Royal Deeside & Glamis Castle Reviews

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Sold as a great train journey and certainly was not that! The only train journeys were on regular trains from Edinburgh to Aberdeen first class then Dundee to Edinburgh cancelled train and had to fend for ourselves on the alternative train which was a longer journey and many stops. The royal Deeside train was 1 mile long manned by volunteers so we went up and down the track twice ! overpriced break and certainly over promised, very disappointing. Food at the hotels was mediocre and little choice and no entertainment and overpriced drinks at £6.50 per single measure of gin!

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Deeside Railway track was only a mile long- brochure is misleading. Glamis castle excellent Tour Manager. Denise Gray, excellent. Could not see Balmoral Castle - got there too late. Radisson Blue was excellent. Apex Hotel @ Dundee Restaurant is not a Restaurant it is a catering area. Brochure is misleading. very disappointed in GRJ

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It was a very pleasant ride, hopefully the volunteers will eventually be able to restore more of the line. They were very informative and let us look in the engine and provided us with tea and biscuits. Unfortunately we did not experience the steam engine but a different old engine, non the less still enjoyable.

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We were not able to travel on this train. The substitute was very poor and the lunch food was poor.

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The tour was very well organised and ran very smoothly, helped by an extremely good friendly guide who engaged fully with all the group. The visits were very good particularly Glamis Castle and also the Highland cow farm and the gin distillery. The only disappointment was the failure of Tornado although we were aware of that before embarking on the tour which nevertheless was still very good.

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Steam train trip cancelled. Lsdt hotel was not value for money or up to standard expected.

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Excellent tour except for hotel in Dundee.

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The experience with the Tornado steam train, which was the principle reason for the trip, was not provided and resulted in much disappointment. Initially we were told the problem was with the train, and then to0ld they could not get the coaches for the train. They had a good 6 months to get the coaches!!! Very poor organization. The guide and hotels were OK but some significant modifications need to be made to the itinerary. On the first day we could not find the guide and were sent to the wrong place for dinner by the hotel staff. It turned out that GR had not given the guide our correct telephone and email address so she could not contact us before the trip. The app was a waste of time and of no use to us. It did not provide the contact details for the guide, to find out where the dinner was the first night, and time for the dinner. Certainly not worth the cost of the airfare to Scotland. Brian Harrison. . . .

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A great short break through beautiful countryside. The MacDonald Norwood Hotel is out of this world, everything a hotel should be. First Class travel on the trains made a big difference. Good local guide around Dundee and a most interesting talk and viewing of the Highland Coos. For a short get-away, this is ideal.

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Tornado steam train wasn’t commissioned.

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Tour was ok but not as originally advertised. Steam train trip did not happen as the train has been out of commission for at least a year. Alternative train arrangements were chaotic. Visit to Arbroath to see smokies being produced disappeared from the itinerary without any explanation. It subsequently transpires that they haven't taken groups there since before Covid. Alternative trips were ok. Not up to the usual GRJ standard

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Disappointing

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While not entirely disappointed with our holiday, we felt that, between first reading the prospectus and actually going on the holiday, a cost cutting exersize had taken place, which did reduce the enjoyment somewhat. This in no way affects our opinion of our tour manager, who we felt was doing a sterling job under the circumstances.

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Too many changes from advertised holiday and itinerary

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I fell onto the platform and was taken to hospital for treatment. I am going again for treatment to the cuts receved

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Enjoyable trip Not impressed with not getting final holiday details until a week before going Great tour manager David Indge who was very kind and helpful Loved the Highland cattle visit

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Excellent Tour Manager. Poor first Hotel ( which was changed from that advertised) Too many changes to advertised itinerary, particularly no visit to Whisky Distillery.

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Poor value for money because of all the changes . The Ibis hotel was too far from the station and not to the standard of accommodation we had 2 years ago. The Royal Deeside railway was a damp squib and the return to Edinburgh by minibus was a complete let down.

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Love the steam trains! I was in 1st class and served an excellent brunch by a very professional and friendly crew. It was like being royalty as people were out on the station platforms and trackside waving and taking photos. And beautiful scenery of course. Plus my travelling companions were very good company.

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Train withdrawn due to mechanical defect. Main reason for booking. The farm & castle were good but other events not out of the ordinary.