Scotland holidays do not have to cost a fortune

Scotland holidays do not have to cost a fortune

With the cost of everything in our lives increasing when we can find a free day out its an added bonus. Once you have collected your motorhome and have hit the road there is really no reason that it has to be an expensive holiday. You can choose to spend money on many attractions or use our handy top places to visit for free! That’s it, zilch, nada, nothing! 

• The Helix Park is home to the Kelpies. These are the largest equine sculptures in the world and to visit them is free. There is some wonderful green space here where you can take your own picnic and keep the day as cost free as possible. There is a lovely adventure play park here to keep young ones and old alike busy and in the summer there is splash play fountain that is on over the summer so be sure to pack the towels as you wont be able to resist the fun! 
• The Falkirk Wheel is a truly incredible structure that stands at 115ft tall and yet only requires the same power as 8 domestic kettles to power and sail boats through the air and transfer them between the two canals. It is a true feat of magnificent engineering and is an icon of Scotland. It was and still is the worlds first and only rotating boat lift and is worth a visit when you are seeing the Kelpies! 

• Many of our customers of Scottish Tourer come via a larger city and if your in Edinburgh the National Museum is a great free day out for young and old. It has a host of attractions, interactive activities and a wealth of information stored within the walls. Here you can move from art, nature, design, science, technology and all of the worlds cultures. It is amazing to see and walk around. We at Scottish Tourer can also do pick ups from the cities but please ensure this is pre booked especially during the summer months. 
• Moving to the other extreme of the country on the Isle of Lewis the Calanais Standing Stones are 5000 years old and yet are still withstanding the brutal weather that the island throws at them. There is so much mystery that surrounds the story behind these stones but whatever you may believe this is an incredible place to visit and is surrounding by incredible scenery. There is of course a visitors centre here but if your making for a free day out why not just stop off and have a walk and embrace the history and culture this site has to offer. 

• On Orkney St Magnus Cathedral is located in the heart of Kirkwall is a place of warmth, stillness and inspiration for you to think, reflect and be mindful. The Cathedral was started in 1137 and took a staggering 300years to complete. It is build from red and yellow sandstone and was dedication to the Earl of Orkney Magnus Erlendsson. To leave you with an unusual fact his bones are now interred within a pillar in the cathedral itself. Its a beautiful piece of architecture and a truly unique experience. 
• The National Folk Museum in Newtonmore brings together the history of the working and domestic lives of the early highland people in Scotland. Here you are really transported back in time with live actors and restored buildings to really look at how their homes were built, how they lived, dressed and worked. Here is a beautiful setting of history but also embracing a large red squirrel colony which is lovely to see. Adults can watch for these squirrels whilst the children play in the park, there is also a lovely picnic area where you can be self catered or you can of course use the cafe and shops if you want to spend and buy local. 
• Strathclyde Country Park located in Glasgow was the home to the 2014 Commonwealth games and is a vast space of 400 hectares in the countryside by River Clyde. Here there is an array of activities such as adventure playgrounds, bike hire, fitness gym, watersports and walking in general with nature trails along the way. There is ample parking and the watersports is available from April to September is you wish to add to your free day out.  
•  The Bontanic Gardens in Inverness is truly a place of peace and quiet. Located near the city centre and within walking distance. The gardens themselves are set in a walled garden which was once part of Bught House. There is a lovely tropical greenhouse here and ideal growing conditions for coffee and also a haven for tropical birds! Outside there is an array of gardens to explore and fishponds to marvel at. There is a lovely cafe and a visitors centre here to if you wish to indulge yourself. 
• Clava Cairns just outside Inverness are a preserved Bronze Age complex including graves, cairns and standing stones. All located in one of the most beautiful settings. There are three cairns located here and the history here dates back around 4000 years. 
•  Lochaber Geopark has a marvellous landscape that stretches a vast area of the highlands. It is widely recognised for its geological heritage and is home to iconic spots namely Glen Coe and Glen Roy where you can learn all about volcanoes, mountains and the glaciers. 
• John O’ Groats is a lovely highland village which hosts some of the best dramatic scenery that remains unspoiled and is home to lots of wonderful wildlife. Located just 11 miles from Dunnet Head which is the most Northerly point of Mainland Britain it is often a start point for adventures, cycles and trips. There are seals, dolphins, killer whales, sea birds and land animals to spot and tick off the bucket list. If you fancy a walk you can make the trip along the North Coast to the town of Duncansby. 

• Duncansby Stacks are a collection of sea stacks that jut out of the North Sea in the far North of Scotland. They are truly breath-taking and it is believed that they were formed by tidal erosion and are believed to have stood for over 6000 years.  They are really worth the walk from John O’Groats to view and see. Costs nothing and i recommend you take a flask of coffee to enjoy and embrace the fresh sea air and the views. 
• Craigtoun Country Park near St Andrews is a wonderful family day out and is free. Craigtoun is a 47 Acre park and it is open 24/7 all year. There are some peak season activities that close during the winter such as the putting, crazy golf and the miniature railway. There are lovely parks, woodland treasure hunts and a go kart track. 
•  Film Location touring is always popular with customers of Scottish Tourer, whether that’s a James Bond tour, Outlander or Harry Potter there are so many places to spend the day viewing, walking or exploring the area and the wildlife. Filming Locations in Scotland - TV & Movie Sets | VisitScotland gives a great link to lots of locations worth a visit so its worth some pre-planning if you think this may be up your street. 
• Again very vague but a great free day out is a beach, Scotland has so many to offer and each one is so special. Take a picnic, fly a kite, build sandcastles, take a walk, stroll in the water, be mindful and spend time with those your with. There is something really special about being at the beach for a sunset or a sunrise and id recommend doing it atleast once. The beaches on the islands are a particular hot spot for watching this and sitting with a blanket and a hot chocolate! 

 
This is a very minimal list really of what to see and do for free in Scotland and there is so much to keep the cost of your holiday down. If you would like any further tips of tricks to keep the cost down for trips out with your party then just ask us when you collect your motorhome and we would be happy to help.