Ideas for Glasgow / Edinburgh

[Bedknobsandbreadsticks]

Hello, I have an acquaintance from another country who is planning to visit Scotland in the next month or so (her mum has just secured a visa to come over to the UK, and Scotland has been a dream for her).

She is planning on going to Edinburgh and has asked if I can help her plan a one week trip, to see as much as she can. She speaks good English, will be getting the train up there (we are based in the Deep South) and her mum is mid 60s, so any activities / sightseeing needs to accommodate these factors.

Please can someone kindly suggest any kind activities / B&Bs / hotels or tours that would be suitable? If you could send links, that would be great and I can forward them to her 🙂

I forgot to add, she won’t be driving so will need to take the train / any public transport to go from place to place.

I think the website you're actually looking for is this one, but nice try.
https://www.visitscotland.com/

I'd stay in Edinburgh for the week, it saves moving base and has more than enough to keep her occupied.
Edinburgh Castle
Holyrood Palace
St Giles cathedral
Royal Yacht Britannia & wander round The Shore at Leith
National Museum of Scotland
Mary King's Close
National Galleries
Johnie Walker whisky experience or the Scotch Whisky Experience if she likes whisky (if she doesn't I wouldn't bother!)
Dean Village and walk along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge then the botanic gardens
Maid of the Forth boat trip
Take a walking tour of the Old Town
Take the train to Glasgow for the day and do the HOHO bus tour
Do a day tour with Rabbies - avoid the ones that go to Loch Ness as it's too far for a day trip really. The "Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies" one or "West Highlands Lochs & Castles" would be my recommendations.

Was here to recommend looking at Rabbies tours. My parents have each done a couple of them and have really enjoyed them. I'd base in Edinburgh, do a Rabbies tour for 1-3 days and then back to Edinburgh.

Only thing to add to the list above is to look at Linlithgow Palace (it's a lovely and easy day trip on the train) or perhaps Craigmillar Castle to see a ruined castle if they don't do a bus trip out of town. The ruins are the best ones!

The cafe at the botanic gardens is a favourite.

Perfect! Thank you - I will let her know your suggestions 🙂

hmm, I'd disagree about the cafe at the botanics. When did you last go @PurpleThistle7 ? It's ridiculously overpriced IMO and service is painfully slow.

Hmm... in the spring? My mum loved it but I'm sure it varies wildly depending on the day. She liked how bright it was and that there were GF options... she's not particularly fussy!

You must have deeper pockets than me, it’s about £8 for a ready made sandwich you get to eat out of the wrapper! You barely get change from a tenner for a basic coffee and scone. Even when it’s just open there’s a queue. It’s a shame because the cafe itself is lovely but it’s not worth the money these days.

Accommodation might be a challenge in Edinburgh as the festival is still on until 25th August. But the Fringe is worth a visit if she can get tickets