Located in Lothian, the Scottish capital lies among a series of volcanic hills and is presided over by an iconic castle. Edinburgh is an architectural treasure trove with enough neoclassical terraces, Georgian grandeur, and late-medieval monuments to thrill even the most avid architecture enthusiast. Visitors can explore the renowned Royal Mile, with its numerous tourist attractions including the beautiful, hidden Dunbar’s Close Garden, and a Camera Obscura with five floors of holograms and optical illusions. The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-see for fans of the golden liquid, while incredible theatres, fascinating museums, excellent pubs and restaurants, and a flourishing nightlife completes the picture. Make sure to head over to Calton Hill to admire the incredible skyline of spires, towers, domes, and steeples.
Idyllically located on the banks of the mighty River Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city is continually in flux. Glasgow has been in the midst of a renaissance with its chic shopping centres, the striking architecture of the new multi-million-pound Riverside Museum of Transport, as well as its beautifully preserved mix of historical Victorian, Georgian, Venetian, and Art Deco architecture. Must-sees include the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the immaculately kept grounds of the Pollok Estate Country Park. Glasgow is well known for its top-notch restaurants, lively nightlife, its popular and diverse live music and comedy scene as well as its many authentic traditional pubs. This flourishing Scottish city features a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere yet retains a charming down to earth, genuine feel.
Perth is an attractive city on the banks of the River Tay in east-central Scotland, commonly referred to as ‘the Fair City’, and perfect for exploring on foot. During walking tours of the city you will take in sights such as St. Ninian’s Cathedral; St. John’s Kirk, which dates back to 1159; the Perth Museum and Art Gallery, with its fine collection of ancient Pictish Stones; and the impressive Fergusson Gallery. Located just outside of the city is the magnificent Scone Palace, the historic crowning place of 42 Scottish kings. A visit to the 16th-century Elcho Castle just outside of Perth is also highly recommended. Active types will enjoy the cycling and hiking trails up Kinnoull Hill, whose summit offers fantastic views of the city and its surrounds.
Few countries can boast a traditional culture as distinctive as Scotland. From haggis and whiskey to men in kilts playing the bagpipes, this proud country’s local customs are recognised throughout the world. Scotland is a land of hilltop castles, formidable fortresses, and mist-cloaked glens. With some of Western Europe’s largest areas of wilderness in their backyard, the Scots are blessed with a host of outdoor pursuits including hiking and mountain-biking in the rugged terrain of the Northern Highlands, whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Mull or sea-kayaking among the seal-haunted isles of the Outer Hebrides. With all this wilderness on offer alongside some of Britain’s most fascinating cities, it is no wonder that the Scots are so fiercely passionate about their remarkable country and its impressive heritage.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
