Highland Cows, Glasgow Cathedral, Murals, Kelpies Half Day Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

Highland Cows, Glasgow Cathedral, Murals, Kelpies Half Day Tour

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About this experience

See some of our beloved (and rare) 'Hairy Coos'. This now rare, and difficult to find, breed has become an iconic symbol of Scotland. Visit the 12th century Glasgow Cathedral and learn about its incredible history. Explore the 19th century Glasgow Necropolis, enjoying the beautiful views over the city. Visit the museum of religious art and the oldest surviving house in Glasgow, built in the 15th century. We will then take you on a tour of the Glasgow Murals - huge life-like paintings hidden around the city centre of Glasgow. Leaving the city, we will then take you to the Kelpies - the largest horse statues in the world. Finally, we will stop over at Midhope Castle, a.k.a. 'Lallybroch' in the famous TV series Outlander.

Available options

Luxury/Executive Vehicle

Mercedes V-Class Pickup included

Up to 4 passengers

Sedan/SUV Pickup included

Up to 6 passengers

Minivan Pickup included

Up to 8 passengers

Large Minivan Pickup included

Up to 7 passengers

Mid-Range People Carrier Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Scottish themed snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Our first stop is Craigie's Farm - a working farm that has some Highland Cows. There's also a farm shop and cafe where you can grab a coffee and/or a bite to eat to take on the go. If there are no cows in the field here, we will take you to Pollok Park in Glasgow where you will be ble to see them.

Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house. You might reognise it as 'Lallybroch', Jamie Fraser's home in the OUtlander TV series. The Castle is closed over the winter, until Spring 2025. During this time, we can still take you to the gate, to see it from a distance.

Stop 3

We then take you to the incredible Kelpies. These horse-like sculpures are the biggest horse statues in the world.

Stop 4

We will then head on to Glasgow, and our first stop will be at the Glasgow Cathedral. Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral survived the Protestant Reformation almost intact, and is now the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland.

Stop 5

Here, you also have the option of visiting Provand's Lordship. Built in 1471, this is the oldest house in Glasgow.

Stop 6

Next to Provand's Lordship, if you wish, you can visit the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art.

We will then drive you through the famous Glasgow Mural Trail, to see some of the incredible murals hidden around Glasgow City Centre.

Pollok park is famous for its historic fold (herd) of pedigree Highland Cattle.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Lunch

Entry to Midhope Castle (optional) £7 p/p

Available languages

Guide guide

HI PA PT EN FR UR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total driving time of the tour is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Midhope Castle is closed December to March, reopening in April. During these months, we can still take you to the gate to see Midhope Castle from a distance.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture