A Trip To Scotland On A Budget 

Scotland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful travel destinations not only in Europe but also all over the world. Millions of travelers visit the country of breathtaking highlands every year. In case you are planning to travel to Scotland on a budget then this article is for you. 

You can freely travel to Scotland even without spending too much. You will be surprised to know how much money you can save by following these simple tips.

From some cheap travel options to plenty of free tourist places, there is an endless list to have a less expensive trip in Scotland even in famous cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Read along to know how you can travel to Scotland on a Budget. 

Also Read:10 Most Unusual And Unique Things To Do In Scotland

5 Tips To Follow While On Trip To Scotland On A Budget 

1. Book for Flights Online 

While planning your tour to Scotland, book your flights online and avoid booking flights through travel agents as they take some extra charges which are usually hidden. It is best advised to book directly with the airline while purchasing online flight tickets. There are some websites that not only offer cheap flights but also fast travel options.

While planning to tour Scotland on a budget, you must be wondering which destination you should select while booking your flights then search for either Glasgow, Edinburgh, or a flight to Inverness. You are also advised to book your return tickets in advance as return tickets cost much cheaper.

2. Cheap Transport Options in Scotland

While on a budget in Scotland, the best transport option you can choose is hiring a private car. If you’re planning to explore any of the medieval castles in Scotland then they are easily accessible from all parts of the country.

You don’t have to drive too far to reach any of these castles as there are more than 2000 castles throughout the country. Some of them are even free to visit.

If you choose to travel via public transport, then book public buses or trains online. Book cheap buses from Megabus as they cost only £1 in most of the Scottish cities. You can also grab local buses, especially while touring Edinburgh and Glasgow.

In Edinburgh, the local buses will cost you around £4 for an all-day ticket. Make sure you are carrying enough change to pay as most of the bus services only accept cash payments. 

Also Read: Top 5 Places And Things To Do In Aberdeen, The Flower Of Scotland

3. Cheap Accommodations In Scotland

In case of cheap accommodations, you can either stay with strangers in hostels or look at cheap private hotels.

If you are comfortable sharing a room with the locals or strangers then staying in the hostel is the best option for you. Many travelers prefer to live with strangers in order to save their money and avoid overspending.

The hostels in Scotland are quite comfortable and well maintained, which are mostly preferred by hikers. Make sure you book your accommodations well in advance especially during the summer by January. 

Other than hotels, you can also look for family rooms which may cost you much cheaper than hostels. The family rooms are available in double room options with each room having up to 2 beds.

If you are not comfortable staying with strangers and prefer to stay independently then book cheap hotels which can be easily booked from Booking.com or Expedia. You can also check the official websites of hotels to check prices before booking online. Though both websites have similar prices, one of them may also include meals. 

4. Look For Cheap Restaurants Or Supermarkets

Instead of eating out in expensive restaurants or cafes, you can make your own food only if you have enough time. Many travelers prefer to prepare their own food especially when they are camping or on a picnic in the Scottish highlands.

You can purchase fresh products from some of the local shops available in the villages. There are also some supermarkets which are cheap compared to usual supermarkets. In order to purchase fresh food products, visit the Lidl or Aldi supermarkets but make sure they have very limited stock.

Some other convenient stores include Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Co-OP. These stores are mostly available in Scottish villages. Also, there are some restaurants that offer meal options at reasonable prices, especially during lunch and dinner.  

Reasonable Meal Options: £8 to £20 

Also Read:10 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Scotland | Mesmerizing Scottish Landscapes

5. Activities And Itinerary On A Budget 

If you want to enjoy your trip to Scotland without any hindrance then it is best advised to plan your tour during the off-season.

The off-season is considered the best time while you are touring Scotland on a budget as the prices are slightly cheaper as compared to the summer and Christmas seasons.

In case you’re visiting some popular place such as Edinburgh city or Fort William then book in earlier And stay a little longer.

Another option for an adventurous and unforgettable trip to Scotland is to avoid popular tourist attractions. There are some underrated tourist attractions that cost much cheaper to visit such as Aberdeenshire, Scottish Borders, Dumfries, and others.

You can also register for the membership of National Trust for Scotland which allows free entry to NTS sites. There are over 100 sites in Scotland that come under NTS including Nature sites, gardens, and some castles.

Annual Cost for NTS membership: 

• Individual: £63
• Couple: £114
• Family(2 adults and 6 children): £117.60

Other Options: 

• Take a Historic Scotland Explorer pass that will cost you around £33 or take annual membership of £52.20
• Purchase a Scottish Heritage Pass which remains valid for up to 7 days from the month of April to October. The pass allows easy access to over 120 sites including the historical places and NTS sites.
• Book guide tours are offered by companies like Timberbush Tours, Rabbi’s and Haggis Adventures. These companies usually offer a budgeted tour.