The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy offering four fascinating countries all rolled into one easily accessible and remarkably diverse island nation. Comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK contains more heritage, per square mile, than any other nation in the world. It is also blessed with vast, sprawling areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline, and some of most the dynamic, multicultural cities in the world. With the quaint medieval villages of the Cotswolds, the impressive architecture of the Canterbury Cathedral, the endless cultural delights of London and Edinburgh, and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers enough variety to satisfy travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are keen to explore massive national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, the charming seaside resorts of Blackpool and Bournemouth, or the unlimited supply of wonderful British pubs, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your time in this extraordinarily diverse nation.
Resting on Scotland’s North Sea coast at the mouth of the Barry Burn river, Carnoustie is a small town famous for its magnificent golf courses, watersports and interesting heritage. The main drawcard to the town is the wealth of various excellent golf courses, offering different challenges for all levels and having historical significance as the part of the 1999 Open Championship. With a heritage as a renown ‘sea-bathing’ destination in the early 20th century, the town was promoted as the ‘Brighton of the North’. Along with swimming, the beaches are also ideal for a number of watersports including sailing, windsurfing and fishing, which culminate annually in the Carnoustie Gala Week. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historical corn mill, which still runs with the flow of the Barry Burn.
Situated at the confluence of the Dee and Don rivers expelling into the North Sea in northeast Scotland, the port city of Aberdeen boasts an array of cultural attractions, a fascinating history and a variety of top-notch restaurants and hotels. Known as the Granite City, the town’s streets are lined with glittering granite buildings. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of interesting activities including: visiting Aberdeen’s excellent Maritime Museum, browsing the Aberdeen Art Gallery, strolling along sandy beaches to the north of the city, whiskey tasting along the Malt Whisky Trail, and exploring the historic university buildings and cobbled streets of the Old Town. Don’t miss a visit to the charming fishing quarter of Footdee featuring a collection of cosy cottages boasting colourful little gardens.
Located just 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness, surrounded by dramatic mountains, in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous lake and most popular holiday destination. While the lake is most famous for its fabled inhabitant, the Loch Ness monster, the area is also celebrated for its natural beauty and history. Loch Ness provides a great base for visitors to explore the surrounding area including: the impressive ruins of the Urquhart Castle, the village of Drumnadrochit, and the Caledonian Canal. Visitors can enjoy a boat cruise across Loch Ness, where aspiring monster hunters can search for clues to arise from the murky depths, to prove the legend’s existence. Other popular activities such as horse riding, cycling, hiking, and fishing are on offer.
Oban is een historische havenstad in het westen van Schotland. Hoewel het traditioneel bekend staat als een eenvoudig vervoersknooppunt dat bezoekers naar de Hebridische eilanden verbindt, beschikt het dorp nu over een rijke verzameling bezienswaardigheden en activiteiten. Begin met een wandeling van 15 minuten de heuvel op om McCaig's Tower te bezoeken, een excentriek stuk Victoriaanse dwaasheid met een prachtig uitzicht op de stad en de schilderachtige omgeving. Van daaruit bieden de twee nabijgelegen kastelen van de stad, Dunollie en Dunstaffnage, een kijkje in de oude Schotse geschiedenis, terwijl het War and Peace Museum Oban's rol in de twee wereldoorlogen beschrijft. De Oban Distillery biedt rondleidingen langs de beroemde whiskyfaciliteiten, terwijl het Scottish Sealife Sanctuary op slechts 10 kilometer ten noorden de thuisbasis is van rivierotters, grijze zeehonden en een breed scala aan andere zeedieren.
Situated in the historic county of Perthshire, Scotland, the small town of Callander rests in the banks of the River Teith. It serves as an excellent stopover for those en route to the spectacular Scottish Highlands. This town is a popular holiday destination provides a great base from which to explore the Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and 'Rob Roy Country'. Callander is idyllically set amidst incredibly scenic countryside undulating meadows, lush woodlands and wooded crags. Have a pot of tea at a local tearoom, pick up a souvenir, hike along the network of trails in the surrounds. Other highlights inlcude the beautiful Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie. And the soaring Callander Crags.
Perched among volcanic hills, Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is dominated by its iconic castle and a skyline of spires, towers, and domes. The city is an architectural treasure trove, featuring elegant Georgian terraces and late medieval monuments that captivate even the most discerning enthusiasts. Visitors can wander the famed Royal Mile, discover hidden gems like Dunbar’s Close Garden, or explore the playful optical illusions of the Camera Obscura. Whisky lovers will delight in the Scotch Whisky Experience, while theatres, museums, lively pubs, and restaurants bring the city to life. For breathtaking panoramas, Calton Hill offers a sweeping view of historic streets and distant hills. Edinburgh’s blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy makes it a must-visit destination for every traveller.
