Scotland Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To See in Scotland.

The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is located in the south-east of the country along the North Sea. It is described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is famous for hosting the Edinburgh Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is also the location of the Scottish Parliament as well as two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the New Town and Old Town districts. It is in the top ten of UK’s most populated cities and is one of the largest cities in Scotland. Its name was derived from “Eidyn”, a word of Celtic origins that was found in several medieval texts. It is also known to locals as “Auld Reekie” which is “Old Smoky” in Scottish Gaelic. The city is so called because of the smoke that can be seen hovering above Old Town. The city is also known as the “Athens of the North” largely because it was the site of the Scottish Enlightenment in the 1700s.

Things to See in Edinburgh

You can start your tour of Edinburgh by visiting the Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of Castle Rock, right at the end of the Royal Mile. Construction of the present structure started in the 12th century although evidence suggests that the site of the castle has been inhabited by humans since the 9th Century BC. You can join one of the guided tours offered at the castle. If you are lucky, you might also witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performed in its grounds. On top of that, you can take in the breathtaking view of both the ‘Old Town’ and ‘New Town’. The castle also showcases a number of activities from concerts, parades, as well as fireworks displays. If you would like to venture into both history and art, you can also visit both the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland. These museums showcase an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance period among other interesting artifacts.

If the paranormal is something that whets your interest, then the Real Mary King’s Close will be something to look forward to. Scotland is famous for its ghost stories and hauntings and the Close is just one of those places you should go to for a chance at a ghostly encounter. The Close is a collection of streets that run underground beneath the Old Town district of Edinburgh. It was opened to the public in 2003 as a tourist attraction and is now the venue for the ‘Mary King’s Ghost Fest’ every year.

You can also visit the Old Calton Burial Ground, which was opened in the early part of the 18th century. The historical cemetery is the final resting place of the city’s notable citizens, among them David Hume who was a philosopher and historian who died in 1776.

Other interesting spots in the city include The Royal Lyceum Theater which hosts theatrical performances of plays by Shakespeare and Arthur Miller to name a few. You can also visit the St. Giles Cathedral, the Holyrood Palace at the end of the Royal Mile where the Scottish royalty reside, and the 15th century medieval Rosslyn Chapel (Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew) made famous by the book “The Da Vinci Code”.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

Since Edinburgh is most famous for its festival, it is best to plan your travel around that time of the year. The Edinburgh Festival is an annual event in the city that happens within the month of August. Most people might think of it as just one event but it’s actually many cultural events happening simultaneously. The activities cover anything from street performances to film showings to music. It is considered the largest festival of its kind and the number of visitors who travel to the city could equal its actual population. So if you are planning to join in the festivities, you might want to book your hotel room and make arrangements ahead of time.

On the other hand, if you like your vacation to be quieter, Edinburgh is a wonderful place for a walking tour. You can soak up the city’s atmosphere by walking down the Royal Mile that runs from Edinburgh Castle, through the Old Town District and ends at Holyrood Palace. Along the way there will be countless shops and historical buildings. Along the Royal Mile you can also drop by Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and World of Illusion that can give you amazing views of the city as well and hundreds of other optical illusions. You can get lost in one of the Royal Mile’s closes and get an authentic feel of old Edinburgh. You can also take a hike around Arthur’s Seat, one of the city’s tallest hills in Holyrood Park.
Nightfall does not just involve a trip to one of the pubs that can be found all over the city. You can delve into the paranormal and go on one of the available spooky walking tours of the reportedly haunted parts of the city. One of these tours is of course the Real Mary King’s Close.

What’s a trip to the Scottish capital without sampling the country’s greatest export, the Scotch whisky? Not only can you sample every type of malt there is, you can also learn about its history by taking an intoxicating tour of the many available shops by joining the Scotch Whisky Experience.

If you don’t feel Scottish enough, you can visit the Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Company at Castlehill to learn more about how tartans are made. You can also get yourself an authentic kilt as a souvenir.

After all that walking, we recommend you sample the local cuisine by getting yourself a plateful of haggis in one of the many restaurants that dot the city.

