Help me find a holiday for Mum pleeeeease!

[JeremyJordanseyebrows]

Hi,

I'm trying to find a bucket list holiday for my mum who will be 80 this year. She asked that her ashes be scattered in Scotland (she's not dying, as far as I know - just macabre 🙄) so instead I thought I'd try to take her in her reasonably un-dead form.

I've been Googling for a few weeks and completely overwhelmed as I want to get this right!

Wish list :

Scotland (obvs).
Drivable from Manchester.
Hotel - she definitely wants to eat in a restaurant, not self catering.
Option for day trips - mobility is an issue as she's recovering from a hip replacement after falling over.
Needs to be reasonably naice - I believe holidays should be nicer than your own house but not £££££.
Maybe entertainment - I'm not the most riveting company!!
w/c 25th September, maybe 3-4 days.

Is that too much on the wish list?

Please help me, oh wonderful Vipers - im feeling the pressure!!

Thanks in advance

Have you looked at coach holidays,they provide days out, entertainment and the driving is done for you, I have a family member who's been on a few,, I will ask the names of the company for you.

Thanks for the reply - I would actually consider a coach holiday. I'm not scared of the drive but it is a bit daunting being entirely responsible for navigation!

I'd head to Arran, it's often described as Scotland in miniature and it saves you a lot of driving compared to heading to the highlands! www.auchrannie.co.uk/

I agree that Auchrannie on Arran would be ideal. It would take you around 4/5 hours to drive from Manchester to Ardrossan to get the ferry.

Ooh agree Arran is beautiful and accessible. I hope you and your mum have a lovely holiday.

The Peebles Hydro might also suit.

www.peebleshydro.co.uk/inspiration/

It has a spa, gin bar, is near enough to Edinburgh for a day trip, Peebles is probably worth a wander around for a few hours, also countryside for walks.

You could probably drop into New Lanark (a UNESCO World Heritage site, similar to Saltaire in West Yorkshire if you're familiar) on the way there or back.

I think they do offers on Monday to Friday breaks, so that would fit in with your timescale.

On the matter of mobility, does she have/could she use one of those trolley/seat things that you push along to give a bit of stability, but can also use for a bit of a sit down when needed?

Aren't those dates Edinburgh Festival time? if so avoid the city at all costs if your ma has mobility issues.

I'd also consider the length of journey and whether you'd need to break it given she's recovering from a hip op at the age of 80. One person's 4/5 hours is not the same as another's wanting loo breaks and to stretch their legs.

Have a look at Cameron House on Lock Lomond.

Definitely look at coach holidays. My DM loves them because
Local pick up
Reasonable standard hotel
Meals included
Excursions included
Entertainment
Other guests for company
Cheerful and helpful drivers.

She also enjoys a Warner Leisure hotel, but none in Scotland unfortunately.

Some great ideas here, thankyou!

She does use a walker with a flip down seat, we do some shorter trips just using her stick and linking me but after a few hours, I'm practically carrying her.

We've talked about Edinburgh previously because she loves the tattoo, but from memory, Edinburgh isn't very friendly for folk with limb issues. I remember a big hill and cobbles but this was a few years ago, admittedly.

I might have found a coach trip suitable, just the dates aren't very flexible. I could probably do something funky with my annual leave though.

Edinburgh is a city built on 7 hills, everything is up or down and even the pavements that aren't cobbled are in terrible condition. It's definitely not somewhere that is easy for people with mobility problems.

Oh my goodness! Peebles Hydro looks amazing!!!

That's definitely on the shortlist, thankyou.

Edinburgh festival is in august not September.
Personally I'd avoid the west coast at end of September, weather can be very wet in the autumn and if your mums mobility is slow then they won't be great.

I'd say Peebles, St Andrews, Crieff or anywhere in highland Perthshire

Have you considered hiring a mobility scooter for her? Even if only for specific days out.

I'm taking my dad to Lanzarote for a fortnight as we both need some sun, and I can hire scooters there really easily.

If you went to Edinburgh, you could look at this sort of place: www.mobilityscooterhireedinburgh.co.uk/faqs/

https://dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA6fafBhC1ARIsAIJjL8kVArtPh4MWRwH2wwoM1yb9vMM7kcDMhtubVJ6JhfuPRignhzUS6QaAqCJEALwwcB

We stayed at Peebles Hydro recently, different family group (with our two small children!) But we loved it, a good mix of guests, families of all ages etc. Would highly recommend

Atholl Palace in Pitlochry

My parents (in their 70s, dad with poor mobility) have done a couple of Lochs and Glen's holidays and enjoyed them. Apart from that I can't help, we love Inverness..small enough to walk round easily and nice Premier Inn by the river with good restaurants nearby. It is too far from Manchester though.....unless you fly.

The festivals are August, end of Sept is well clear of them.

I can't think of a hotel to recommend, but I'd go to Fife. Possibly stay in St Andrews, day trip to Dundee, trips down to the coastal towns (fish and chips, pottery, other artisans), various deer centres (pet the deer! now buy the venison!) which have discount shopping centres attached (nice ones, like the Caithness glass seconds), Edinburgh with reach if you want a hilly/wobbly day trip. And I think the Secret Bunker (near Crail) is reasonably accessible (I remember walking along long slopes!)

If a fan of Dr Finlay's Casebook (old telly series) then you could call in at the tearoom in Auchtermuchty!

Another recommendation for a coach trip. My mum (also 80 this year) usually goes on a couple of these a year. I accompanied her on one last year and was pleasantly surprised. It was well-organised with a full but not overwhelming schedule, meals provided, and a coach driver ready and willing to assist with any mobility aids. I can recommend these people - www.angelaholidays.co.uk/holidays/search?s=scotland&min=2023-03-01

but others are available. Hope you find something to suit and have a very lovely time. x

I have remembered the names of the coach company's my relatives have used, they have used alpha and shearing coaches.
Hope you find what your looking for.

St Andrews is a bastard to drive to. I know, I live there! Peebles would be easy if you don't want a long drive. North Berwick is very lovely for a few days away.

I agree @ApolloandDaphne , even from Edinburgh I find St Andrews a drag to drive to! From Manchester you're looking at adding at least an hour, probably more like 90mins onto the journey to Edinburgh, whereas Peebles would be an hour closer to home.