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Scotlands Castle Trail & Royal Deeside

Sat 9 - Fri 15 Aug 2025: A 7 Day Luxury Escorted Coach Holiday to Scotland's Castle Trail with Johnsons Coaches staying at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen

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Saturday 9th to Friday 15th August 2025

Aberdeenshire has been called ‘the castle county’ for many years due to the fact this remote region of Scotland is home to more castles per acre than anywhere else in Britain. There are over 260 castles in the county, some of which are perched high on top of the remotest cliff tops, others that are nestled deep in thick pine forests, and many more situated in scenic rolling countryside. Scotland’s far north-east is famous for its stunning landscapes where mountains meet lochs and sea-battered cliffs front quaint fishing towns, so it is understandable that Aberdeenshire is one of the top tourist destinations in Scotland.

Look What’s Included:

Door to Door Service
Our own courier service
Luxury Traveller Coach with ‘First Class’ seating & legroom
Fully reclining seats
Complimentary on board hot & cold drinks and snacks
Free Wi-Fi and USB charging points
2 nights half board at the Macdonald Inchyra Grange Hotel, Falkirk
4 nights half board at the Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen
Dundee Discovery Point
Aberdeenshire’s Highland Beef Farm with Guided Tour & Lunch
Crathes Castles
Pitmedden Garden
Guided Tour of Aberdeen
Braemar Highland Games Centre
Glamis Castle

Not included: All other lunches

Saturday

We board our Luxury Traveller coach for the leisurely drive north. Enjoy the scenic, undulating views of the Borders
region as we journey to our overnight stay at the popular Dryfesdale Hotel in Lockerbie.

Sunday

Departing after breakfast we travel to Dundee, where after free time for lunch we visit Discovery Point. Here, we
explore Captain Scott’s ship ‘Discovery,’ which he sailed on during his remarkable Antarctic exploration. From here, we journey
north to Aberdeen and our 4-night stay.

Monday

After breakfast we drive to Banchory to visit the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef Farm. This is a working farm, where the
owners are passionate about their herd. Following tea, coffee & shortbread on arrival we have a guided tour where we meet
this native breed, discover their history and sample some succulent highland beef. (As this is working farm visitors should wear
sensible footwear). To conclude our visit, we include a lunch of ‘shoulders tea,’ tatties & onions (A regional dish to
Aberdeenshire) with beetroot and oatcakes on the side. Later, we continue to nearby
Crathes Castle – one of the most superb castles in Scotland. This splendid 16th Century family tower house has well-preserved
interiors and wonderful gardens.

Tuesday

Today, a local coach and driver meets us for a visit to the highly acclaimed Pitmedden Garden. Admire the intricate
box parterres, 40,000 plants in the colourful borders and breathe in the scent of roses. Later, we return for a Guided Tour of
Aberdeen. Known as 'Granite City' and famous as the off-shore oil capital of Europe, this is a city with not one but two Old
Towns: Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral. Then there’s Footdee –
known locally as Fittie – a quirky fishing quarter at the water’s edge, with squares of tiny cottages, flower-filled gardens and
brightly painted outhouses, their eccentric decorations drawing on the city’s seafaring soul.

Wednesday

This morning after breakfast, we travel west crossing the river Dee at the Bridge of Feugh, a waterfall to see we can
catch a glimpse of the salmon jumping
up the falls. Heading deeper into Royal
Deeside we Stop at Crathie Kirk. This
church has been used by the Royal
family for worship since Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert discovered and
purchased the Balmoral Estate. We
continue to the Braemar Highland
Games Centre where we discover the
200-year history of the Braemar Royal
Highland Games Society.

Thursday

We bid a fond farewell to
Scotland’s far north and journey south
pausing at Glamis Castle. Once home
to the HRH Queen Elizabeth, the
Queen Mother, the castle oozes over
500 years of history where many
legends and myths can be told. In the
afternoon, we continue to our final
nights stay in the Central Highlands.

Friday

We leave after breakfast and
begin the journey home.

Your Hotel:

4* Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen

Norwood Hall Country House Hotel was built in 1881 on the site of the 15th Century Pitfodels Castle, offering guests the best in breathtaking Scottish scenery and fine facilities. Conveniently located within easy reach of the historic city centre. Norwood Hall Hotel features log fires, wooded grounds and secluded gardens. The hotel retains many of its original Victorian features including sweeping staircases and colonnaded entrances. The library is open to guests and there are seating areas in the garden. The Tapestry Restaurant features fresh seafood from nearby ports and game from Highland estates. It also has an extensive wine list. The Georgian Lounge serves a selection of malt whiskies and light meals. Rooms are decorated in a classic style and feature modern facilities including flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Some rooms have work desks and walk-in showers.

Mobility Grade: 4 – The hotel offers good access throughout with a lift to all floors.

Dates, Duration & Price:

Sat 10 - Fri 16 August 2025

6 Nights

£1195

Tours Depart: 10:30am

Returns By: 7:30pm

Supplements:

Single Room: £262

Holiday Insurance: £44.50

(All prices are per person & are for the entire tour)

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