Scotland

No, this ain’t Perth in Australia but in Scotland! If you don’t already know, there are about 17 Perths in the world. This Perth in particular is a small city located on the northern direction from Edinburgh, about an hour car ride by crossing the well known Forth Road Bridge.

Christmas have passed and it was peaceful and tranquil during my visit to Perth. The little city was partly layered with snow and I’d suggest a day trip to Perth, just ideal for a short visit.

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN PERTH

The South Inch

Located just 5 minutes away by foot from the railway station, you will find a large green field/park with a playground area on the side. Though it may be quiet during winter, it was still undeniably beautiful and mesmerizing that I could spend most of my time here.

South Street Bridge

The bridge is located just above the River Tay, overlooking the both sides of the river and the old architecture of the city. You may take really good and beautiful pictures here, especially on a bright sunny day.

Unfortunately the day was getting dark for mine, but still worthwhile!

The North Inch

They have got the North Inch too that looks similarly to the South Inch. For both South and North Inches, I believe that they do have activities, family games, and things to eat during summer. However for winter, the field can be plain and layered with snow when you can train your sketching skills!

Scone Palace

Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit in December when Christmas have just past and New Year was coming up next. If you are adventurous as I am, you may choose to walk from the South Street Bridge to the Scone Palace that takes about 45minutes to an hour (one-way). Please be cautious of incoming vehicles and the street could be really quiet.

The Scone Palace was said to be used as a crowning-place for the Kings of Scots from the 9th century. You may visit Scone Palace – Website for more information.

OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Perth Museum and Art Gallery

There is a museum and an art gallery in Perth but it was really quiet during the winter season. I remembered having to walk into a ‘dead’ museum, where almost no one is seen!

Balhousie Castle

Located not too far from the North Inch is the Balhousie Castle (as part of Black Watch) located within the residential area, housing its histories dating hundreds of years ago.

You may visit The Black Watch – Website for more information.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

Perth is actually smaller than expected. You may actually explore Perth by foot, but bus services during the winter season may be limited.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Guesthouse Prices

• Guesthouse rooms: Starts at GBP40 per night, but GBP65 is average.

I am not too sure about guesthouses in Perth and based on estimated prices, you could save money this way.

Hotel Prices

• Hotel rooms: Starts about GBP50 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about GBP70 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about GBP6 – GBP10; and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as GBP15 – GBP20 for an average meal.

Transportation

• Outbound Train (Scotrail Railway): You may take this train company departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley railway station to Perth station which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes of journey. The ticket costs about GBP5 – GBP10 for one-way (depending on date, availability, and the season of your visit).

Admission Fare

I have not paid any admission fare during my time here in Perth, Scotland. Depending on your interest, you may spend between zero to GBP20.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at December 2014) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

St. Andrews, well-known for a place of history and tranquility, and the world’s home of golf! Many would know that St. Andrews is famous of its golf course, though I am no player.

St. Andrews was one of my random trip in Scotland and it was recommended by a colleague in Edinburgh. Personal opinion, that I would ideally suggest a day trip to St. Andrews and not to stay any longer than 2 days. Getting here may involve transiting at Leuchers and easily accessible from the city of Edinburgh.

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ST. ANDREWS

St. Andrews Cathedral

Yes, it is very much spooky in here and trust me, I was here all by myself. It was quiet, but there are several other visitors too. Purpose of visit is due to the historic Cathedral as it was built in 1158 and one of the largest church to have been built in Scotland!

Taking a stroll by the tip of Shorehead

Next to the St. Andrews Cathedral (on my left), you will notice a pathway heading to the sea where a narrow pathway is available for your stroll, but you ought to watch your steps. I was there alone and it was relatively quiet but will definitely give you a piece of mind!

St. Andrews Castle

Well, I have not paid to enter the Castle and it was visible from the outside gates where I managed to take a shot of this picture. It doesn’t seem attractive from a distant, and I wouldn’t bother buying a ticket. The Castle is pretty close to the University of St. Andrews of which the Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge was an alumni!

West Sands

West Sands was filled with moments for relaxation and a superb place to take a stroll! The long stretch of its West Sands may take you approximately 45mins to an hour by foot to reach the other end. It was relatively cloudy during my visit, but I enjoyed it very much. What’s missing is a bottle of beer.

