Accommodations & Travel

There are multiple on-site accommodation options, and we've thought carefully about how to match people to the right spaces. While we're emphasizing the outdoors and have exciting glamping and camping options, we've also made sure there are excellent choices for those who prefer a proper roof over their head.

Without final numbers yet, and with a wide range of needs to balance—families with young kids, older relatives, couples, solo travellers—allocation is the only way to make sure everyone lands somewhere that suits them. We have many options, but not an infinite supply of any one kind, so we can't promise everyone their first choice. Once you register, we'll do our best to take your preference into account.

We hope the following on-site options at House of Cockburn and The Free Company will work for most of us. And fear not—there are plenty of great hotels and Airbnbs in the Balerno area—booking your own is a fine option too, especially for larger groups.

What’s Available

  • The Free Company Rooms: 2 adults per room | cost: £250 per night

    • includes king-sized bed, en suite bathroom and breakfast at Free Company

  • The Free Company Cottage: 3 rooms | sleeps 6 | cost: £500 per night

    • includes 1 master bedroom with ensuite bath and shower, and 2 bedrooms with shared bathroom, breakfast at Free Company

  • House of Cockburn: 10 rooms | 2 adults per room | cost: £100 per night (proceeds will be donated to The GALAS Fund

    • breakfast at Free Company | £15 per person

  • Bell Tents at The Free Company: glamping tents | sleeps 4 per tent | cost: £80 per night

    • includes portable showers and loos

    • breakfast at Free Company | £15 per person

  • BYOT: Bring your own tent | cost: free!

    • breakfast at Free Company | £15 per person

  • Off-site Options: There are many hotels and Airbnbs, but book in advance, as this is a busy time of year. And, of course, there are always family members in the Edinburgh area to impose on!

How It Works

  1. Register & Request: When you fill out your registration form, there's a section to indicate your prefered accommodation and any accessibility or comfort needs.

  2. Review & Balance: All requests will be reviewed together, taking into account age, distance traveled, accessibility needs, and family size. We'll aim to honor preferences, but our main goal is making sure everyone is well looked after.

  3. You'll Be Notified: Once we've finalized allocations, we'll let you know where you're staying well in advance so you can plan accordingly.

How We're Allocating 

Priority goes to our eldest family members and those traveling the greatest distances—particularly those coming from outside the UK. They'll have access to rooms at House of Cockburn and The Free Company, which offer the most comfort and accessibility.

Second priority goes to families with young children, those with mobility considerations, and anyone else who prefers a traditional bed and bathroom.

The Glamping Tents/BYOT camping is a wonderful option for younger, more adventurous family members who want a bit of adventure (with the comfort of proper beds and nearby facilities). If you're game, this is a fun way to be part of the reunion experience while keeping costs down.


TRAVEL

Important addresses:

UK Travel Visas It depends on your nationality. UK citizens and those from most EU countries don't need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens can visit visa-free for up to 6 months as tourists. Check the UK government's visa checker at gov.uk/check-uk-visa to be sure. If you do need a visa, apply early—processing can take several weeks.

Getting Around Balerno Balerno is a small village about 20 minutes south-west of Edinburgh city center. The Free Company and House of Cockburn are easily reached by local buses. We'll provide detailed directions and transportation information once you confirm your attendance. There's a small village center with a few shops and pubs.

Getting to Edinburgh Most international flights arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is about 8 miles from the city center. You can take a taxi, bus, or train into Edinburgh. From there, it's about 20 minutes to Balerno where The Free Company is located. We'll provide transportation guidance closer to the reunion date.

Getting around Edinburgh Edinburgh has excellent public transport (buses and trams). The Free Company and House of Cockburn are easily accessible by bus. You can also walk much of the city center. We'll provide detailed directions and transportation options once you confirm your attendance.

Phone & Internet If you're bringing a mobile phone from abroad, contact your provider about roaming charges—they can be expensive. Alternatively, you can purchase a UK SIM card when you arrive (available at the airport and most shops). Major networks include Vodafone, O2, and EE. All accommodation venues have WiFi.

A Free Company room with en suite bathroom

A House of Cockburn room with en suite bathroom

Interior of a bell tent