Event Information
If you are trying to purchase an Edinburgh ticket and having issues, please contact Giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk as soon as possible.
Please note that the day excursion is an add-on to the main Edinburgh trip.
The dates of the trip are 26th January 2024 at 01:30am from Cardiff Student Union, leaving Edinburgh on 28th January at 5pm, meaning you have three days in the city. You can expect to arrive back in Cardiff on 29th January in the early hours.
Day Excursion Tickets - £30 Join us on a trip from Edinburgh to the heart of Scotland with a visit to St Andrews & Dunnottar Castle - more information below. Note that this is an add-on for current ticket holders.
Event Information
Scotland - the land of tartan, highland games and deep fried mars bars - is a must visit, and Edinburgh is a jewel in the crown. Despite being a capital city, Edinburgh is compact and easy to explore with plenty of adventures awaiting! Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified sites in Europe; Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the heart of the city, offering spectacular views over the landscape, and the Royal Mile, known for its cobbled streets around the charming old town.
What’s included?
Overnight Travel in an executive coach, with air conditioning, a toilet and reclining seats.
Three days in Edinburgh
2 nights’ accommodation at a 5 star rated hostel (Official Visit Scotland rating)
An optional day excursion to St Andrew’s & Dunnottar Castle (additional cost)
An experienced Give it a Go trip leader
Luggage storage on day of arrival and departure
The Hostel
You will stay in a dormitory room in the Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, a five-star rated hostel in the centre of the city. We will try to accommodate requests for being in same sex rooms or rooms with friends as best we can but this cannot be guaranteed.
If you are interested in a two person private room (either a double or a twin bed), we may be able to assist! Please contact giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk to discuss options. There must be two people in twin or double rooms.
Please note that on the morning of arrival, you will be dropped off at the hostel to store luggage but check in will be late afternoon/early evening. Likewise, on the final day, you can store luggage at the hostel but will not have access to your room after check-out.
To do
There’s plenty to do in Edinburgh. Here’s a few highlights:
Edinburgh Castle – Standing high on Castle rock and overlooking the city, this has been a castle since at least the 12th Centre and possibly as far back as the Iron age. Since then it has been a key site in the battles between England and Scotland. Now there is plenty to see, from defences to towers military prisons and wonderful viewpoints over the city below.
Royal Mile – The Royal mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s old town and links the Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. It is a must visit area with beautiful architecture and cobbled streets, not to mention plenty of side streets and arcades to explore.
Royal Yacht Britannia – Visit the Royal yacht, which was the Royal Yacht of the monarchy until 1997, now a top tourist attraction where you can walk through the State apartments, visit the crew quarters and tour all five decks.
Dean Village – Situated only a mile from the very centre, Dean Village captures the tranquillity and charm of the industrial past of the city. Once a village in it’s own right, it is now a very desirable area of Edinburgh and feels like a step back in time.
Arthur’s seat – An ancient volcano overlooking the city, this another stunning viewpoint. It is a bit of a climb but worth every moment. Although in Edinburgh itself, this is a great chance to connect with nature and the landscape.
Real Mary King’s Close – Under the old town on Edinburgh lies a series of closes and alleyways. Have a tour through them to find out about the lives of the residents of those who lived here on a tour around these hidden streets.
Please note that these are just ideas of some of the wonderful ways to spend your time. Tickets to the above attractions are not included.
Day Excursion
On 27th January, we will have an optional day excursion to St Andrew’s and Dunnottar Castle, for an additional cost.
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic Castle on a sharp cliff edge, looking out to the North Sea. It has been used as a filming location for Hamlet with Mel Gibson and inspired Pixar’s brave.
St Andrew’s is home to the oldest University in Scotland, dating from the 15th Century. As well as the University, where Prince William met Kate Middleton, St Andrew’s is home to some lovely beaches, a ruined Cathedral, the traditional pier and Jannettas “world famous” gelateria, established in 1908.
Scotland is a beautiful country but it is not small. There will be travelling involved to get to these destinations.
To purchase this day excursion, you will need to have the Edinburgh Trip ticket and then purchase the 'Day Excursion' ticket.
Is there anything else that I need to know?
You do not need a passport or visa to enter Scotland.
Should you wish to buy travel insurance, which we would recommend, you will need to arrange this yourself.
When you purchase a ticket, you will be send a link to a typeform. Please fill this out as soon as possible so that we have all the information we need. This is only 12 questions and should not take more than about 5 minutes.
Terms and Conditions
Q. I can no longer attend. Can I get my money back?
A. If you can either find a replacement or if we have someone willing to go from a waiting list, then we can swap the names and issue a refund. Terms to this are below:
- There will be £10 admin fee for the person unable to attend.
- The person replacing you may have to be the same sex, depending on rooming requirements at the time. Please check with giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk if this will apply at the time you are looking at transferring a ticket.
- Transfers need to go through Give it a Go. Only people with named tickets will be allowed on the trip.
Q. Can I buy a ticket in person?
A. Yes. You can buy a ticket from the finance office which is located on the 3rd floor of the SU and is open weekdays 10am – 4pm. From the stairwell turn left, past the Sabb bowl (large fishbowl-like office) and left again. The finance office is at the end of the corridor, clearly marked by an orange sign.
Q. What will happen if the trip cannot go ahead due to another lockdown or other force-majeure?
A. You would be provided with a full refund. We would also try and reschedule, so it may be possible for you to simply transfer your ticket to the new date.
Q. I have dietary or medical requirements; will the trip be suitable for me?
A. Please contact us on giveitago@cardiff.ac.uk as soon as possible and we will discuss your needs and do everything we can to support you.
Q. Do I need to bring bed linen?
A. No, bed linen is provided and beds will be made.
Q. Do I need to bring a towel?
A. You can either bring your own towel or hire one for £3.
Q. I have another question – who should I ask?
A. Please email giveitiago@cardiff.ac.uk and we will always be happy to help.
Please note that in the event of a force-majeure where we need to change the trip, alternative arrangements of an equivalent or higher standard to the initial booking may be made.
The Edinburgh trip and the day excursion are subject to minimum numbers. If the either does not meet minimum requirements, the trip may be unable to go ahead.
Please be on time for the coach. If you are late and the coach leaves without you, we are not responsible for your transportation and you will not receive a refund.
You will be given a key to your room in the hostel, which you will need to return. If you do not return the key, you will receive a fine of £5.
There will be no access to the self-catering kitchen during the stay.
Dunnottar Castle may be closed at short notice due to poor weather impacting safety. If we cannot visit the castle for this (or any other) reason, people booked onto the day trip will receive a partial refund of £10 and have longer in St Andrews.
We will share your first name and surname (family name) with the hostel.
Image Credit: Jim Divine on Unsplash