The Old Golf Course of St. Andrews

You will not miss the old course as it is known for the oldest and most famous golf course in the world! I am no player for this, but putting my foot on it seems so satisfying to tell my uncles whom played golf that I went to St. Andrews golf course! If you noticed, you will come across the Swilken Bridge that is known as an important icon in the sport of golf.

FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar

Fish and Chips with Pees and Fries!

Some Prawn Skewer and Fries!

This was well recommended online for good fish and chips options in St. Andrews but I merely find this ordinary as a meal, slightly above average than usual. Worth to try if you are hungry, and not too bad for a meal.

It is fresh and crispy, but I find that the fish and chips in York, England tastes better.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Train & Bus

You may take a train from the City of Edinburgh to Leuchars, for a transit by hopping into a bus to St. Andrews. I would recommend going for Virgin Train East Coast Company and it has always been my favorite booking with them! As for the bus services, you may take bus No. 99, 99A, 99B, 99C,  and 99D regardless if you are heading to St. Andrews, or otherwise.

Leuchars – St. Andrews: Bus Timetable

By Foot

St. Andrews is a relatively small town which gives you the edge to move around by foot. This method also gives you access easily throughout the lovely town.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Food & Drinks

• Typical restaurant: An average meal at The Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar ranges from GBP8 – GBP20 per person, with or without drinks; and
• Good restaurant: Could start as high as GBP25 – GBP30 for an average meal.

Transportation

The train ride per one (1) way ticket from Edinburgh to Leuchars may costs about GBP6 – GBP15 while the bus ride per one (1) way ticket from Leuchars to St. Andrews may costs about GBP2.75 at that point of time.

Admission Fares

If you are keen of visiting the extras of St Andrews Cathedral and its Castle, the admission fares may ranged between GBP4.50 – GBP15.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at December 2014) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Roslin is a village situated about 7 miles south of Edinburgh, being the capital city in Scotland. If you are visiting Edinburgh, you may take a direct bus that takes about 45minutes to an hour ride prior to arriving Main Street, where you will notice the outside gate leading to the famous Rosslyn Chapel.

Majority would visit Roslin as they are keen to see the Rosslyn Chapel, that was featured in the bestselling novel, Da Vinci Code. Unfortunately, I wish to know more about the novel so I could relate myself to the studies of the Rosslyn Chapel.

Overall, it was a great experience visiting the Rosslyn Chapel, knowing what was it and its histories which was extraordinary. The learning was well-interactive and historical that you should visit them yourself! You would only need to spend about half a day or slightly later, before you hop into the bus back to Edinburgh.

VISITING THE ROSSLYN CHAPEL AND CASTLE!

This is actually the Rosslyn Castle (a partially ruined Castle)

There are many to discover from the Rosslyn Chapel. If you are wondering, yes, there is a free scheduled tour available that is conducted inside the Rosslyn Chapel. You may need to find out the timing available for such tour, and you will be seated in the Rosslyn Chapel to hear the great histories of the Chapel.

The Chapel itself has an architecture that is considered to be the finest in Scotland while the interior was filled with many carvings on the walls and pillars, representing a different story in the past.

Do note however, photographing is not allowed within the Rosslyn Chapel. Well obviously, I have not followed the actual rules and managed to capture several snapshots of the inside.

At the out-front of the entrance of the Rosslyn Chapel ticketing centre, there is a route that goes to the Rosslyn Castle. However, it was pretty quiet at that time and not many would take this direction. You may want to be cautious while I find the Castle to be really simple and has been partially ruined.

You may visit Rosslyn Chapel – Website for more information.

FOOD AND DRINKS YOU’D LIKE TO TRY

Cafeteria

Just taking a good break before going into the Rosslyn Chapel!

If you were looking for something to eat when you arrive Rosslyn Chapel, worry not! You will find a cafeteria located just next to the souvenir store.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND COSTS

Lothian Buses from Edinburgh

You may choose to take a Lothian bus no. 37 (subject to changes) from the North Bridge in Edinburgh, that takes you directly to the outside gate of Rosslyn Chapel. You are advised to ask the bus driver on your location, before taking the ride. The journey however, takes about 45 minutes to an hour and the journey costs an ordinary bus ticket.

You may visit Lothian Buses – Website for more information on its ticket prices and timetable.

Admission Fare

There is an admission fare prior to your entry into the Rosslyn Chapel. It costs the following:-

1. Adults: GBP 9; or
2. Concessions (or student): GBP 7.

The above is subject to changes and thanks to the staff, I do remember being offered a student fare, even though I don’t claim to be one!

