McKinlay Kidd
ABOUT
McKinlay Kidd are a specialist tour operator who offer holidays made differently around the UK and Ireland.
They specialise in tailor-made, self-guided holidays for the discerning independent traveller, including self-drive, fly-drive and train touring trips. They have also recently expanded their product to include a small offering of small group guided rail tours in Scotland (new in 2019/20).
Their unique approach to creating holidays has won awards, including AITO’s Bronze (2018) and Gold (2016) ‘Tour Operator of the Year’, and Telegraph Travel’s ‘Best Specialist Tour Operator’ in 2017. They have received over 600 AITO reviews, independently submitted by customers, with an overall rating of 100%. All of their holidays are fully financially protected. All holidays are covered by an insurance bond through ABTOT.
Founded in 2003 by husband and wife team Robert Kidd and Heather McKinlay, McKinlay Kidd offer holidays around Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. The company has now expanded to a team of 18, based in their central Glasgow office. They have offered holidays in Scotland since the very beginning, and added Ireland to their offerings in 2010, England in 2016 and Wales in late-2018.
McKinlay Kidd
Scottish Island Hopping
Ireland Holidays
Train Holidays
DESTINATION INFORMATION
MAPS
Click Map to download
England & Wales
Ireland
Scotland
Click here to request a quote from Mckinlay Kidd
Request QuoteSAMPLE ITINERARIES
Loch Ness, the Jacobite & Skye Guided Rail Tour
Devon & Cornwall Road Trip
Grand Tour of Ireland by Train
Orkney & Shetland Fly-drive
Grand Tour of Scotland by Train
UNIQUE & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Castles & Special Stays
Jacobite Steam Train Tours
Sometimes you just want to treat yourself to that little extra piece of luxury. The UK and Ireland are home to some truly spectacular properties, and we have the insider knowledge of which is the right choice for you. In Scotland, travel across a rickety bridge to a private island hotel appointed with every luxury – perfect for a secluded getaway. If you would like to stay in a real, traditional castle, we can suggest a few that might fit the bill, including a baronial estate in Aberdeenshire and a stay in Ireland’s fascinating Burren region alongside many others, with extensive grounds and sumptuous cuisine available in them all.
Spanning 82 miles of remarkable Scottish Highland scenery, it is little wonder that a trip on the Jacobite steam train is a ‘bucket-list’ experience for so many people. Step back in time from the second you board, allowing yourself to be whisked back into the sooty Victorian age, relaxing in your well appointed as the train chugs along the tracks. We will always aim to place you in first-class comfort – all you need to do is watch the landscape unfold around you.
Whiskey Tour
Food & Drink
In Scotland it is whisky, in Ireland it is whiskey – no matter which you prefer, the countless distilleries found in each country has its own distinctive twist. We have spent years touring them all, so we know the best tours and nearby accommodation to tailor a trip to your interest. Whether you are a newbie looking to discover more about the ‘water of life’ or regard yourself as something of a connoisseur, we can arrange a trip for you. If you have an interested group of six or more, we can also include the services of a driver/guide – just let us know.
We believe that food and drink should be an essential part of any holiday experience. From the freshest seafood in Loch Fyne in Scotland to that first velvety sip of Guinness in Ireland, sampling crumbly Wensleydale Cheese in the England’s Yorkshire Dales to tucking into grass-fed lamb from the rolling hills of Wales, we have sampled every bite to ensure we can provide the best recommendations, from cosy cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. We can also offer food tours in a wide variety of destinations, including walking tours of major cities, a shellfish safari in the Scottish Highlands and a seaweed foraging experience along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Classic Car Touring
Land On The Sand
If you want the thrill of hitting the open road in style, there is no better way to do so than in a Classic Car. We can arrange hire of a whole variety of vehicles across the board, including an MGB Roadster and a Jaguar E-type in Scotland, a Morgan 4/4 and a Porsche 911 in Ireland and a Jaguar Mk2 and a Triumph Stag. Just let us know your dream touring vehicle and we will do our best to accommodate you. Combined with our directions to particularly scenic viewpoints and passes, characterful accommodation and some particularly delectable cuisine, this will be a holiday you will never forget.