Along the River Clyde lies the largest city in Scotland, Glasgow. It is the most populated city in the country and is considered as one of the main economic hubs of Scotland. The city is not only known for its advances in the world of finance and business but is also ranked 57 in the most habitable cities worldwide. It has also been listed as a UNESCO City of Music in 2008, along with other European cities such as Seville, Spain and Ghent, Belgium. On top of that, it is also known for its architecture and design and is considered one of the United Kingdoms’ most stylish cities.

The city has also garnered worldwide fame for the notoriously difficult Glaswegian accent, which is particularly hard to understand. But you don’t have to worry as the locals are very friendly and will be more than happy to repeat themselves when needed.

The fastest way to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh is by taking the train. Travel time can take anywhere between 50 to 90 minutes depending on the railway service you are taking. You can also get there by car, bus or boat. If you are flying from outside of Scotland, Glasgow has two international airports: the Glasgow Prestwick International Airport and the Glasgow International Airport. There are also a good number Glasgow Accommodation that you can choose from.

Things to See in Glasgow

Since the city has been named ‘City of Architecture and Design’, your travel to Glasgow would definitely involve the impressive structures and buildings that are found there. You can start with the Clyde Auditorium, which is situated along the River Clyde and is nicknamed ‘the Armadillo’ by the locals due to its shape. This concert venue has a striking resemblance to the Sydney Opera House but its design is in fact modeled to resemble the hull of a ship. You can also visit the Holmwood House which is a 19th century villa that is open to the public and is one of the best examples of residences built during that era. The Glasgow Cathedral is a perfect example of Gothic architecture and was originally built in the 12th century. These are just a few of the magnificent Glaswegian structures you can feast your eyes on. Other examples also include the Mitchell Library, the Glasgow University, and the ‘House for an Art Lover’ located at Bellahouston Park.

After you’ve had your fill of architecture, you can make a switch to history and art. You can take a tour of the many art galleries and museums the city has to offer. Among the museums are the Saint Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, which showcases the development of religion in the area and the story of the city’s patron saint. It is also considered as the only museum in the world dedicated to the subject. The Winter Garden and the People’s Palace together tell the story of the city and its people starting from the middle of the 18th century. On Bell Street you will find the Glasgow Police Museum which displays well known cases handled by the Strathclyde Police, Glasgow’s police force and the different arsenal used by the local police, some of which date back to the 18th century when it was first established. If you would like to walk back in time, you can take a stroll along the Antonine Wall, made from stone and sod, which was built during the Roman occupation of the British Isles and was used to delineate the northern end of the Roman Empire. Built in 142 AD, the fortification runs for about 63 kilometers and estimated to be about three meters high and five meters wide. On the other hand, if maritime history is something that interests you, the Tall Ship might be worth a visit. This restored ship is now a museum berthed at Pointhouse Quay. It was originally a 19th century sailing vessel called the Glenlee and is one of the few locally built ships still afloat from that era.

Things to Do in Glasgow

If you are a music buff, Glasgow is the city you have to travel to while in Scotland. The city has an endless list of venues you can visit to get a real feel of the local music scene. One example is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut where the band Oasis started their career. For a taste of the Glaswegian club scene, you can swing by The Tunnel where famous DJs from around the world set the stage for a night of dancing. The Nice ‘n’ Sleazy hosts a number of alternative and punk bands. For techno music, you can try the Soundhaus. You can also see who’s playing at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, which is the venue of choice for major bands visiting the city.

There are also quite a number of theaters and music halls you can choose from that showcases everything from comedy shows, plays to classical music. There is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the King’s Theater just to name a few. The city also hosts a number of music festivals every year. One major festival that happens in the summer is the ‘Glasgow International Jazz Festival’. Glasgow definitely has something to offer music lovers of varied tastes.

On the other hand, it has something for the sports fanatics as well. For football fans, the city boasts of three stadiums, which are used for major UEFA Cup matches. One of which is the Hampden Park. The national team of Scotland plays most of their home matches in this venue.

