12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Adventure: Kelpies, Edinburgh Workshops, Loch Ness & Literary Gems

Day 1: Arrival & Edinburgh Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 17, 2025

9:00am

Accommodation Check-in

Check into a budget hotel in Edinburgh offering breakfast to keep meal costs low, such as Ibis Budget Edinburgh Park, providing convenient access to the main attractions.
GBP50, 0h30m

10:00am

Swanson Farm Visit

Explore Swanson Farm on the outskirts of Edinburgh, where you can interact with farm animals and enjoy a peaceful rural experience just outside the city.
GBP10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Milkman

Enjoy affordable Scottish sandwiches and coffee at this popular local spot near Swanson Farm, open from 9am to 5pm.
GBP8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Edinburgh Islander Workshop Experience

Participate in this unique hands-on workshop learning traditional crafts of the Scottish isles, available afternoons through prior booking.
GBP25, 2h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

Enjoy delicious and affordable Thai street food in Edinburgh's Old Town, open till 10pm, perfect for a flavorful change from your first day meal.
GBP12, 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 to keep your expenses down.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Book Lovers Bookshop

Explore this charming, budget-friendly independent bookshop filled with a variety of genres and perfect for book lovers to find unique Scottish literature.
Free entry, 1h0m

10:30am

Waterstones Edinburgh Visit

Spend time browsing one of the UK’s premier book retailers to pick up souvenirs or new reads in a spacious, comfortable setting.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Try affordable and delicious Scottish pulled pork sandwiches from Oink, open daily 11am to 6pm.
GBP6, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walking Tour of Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour focusing on literary landmarks and historic sites.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy budget-friendly, hearty vegan dishes at this popular Edinburgh restaurant, open 5pm to 9pm.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 3: Falkirk and The Kelpies

Falkirk, Scotland on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your included breakfast before heading out early to maximize your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:45am

Travel to Falkirk

Take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High; journey time approximately 30 minutes.
GBP10, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit The Kelpies

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

11:30am

Lunch at The Boathouse

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

12:45pm

Walk along the Union Canal

Relax and stretch your legs with an easy and scenic stroll along the nearby Union Canal towpath.
Free, 1h30m

2:30pm

Return to Edinburgh

Take train back to Edinburgh; use travel time to rest for evening activities.
GBP10, 0h30m

3:30pm

Explore Princes Street Gardens

Visit this beautiful city park for some relaxation and sightseeing adjacent to Edinburgh Castle.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Hendersons Vegan

Enjoy an affordable and tasty vegan dinner, offering impressive variety and quality, open till 9pm.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 4: Edinburgh & Islander Culture

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start with included breakfast for an energy boost.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit National Museum of Scotland

Free entry museum showcasing Scottish history, including Isle of Scotland culture exhibits, open daily 10am-5pm.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ting Thai Caravan

Enjoy delicious and affordable Thai street food for lunch, open 12pm to 3pm.
GBP12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Islander Workshop Follow-Up or Shopping

Return to the Islander Workshop or explore Edinburgh’s Old Town shops for souvenirs and crafts, many with budget-friendly options.
GBP15 (optional workshop), 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Last Drop

Enjoy inexpensive traditional Scottish pub fare in a historic setting, open till 10pm.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 5: Travel to Loch Ness Region

Inverness, Scotland on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have your included breakfast to prepare for a longer travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train from Edinburgh to Inverness

Scenic train journey north to Inverness, gateway to Loch Ness, approx 3.5 hours, book in advance for deals.
GBP25, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check in to budget-friendly B&B with breakfast included, e.g., CU Scottish Boutique Hostel; have light lunch nearby.
Room GBP45, Lunch GBP8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Loch Ness Boat Tour

Take an affordable cruise on Loch Ness to try spotting the famous monster and enjoy stunning views, tours run 10am to 5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Inverness City Centre

Visit the charming town center, including Inverness Castle grounds and riverside walks.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Enjoy budget-friendly yet high-quality Scottish cuisine in a relaxed setting open till 9pm.
GBP15, 1h0m
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Day 6: Loch Ness & Highlands

Inverness, Scotland on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your included breakfast for a full day in the Highlands.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Loch Ness Visitor Centre & Monster Exhibition

Visit the informative and budget-friendly exhibition about the myths, history and legends of Loch Ness, open 10am to 5pm.
GBP7, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive or Bus to Urquhart Castle

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

12:30pm

Lunch at Loch Ness Inn

Affordable pub lunch near the castle offering traditional dishes with Loch views.
GBP12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hiking or Scenic Walk

Enjoy a budget-friendly nature walk along Loch Ness shores or nearby trails to soak in the Highland scenery.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Return to Inverness

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Included in transport, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Castle Tavern

Relax with affordable Scottish pub fare in central Inverness, open until 11pm.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 7: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your final breakfast in Inverness included with your stay.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Edinburgh

Return south by train to Edinburgh, approximately 3.5 hours.
GBP25, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mums Great Comfort Food

Affordable comfort food in Edinburgh close to the train station, open 12pm to 4pm.
GBP10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Calton Hill

Free entry and perfect for panoramic views of Edinburgh, a great afternoon outdoor activity.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Book Shop Browsing: Waterstones or Book Lovers

Finish up with some last books or souvenirs shopping in Edinburgh’s best independent and large bookshops.
Free entry, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hendersons Vegan

Your last chance to enjoy affordable and authentic vegan meals in Edinburgh’s favorite spot.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 8: Edinburgh Museums & Parks

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

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

9:30am

Scottish National Gallery

Explore free entry art collections, featuring Scottish and international fine art, open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The City Café

Budget friendly classic Scottish diner meals near the gallery.
GBP8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Hike or walk through this beautiful park and climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Henderson's Vegan

End your day with healthy and budget-conscious vegan fare open till 9pm.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 9: Day Trip: Rosslyn Chapel & Borders

Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

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

8:30am

Bus to Rosslyn Chapel

Take local bus or affordable taxi to Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its ornate carvings, open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
GBP5 bus fare, GBP9 entrance, 1h30m travel + 1h visit

12:00pm

Lunch at The Chapel Café

Simple and affordable café right by Rosslyn Chapel with light lunch options.
GBP8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Nearby Borders Countryside

Enjoy free walking trails and scenic views around the Borders region before heading back.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Edinburgh

Travel back to Edinburgh in time to relax and have dinner.
GBP5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

Savor your evening meal with tasty, affordable Thai street food as a perfect end to a busy day.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 10: Edinburgh Culture & Markets

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day with included breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

Visit this lively weekend market (open Sat 9am-2pm) for local produce and snacks.
Free to enter, purchases optional, 1h30m

11:00am

Museum of Childhood

Free museum showcasing toys and games, perfect for a light-hearted cultural stint, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hula Juice Bar & Cafe

Affordable healthy meals and snacks during market days.
GBP8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Stroll through these peaceful gardens free of charge, open daily.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Henderson's Vegan

Enjoy your farewell dinner with great vegan options at budget prices.
GBP14, 1h0m
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Day 11: Last Day Leisure Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy your included breakfast and prepare for the day's activities.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping and Last-Minute Exploration

Visit local shops for souvenirs or revisit favorite cafes and bookshops such as Waterstones.
Free entry, purchases vary, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Urban Angel

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

2:00pm

Relax in Greyfriars Kirkyard or nearby park

Free historic cemetery and parkland to unwind your last afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

One final flavorful dinner with affordable Thai dishes in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
GBP12, 1h0m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start your day with your final included breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Accommodation Check-out and Departure

Check out and make your way to Edinburgh Airport or train station for your journey home.
Transport costs vary, Variable
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