Join us as we head north of the border to Dundee; a UNESCO city of design, the famous home of ‘jute, jam and journalism,’ and the location of the new V&A. The world’s only V&A Museum outside of London, this stunning architectural and artistic endeavour is not to be missed. Along the way we pay visits to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, beautiful St. Andrews the birthplace of golf, and the quaint seaside towns of Anstruther and Arbroath, home to the famous Arbroath Smokies.
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel northwards to our overnight hotel in South Yorkshire, having suitable refreshment stops along the way and arriving in time for dinner.
Day 2 MONDAY Our journey continues north to ‘Auld Reekie’, an affectionate local name for the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Some free time to discover the many attractions close to the Royal Mile before we continue to Dundee and our hotel.
Day 3 TUESDAY We begin our day in Dundee with a visit to the award-winning Discovery Point, where you can explore the history of RRS Discovery, the three-masted ship that carried Captain Robert Falcon Scott on his famed trip to the Antarctic. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Dundee at your own pace, with a multitude of attractions to choose from, such as the V&A Museum, HMS Unicorn, Dundee Museum of Transport, and the McManus Art Gallery and Museum. (Entrances not included.)
Day 4 WEDNESDAY Today we head to the charming coastal town of Arbroath; boasting a rich history stretching as far back as 1178, the Abbey was founded by King William the Lion of Scotland and the town is home to the famous Arbroath Smokies. There is lots on offer with two museums, shops, a beautiful seafront and quaint harbour. After an early lunch we head inland to the picturesque village of Glamis and Glamis Castle, once host to Mary Queen of Scots. Glamis is also said to have inspired Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ and as the childhood home of The Queen Mother and birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret it still holds a special place in the Royal Family’s heart.
Day 5 THURSDAY Our excursion today takes us over the Tay Bridge and onto the Fife Coastal Route to the historic town of St. Andrews. Scotland’s famous home of golf, it is also home to the oldest university in Scotland, a beautiful ruinous cathedral, and stunning beach. On our 1½-hour guided walking tour we follow in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, students with their flamboyant traditions, heretics who were burned at the stake, and even famous cats. After lunch we continue along the stretch of Fife Coast known as the East Neuk to the pretty, historic fishing village of Anstruther where we make our last stop of the day.
Day 6 FRIDAY Departing Dundee we commence our journey south. After skirting South Lanarkshire, we view the Lowther Hills travelling via Beattock Summit to spend a ‘wee while in the former spa town of Moffat – a vibrant destination overlooked by the beautiful green Moffat Hills in the heart of the Scottish Borders region. After a stop for lunch, we cross back into England and our final overnight at the Best Western Plus Lancashire Manor Hotel.
Day 7 SATURDAY We make our way home with suitable refreshment stops along the way, reaching the south coast in the evening.
A country house-style hotel nestled near Dundee. The hotel has a welcoming restaurant, comfortable lounge and patio area. The hotel has leisure facilities (which incur a small charge) including a pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift to some floors.
