5 Days English Speaking Course Around Edinburgh

Experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Scotland while sharpening your English skills on this unique 5-day tour in Edinburgh and beyond. For around $680 per person, you’ll spend your days exploring stunning landscapes, historic castles, and lively cities, all with a small group of like-minded travelers and native-speaking guides. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to combine language practice with the best of Scottish scenery and culture.

We love how this tour blends learning with adventure—you’re not just stuck in a classroom. The hikes along mountains and lakes, visits to castles, and strolls through Edinburgh’s streets make learning English feel natural and engaging. Plus, staying in cozy private accommodations and sharing home-cooked meals creates a warm, social atmosphere. One consideration? The tour involves moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

This experience appeals most to travelers who want to combine language improvement with exploring Scotland’s outdoors and history. If you enjoy active days, meaningful cultural exchanges, and authentic local experiences, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Max 6 travelers ensures personalized attention and lively conversations.
• Authentic Experiences: Hikes, castle tours, and city strolls provide varied, memorable moments.
• Native English Speakers: Practice with friendly guides who speak your language and share local insights.
• Cultural and Scenic Highlights: From Edinburgh Castle to the Grey Mare’s Tail, scenery and history are woven into each day.
• Flexible & Well-Organized: The itinerary balances guided activities with free time for personal exploration.
• Excellent Reviews: Travelers consistently praise the friendly guides, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food.

A Practical Guide to the 5 Days Around Edinburgh

This tour offers a very well-rounded look at Scotland’s natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant city life—all while improving your English. With a total cost of $680, it’s a competitive option considering the personalized experience, cozy accommodations, and inclusive meals.

Overview of the Experience

The tour kicks off in Moffat, a charming village where you’ll meet your new travel companions and get a taste of local life. The first evening involves a welcome dinner, giving everyone a chance to connect and hear about the upcoming days. It’s a friendly, relaxed start that sets the tone for the week.

Over the next four days, you’ll visit some truly iconic spots—Grey Mare’s Tail, a stunning mountain and lake hike; Edinburgh, with its majestic castle and hidden alleyways; Drumlanrig Castle, a magnificent symbol of Scottish nobility; and scenic nature spots like rivers and forests. Each day is packed with sightseeing, but the true joy lies in the combination of outdoor activities, cultural visits, and the chance to practice English in real-world settings.

Day 1: Moffat and Welcome Dinner

The journey begins in the peaceful village of Moffat, where the group’s camaraderie starts to form. The walk around the village and a relaxed evening meal make you feel like you’re visiting friends rather than on a tour. This setup encourages informal language use and bonding.

Day 2: Hike at Grey Mare’s Tail

The highlight here is an 8-hour guided walk that showcases Scotland’s impressive mountains and lakes. You’ll get an incredible view of the Grey Mare’s Tail, a waterfall nestled among rugged peaks. The group will enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot, and there’s an opportunity to visit a small nearby village for local products. Reviewers rave about the beauty of this hike, with one mentioning, “we did some nice excursions” with “amazing views.”

Day 3: Edinburgh Exploration

No Scottish tour would be complete without exploring its capital. Here, you’ll visit Edinburgh Castle and explore both the classic and hidden parts of the city. Expect to walk through historic streets, parks, and cozy cafes. Visitors often mention how this mix of well-known landmarks and secret spots keeps the experience lively. The highlight is walking through Edinburgh’s “hidden streets,” which adds a layer of discovery to your visit.

Day 4: Drumlanrig Castle and Nature

A day dedicated to Scotland’s royal architecture, the castle tour reveals charming interiors and scenic grounds. Afterwards, the group explores rivers and forests, adding a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. The reviews echo how well-organized and attentive the guides are, making sure everyone gets the most out of these visits.

Day 5: Farewell and Free Time

The final morning offers a chance to say goodbye and enjoy some last-minute walks or lunch in Edinburgh. The launch pad for your journey home, this day emphasizes flexibility—whether you want to explore more or simply relax before your departure.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner—either included or available as optional extras—so you can focus on the experience without surprise costs. The price doesn’t include attraction entrance fees like the whisky tour (£20), so plan accordingly if you decide to indulge. Transportation between sites is included in the sense that guided tours and walks are organized, but specifics about transport modes are not detailed.

Accommodation & Meals

Staying in private, cozy lodgings, the group shares home-cooked meals prepared by the host’s family. Reviewers often comment on the “charming and cozy” accommodations, which foster a homey environment conducive to conversation and relaxation. The food, especially the home-cooked offerings, receives high praise for quality and care.