Of course, if you are in the mood to just slow down and relax, you can never go wrong with just getting lost in any one of the city’s beautiful parks. The most popular of these parks is the Glasgow Green, which is located at Greendykes Street. Within its confines, you will find not just the local flora and fauna but also many different landmarks. One of which is the Doulton Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain and the best of its kind that survived. It was a gift to the city by Sir Henry Doulton (of the English company Royal Doulton, makers of fine tableware, figurines and other collectibles) and unveiled in 1888. It is surrounded by figures representing Australia, South Africa, India and Canada. It is 46 feet high, with five tiers and a base that measures seventy feet across and topped with a sculpture of Queen Victoria. The other thing that you should not miss is the imposing McLennan Arch. It used to be a place for social and cultural gatherings hen became a club. If you are traveling with children, the park also includes a play area and a play village to keep them busy.

Shetland is a collection of islands located off the coast of Caithness in Northern Scotland. It is an archipelago composed of an estimated 100 islands and is an amazing getaway for anyone who loves to travel off the beaten track. Because the archipelago is relatively far from the Scottish mainland and is very close to Scandinavia, it reflects a way of life that is unique from the rest of Scotland. Despite of its subarctic location, the climate in Shetland is characterized as mild all throughout the year. The temperature is not that much colder than the rest of Scotland. As with most places that fall under that region, winters are noticeably darker however because of its location, it is possible to witness the phenomenon known as the aurora borealis or the northern lights. In the summer, you may experience unending days when the sun never sinks below the horizon.

Things to See in Shetland

To get to Shetland, you can take the Northlink Ferries that travels daily from Aberdeen to the Shetland capital of Lerwick. You can also opt to travel through Loganair that has scheduled flights to the archipelago. Upon arrival, you will notice almost instantly that this archipelago boasts of beautiful and pristine beaches that wrap around the wind-beaten coastline. It is a perfect place for spotting northern marine wildlife where whale pods, seals, otters and sea birds that inhabit the waters and the coast. Moving inland, it won’t be long before you run into a heavy-coated and diminutive Shetland pony which is a breed indigenous to the area. Of course there is also the Shetland sheepdog or Sheltie, the Shetland goose, Shetland sheep and the Shetland cattle, all of which are smaller in size.

You can find rolling green hills that are mostly just written about in books. If you haven’t already been doing it professionally, you will find that photography in this region will be a piece of cake as it is almost impossible to take a bad picture of the picturesque landscapes.

Things to Do in Shetland

Shetland is definitely a place you would not mind getting lost in. You can take endless walks and take in the beautiful scenery. To maximize the great outdoors, there are a number of activities you can do such as kayaking and golf. There are also boat tours offered to see local wildlife.

For a truly cultural experience, the ‘Shetland Folk Music Festival’ happens in May where concerts are held in many venues around the archipelago. Every last Tuesday of January, a fire festival called ‘Up Helly Aa’, marking the end of the Yule season is held in Lerwick.

It is a must for every traveler to sample the local cuisine of fresh seafood, mutton, the Shetland cheddar, and black potatoes that can only be found in the region. You can also experience a great pint of ale at the Valhalla Brewery.

If you are a golf enthusiast, it is imperative that you travel to the one place where it all started, St. Andrews. Located in the eastern part of Scotland, it is a small, picturesque town that plays an important role not only to the sport of golf, but also the Church of Scotland and the country’s higher education.

Things to See in St. Andrews

One of the many sights you can find in St. Andrews is the British Golf Museum, which will give you an insight to the long history of the sport. Having garnered the title of the ‘home of golf’, there is no shortage of golf courses around the area. It is here that you will find the ‘Old Course’, which is one of the most well-known golf courses in the world where the Open Championship is held every 5 years.

St. Andrews is where you can find the University of St. Andrews, the oldest and most prestigious in the country. The university has been in existence since the 15th century and is ranked as one of the best in the British Isles, so much so that it has provided education for British royalty.

