12 days in Scotland & Newcastle upon Tyne Itinerary

Created using Inspirock United Kingdom trip planner
Make it your trip
Fly
1
Inverness
— 2 nights
Drive
2
John O'Groats
— 1 night
Drive
3
Ballater
— 1 night
Drive
4
Stirling
— 1 night
Drive
5
Edinburgh
— 3 nights
Drive
6
Melrose
— 1 night
Drive
7
Newcastle upon Tyne
— 2 nights
Fly

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Inverness — 2 nights

Gateway to the Highlands

Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Urquhart Castle and The Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection). And it doesn't end there: learn insider's secrets on a distillery tour, get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, steep yourself in history at Fort George, and step into the grandiose world of Inverness Castle.

To see maps, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Inverness trip itinerary planning website.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Inverness is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and train. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Amsterdam to Inverness due to the time zone difference. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Amsterdam in August: high temperatures in Inverness hover around 21°C and lows are around 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) early enough to go by car to John O'Groats.
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Historic Sites · Tours · Parks · Nature
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 7 — 9:

John O'Groats — 1 night

On the 10th (Tue), relax in the rural setting at Puffin Croft Petting Farm & Farm Shop, get great views at Duncansby Head, pause for some serene contemplation at Canisbay Parish Church, then sample the fine beverages at Dunnet Bay Distillery, then visit a coastal fixture at Dunnet Head Lighthouse, and finally get advice or help at Seadrift Visitor Centre.

To find more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read John O'Groats trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Inverness to John O'Groats. Expect a daytime high around 19°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to drive to Ballater.
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Historic Sites · Breweries & Distilleries · Museums
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 9 — 10:

Ballater — 1 night

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Wed): explore the historical opulence of Balmoral Castle, then step into the grandiose world of Braemar Castle, then pause for some photo ops at War Memorial, and finally explore the activities along Loch Muick.

To see reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Ballater trip itinerary planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from John O'Groats to Ballater. August in Ballater sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) early enough to drive to Stirling.
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Historic Sites · Nature · Parks
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 10 — 11:

Stirling — 1 night

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): pause for some photo ops at National Wallace Monument, explore the historical opulence of Doune Castle, see the interesting displays at Great Kitchens, then step into the grandiose world of Stirling Castle, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Church of the Holy Rude.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Stirling online trip itinerary maker.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Ballater to Stirling. In August, daytime highs in Stirling are 21°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Edinburgh.
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Historic Sites · Museums
Find places to stay Aug 11 — 12:

Edinburgh — 3 nights

Athens of the North

Do some cultural sightseeing at Edinburgh Castle and The Real Mary King's Close. Visit Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles' Cathedral for their historical value. Next up on the itinerary: browse the exhibits of Royal Yacht Britannia, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, examine the collection at National Museum of Scotland, and wander the streets of Edinburgh Old Town.

To see more things to do, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Edinburgh trip planner.

Getting from Stirling to Edinburgh by car takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In August in Edinburgh, expect temperatures between 21°C during the day and 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Melrose.
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Historic Sites · Museums · Tours · Childrens Museums
Find places to stay Aug 12 — 15:

Melrose — 1 night

Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): delve into the distant past at Melrose Abbey, then admire the striking features of Abbotsford, then admire the natural beauty at Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre, and finally make a trip to Carter Bar.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read Melrose trip tool.

Getting from Edinburgh to Melrose by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. Expect a daytime high around 21°C in August, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Museums
Side Trip
Find places to stay Aug 15 — 16:

Newcastle upon Tyne — 2 nights

Student City

Start off your visit on the 17th (Tue): explore the historical opulence of Warkworth Castle & Hermitage, then step into the grandiose world of The Alnwick Garden, and then admire the striking features of Cragside House and Gardens. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Victoria Tunnel and then wander the streets of Quayside.

To see maps, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Newcastle upon Tyne trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Melrose to Newcastle upon Tyne by car takes about 2 hours. August in Newcastle upon Tyne sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.
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Historic Sites · Neighborhoods · Parks
Side Trips
Find places to stay Aug 16 — 18:

Scotland travel guide

4.5
Castles · Specialty Museums · Distilleries
A land packed with thousands of years of history, Scotland is home to numerous thriving cities and a vibrant population proud of its distinct culture, heritage, and art. The Scottish people are fond of saying "Good things come in small packages," and nowhere is that more true than in their compact homeland. Despite its relatively small size, the country is crammed full of attractions, not the least of which are numerous world-famous golf courses and whiskey distilleries. Though the sun may not always shine here, Scotland is a stunning country renowned for its dramatic scenery of mountains, valleys, hills, green fields, and rugged coastlines, guaranteeing a diverse holiday. While most tourists restrict their itinerary to the historic Highlands, where they search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster, you can also explore the Lowlands’ outstanding natural wonders and flourishing cultural scene.
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