Group Size & Physical Activity

Limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour emphasizes personalized attention and camaraderie. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, given the hikes and walking involved. Reviewers note that the activities are “well managed,” with careful consideration for comfort and safety.

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Highlights

Guests consistently mention how the tour offers more than just sightseeing. It’s about living Scottish life—cooking together, playing games, and sharing stories in the evenings. The guides, especially Garry and his wife, are praised for their attentiveness and friendliness.

One reviewer notes, “We cooked together, played games, and shared experiences,” highlighting how the social aspect enhances the learning process. This genuine interaction helps participants practice English in relaxed, real-life situations, which many find invaluable.

The Nature & Outdoors

Hiking the Grey Mare’s Tail or wandering through forests and along rivers provides a real sense of Scotland’s wild beauty. These outdoor activities break the monotony of city tours and give you space to unwind and reflect, all while practicing your conversational skills.

Edinburgh’s Hidden Corners

Instead of just hitting tourist hotspots, the group explores less obvious streets, parks, and cafes. This offers a more authentic taste of Edinburgh’s vibrant local life, which travelers love. As one review says, “We saw some classic attractions and some new hidden spots,” adding depth to the city visit.

Food & Hospitality

From breakfast to dinner, the home-cooked meals are a highlight for many. The host’s attention to detail and the variety of local flavors help deepen the cultural experience. One reviewer states, “The food prepared by Garry’s wife was fantastic,” reflecting the effort to make everyone feel at home.

The Value of This Tour

At $680, the tour offers a lot of value: personalized guidance, authentic Scottish experiences, comfortable accommodations, and a chance to practice English daily. The small group size ensures everyone gets individual attention, and the mix of sightseeing and outdoor activities keeps the experience lively and engaging.

Compared to standalone trips, this tour simplifies logistics—everything from transportation to meals is coordinated—so you can focus on learning and enjoying. Plus, travelers consistently give glowing reviews, with a 5.0 rating from 17 reviews, citing how much they improved their English and how much fun they had.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous language learners who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural exchanges. It’s perfect if you want to improve your spoken English in a relaxed, authentic setting, surrounded by scenic landscapes and friendly hosts. Ideal for those with moderate fitness, as the hikes and walks are substantial but manageable.

If you’re someone who values small groups, personalized attention, and a blend of sightseeing and social activities, this tour will check all those boxes. It’s also great for travelers who enjoy home-cooked meals, cozy accommodations, and informal learning environments.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Scottish trip is more than just a language course—it’s a chance to connect with Scotland in a genuine, friendly way. You’ll hike through breathtaking scenery, explore Edinburgh’s hidden corners, and share memorable moments over delicious homemade food. The guides’ warmth, combined with the small-group atmosphere, creates a perfect setting for meaningful language practice and culture.

While it’s best suited for active travelers and those eager to speak English in real-world situations, the relaxed pace and friendly environment make it accessible for most. The thoughtful itinerary ensures a good balance of guided activities and free time, and the reviews confirm that most participants leave feeling more confident with their English and full of stories to tell.

If you’re looking for an authentic Scottish adventure that combines outdoor fun with language learning and cultural discovery, this tour really hits the mark.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $680 per person, which includes accommodations, most meals, and guided activities, but not entrance fees or flights.

How long is the tour?
It lasts five days, with activities scheduled from the afternoon of the first day to the afternoon of the last.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes organized visits and guided walks; specific transportation details are not listed, but pickup at the Edinburgh airport is offered.

What kind of accommodation is included?
You’ll stay in private, cozy lodgings with your group and hosts, enjoying home-cooked meals in a warm, inviting environment.

Are meals included?
Meals are optional but available, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided or offered as options during the tour.

What activities are included?
Activities include scenic hikes, city sightseeing in Edinburgh, castle tours, and visits to castles and natural sites.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the itinerary involves walking, hikes, and outdoor activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary allows for some free time and optional activities, and you can request to see specific sights during your free hours.

What is the maximum group size?
The group size is limited to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

How do I cancel if I change my mind?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours before the start date, with full refunds available; less notice might forfeit the fee.

Whether you’re a language learner craving authentic practice, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone eager to experience Scottish culture firsthand, this tour offers a balanced, memorable way to spend five days in Edinburgh and its beautiful surroundings.