The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns

Outty Ranking 51 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom £495
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Outty Ranking

51/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns worth booking?

The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns is a 8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from £495 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
51 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
8 hours
From
£495 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Edinburgh, with an Outty Ranking of 51. At £495 it sits above the typical similar option (£15), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

Prices and availability checked

This day-trip takes you on a journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and historic locations. You will begin with a visit to The Kelpies, the impressive 30-metre-high equine sculptures crafted from stainless steel, celebrating Scotland’s industrial heritage and mythological past. The tour continues to St Andrews, the world-famous home of golf, where centuries of history unfold in this charming seaside town that has played a key role in Scotland’s past. Outlander fans will enjoy the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters with visits to Blackness Castle and Falkland, both well-known filming locations from the series. The day also includes a scenic photo stop in one of Fife’s picturesque coastal towns, offering beautiful views and a chance to capture the charm of Scotland’s coastline.

What you get

    About this experience

    This day-trip takes you on a journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and historic locations. You will begin with a visit to The Kelpies, the impressive 30-metre-high equine sculptures crafted from stainless steel, celebrating Scotland’s industrial heritage and mythological past. The tour continues to St Andrews, the world-famous home of golf, where centuries of history unfold in this charming seaside town that has played a key role in Scotland’s past. Outlander fans will enjoy the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters with visits to Blackness Castle and Falkland, both well-known filming locations from the series. The day also includes a scenic photo stop in one of Fife’s picturesque coastal towns, offering beautiful views and a chance to capture the charm of Scotland’s coastline.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Driver/Guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks.
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Kelpies & The Helix

      Departing Glasgow or Edinburgh, we will travel towards The Helix in Falkirk, the home of the Kelpies. The Kelpies are named after two real Clydesdale working horses named Duke and Baron, these two huge structures are made from stainless steel weighing 300 tons each and standing at 30 meters tall.

      45 minutes here

    2. Blackness Castle

      We continue to Blackness Castle known as the ship that never sailed because from the seaward side it looks just like a great stone ship run aground. Originally a fort would have stood in this location before the castle was built. Blackness Castle went on to become a royal castle in 1453, a state prison and an ammunition depot, in the later 19th century. The castle has also been used in Outlander where it represented Fort William.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. St. Andrews

      We arrive in the historic medieval town of St Andrews in time for lunch. Here you can enjoy a walk around the historic town and visit the famous Old Course. Maybe even get a game on the Himalayas putting course. St Andrews is home to oldest university in Scotland, a ruined castle or visit the abbey. The town is named after the patron saint of Scotland. We will be at here for about two hours, enough to explore the cobbled streets, beach and have a bite to eat in the many cafes and restaurants. If you want to visit the castle there is a charge which is not included.

      120 minutes here

    4. Crail

      We will visit one of the many coastal villages in Fife for a photo stop.

      30 minutes here

    5. Falkland Palace & Garden

      Falkland is a village in Fife where the Stuart kings and queens once lived and played. The palace is the main attraction here with its beautiful gardens and tennis court dating back to the 1500's where Mary Queen of Scots once played. Again a favourite with Outlander fans as this was 1940's Inverness in the show.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Up to 4 Passengers

      Pickup included

    • Up to 6 Passengers

      Pickup included

    • Up to 8 Passengers

      Pickup included

    • Up to 5 Passengers

      Pickup included

    • Up to 7 Passengers

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Up 'n About Scotland

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Cute coastal village., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in EdinburghCrail, Fife., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in EdinburghHarbour., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in EdinburghWhisky Distillery in Fife., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in EdinburghSwilcan Bridge St Andrews., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in EdinburghMidhope from Outlander., The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns in Edinburgh

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Julija R · September 2025

    Ben Nevis 13 September

    Ben Nevis 13 September I would like to say that John was an absolutely lovely tour guide. He was amazing at explaining and clearly had knowledge and love for it all. If we needed anything he would try his best to help. He made my time there much more enjoyable. Thank you John. Julia from Milton Keynes

    Response from the operator: Thanks Julia glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully see you again for another hike.

    via Tripadvisor

    O6404EQcameronw · July 2025

    Guided hike

    The Guide John was excellent he made us all feel very safe and his knowledge was outstanding I would recommend this trip .

    Response from the operator: Hi Andrew, thanks for the review. Glad you all enjoyed the day. Hope you got somewhere to eat in Glasgow

    via Tripadvisor

    X9220SXheatherw · July 2025

    Greenock Shore Excursion

    This was such a great tour. We saw so much. We came from the regal princess and John, the tour guide, picked us up right at the port. We saw Castles, Kelpies, Lochs, Rest and Be Thankful, feed highland coos. We got to see so much in one day. John also gave us an in-depth history lesson on the Scottish ancestry. We never felt rushed at any stop. We got to see so much and got back in time to catch our ship.

    Response from the operator: Hi Heather, it was my pleasure to show you around parts of Scotland on your stop over at Greenock. It was great to meet you and your family. Hope the rest of the cruise went well. John

    via Tripadvisor

    Stephen_Fowler1 · June 2025

    Great Climb

    Incredible trip, our tour guide John was a fountain of knowledge and made for great company on our climb. He was very patient and tailored the climb to our ability. Really great experience!

    Response from the operator: Hi Stephen thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed it and best of luck when you head away. John

    via Tripadvisor

    sharon_b · June 2025

    Great day, hard climb but...

    Great day, hard climb but a massive achievement. it was a very hot day, but our guide was fantastic.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review and glad you enjoyed it. Yes it was a warm day out of the wind. It's a tough day especially on the way down can be tricky.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    £495 to £605
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 51

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)43
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How does The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns compare to similar tours in Edinburgh?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Edinburgh, with an Outty Ranking of 51. At £495 it sits above the typical similar option (£15), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.

    Who is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns best for?

    +

    It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 8-hour length, all-ages access and non-refundable terms.

    Is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at £495, above the £15 typical for similar experiences in Edinburgh.

    How much does The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns cost?

    +

    Prices start at £495 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.

    Is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; and Driver/Guide. Not included: Food and drinks; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 340 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns?

    +

    There are 5 options to choose from, including Up to 4 Passengers, Up to 6 Passengers, Up to 8 Passengers, Up to 5 Passengers. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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