12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Itinerary with Comfortable Stays: Kelpies, Edinburgh Workshops, Loch Ness & Literary Delights

Day 1: Arrival & Edinburgh Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 17, 2025

9:00am

Accommodation Check-in

Check into Staycity Aparthotels West End, a budget-friendly yet comfortable option with kitchenette facilities and breakfast included, centrally located for easy access.
GBP70, 0h30m

10:00am

Swanson Farm Visit

Visit Swanson Farm for a relaxed rural experience just outside Edinburgh, where you can interact with local farm animals and enjoy the natural surroundings.
GBP10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Milkman

Savor affordable local sandwiches and coffee from 9am to 5pm near Swanson Farm in a casual setting.
GBP8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Edinburgh Islander Workshop Experience

Participate in a unique craft workshop focused on traditional Scottish isle crafts, held in the afternoon by appointment.
GBP25, 2h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Scran & Scallie

Enjoy a cozy gastropub experience with delicious Scottish dishes at reasonable prices; open until 10pm with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
GBP15, 1h0m
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Day 2: Literary Day in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day with included breakfast in your comfortable aparthotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Book Lovers Bookshop

Explore this charming independent bookshop with a broad range of budget-friendly Scottish literature.
Free entry, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Waterstones Edinburgh

Browse one of the UK's largest book retailers for new reads and souvenirs in a spacious, welcoming environment.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Sample affordable Scottish pulled pork sandwiches, open 11am to 6pm, perfect for a quick bite.
GBP6, 1h0m

1:30pm

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh Old Town

Discover historic and literary landmarks at your own pace through the atmospheric Old Town streets.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Return to this budget-friendly favorite for a flavorsome and filling dinner.
GBP10, 1h0m
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Day 3: Falkirk & The Kelpies

Falkirk, Scotland on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your included breakfast at the aparthotel before travelling.
Included, 1h0m

8:45am

Train to Falkirk

Travel by train from Edinburgh to Falkirk High station, about 30 minutes journey.
GBP10, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit The Kelpies

Admire the iconic horse-head sculptures at The Helix Park, free and open daily from 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at The Boathouse

Enjoy affordable meals with beautiful views of the Kelpies, open 11am to 5pm.
GBP12, 1h0m

12:45pm

Stroll Along Union Canal

Take a refreshing walk along the scenic Union Canal towpath for some downtime.
Free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Train back to Edinburgh

Return to Edinburgh by train and prepare for an evening at leisure.
GBP10, 0h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Princes Street Gardens

Take time to unwind in this centrally-located park beside Edinburgh Castle.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy lovely vegan fare in this intimate and affordable restaurant open until 9pm.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 4: Edinburgh Culture & Islander Crafts

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy included breakfast to start the day comfortably.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scottish history and island culture at this free, extensive museum open 10am-5pm daily.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mosque Kitchen

Affordable and tasty South Asian meals at a local favorite, open 12pm-3pm and 5pm-10pm.
GBP10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Optional Islander Workshop Return or Shopping

Revisit the Islander Workshop or explore local shops for unique crafts and souvenirs within budget.
GBP15 optional, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Last Drop

Enjoy traditional Scottish affordable pub food in a cozy spot open until 10pm.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 5: Travel to Inverness & Loch Ness

Inverness, Scotland on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Included breakfast before your scenic train journey north.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train Edinburgh to Inverness

Enjoy a beautiful 3.5-hour train ride to Inverness, gateway to Loch Ness.
GBP25, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in & Lunch

Stay at The Glen Mhor Hotel, budget-friendly with comfortable rooms and included breakfast; lunch nearby at a local cafe.
GBP60 room, GBP8 lunch, 1h0m

1:30pm

Loch Ness Boat Tour

Experience a budget-friendly Loch Ness cruise to search for the legendary monster and enjoy stunning views, tours run 10am–5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Inverness Centre

