Day Trips in Scotland: Linlithgow

While staying in Glasgow with friends, I wanted to get out and explore somewhere new in Scotland. I've been several times now, but don't feel like I've seen all that much of it. Thanks to Rabies I did a trip of the Highlands, and spent a day at Stirling Castle, and definitely had my fill of the Glasgow Museums and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. So I was looking for a day trip from Glasgow that was chap to get to, a short train ride and actually had something for a tourist to do. Linlithgow was my answer. 

Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow (it's about 30 minutes from Glasgow and 20 minutes from Edinburgh), this royal burgh was the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots. The medieval palace still remains largely intact and is a big tourist attraction for the town.

Linlithgow Palace aside, there is enough in this small town to keep one entertained for a day.

I left Glasgow mid-morning, stopping at the grocery store just outside of the train station when I arrived to pick up a small picnic lunch (I so miss the meal deals found in abundance all over the UK).

Navigating my way to the water was very easy to do. I went during the middle of the week so it was pretty quiet and I didn't come across too many other people on the loch path save the pooch and odd dog walker.

My intention was to walk around the loch and park myself down along the shoreline to enjoy a book and my packed lunch. Walking around the loch takes about an hour, if you really take your time about it, and there are some pretty views of the palace.

My walk ended at the palace and paid my £6 admissions to Historic Scotland for a lovely few hours within the palace walls, exploring each windswept corridor and apartment. If you're interested in a longer walk, there is also the lovely Union Canal, running from Falkirk to Edinburgh and through the Linlithgow.

This current structure was build around the early 1400s and was the principal residence for the Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries.

tee hee the privy off the grand hall

Walking through the town at the end of my day there looked to be a few pubs and cafe's that would be a perfect to stop in for a spot of tea or a pint, but I had a train home to catch and couldn't stick around. I was glad to be able to visit this cute little town and recommend it to anyone looking for something to do  when they have an afternoon free.

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Day Trips from Dover: Sandwich and Deal

The surrounding areas of Dover were talked up so much by friends and aquaintances that we figured we'd have to check some of them out. After careful consideration, a quick check of train times and a recommendation from the B&B we decided to visit historic town of Sandwich and the coastal region of Deal. And for  £6 return from Dover, you couldn't ask for a better bargain.

Sandwich was established in the 11th century and there are still a few building and gates that have survived from the Medieval Period. As we were there on a weekday there wasn't a whole lot to do in Sandwich except to wander the narrow streets and admire the pretty scenery. But this suited us just fine. We eventually stopped at the 'No Name Shop' on No Name Street and had lunch. I had a sandwich.

I found my book in the church book sale.

Above is the Barbican which was used as a toll building in the 14th century. There are several pubs clustered around it that are just as old.

This is the back side of the Fisher Gate and is the only surviving Medieval Gates to survive. 

Once we had our fill we hopped on the next train to the sea side town of Deal. We got off the train and guessed at the direction of the pier. It was a beautifully sunny day in this 13th century port city and we took a tour of the promenade. There were a series of wonderful looking pubs and cafes along the drag, but unfortunately we were unable to draw out our time in this lovely little place. There's even a tiny castle and several maritime museums that would have been interesting, but instead we frolicked in the sea and on the rocky beach and then booked it out of there to catch our last train home from Dover.

Fun travels!