Scotland Coast to Coast

Enjoy the splendour of two Scottish coasts from West to East, packed full of great included visits and attractions, this twin-centre holiday is a real treat.

From the spectacular Ayrshire coastline staying in the bustling port town of Stranraer on the south-westerly tip of Scotland to the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen with its sparkling granite buildings and monuments shimmering in the sunlight, this tour is packed with heritage and adventure including a visit to a working farm to see Highland cattle.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Heritage & Adventure
Day 1 - To Cumbria - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Travel to the edge of the Lake District to 3* Shap Wells Hotel located between Penrith and Kendal. The hotel is surrounded by 30 acres of woodland and wildlife, perfect for a relaxed stroll this evening. DBB

Day 2 - To Stranraer - Journey across the border today to arrive in good time to explore Stranraer. Situated at the head of Loch Ryan and gateway to the Rhinns of Galloway, Stranraer is a bustling port town with plenty of shops and eateries as well as its main attraction, the Castle of St. John, a ruined four-story tower house built around 1500 which sits on a green in the main street. Check into the 3* North West Castle Hotel for your 2-night stay, just a 10-minute walk to the town centre. DBB

Day 3 - Start the day with a visit to Portpatrick, a peaceful picture-postcard harbour and seaside town on the western shore of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula. This pretty town of pastel-coloured houses offers superb views over the Solway Firth to Ireland and the Isle of Man and is set around a small bay with cliffs forming the backdrop. Then it is onto the magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens, just a few miles east of Stranraer. 75 acres of spectacularly designed loch-side landscape create a romantic garden paradise with something for everyone to enjoy. From stunning fauna to beautiful scenery, sculpted landforms, spectacular walks and popular bird hides, the Gardens are a hidden treasure in South West Scotland. The inspiration of the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730s, the colourful displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and embothriums are legendary, so too are the many rare and exotic plants, 20 Champion Trees, the walled garden, atmospheric avenues and the romantic ruins of 16th Century Castle Kennedy. The giant lily pond is a truly remarkable sight. Return to Stranraer for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Aberdeen via Dundee - Say goodbye to Stranraer today and begin the journey across Scotland to Aberdeen via Dundee where there will be time for lunch and a visit to Discovery Point. Entrance is included to Captain Scott's ship, Discovery, which he sailed on his remarkable Antarctic expedition, and you will gain an insight into the man who captained this historic adventure at the turn of the 20th century. Adjacent on Dundee's revitalised waterfront is the impressive V&A Dundee, which opened in September 2018 as the first design museum in Scotland (entrance FOC - entrance fee applies to special exhibitions). Continue to Aberdeen for your 3-night stay at the centrally located 4* Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel. DBB

Day 5 - Head off today for an included visit to Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle near Banchory. Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house, home to the Burnett family for over 350 years. You can expect an intricate maze of turrets, towers, gargoyles, oak panels, painted ceilings and the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnetts in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, encompassing sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Later on travel the short distance to the Lochton of Leys Farmhouse, home of Aberdeenshire Highland Beef where you will meet Grace who gave up city life to turn her hand to rearing her own Highland Cattle for beef. Get up close and personal with her herd of pedigree Highland Cattle and learn about the history of this hardy native breed and how they are farmed today, on a one hour guided tour. Enjoy a beef tasting with tea/coffee aferwards before heading back to Aberdeen. NB Strong, sturdy footwear recommended for the farm visit

Day 6 - Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the 'Granite City'. As well as unique architecture, Aberdeen boasts plenty of attractions to keep you busy and to offer a glimpse into the city's culture and history - from its seafaring heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum (entrance FOC) to the exotic plants and tranquil ponds of Duthie Park. Aberdeen isn't just a city by the sea, it's a city of the sea, where ships dock right up against the city-centre streets. Aberdeen has two Old Towns: Old Aberdeen, with its cobbled streets, mature trees and 15th century fortified cathedral. And Footdee, 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.

Day 7 - Your final day in Scotland and what better way to spend it than with a stop in the truly delightful Edinburgh with its atmospheric cobbled streets of the old town to the attractive Georgian avenues of the new town. Head south across the border later today for your final overnight stop at 4* Delta by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead. DBB

Day 8 - Continue south as you head back to interchange with comfort stops en-route arriving home during the evening

Tour Highlights
- 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner- Porterage at Scottish Hotels- Tea /coffee after dinner- Excursions as described- Entrance to Castle Kennedy Gardens- Entrance to Discovery Point- Entrance to Crathes Castle- Tour of Lochton of Leys Farmhouse with beef tasting & tea / coffee- Day at leisure in AberdeenHotels

NORTH WEST CASTLE HOTEL, STRANRAER - 2 nights
The 19th century 3* North West Castle Hotel is a fine country house hotel, located across the road from the shores of Loch Ryan, just a 10-minute walk to the centre of Stranraer. Once the home of the Scottish Explorer, Sir John Ross, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the beautiful local area. All 72 spacious, homely bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The grand dining rooms offers views across the loch and the wood-panelled bar has plenty of comfortable seating. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. There is a lift.












SANDMAN SIGNATURE ABERDEEN HOTEL - 3 nights
Located in one of Aberdeen's most historic buildings about 10 minutes' walk from the centre, this stylish 4* hotel is ideally situated for a visit to 'The Granite City'. There are 218 beautifully appointed bedrooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift as well as some ground floor rooms. There is a restaurant and bar as well as a traditional whisky lounge with Scottish decor and dark wood interiors. Spa treatments available at additional charge. Singles are double / twin for sole occupancy.

Hotels
• North West Castle Hotel (Dumfries and Galloway) - View Information