Visit Inverness’ city center with its shops, castle grounds, and riverside walkways.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Dine affordably on Scottish cuisine in a lovely riverside setting, open until 9pm.
GBP15, 1h0m
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Day 6: Explore Loch Ness & Highlands

Inverness, Scotland on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with your included hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Loch Ness Exhibition & Visitor Centre

Visit this affordable centre to learn about the Loch Ness myth and local history, open 10am to 5pm.
GBP7, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Urquhart Castle

Explore the picturesque and historic castle ruins with Loch Ness views, open 9:30am to 6pm.
GBP10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Loch Ness Inn

Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly pub lunch close to Urquhart Castle.
GBP12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Highlands Hiking or Scenic Walk

Relax with a budget-friendly walk along Loch Ness or nearby trails to take in breathtaking Highland scenery.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Inverness

Prepare for dinner after a day immersed in Highland nature.
Included in transport, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Castle Tavern

Affordable Scottish pub fare in central Inverness, open until 11pm.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 7: Back to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train Inverness to Edinburgh

Return to Edinburgh by train, journey takes about 3.5 hours.
GBP25, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mums Great Comfort Food

Enjoy affordable comfort food near the train station, open 12pm to 4pm.
GBP10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Calton Hill

Free entry spot for panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline and coastline.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Book Shopping at Waterstones or Book Lovers Bookshop

Browse and shop in Edinburgh’s best bookshops to find unique reads and souvenirs.
Free entry, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

One last chance to enjoy a budget-friendly meal at a local favorite.
GBP10, 1h0m
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Day 8: Museums & Parks

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start with your included breakfast to energize your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Scottish National Gallery

Enjoy free entry to fine art collections, open 10am to 5pm daily.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The City Café

Affordable Scottish diner-style meals near the gallery.
GBP8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat Hike

Free to explore this famous park and climb Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Henderson's Vegan

Enjoy a healthy yet affordable vegan meal, open till 9pm.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 9: Rosslyn Chapel & Borders Day Trip

Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up with your included breakfast before your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Rosslyn Chapel

Use local bus or affordable taxi for approximately 30 minutes to this famed ornate chapel, open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
GBP5 bus, GBP9 entry, 1h30m travel + 1h visit

12:00pm

Lunch at The Chapel Café

Simple and budget-friendly café beside the chapel offering light lunches.
GBP8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Borders Countryside

Enjoy free walking trails and countryside scenery nearby.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Edinburgh

Travel back to the city for a relaxing evening meal.
GBP5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Savor your final evening meal in Edinburgh at this budget-friendly local favorite.
GBP10, 1h0m
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Day 10: Markets & Gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Begin with your included breakfast to prepare for market visits.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

Explore fresh local produce at this lively Saturday market open 9am to 2pm.
Free entry, optional purchases, 1h30m

11:00am

Museum of Childhood

Discover nostalgic toys and games in this free museum open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hula Juice Bar & Cafe

Affordable, healthy meals and snacks at this vibrant spot during market hours.
GBP8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Relax and stroll through expansive gardens with free admission, open daily.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Henderson's Vegan

Enjoy your last dinner with tasty vegan dishes at budget prices.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 11: Last Leisure Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Included breakfast to start your final full day in Edinburgh.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping & Last Explorations

Spend the morning browsing shops and revisiting favorite spots like Waterstones and Book Lovers Bookshop.
Free entry, purchases vary, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Urban Angel

Affordable fresh and wholesome meals in New Town, open 9am to 4pm.
GBP9, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Greyfriars Kirkyard

Take a peaceful stroll around this historic cemetery and adjacent parkland, free and atmospheric.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Enjoy your final dinner at one of Edinburgh’s best-loved budget eateries.
GBP10, 1h0m
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Day 12: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your last included breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Check-out and Departure

Complete check-out formalities and travel to Edinburgh Airport or train station for your onward journey.
Transport costs vary, Variable
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