Historic Scotland's entrance pass ticket can save you a small fortune especially if you cram many events into a short period of time like a holiday or vacation
Are you interested in Scotland's heritage and history and visiting only for a short period of time? Are you thinking in visiting Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle? Alternatively a Roman structure such as the Antonine Wall, Castle Semple Collegiate Church and Iona Abbey. Would you like to save money? Of course you would.
Well, all the above properties are managed by an organisation called Historic Scotland and in response to the needs and demands of visitors and tourists to this country have introduced an explorer pass. Valid for a minimum of the 3 day pass which can be used within a 5 day period, a 7 day pass within a 14 day period and a 10 day pass within a 30 day period. They certainly try to cater for a wide variety of groups.
The real beauty of the pass is that you can visit as many attractions (within travelling distance obviously) that you wish during the time period purchased. For example you may travel to Stirling Castle and spend less time there than you anticipated. There is nothing to stop you then travelling to Edinburgh on the same day and receiving free entrance. The 3 day pass can be used on 3 consecutive days or spread out as long as it is within the 5 day overall period.
The Historic Scotland website also gives you sample tours which will certainly give you a flavour of what you can expect to see “Scotland is a land of history and romance, stunning scenery and magnificent castles. With the Explorer Pass you can experience Scotland’s heritage and follow in the footsteps of our most famous characters Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and William Wallace.”
This can help but of course you are free to compile your own itinerary depending on how long you have and what areas most interest you. Historic Scotland manages a variety of attractions including Castles, Stately Houses, Prehistoric settlements, Military fortifications and Churches and Abbeys.
The other major landowner in terms of Scotland's Heritage (National Trust for Scotland) and history provides a similar service and combined they create a major opportunity to see Scotland without spending a fortune doing so.
The Historic Scotland pass is available at all Historic Scotland sites and most major Tourist Information Centres. Clearly it is better to purchase the pass at the first property you visit, by which time you will be aware how much of your holiday or vacation you have left to spend on visiting Scotland's rich cultural and historic heritage.
