Cheap 5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Dundee to Elgin and Pitlochry and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Dundee, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Dundee and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Dundee is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Scotland, Dundee is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Take the opportunity to see Dundee Contemporary Arts. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,269 visitors.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Scotland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Dundee is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

The Fort offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters. Or, try Porters Bar & Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

The King of Islington is an excellent example of a great bar in Dundee offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at The Bank Bar Dundee, another of locals’ go-to bars in Dundee. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Dundee, The Salty Dog is for you.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Dundee. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the town of Elgin, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see RRS Discovery. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,529 visitors.

Camperdown Wildlife Centre is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,015 travelers.

Dundee is also the home of Dundee Law. Around 1,396 people have rated this mountain an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 2,551 reviews, a visit to this museum is a great idea.

Elgin offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Scotland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the town.

Savor the culinary delights of Elgin, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the town offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the town of Elgin!

Day 3 of your road trip across Scotland is another proof that cheap holidays in Scotland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 3 wonderful destinations — Stonehaven, Catterline, and St Cyrus. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Pitlochry, where you'll be spending 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Elgin, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stonehaven may take around 1 hour 39 min. Upon your arrival in Stonehaven, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Stonehaven Harbour. This extraordinary harbor has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,510 visitors.

Next, make your way to Stonehaven War Memorial. This landmark is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 598 reviews.

While in Stonehaven, we also recommend a visit to Dunnottar Castle. This rock castle has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 10,220 reviews.

After soaking in Stonehaven’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Catterline. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 5 min. When you arrive in Catterline, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 492 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in St Cyrus. This drive usually takes around 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve - viewpoint. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,219 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the town of Pitlochry. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Pitlochry, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

A cheap, budget vacation in Pitlochry should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Pitlochry, try some of our top recommendations.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the city of Dundee, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Dundee, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Larbert, and Skinflats.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cambuskenneth. This car ride takes around 1 hour 5 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Wallace Monument, a remarkable monument where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,772 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stirling, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cambuskenneth to Stirling may take around 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stirling, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Stirling Castle one of your first sightseeing stops in Stirling. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This zoo is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,922 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Stirling, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Larbert. This drive usually takes around 33 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable boat lift where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 15,951 reviews.

While exploring Scotland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Dundee has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Dundee on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Dundee, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Bird & Bear stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Don Michele Italian Restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Gidi Grill Restaurant, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Trades House stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Speedwell Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Draffens is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Scotland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Dundee.

As you approach the end of your journey in Scotland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Dundee’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Scotland, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Scotland with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Dundee is the remarkable Slessor Gardens. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 864 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Dundee.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dundee, consider a top-rated restaurant like Taza Restaurant, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Tickety Boo's is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Rancho Pancho, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Dundee.

You’ll then say farewell to Dundee. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Scotland!