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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Floors Castle

Four-day Scottish Borders escape centered on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Illustration of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Floors Castle

Great Rail Journeys operates this four-day escorted tour centred on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Scottish Borders. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station, the Tour Manager guides your group by coach to Peebles, a charming market town on the River Tweed, where you remain based for three nights at the four-star Peebles Hydro Hotel and Spa. Day two brings the spectacle of the Tattoo against Edinburgh Castle's floodlit ramparts, a visit to the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift connecting two historic canals, and views of the Kelpies, the 100-foot-high horse sculptures. Day three centres on Floors Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited castle, where you enjoy traditional afternoon tea and stroll the Victorian Walled Gardens. The package suits couples, families, and history-minded travellers seeking a guided, hotel-based escape with cultural landmarks and local heritage woven through relaxed days.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package cost covers coach and accommodation; rail travel to and from Edinburgh is listed as an optional extra and booked separately
  • Floors Castle is currently undergoing roof conservation work, though all areas remain accessible
  • Group size is up to 40 travellers; the itinerary emphasises shared coach journeys and hotel-based stays rather than solo exploration

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Peebles

    Arrival in Peebles

    Your holiday begins in Edinburgh, where the Tour Manager will greet you at Waverley Station. From here, we take a coach to Peebles. Nestled on the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Peebles is a charming little town surrounded by rolling hills and woodland. Known for its independent shops, inviting cafés and riverside walks, it's the perfect base for a relaxing and scenic Scottish escape. After checking in to our hotel here, we enjoy our first group dinner this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Peebles

    Falkirk Wheel & Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Peebles. You might choose to take a stroll along the River Tweed or browse some of the town's shops before the afternoon's sightseeing. Later, we take a coach journey to admire the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. Standing at nearly 100-feet high, these striking landmarks pay homage to the hardworking horses of Scotland. Afterwards, we continue to the remarkable Falkirk Wheel for a unique experience on the world's only rotating boat lift, connecting two historic canals, before a canal ride when we reach the top. Our journey then continues to Edinburgh, where you have free time to explore the city and enjoy dinner at one of the city's many restaurants or pubs. This evening, we settle into our seats for the highlight of the holiday, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this unforgettable open-air performance blends music, Highland dancing, military ceremony and fireworks. After this spectacle, the coach takes us back to our hotel in Peebles late this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Peebles

    Afternoon tea at Floors Castle

    A visit to the beautiful Floors Castle awaits after breakfast this morning. Travelling by coach to the charming market town of Kelso set on the banks of the River Tweed, we arrive at Scotland's largest inhabited castle and magnificent family home, currently undergoing conservation work to its roof but all areas are still accessible. We begin our visit with a traditional afternoon tea, served in the beautiful grounds. Afterwards, you can explore the castle's richly decorated rooms, impressive collections of art and breathtaking Victorian Walled Gardens at your own pace. Stroll through the peaceful woodland paths or simply take in the sweeping views across the river. We return to our hotel later this afternoon, with time to relax before coming together for dinner. Please note: on the 6th August departure, we will visit Abbotsford House instead of Floors Castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4

    Homeward bound

    From the majestic Kelpies and the unique journey on the Falkirk Wheel to the grandeur of Floors Castle and the unforgettable spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this Scottish adventure has been filled with iconic sights and memorable experiences. As your holiday comes to a close after breakfast this morning, we say goodbye to Peebles and make our way back to Edinburgh Waverley Station by coach. Here, you're free to head home or continue exploring the city independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Coach journey to the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures standing at nearly 100 feet high, honouring Scotland's working horses
  • Day 2Evening attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle
  • Day 3Visit to Floors Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited castle, with traditional afternoon tea served in the castle

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • All coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
No. Great Rail Journeys lists UK rail connections as an optional extra; you book and pay for rail separately to reach Edinburgh Waverley Station, where the Tour Manager meets you
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager leads the group throughout all four days, managing all coach journeys and guided excursions
What meals are included?
Breakfasts each day, two dinners, and one lunch, plus traditional afternoon tea at Floors Castle
Where do I stay?
The Peebles Hydro Hotel and Spa, a four-star hotel in Peebles, for all three nights
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes a relaxed morning at leisure in Peebles with optional riverside walks and shopping, plus guided exploration of castle grounds and town strolls
When does the tour run?
No departure dates are published in the available information; contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm scheduled departures and availability

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