As the only flight worldwide where the schedule is dedicated by the tide times, the experience of flying to the Isle of Barra in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is truly unique. The flight is thrilling – on a clear day ensure you gaze out the window and admire Scotland’s breath-taking coastline and spot Inner Hebridean islands as you inch closer to your destination. Flying in a tiny Twin Otter plane means that you will always have a window view. Your sense of excitement will heighten as the sandy beaches start revealing themselves as you begin to descend, before you touch down on the sand.
DESTINATION SHOWCASE
England
A country of true contrast, England is truly a fascinating destination of rugged landscapes, ancient history and an inspiring coastline.
When one thinks of England, it is easy to jump straight to London – and, as such a melting pot of cuisine, traditions and quirky neighbourhoods, it is clear to see why. After you’ve explored the capital, why not explore a smaller city, like charming Bath or York. If you would prefer a holiday exploring the rolling countryside of the north of the country, Yorkshire, the Lake District and Northumberland offer a plethora of delights. Further down the coast, Norfolk also has its own distinct style.
If you fancy travelling further south, Devon and Cornwall are breathtaking, their coastlines and national parks being the ideal stop for any nature lovers. If you are feeling a little adventurous, travel by helicopter to the Isles of Scilly, where you will feel a million miles away from daily life.
Wales
Although perhaps a lesser-known tourist destination, Wales is packed to the brim with gorgeous coastline, charming towns and villages and dazzling natural landscapes. From the towering mountains of Snowdonia to the empty beaches of the Gower Peninsula, this small country packs in plenty of opportunities to explore contrasting areas. Enjoy train trips by steam through national parks, allow yourself to be charmed by St David’s – the UK’s smallest city – take coastal walks along clifftops in Pembrokeshire or transport yourself to the Italy with a stay in the pastel ‘idea village’ – where only residents and hotel guests can roam the streets at night. Plus, with the most castles per square mile of anywhere in the UK, you are sure to find fascinating tales of turbulent history everywhere you go.
Scotland
There is no one word that can describe the of visiting Scotland. We have spent 16 years traversing every inch, nook and cranny to ensure we can offer the very best of this magnificent country.
Vibrant cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh make a great starting point in any holiday, with the Scottish Highlands within easy reach if you would like to experience a more tranquil atmosphere - you can discover the highest of mountains and deepest of lochs along the way. Venture even further up and you can take in some – or indeed all – of the North Coast 500, Scotland’s most famous driving route and beloved worldwide as a ‘bucket-list’ road trip.
Perhaps you really want to get away from it all and Scotland’s islands certainly offer the opportunity to do just that. From the Inner Hebridean treasures of Mull and Skye to the further afield Outer Hebridean Lewis & Harris, each boasts an entirely different culture and experience for a visitor. If you want to go even further afield, Orkney and Shetland await you in the far north, home to a wealth of archaeological treasures, spectacular wildlife and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
Whether you want to travel car-free or hit the open roads, take to the skies in tiny planes or the seas in ferries, we can make it happen. Let us make your dream Scottish holiday a reality.
Ireland
Fondly known as ‘The Emerald Isle’, Ireland is composed of 32,000 miles that are just begging to be discovered. Both North and South have their own distinctive charm, and we would love to help you uncover them.
We cannot talk about Ireland without mentioning its world-class touring routes – which we can help you travel along with or without a car. The Wild Atlantic Way covers 1500km of Southern Ireland’ incredible coastal scenery, including must-visit locations like Cork, Kinsale and Galway – all of which will greet you with cosy pubs, delicious food and famous Irish hospitality. The Antrim Coast is similarly stunning – take your time travelling to discover crumbling castles, tucked-away harbours and, of course, the famous Giant’s Causeway.
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle, both Dublin and Belfast will welcome you with open arms – however, if you prefer quiet solitude, the lesser-known Irish islands will provide you with a true break from daily life. No matter what your preference, we welcome the opportunity to help you see Ireland differently.