Learn English
In Edinburgh

Meeting Point – Lockerbie Station

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Edinburgh. The meeting point is Lockerbie Station which is an easy transfer from airport, taking just over 1 hour. The first collection is at 1pm so we recommend flying in the morning or afternoon. We also make collections at 3pm and 5pm as the trains are arriving every two hours from Edinburgh Airport and also from the city centre.

Your home for the course will be in the beautiful village of Moffat. You’ll be staying in a spectacular country house which is reserved just for us! The first evening will be the welcome meal, which is a great opportunity to meet the native speakers and your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

If you are flying to Scotland then the most convenient place to fly is Edinburgh Airport (Turnhouse EDI). We will give you exact instructions so it’s impossible to get lost!

For those of you arriving in the early afternoon we’ll take a walk around the charming Lochmaben Lake which is also home to an old castle with lots of history.

Grey Mare’s Tail & Loch Skeen

After a big breakfast together at the house, we’ll head out to the beautiful Grey Mare’s Tail. The walk starts at one of Scotland’s biggest waterfalls and passes wooden bridges, spectacular viewpoints and diverse wildlife and nature. At the end of the path you reach the magnificent Loch Skeen. If you’re brave enough it’s a great place for a swim! Here we will also enjoy lunch, while enjoying the peacefulness and fresh air all around. After lunch we’ll visit St Mary’s Loch for some more great views over the forest.

Moffat

Highland Cows

On the road to Edinburgh we’ll stop at the Pentland Regional Park. Here you can get close to the famous Scottish cows, who are wandering fee in fields. It also offers views over the city of Edinburgh and the North Sea.

Edinburgh City Tour

Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, is a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With its iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop an ancient volcano, the historic Royal Mile, and stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, the city is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders.

As well as the most famous sights like Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street you’ll also see some lesser known attractions such as Greyfriars Bobby, Cockburn Street and Princess Street Gardens. On the way to Edinburgh we will also try to get close to the Highland Cows!

Today’s lunch will be at Grassmarket, where you can find lots of interesting food stalls with cuisines from all over the world.a traditional cafe where you can try local food such as Haggis or Scotch Egg. If it’s not for you then there is also lots of other options.

Traditional Scottish Pub Dinner

Visiting a Scottish pub is an experience steeped in warmth and tradition. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting crackle of a wood-burning fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty, homemade dishes. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, with locals sharing stories and laughter over pints of locally brewed ale or a dram of fine Scotch whisky. 

Now is a great opportunity to try some typical British dishes. The most popular is of course Fish & Chips but there are many more which you have probably never heard of such as Steak & Ale Pie, Toad in the Hole or a Shepherd’s Pie. You can wash it down with a lovely, local beer.

Morton Castle 

First we visit this 12th-century castle which was used for feasts and parties. It’s surrounded by stunning landscapes and is often empty, leaving us with our own private castle. It’s very different to the next castle we’ll visit but equally charming.

Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens

Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens is a magnificent destination that blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. Located in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, this 17th-century castle, also known as the ‘Pink Palace’ due to its distinctive sandstone façade, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore its grand rooms filled with antique furniture, fine art collections, and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s noble past. Surrounding the castle, the extensive gardens are a treat for nature lovers, featuring beautifully landscaped grounds, ancient trees, and vibrant flowerbeds. With its serene pathways, scenic woodland walks, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens provides an enchanting experience for those looking to enjoy a day of exploration, history, and tranquillity in the Scottish countryside.

Thornhill

Time for lunch and we’ll head for the quiet village of Thornhill. There is a very local feel and they have a cafe was some very tasty local food, especially the cakes!

Whisky Tour (Optional)

If you want to see how whisky is made and try a few samples, then Scotland is the place. Moffat Whisky Distillery is very unique and we highly recommend joining the tour. 

Know Your Slang?

We have a fun but very practical lesson to finish with! This time the focus will be slang and colloquial language. Want to know how native speakers really talk?Slang is an important part of English to master. It differs between all regions and is very commonly used. If you want to take your understanding and speaking to the next level then this will help you. It’s also a lot of fun to learn so this is often our favourite lesson to teach!

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. After an action packed trip it’s time to leave Scotland. 

We will take you back to the meeting point so you can make your flight or train on time. We recommend not booking flight before 12pm as it’s difficult to reach the airport earlier than this.

We will have breakfast as always or we can make something before this if you have an earlier flight. There is still time for you to have a final walk in the village if your flight is a little later. If you want to extend your stay in this beautiful country, we have lots of great recommendations.

We are sure you will have a wonderful experience in Scotland. You will see a mix of nature, history, culture and local life. You will also meet new friends on the course and get more confidence speaking English. Until next time!