Highland Heritage: Castles, Carriages & Coastal Tales

We begin our trip by travelling northwards, making our way to our overnight hotel in Lockerbie. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes as we ease into our adventure.

Today, we enjoy a scenic drive to Aberdeen, which will be our base for the next four nights. On arrival, we’ll be welcomed with tea, coffee, and traditional shortbread to settle us in.

Venture north for a fascinating day of history and heritage. Explore Peterhead Prison Museum, once known as Scotland’s toughest jail, and discover life behind bars from 1888 to 2013. Then, enjoy a visit to the beautifully restored Pitmedden Garden, where wartime ingenuity turned ornamental grounds into a vital kitchen garden. Today blends its 17th-century roots with rural history at the Museum of Farming Life.

Soak in the scenic charm of Royal Deeside with a visit to the fairytale-like Crathes Castle, complete with turrets, painted ceilings, and beautifully kept gardens. Enjoy free time in the picturesque Victorian village of Ballater before heading to Banchory for a short but scenic journey on the delightful Royal Deeside Railway. A perfect blend of history, countryside, and classic Scottish character.

Start your day with a guided tour of Aberdeen’s city centre, combining coach travel and short walks to explore its highlights. Afterwards, enjoy free time to uncover the city at your own pace—visit fascinating museums and galleries, stroll through the historic merchant quarter, or simply relax in one of Aberdeen’s many parks and award-winning gardens.

After breakfast, we depart Aberdeen and begin our journey south, returning to Lockerbie for our final overnight stay.

We make our way home today, bringing our trip to a close with memories to treasure.