecture and interior decoration, and be inspired by the friendly atmosphere and romantic location of one of Scotland’s greatest Georgian houses. Web:www.mellerstain.com
Pentland Ferries
Travel to Orkney with Pentland Ferries on our purpose built catamaran. The MV Pentalina provides the fastest crossing to Orkney with your car, reducing the crossing time to one hour.
Pier Rd. St Margaret's Hope Orkney KW17 2SW Head Office: +44 (0)1856 831 226
Booking Line: +44 (0)800 688 8998 www.pentlandferries.co.uk
West Coast Railways
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! Afternoon teas available on services www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles
Armadale, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV45 9RS
Tel: 01471 844305 Web: www.clandonald.com
British Golf Museum
The Scores Saint Andrews, Fife KY16 9
01334 460046 Web:www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk
Cairngorm Railway
Cairngorm Mountain, Cairngorm Ski Area,
Aviemore, Scotland, PH22 1RB
Tel: 01479 861307
Web: www.cairngormmountain.co.uk
Cairn O'Mohr Winery
East Inchmichael, Errol, Perthshire PH2 7SP
Tel: 01821 642781 Web: www.cairnomohr.co.uk
Castle of Mey
Thurso, Caithness, Scotland KW14 8XH
Tel: 01847 851473 Web: www.castleofmey.org.uk
Dunvegan Castle
Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands IV55 8WF
Tel:0147052 1206 Web:www.dunvegancastle.com
Edinburgh First
The University of Edinburgh, 18 Holyrood Park Road,
Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 5AY
Tel: 0131 651 2189 Web: www.edinburghfirst.com
Glamis Castle
Strathmore Estates (Holding) Ltd
Glamis
DD8 1RJ
Tel: 01307 840393
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Tattoo Office, 32 Market Street,
Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH1 1QB
Tel: 08707 555 1188 Web:www.edintattoo.co.uk
The Famous Grouse Experience
Glenturret Distillery, The Hosh, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HA
Tel: 01764 656565 Web: www.famousgrouse.com
Glen Moray
Glen Moray Distillery, Elgin, Morayshire, IV30 1YE
Tel: 01343 542577
Web:www.glenmoray.com
Gretna Gateway Outlet Village
Glasgow Road, Gretna, Scotland, DG16 5GG
Tel: 01461 339028
Web: www.gretnagateway.com
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh
18 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PF Tel: 0131 260 3000
Web: www.hardrockcafes.info
Isle Of Arran Distillery
Lochranza, Isle of Arran KA27 8HJ
Tel: 0044 (0)1770 830264. Web: www.arranwhisky.com
Inveraray Castle
Argyll Estates Office, Inveraray, Argyll PA32 8XE
Tel : +44 ( 0 ) 1499 302203 Web: www.inveraray-castle.com
Keith-dufftown-railway
Dufftown Station,Station Road
Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55 4BA
www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk/index.php
e-mail info@keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk
Kinross Sunday Market
Bridgend, Kinross, KY13 8EN Scotland
Tel: 01577862564
Loch Katrine
Stirling FK17 8HZ. Scotland, United Kingdom
Tel: 00 44 (0)1877 332000
Northlink Ferries Ltd
Ferry Terminal, Ferry Road, Stromness,
Orkney KW16 3BH
Email: grouptours@northlinkferries.co.uk
Web: www.northlinkferries.co.uk
The National Trust for Scotland
28 Charlotte Square,
Edinburgh EH2 4ET
Tel: 0844 493 2100
Web: www.scotlandbymail.com/traveltrade
The Old Blacksmiths Shop
Gretna Green, Dumfries and Galloway DG16 5EA
Tel: 01461 338441 Web: www.gretnagreen.com/blacksmiths.html
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555 5566 Web: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Sterling Mills Shopping Centre
Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, FK13 6HQ
Tel: 01259 752100 Web: www.sterlingmills.com
Strathmore Hotels Ltd
116 Strathmore House, East Kilbride G74 1LF
Tel: 01355 266886 Email:groupsales@strathmorehotels.com
Web: www.strathmorehotels.com
The Strathspey Railway
Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore
PH22 1PY
Tel: 01479 810 725 or 01479 812 220
VisitScotland
Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JH
Tel: 0131 472 2222 Fax: 0131 472 2250
Email: traveltrade@visitscotland.com
Web: www.visitscotland.com