I have done some wonderful train journeys. Across Canada and USA. Journeys through Europe and even in China but there`s something special about travelling in your own country.
My mother used to take me to the Central Station[Glasgow] to watch the steam trains arrive and leave. The platform filled with smoke and the conductor shouted all aboard that`s going aboard. Great memories.
Scotrail asked me to try out their Club50 card for travellers over 50 years of age. Ok you might not think I m over 50 but I am. lol
Wow 20 percent discount on Off-Peak and Advance tickets, anywhere in Scotland. You must book on line. The Scotrail website is very easy to use.
Perfect for weekend travellers.
A short while before our trip to the capital, I did a bit of research on the Scotrail Website. Looking to see what deals were available with my Club50 card. I found looking at the page
you sign in had many members benefits.
After spending a short while searching I decided to take high tea at the Roxburghe Hotel
which offered 20percent off. I also chose a walking tour with Merkat tours. 10percent off them.
We left Glasgow 9.30 in the morning and it took
around 50 minutes to reach Edinburgh Waverley
Station. Easy journey in comfortable surroundings. We had the pleasure of sitting next to two American tourists. They were staying in Glasgow with relatives and decided to go through to the capital. We gave them idea`s of what to do and see. We explained what a wonderful city it was [almost as good as Glasgow]. They laughed and said a bit like Washington DC and their hometown of New York.
We arrived bang on time.After our goodbyes we walked up to Princess Street.The sound of the bagpipes and the view of the castle made us feel like tourists.
We walked along this famous street and had a quick look at the shops. Maybe not that short a look.
We decided to go for our afternoon tea. Well it was 2 minutes past twelve and we were peckish.
We had chosen the Roxburghe Hotel. Check out more deals on the website for your Club50 card.
It is set in the historic Charlotte Square. The square is part of the New Town. Georgian architecture. Special part of the city.
The Roxburghe Hotel is very smart looking. The inside is as stunning as the outside. My goodness the cakes were delicious. The other plates were good but cakes were to die for.
After this it was time to burn of the calories.
We said our goodbyes and walked up to the Old Town this time for our tour. The secrets of the Royal Mile was our choice.
I have taken the Ghost tour with Mercat but this one was to learn more about the history of Edinburgh. Our guide was Liz. A very knowledgeable lady. She told us stories you wouldn`t find in the history books. My favourite tale was about Victorian days when the poorer homes had no toilets and used a chamber pot. The rule was you could only throw out the contents after seven at night.
Liz screamed GARDYLOO and some of my fellow
tourists jumped out of their skins. It was a saying to warn people below. Maybe Liz should have warned us first. Suppose it could have been worse if you lived in those days.We heard about Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and many more famous Scots.
Learned so much.Thanks to Liz and Mercat for a great tour.
Well that`s my special #Club50 day out in Edinburgh. Can`t wait to make more use of my card.
Dougie Baird
www.greattravelimages.com
My mother used to take me to the Central Station[Glasgow] to watch the steam trains arrive and leave. The platform filled with smoke and the conductor shouted all aboard that`s going aboard. Great memories.
Scotrail asked me to try out their Club50 card for travellers over 50 years of age. Ok you might not think I m over 50 but I am. lol
Wow 20 percent discount on Off-Peak and Advance tickets, anywhere in Scotland. You must book on line. The Scotrail website is very easy to use.
Perfect for weekend travellers.
A short while before our trip to the capital, I did a bit of research on the Scotrail Website. Looking to see what deals were available with my Club50 card. I found looking at the page
you sign in had many members benefits.
After spending a short while searching I decided to take high tea at the Roxburghe Hotel
which offered 20percent off. I also chose a walking tour with Merkat tours. 10percent off them.
We left Glasgow 9.30 in the morning and it took
around 50 minutes to reach Edinburgh Waverley
Station. Easy journey in comfortable surroundings. We had the pleasure of sitting next to two American tourists. They were staying in Glasgow with relatives and decided to go through to the capital. We gave them idea`s of what to do and see. We explained what a wonderful city it was [almost as good as Glasgow]. They laughed and said a bit like Washington DC and their hometown of New York.
We arrived bang on time.After our goodbyes we walked up to Princess Street.The sound of the bagpipes and the view of the castle made us feel like tourists.
We walked along this famous street and had a quick look at the shops. Maybe not that short a look.
We decided to go for our afternoon tea. Well it was 2 minutes past twelve and we were peckish.
We had chosen the Roxburghe Hotel. Check out more deals on the website for your Club50 card.
It is set in the historic Charlotte Square. The square is part of the New Town. Georgian architecture. Special part of the city.
The Roxburghe Hotel is very smart looking. The inside is as stunning as the outside. My goodness the cakes were delicious. The other plates were good but cakes were to die for.
After this it was time to burn of the calories.
We said our goodbyes and walked up to the Old Town this time for our tour. The secrets of the Royal Mile was our choice.
I have taken the Ghost tour with Mercat but this one was to learn more about the history of Edinburgh. Our guide was Liz. A very knowledgeable lady. She told us stories you wouldn`t find in the history books. My favourite tale was about Victorian days when the poorer homes had no toilets and used a chamber pot. The rule was you could only throw out the contents after seven at night.
Liz screamed GARDYLOO and some of my fellow
tourists jumped out of their skins. It was a saying to warn people below. Maybe Liz should have warned us first. Suppose it could have been worse if you lived in those days.We heard about Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and many more famous Scots.
Learned so much.Thanks to Liz and Mercat for a great tour.
Well that`s my special #Club50 day out in Edinburgh. Can`t wait to make more use of my card.
Dougie Baird
www.greattravelimages.com
