12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Itinerary: Royal Mile, Kelpies, Loch Ness & Edinburgh Bookshops

Day 1: Arrival and Royal Mile

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Check-in at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Breakfast Included

Settle into this budget-friendly hotel centrally located in Edinburgh with comfortable rooms and breakfast included.
GBP70, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the included continental breakfast with cereals, fruits, and hot items to prepare for the day.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Explore the Royal Mile

Walk along the historic Royal Mile, visit St Giles’ Cathedral, and soak in the lively street performances and shops.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The City Café

Classic Scottish and café meals with a warm atmosphere at affordable prices, perfect for a midday refuel.
GBP15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Book Lovers Bookshop

Browse this charming independent bookshop featuring new and used books, a haven for book lovers.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Relax in Princes Street Gardens with views of Edinburgh Castle

Enjoy the gardens next to the Royal Mile, ideal for a peaceful break with beautiful city views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mussel Inn

Cozy spot offering budget-friendly Scottish seafood including fresh mussels and chowders.
GBP25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 2: Edinburgh Workshop & Waterstones

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with the included hearty breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Islander Workshop Experience

Participate in this interactive cultural workshop focused on Scottish island crafts and traditions (book ahead).
GBP40 per person, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy affordable and tasty vegan dishes among Edinburgh's oldest vegetarian restaurants.
GBP18, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Waterstones Edinburgh Princes Street

Spend time browsing one of Edinburgh’s largest bookstores with an in-store café for refreshments.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Hike Arthur’s Seat

Take a scenic moderate hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over Edinburgh; great afternoon physical activity.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at David Bann

Budget-friendly vegetarian restaurant serving creative Scottish-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.
GBP25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 3: Royal Mile & Additional Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the included breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Explore this iconic castle with stunning views over the city and learn about Scottish history.
GBP20 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mosque Kitchen

Affordable and delicious Pakistani cuisine near the Royal Mile for a quick but tasty meal.
GBP10, 1h

1:30pm

Sherlock Holmes-themed walking tour on Royal Mile

Explore sites along the Royal Mile with tales of Edinburgh’s literary and mystery history.
Free (self-guided tour), 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Greyfriars Kirkyard and surrounding area

Visit this historic graveyard famous for its stories and nearby charming cafés.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mamma's American Pizza

Casual, affordable pizzas in a lively atmosphere within the city center.
GBP18, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 4: Kelpies and Falkirk Visit

Falkirk, Scotland on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ibis Edinburgh

Begin your day with your included breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Falkirk

Travel by train from Edinburgh to Falkirk for sightseeing with a scenic ride.
GBP12 per person, 45m

10:00am

Visit The Kelpies

Marvel at the two gigantic horse-head sculptures in The Helix park, a spectacular sight.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at World Buffet Falkirk

Enjoy an affordable buffet with a variety of cuisines offering good value and filling meals.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Experience the Falkirk Wheel

See this unique rotating boat lift and visit the interactive visitor centre for more fun.
GBP10, 1.5h

4:00pm

Travel to Stirling by train

Short train journey (15 minutes) from Falkirk to Stirling for overnight stay.
GBP5 per person, 15m

5:00pm

Check-in at The Smith Art Hotel – Breakfast Included

Affordable boutique hotel near Stirling’s historic center with included breakfast.
GBP65, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bothy

Cozy pub serving affordable, hearty Scottish fare perfect for a relaxed evening.
GBP22, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 5: Stirling Castle and Travel North

Stirling to Inverness, Scotland on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Smith Art Hotel

Start the day with your included continental breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Stirling Castle

Discover the rich history and enjoy panoramic views from this famous castle.
GBP18 per person, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at The Drip Inn

A budget-friendly café with Scottish classics for a wholesome meal.
GBP15, 1h

1:00pm

Train to Inverness

Travel by train north to Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands and Loch Ness.
GBP35 per person, 3.5h

4:30pm

Check-in at The Grassmarket Hotel - Breakfast Included

Comfortable budget-friendly hotel with inclusive breakfast near Inverness center.
GBP75, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hootananny

Popular pub with live traditional music and affordable, fresh local dishes.
GBP20, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 6: Loch Ness Tour