Another place of interest in the town would be the St. Andrews Cathedral. Since the town was once the ‘Ecclesiastical Capital of Scotland’, the cathedral played an important role as the seat of the bishop before the Reformation of Scotland in 1560. Within the cathedral grounds, you will also find the St. Rules Tower, which was constructed, even before the cathedral itself.

Things to Do in St. Andrews

You can try your hand at golf and take a tour of the golf course while in St. Andrews. Even those who do not play the sport will find it interesting to at least take a tour of the golf courses in the town. Be forewarned though that many of these golf courses are not for beginners and may require that you book well in advance.

There are also historical tours offered to visit the sites in town, which includes the University and the Cathedral. After that you can take a walk along the three beaches of St. Andrews: the Castle Sands, the East Sands and the West Sands.

The Highlands of Scotland is the region of the country divided from the Lowlands by the ‘Highland Boundary Fault’. This region brings to mind what are most distinctly Scottish, the kilts, the bagpipes, and picturesque mountains and lakes.

Things to See in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands is home to vast areas of wilderness largely because it is relatively less populated than the Lowlands. It is home to many species of animals that are not found anywhere else in the United Kingdom. As such, you can find many national parks in the region. The very first is the ‘Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’. It spans over an area of over 1,800 square kilometers and is a great place to explore nature. Visitors are free to go for walks and bike rides within the park, making it a great escape from the bustling city life.

If you are on a historic tour of Scotland, you must visit the Eilean Donan castle. It is the arguably the most famous castle in the country and has appeared in some Hollywood movies and television shows. The 13th century castle sits on a small island in the middle of Loch Duich and can be reached from the mainland by crossing a footbridge. Although some parts of the castle were destroyed in the 18th century, it remains to be a majestic structure that embodies the long history of the region and is home to Scottish Clan Macrae.

Things to Do in the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands is a Mecca for people who love the great outdoors. If you like activities such as kayaking, hiking, or camping, then it is a must that you head to this region during your travel to Scotland. You can experience the breathtaking scenery at the national parks in the region. You can also go cycling along the ‘Great Glen Cycling Route’. There are also many other paths you can take hikes on such as the ‘West Highland Way’ and the ‘Great Glen Way’. You can also take boat rides in the many pristine lakes found in the area.

You can also sample the local cuisine by visiting some of the famous restaurants in the region. One such place is the Captains’ Galley in Orkney, which includes in its menu the fresh catch of the day. If you would like to sample something distinct to the region, you can try the many local cheeses particularly the Crowdie that is traditionally spread on oatcakes.

Scotland is a country dotted with many pristine lakes but none of them is more famous than the Loch Ness. If you are not already familiar with the story of this lake, it is said to be inhabited by a prehistoric lake monster fondly referred to as ‘Nessie’. The many ‘Nessie’ sightings reported in the area have made headlines around the world and have drawn both tourists and scientists to the lake. A trip to Scotland would not be complete without trying you luck and becoming a witness yourself.

Things to See in Loch Ness

Travel to Scotland would not be complete without visiting its most famous lake, the Loch Ness. It is located in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness. The lake is famous worldwide because it is allegedly inhabited by a lake monster that is thought to be a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs. Although it has never been proven by science, many eye witnesses claim to have seen Nessie at the Loch Ness. Upon arrival at Loch Ness, you can join the many other travelers at the banks to see if the legendary monster would show itself. But the lake is not the only attraction around the Loch. At the shore, you will also find the historic Urquhart Castle not far from Drumnadrochit village. Although most of the castle is now in ruins, it is still a rather imposing structure that stands proudly overlooking the lake. Because of its rich history, it draws many visitors on a yearly basis. It was built in the 13th century and it was once used as a fortress by the Scottish resistance against the English. The castle is also said to be the place where sightings of Nessie are most commonly reported.

Things to Do in Loch Ness

As with most places in Scotland, the area around the Loch Ness is a great place for long walks. You can go hiking along the Great Glenn Way, which is a path that goes around the Loch and the neighboring towns. You can sample local cuisine served at the many restaurants around the area and do some of shopping for souvenirs. Of course, you can also sample the many pubs around the Loch for a pint or two.

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