Experience the very best of Scotland on this unforgettable holiday, combining the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with the Royal Yacht Britannia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, the beautiful Falls of Clyde, the magnificent Kelpies and the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, all from our elegant four-star hotel.
Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, West Lothian ****
Set within 22 acres of peaceful woodland and landscaped gardens, the elegant Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel combines a historic 16th-century tower house with contemporary comfort. Guests can relax in stylish bedrooms, enjoy excellent dining and make use of the hotel leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, making it an ideal base for exploring central Scotland.
Price Includes
4 nights at the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel
3 dinners & 1 lunch at the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel
Entrance to Royal Yacht Britannia
Ticket for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Admission to New Lanark Visitor Centre
Visit to the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel
Coach excursions as described
Fully escorted throughout
We offer one FREE place in every 20, or one at half price for every 10. We can also arrange one pick up (if required) of your choosing for the whole group (minimum of 20 passengers). For groups larger than 20, please email coaches@kirbyscoaches.co.uk.
Day 1
Travel north to Scotland with suitable comfort stops before arriving at the elegant Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel. Set within beautiful grounds, there is time to settle in before our first evening meal in Scotland.
DDay 2
After a relaxing morning, we enjoy lunch at the hotel before travelling to Edinburgh. Visit the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Explore the beautifully preserved State Apartments, Royal Deck Tea Room and Engine Room before enjoying free time in Scotland's historic capital. Wander the Royal Mile, browse the shops or enjoy dinner before taking our seats for the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an unforgettable evening of music, military precision and spectacular entertainment set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
B, LDay 3
Today we visit the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, the beautifully restored 18th-century mill village where you'll discover the remarkable story of social reformer Robert Owen. Afterwards, continue to the nearby Falls of Clyde, where peaceful woodland walks reveal a series of dramatic waterfalls set within a beautiful nature reserve.
B, DDay 4
Visit the magnificent Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures, inspired by Scotland's heavy horses and mythical water spirits. We then continue to the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift and one of Scotland's greatest engineering achievements, where there is time to admire this incredible structure before returning to our hotel (boat trip extra cost).
B, DDay 5
After breakfast, we begin our journey home with suitable comfort stops en route, taking with us wonderful memories of Scotland's rich history, spectacular scenery and unforgettable experiences.
BB=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included
Discover the very best of Scotland on this memorable escorted holiday, combining one of the world's most famous military spectacles with fascinating history, magnificent engineering and breathtaking scenery.
Staying at the elegant Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel, you'll experience Scotland's proud heritage, vibrant capital city and some of its most iconic attractions.
Taking place against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has captivated audiences since 1950. Military bands, pipers, dancers and performers from around the world come together in an unforgettable evening of music, pageantry and precision.
Each year, the Tattoo attracts over 220,000 spectators from across the globe and is broadcast to millions more.
Discover the former Royal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, which served the Royal Family for over 40 years. Explore the State Apartments, Engine Room and Royal Deck Tea Room while learning about life aboard one of Britain's most famous ships.
The beautifully restored village of New Lanark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland's most important historic attractions. Once a thriving cotton mill community, today it offers a fascinating insight into life during the Industrial Revolution.
Just a short walk from New Lanark lie the spectacular Falls of Clyde, a series of dramatic waterfalls surrounded by ancient woodland. The nature reserve is home to otters, kingfishers and, during the right season, magnificent peregrine falcons.
Standing 30 metres high, the Kelpies are the world's largest equine sculptures. Inspired by Scotland's working horses and mythical water spirits, these iconic landmarks have become one of the country's most photographed attractions.
The Falkirk Wheel is the world's only rotating boat lift, raising and lowering boats by 24 metres between two canals. Since opening in 2002, it has become one of Scotland's greatest engineering achievements. Boat trip is not included and an extra cost on the day.
Edinburgh is home to the UK's largest arts festival every August.
The Royal Yacht Britannia travelled over one million nautical miles during Royal service.
The Kelpies each weigh approximately 300 tonnes.
New Lanark was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001.
