There is no doubt about it, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world. A place where you don’t have to filter your photos because the scenery is breath-taking all on its own. It’s a country rooted in history and folklore. There is no need to jet off far and wide when a gem of a country may be just under your nose. Below is a list of places you must see on your visit to Scotland.
With their city motto being People Make Glasgow, you know you’re in for a treat. Quite frankly, they deliver on their statement. Whether you’re looking for directions or just want to start a conversation, Glaswegians couldn’t be more receptive and open. The city is also a hub for musical talent. Glasgow has something going on every night of the week. You could be catching a play at the King’s Theatre, watching the latest comedian at the SSE arena or listening to a new artist at SWG3. You may also hear the songs of the many buskers who play on Buchannan street. With no shortage of choices, you will definitely be entertained. If gigs aren’t your thing you could visit George Square and soak up the history. However, you will be met with a statue with a traffic cone on its head, a running joke in Glasgow as the police keep taking it down and the Glaswegians just keep putting it right back up. The people of this welcoming city don’t take themselves too seriously, a quite refreshing environment. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a night owl or a true shopaholic, this is a city you need to visit. The people of Glasgow really do cater to everyone.
Scotland’s capital is a beautiful modern city that still has its roots firmly cemented in its long history. This is a completely different experience than its western counterpart. If you wish to shop till you drop you couldn’t have more choice thanks to the long stretch that is Princess Street. Between its architecture, the Old Town or the view of Edinburgh Castle, the city’s history startles from all viewpoints. If you fancy a more immersive experience, why not spend time at the Edinburgh Dungeon? You will learn more about the city’s grisly past through actors who bring it to life. Great for the kids. To see Edinburgh in its full glory. Visit in the month of August when the yearly arts festival is on. The Fringe is a month-long event that celebrates the city’s artistic talent. Between street shows, stalls of goods to buy or the 3,500 live shows, something will definitely captivate you.
Scotland has produced some great writers of children’s literature for thousands of years. If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids this summer, then the storybook trail is for you! The trail consists of towns and movie locations that inspired its writers to pen their famous stories. J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series has captured the hearts of millions and you can see the city from which she drew inspiration. J.K Rowling is from the Scottish capital, so dawn your walking boots and go see the city’s building and people that prompted the famous story. If your kids love the movies, then a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the highlands should definitely be on the to-do list. Your kids will get to see the famous snapshot of the Hogwarts Express heading to the school. Furthermore, if Beatrice Potters Peter Rabbit is your children’s favourite story then take a visit to Perthshire and check out the Beatrice Potter Garden Exhibition. Lastly, if your son or daughter believes that Scotland may be home to some monsters, then definitely get yourself to Loch Ness. Let them see if they’re lucky enough to spot Nessie as thousands have tried before.
J.M Barrie’s story of a boy who refuses to grow up still resonates a hundred years later. The writer was born in the small Scottish burgh of Kirriemuir, known to its residents as Kirrie. Barrie’s Peter Pan was inspired by his Scottish roots and has had tremendous success in the literary circuit. He soon elaborated on his play and it became the novel that so many of us are familiar with today. To celebrate the story a playpark was erected in his honour. The park is themed on the novel and is a great spot to sit and have a picnic.
Scotland’s fourth largest city is a hub for culture. Dundee has been changing in recent years from a student city to a cultural one, with the resurgence of the waterfront and the opening of the V and A Museum. The waterfront is now a place to be celebrated as hip bars, hotels and restaurants have started moving closer to the harbour- very enticing and inviting to tourists. The opening of Slessor Garden, a music venue, is now gaining traction, with names such as Tom Jones and Little Mix now attached. If you’re looking for something to entertain children, there is the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail that is now a staple in summer and there are plenty of parks, such as Camperdown. If you are looking to view the whole city, then take a trip up the law hill where you can see for miles on a clear day.
The Fairy Pools are in Glenbrittle on the Isle of Sky. These spectacular pools are made of rock and filled with clear spring water from the series of waterfalls that surround them. If you are looking to relax and get back to nature, this is the place to do so. Although I would recommend bringing a warm change of clothes as it often tends to reach freezing temperatures. It’s also only a beautiful 2.4km walk from the carpark. These pools have increased in popularity in recent years, mainly because they have made it onto the TripAdvisor list of things to do in Scotland. So be careful on the single track roads to get there!
Are you an experienced climber looking for your next challenge? Ben Nevis could be it. It’s the highest mountain in Britain, with this peak standing at 1,345m. Close to the town of Fort William, it attracts thousands upon thousands of climbers every year. Ben Nevis used to be an active volcano and, at its summit, you can see the evidence yourself. Whether you wish to complete the climb for bragging rights or just to view some of the Scottish scenery, this climb is not for the faint of heart.
Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most historic glens and, if your aim is to see more of Scotland’s scenery, this won’t leave you disappointed. The resort is situated on Rannoch Moor and offers stunning views. Glencoe offers tons of activities. In the summer, the centre has mountain biking and hillwalking, while in the winter it turns into a snowy destination with snowboarding, skiing, chairlifts and sledding. If you aren’t a fan off the cold, then head inside to the café and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and amazing views.
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