You may visit Rosslyn Chapel – Admission (Visit) for more information on updated prices.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at December 2014) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

Stirling is a city in central Scotland and it is located about an hour away from the capital, Edinburgh city. I have been to Stirling twice, though you may find this place to be smaller and compact to any other cities in Scotland. Ideally, you should take this as a day trip if you are coming from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

I would suggest visiting during the summer seasons so that you can really see the greens, instead of a gloomy cloudy day in Stirling which I faced on my second visit. However, both visits are still great!

A SPONTANEOUS DAY TRIP TO STIRLING!

Wallace Monument

The Wallace Monument is one of the most visited monument in Stirling and you ought to pay a little effort to get there. There are buses like no. 62A (do confirm with the bus driver) from Stirling railway station that comes here and it stops at the nearest bus stop located at the bottom hill. Otherwise, it’ll be about 40 – 45 minutes walk by foot, from Stirling railway station.

This is an uphill landmark and very much worth it as it gives you a panoramic view of the little vibrant city. Hence, best if you could have a clear sunny day for this. Admission into the Wallace Monument is about GBP10 per adult (subject to changes).

You may visit Wallace Monument – Website for more information on its admission fares and opening hours.

Stirling Castle

The compound area of Stirling Castle do looks similarly like Edinburgh’s Castle and both situated on a cliff, though Edinburgh’s Castle is bigger by its structure and outlook. Stirling Castle is said to be one very important castle and if you’re going in, there will be an admission of about GBP15 per adult (subject to changes).

You may visit Stirling Castle – Website for more information on its admission fares and opening hours.

A walk in the Old Town

Very close to Stirling’s Castle, you will also walk along the Old Town in Stirling. The Old Town contain old historical buildings like Mar’s Wark; The Church of the Holy Rude; and the Old Town Jail.

Apart from that, you can also find souvenir shops, pubs, and restaurants for dining-in too. Need a mug of beer?

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND COSTS

By Foot

If you have got the entire day in Stirling, you may explore Stirling entirely by foot if the weather permits.

Transportation

• Outbound Train from Edinburgh (ScotRail): You may take this train company departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley railway station to Stirling station which takes about an hour journey. The ticket costs about GBP8 – GBP10 for one-way (depending on date, availability, and the season of your visit).
• Local Bus: You may take bus no. 62A from Stirling’s railway station to the nearest bus station at Wallace Monument (do however, confirm this with the bus driver).

Admission Fare

If you are going into Stirling’s Castle and Wallace Monument, then you may estimate between GBP15 – GBP20 per person.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at June 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.

If you ever wanted to plan an activity outside Edinburgh, do consider visiting the Cragie’s Farm Deli and Cafe if you love fruits, particularly strawberries! It was a good experience to visit a farm like this, and to pluck as many strawberries you want or even eat them directly on the spot!

You will only need half a day of your time, to make your way out here to the farm and go frenzy. I would suggest visiting during summer, or when the season is ideal!

VISITING CRAGIE’S FARM DELI AND CAFE!

This is it, fresh plucked strawberries on a beautiful sunny day in summer. Do be prepared as you can easily get sunburn! During my visit, they do have strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and even blackcurrants!

You might need a little effort to get to Cragie’s Farm, and what you will need next is an ideal weather to visit this site! There is however, an admission fare (not too expensive) prior to your entry to the farm. You will be given a basket where you can then start searching for strawberries (that are readily ripe) or eat them directly.

If I remember correctly, there is no limit of how many fruits you can collect, as long you get them filled in your basket. You may visit Cragie’s Farm – Website or its Seasonal Calendar for more information.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND COSTS

Bus No. 40A (Stagecoach)

If you are coming from Edinburgh, you may choose to take bus no. 40A (Stagecoach Company) heading to South Queensferry. The bus journey may take about 30 minutes ride and you will need to pay attention by remembering to get down at Barnbougle Gate Lodge, before you walk your way to Cragie’s Farm Deli and Cafe that takes about another 15 to 20 minutes. Check with your bus driver before taking the ride!

Otherwise, just forget it and take a cab or hire a car instead, though it is a more expensive option. However, by a hiring a car will allow you to visit another town/city close by such as Stirling, a city located about 45 minutes away by car.

You may visit Cragie’s Farm – Location Map for more information on the location map to the farm.

Copyright © | Aspen See

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at June 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.