The Falkirk Wheel is considered one of the greatest engineering projects of modern Britain.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Royal Yacht Britannia
UNESCO-listed New Lanark
Falls of Clyde
The Kelpies
Falkirk Wheel
Four nights at the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel
Fully escorted throughout
Combining Scottish heritage, breathtaking scenery, royal history and unforgettable experiences, this superb holiday showcases the very best of central Scotland.
Please find below our pick up points (not all pick up points will be available on all departure dates). View the pick-up point you require, then you’ll see a list of dates which are/aren’t available from your pick up point.
Please find below our pick up points (not all pick up points will be available on all departure dates). View the pick-up point you require, then you’ll see a list of dates which are/aren’t available from your pick up point.
| Name | Address | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Barking | Station Parade, IG11 8TU | View |
| Barkingside | Fullwell Cross, Bus Stop A - IG6 2EA | View |
| Basildon | Cherrydown East Bus Stop, SS16 5GT, Basildon | View |
| Brentwood | Brentwood, Outside The Dairyman | View |
| Chalkwell Park | Chalkwell Park Bus Stop, London Road | View |
| Chelmsford Victoria Road | Victoria Road CM1 1JR | View |
| Collier Row | White Hart Lane - Bus Stop out Tythe Court RM7 8LZ | View |
| Corringham Town Centre | Gordon Road, Bus Stop near Grover Walk SS17 7EY | View |
| Cranham | Front Lane/Moor Lane Junction Bus Stop RM14 1XJ Outside Restaurant Opp. Car Park | View |
| Dagenham | Church Elm Lane, Bus Stop L - RM10 9QS | View |
| Hadleigh Church | Hadleigh Church, Bus Layby | View |
| Harold Wood | Bus Stop A, Gubbins Lane, RM3 0DR | View |
| Hockley Spa | Hockley Spa, Bus Stop outside the Library | View |
| Hornchurch | Station Lane Bus Stop - Out Sutton Arms RM12 6NJ and Opposite Ask Restaurant | View |
| Hutton | Hutton, Bus Stop just past the Chequers Pub | View |
| Ilford | Ilford, Bus Stop outside 6 Clements Road, IG1 1BA | View |
| Palace Theatre | Palace Theatre Bus Stop | View |
| Pitsea | Outside what was Gala Bingo Hall, Pitsea | View |
| Princess Rd, Rayleigh | Princess Road, Rayleigh (was Depot) | View |
| Queensway | Queensway Bus Stop (Behind the Odeon Cinema) | View |
| Rayleigh Stn | Rayleigh Railway Station | View |
| Rochford Market Square | West Street, Rochford Market Square | View |
| Romford | St Edwards Way - Bus Stop H - RM1 3DQ Out: Romford Shopping Hall | View |
| Sadlers Farm | Bus Stop on A13, just before Sadlers Farm roundabout, nr Romsey Road | View |
| Shenfield Stn | Shenfield Station, outside what was Barclays Bank | View |
| Southchurch Library | Southchurch Lib, Old Walnut Tree, Southchurch Blvd | View |
| Sun Corner | Sun Corner London Road - Billericay | View |
| Thames Drive | Thames Drive Bus Stop | View |
| The Elms | Bus Stop outside Elms Public House, Leigh on Sea | View |
| The Oak Grays | The Oak Public House, Lodge Lane, Grays | View |
| Thorpe Bay Stn | Thorpe Bay Station, Acacia Drive (opp Station) | View |
| Thurrock Services, | Thurrock Services Coach Park, RM16 3BG | View |
| Upminster | Bus Stop M, St Mary's Lane- Upminster Outside St.Laurence Church RM14 2QJ | View |
| Vic House Cnr, Kiln Rd | Vic House Corner, Bus Stop in Kiln Road | View |
| Websters Way | Websters Way, Rayleigh (High Street on return) | View |
| Wickford | Halls Corner, opposite Police Station, Wickford | View |
| Woodford Green | Snakes Lane East, Bus Stop R - IG8 7HU | View |
Day Excursion Brochure
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