Regal Scotland

Day One:Arrival

Departing Henley in the morning, we travel north by comfortable Club Class coach, with suitable comfort stops en route as the scenery gradually changes towards the Scottish border. Our base for the next four nights is the popular Winnock Hotel in Drymen, a traditional coaching inn set on the village green and ideally located for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. After arrival there will be time to settle in before dinner and a relaxed first evening.

Day Two

This morning we visit Kilbryde Castle, an atmospheric private castle near Dunblane with long family connections and attractive grounds. We receive a warm welcome from Sir James Campbell before enjoying an introduction to the house and its history, followed by tea, coffee and cake. The visit gives a lovely insight into Scotland's country-house heritage in a personal and unhurried setting. Later, we return to Drymen where the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, take a gentle stroll around the village green or simply enjoy the hotel's cosy lounges and friendly hospitality.

Day Three

Today we enjoy the dramatic beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. We travel through wooded hills and lochside scenery to Loch Katrine, where we board the Lady of the Lake for a one-hour cruise, with cream tea included. Sit back and take in the peaceful waters, forested slopes and famous Trossachs views, an area closely associated with Sir Walter Scott and Rob Roy. In the afternoon we continue to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's greatest castles, dramatically positioned above the city. During our visit we discover its royal apartments, historic buildings and panoramic views, and hear how several Scottish monarchs were crowned here.

Day Four

We travel to Edinburgh for a day with a distinctly royal flavour. Our first visit is to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating residence of the British Royal Family, now permanently berthed at Leith. As we explore the ship's decks, state apartments and crew areas, we gain a fascinating glimpse into life aboard one of the world's most famous vessels. In the afternoon we continue to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a peaceful green oasis just north of the city centre. Here, a guided tour introduces us to beautifully landscaped grounds, seasonal planting and one of the world's great living plant collections before we return to Drymen.

Day Five

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Drymen and begin our journey south. There will be suitable comfort stops along the way as we reflect on a wonderful few days of Scottish castles, lochs, gardens and royal heritage. We return home later in the day with fond memories of a relaxing and well-balanced autumn break.