Although England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their distinctive attractions, for many Brits and visitors alike, no constituent UK nation compares with Scotland when it comes to stunning scenery, rich culture, intriguing history and locals who are very friendly, a little wild and always wonderful!
Scotland is a beautiful country, with something for everyone. From rolling hills and lush valleys to wild coastlines and towering mountains, Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for any holiday. With its rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder that Scotland is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations.
The cities in Scotland offer plenty of unique attractions for tourists to explore. In Edinburgh you can wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town or climb up to Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views across the city. Glasgow has plenty of museums and art galleries plus fascinating architecture from its past as a major industrial centre. Other towns like Stirling and Inverness also have interesting sights to see including castles and historic houses.
The Scottish countryside is full of beautiful landscapes to explore. Take a trip to the Highlands or visit the islands off Scotland’s coast for incredible views of lochs, glens and deserted beaches. Attend one of the traditional Highland Games and sample unique seafood dishes.
If Caledonia is on your travel to-do list when restrictions ease off, some insider advice will ensure that you have the best time possible . Take on board these five tips for a sublime Scottish holiday.
The most widely spoken language in Scotland is English, but Scots and Gaelic are also official tongues here. In practice most Scottish people speak a blend of English and Scots, but the guttural accent and regional variations mean some things may get lost in translation. ‘Aye’ means ‘yes’, ‘naw’ means ‘no’, and ‘polis’ means ‘police’ but watch this Scottish phrases video from BeautyCreep for more!
Scottish food is more varied than you might imagine, although it is true that there are a fair number of fried dishes here. The fish and chips served in the East Neuk of Fife are amongst Britain’s best, haggis is very tasty if you don’t dwell on the ingredients (sheep's heart, liver, and lungs) although veggie versions are also available - and for the world’s best hangover cure, a square sausage roll with Irn Bru (often described as Scotland's other national drink) works every time!
Duncraig Castle (cc: Wikimedia Comons)
Roads in Scotland are generally good, and the scenery means it’s a marvellous place to explore on your own steam. Central cities like Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh and Dundee are all a few hours from each other and they are all worth visiting, while the North Coast 500 route is an excellent way to see the Highlands. Rent a car with Enjoy Travel and hit the road to adventure!
No one parties like the Scots (ok, maybe the Irish, but almost no one!) so don’t miss out on the chance for some brilliant banter (lively conversation) and good company on a Scottish night out. There are restaurants and clubs aplenty in every town and city, but Glasgow’s mix of charming locals and diverse venues like "
Ox and Finch" and the Barrowland Ballroom make it a little bit special.
There’s an eclectic mix of accommodation in Scotland, from Airbnb’s and hostels to serviced apartments and hotels, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere stylish and comfortable in any Scottish location. If you’re staying in Edinburgh and looking for a luxury bolthole bang in the middle of town, stay at The Balmoral hotel, a five-star haven at 1 Princes Street which is a bit of an institution.
Follow these five tips and you’ll have a fantastic time in Scotland ̶ but be warned that it’s easy to fall for Caledonia’s charms, so you’ll probably be planning your second trip before you’ve even finished your first.
Have you been to Scotland? Tell us about your Scottish holiday hacks in the comments section.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