Inverness, Scotland on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Full Scottish breakfast included to energize you for the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Loch Ness Boat Tour

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing boat cruise on Loch Ness searching for Nessie and admiring the views.
GBP18 per person, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Urquhart Castle

Explore these iconic ruins on the banks of Loch Ness for history and great photo ops.
GBP8 per person, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Dores Inn

Budget-friendly pub with scenic views serving Scottish pub favorites.
GBP18, 1h

2:30pm

Relaxing Loch Ness shoreline walk

Unwind with a peaceful walk along the loch surrounded by nature.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Inverness

Head back to town for rest before dinner.
Bus fare approx GBP5 per person, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Castle Tavern

Comfortable pub favored for reasonably priced Scottish pub food and drinks.
GBP22, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 7: Swanson Farm Visit

Beauly & Inverness, Scotland on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Grassmarket Hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast to start the day well.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Swanson Farm in Beauly

Discover this working farm's authentic Scottish farming experience and local produce.
Free entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Red Poppy Restaurant, Beauly

Delicious fresh meals at good prices in a quaint setting close to the farm.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Inverness & visit Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Explore local Highland history and art in this free museum.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Free time in Inverness

Shop or relax in a café at your own pace.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Relax at this bistro with affordable, locally-sourced Scottish meals.
GBP25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 8: Return to Edinburgh

Inverness to Edinburgh, Scotland on September 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with included breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Edinburgh

Enjoy a comfortable train trip south back to Edinburgh with scenic Highland views.
GBP35 per person, 3.5h

12:00pm

Check-in at Motel One Edinburgh-Royal – Breakfast Included

Modern budget hotel ideally placed near Edinburgh's Old Town with included breakfast.
GBP75, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Argo Scottish Bistro

Affordable traditional Scottish dining with a welcoming vibe in central Edinburgh.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

National Museum of Scotland

Explore extensive exhibitions covering Scottish history and innovation; free entry.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

Affordable, authentic Thai street food in a vibrant, casual setting.
GBP20, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 9: Bookshops and Royal Mile Stroll

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Motel One

Prepare for the day with the included breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Book Lovers Bookshop

Delight in another browse or revisit one of Edinburgh's wonderful independent bookshops near Royal Mile.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Leisurely walk down Royal Mile

Take time to appreciate this historic avenue’s shops, architecture, and atmosphere at a relaxed pace.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mosque Kitchen

Cheap, delicious Pakistani food close to the Royal Mile offering large portions on a budget.
GBP10, 1h

2:30pm

Optional visit to Edinburgh Castle or other local sights

If missed earlier, explore the castle or choose museums nearby; entrance fees apply if selected.
GBP20 if castle, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Outsider Restaurant

Enjoy modern Scottish cuisine in a casual setting with reasonable prices near the Royal Mile.
GBP26, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 10: Cultural Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Motel One

Included breakfast buffet to start your day strong.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Scottish National Gallery

Discover Scotland’s renowned art collection including famous European paintings; no entry fee.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The City Café

Relaxed café setting serving affordable Scottish classics and light meals.
GBP15, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll through New Town

Explore Edinburgh’s elegant Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and parks along this historic district.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

A repeat favorite for affordable, authentic Thai food in Edinburgh’s city center.
GBP20, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 11: Optional Day & Farewell Dinner

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Motel One

Enjoy your included breakfast as you prepare for the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Optional Excursion: Rosslyn Chapel or other nearby attractions

Take a day trip to the mystical Rosslyn Chapel or explore other local museums; some entry fees apply.
GBP10-20 depending on attraction, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at City Café

Reliable affordable option with Scottish and European dishes.
GBP15, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at local park or café

Take leisure time to enjoy Edinburgh’s charming cafés or green spaces.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Holyrood 9A

Enjoy a lively Scottish pub with great craft beers and reasonably priced comfort food to end your trip on a high note.
GBP25, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 12: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Motel One

Final included breakfast in Edinburgh to start your travel day well.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Prepare and depart

Pack and leave for airport or next destination, concluding your Scottish journey.
Varies, Varies
View Hotels