Welcome To Scotland
The country of Scotland makes an excellent place to short on long stay. It has marvellous scenery with stunning coastlines, dramatic mountains and vibrant cities.
Getting There By Air Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have international airports with flights to many hub airports such as Heathrow, Schiphol and Charles de Gaulle. By Train East Coast and Virgin trains offer fast links to Edinburgh and Glasgow from London. Scotrail runs a range of train services around Scotland and to some of the most remote parts of the country. By Coach Bus companies such as National Express and Mega Bus operate services from London to Scotland. City Link and Mega Bus provide a range of services to get you about Scotland. |
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Staying and Seeing the Sights
There are a number of websites which will give you great deals for travel and accommodation. Check out
For budget hotels check out:
Visit Scotland gives great links for accommodation and attractions.
For budget hotels check out:
Visit Scotland gives great links for accommodation and attractions.
Visiting Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the historic capital of Scotland. This stunning city has grand architecture, great vistas and fine attractions. It plays host to the world’s largest art festival in August and is famous for its street party at Hogmanay! As an UNESCO World Heritage Site the city has lots to offer.
What to see
Edinburgh has a wide range of attractions. Many museums and galleries are free to visitors. Some of the highlights the castle, Palace of Holyrood, Royal Mile and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Where to stay
The city is a popular destination and if you are choosing to visit during the summer and around the festival we would recommend booking in advance. The city has a range of accommodation to suit most budgets. It is also worthwhile looking at apartments which will offer you a relaxed environment to explore the city from.
BearScotFest
We always look forward to this time of year and many of you want some suggestions of hotels near the events. These are a few ideas but there is plenty to choose from.
Apartments
Fountain Court Apartments (email Carolyn directly and mention BearScotFest to get a discounted rate)
Luxury
Mid Range & Chain Hotels
Budget
Gay
Gay Venues
The main gay bars centre on CC Blooms which offers casual dining, relaxed drinks and late night partying. On either side you will find Planet Bar and Café Habana. The Street which serves a good range of cocktails is a few minutes walk away. For a great local bar with a mix of real ales head to The Regent on Montrose Terrace. Take a short stroll down Broughton Street and you will find the friendly gay run Café Nom De Plume. Edinburgh has two gay saunas close to the centre. Number 18 on Leith Walk and The Pound on Barony Lane.
What to see
Edinburgh has a wide range of attractions. Many museums and galleries are free to visitors. Some of the highlights the castle, Palace of Holyrood, Royal Mile and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Where to stay
The city is a popular destination and if you are choosing to visit during the summer and around the festival we would recommend booking in advance. The city has a range of accommodation to suit most budgets. It is also worthwhile looking at apartments which will offer you a relaxed environment to explore the city from.
BearScotFest
We always look forward to this time of year and many of you want some suggestions of hotels near the events. These are a few ideas but there is plenty to choose from.
Apartments
Fountain Court Apartments (email Carolyn directly and mention BearScotFest to get a discounted rate)
Luxury
Mid Range & Chain Hotels
- Apex, Waterloo Place
- Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
- Holiday Inn Express, Picardy Place
- Mercure, Princes Street
- Motel One
Budget
- Premier Inn, York Place
- Premier Inn – Princes Street
- Ibis – North Bridge, Hunter Square
- Ibis, South Bridge
- Ibis Styles, St Andrew's Square
- Travelodge:
Gay
- Village Apartments, Broughton Market (above the gay sauna)
- Garlands Guest House, Pilrig St
- Ardmor Guest House, Pilrig St
- One Allanfield, Nr Brunswick Road (flat to rent, sleeps up to 4)
Gay Venues
The main gay bars centre on CC Blooms which offers casual dining, relaxed drinks and late night partying. On either side you will find Planet Bar and Café Habana. The Street which serves a good range of cocktails is a few minutes walk away. For a great local bar with a mix of real ales head to The Regent on Montrose Terrace. Take a short stroll down Broughton Street and you will find the friendly gay run Café Nom De Plume. Edinburgh has two gay saunas close to the centre. Number 18 on Leith Walk and The Pound on Barony Lane.
Visiting Glasgow
Glasgow is a grand merchant city with majestic buildings, fantastic shopping and great night life. It has a long standing reputation for its live music scene. You can hop between Glasgow and Edinburgh with a short 50 minute train journey.
What to see
Highlights of this bustling city include the School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens and the People’s Palace.
Where to stay
Glasgow has a great range of hotels and apartment to choose from. Is has a range of traditional and quirky places to stay in the heart of the city.
Luxury
Grand Central Hotel. Gordon Street
Radisson BLU, Argyle Street
Hotel Indigo, Waterloo Street
Blythswood Square Hotel, Blythswood Square
Mid-Range, Contemporary & Chain Hotels
Citizen M, Renfrew Street
Marks Hotel, Bath Street
Jurys Inn, Jamaica Street
Novotel, Pitt Street
Mecure, Ingram Street
Holiday Inn, West Nile Street
Budget
Premier Inn – George Square, Buchanan Galleries
Travelodge Central, new hotel opening soon on Queen Street
Ibis, West Regent Street
Easy Hotel, Hill Street
Gay Venues
The main hub for the bears is the Underground on John Street. This basement bar is a great place to meet for drinks and banter. Next door you will find Speakeasy which allows you to party until the wee small hours. A short stroll takes you to Delmonicas and the Polo Lounge. Then head to Argyle Street and you’ll find an older crowd in the Waterloo. The main gay sauna is Pipeworks on Metropole Lane.
What to see
Highlights of this bustling city include the School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens and the People’s Palace.
Where to stay
Glasgow has a great range of hotels and apartment to choose from. Is has a range of traditional and quirky places to stay in the heart of the city.
Luxury
Grand Central Hotel. Gordon Street
Radisson BLU, Argyle Street
Hotel Indigo, Waterloo Street
Blythswood Square Hotel, Blythswood Square
Mid-Range, Contemporary & Chain Hotels
Citizen M, Renfrew Street
Marks Hotel, Bath Street
Jurys Inn, Jamaica Street
Novotel, Pitt Street
Mecure, Ingram Street
Holiday Inn, West Nile Street
Budget
Premier Inn – George Square, Buchanan Galleries
Travelodge Central, new hotel opening soon on Queen Street
Ibis, West Regent Street
Easy Hotel, Hill Street
Gay Venues
The main hub for the bears is the Underground on John Street. This basement bar is a great place to meet for drinks and banter. Next door you will find Speakeasy which allows you to party until the wee small hours. A short stroll takes you to Delmonicas and the Polo Lounge. Then head to Argyle Street and you’ll find an older crowd in the Waterloo. The main gay sauna is Pipeworks on Metropole Lane.
View Glasgow Gay Scene in a larger map
Need Some Help?
If you need some advice on your trip or stay in Scotland just drop a wee message.
Best wishes
The BearScots Team
Best wishes
The BearScots Team