Scotland Travel Guide
Scotland is a wild and untamed country, stretching from rolling
farmlands in the south and east to the dramatic highlands and
islands in the west, where the craggy coastline is pocked with
beautiful beaches and rises up to rugged, empty mountains divided
only by shimmering lochs and deep rivers. This ancient land has a
brutal history and is studded with ancient castles and
strongholds.Although still part of the United Kingdom, the Scots are a
fiercely independent and proud nation. They are, at the moment,
agitating to gain political independence from the UK by 2014. They
have their own legal system and more recently have their own
parliament, and are developing into an economic force in their own
right - Aberdeen is the hub of the North Sea oil industry, and
Edinburgh is now home to Europe's largest bank.Scotland is the home of golf and whiskey, and has a cultural
heritage stretching from the festivities of the clans, to the
poetry of Robert Burns. Scotland's rich traditions can be best seen
over the summer months at the cutting-edge Edinburgh Arts Festival
or at one of the many, more low-key Highland Games events.A land of unparalleled raw natural beauty, outdoor and
wilderness enthusiasts will delight in Scotland's open spaces and
its excellently-managed national parks.
Scotland Travel Guide
Money:
Time:
Local time in Scotland is GMT (GMT +1 between last Sunday in
March and last Sunday in October).
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Scotland Travel Guide
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Description:
The imposing castle that stands on the craggy mound of an
extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh is not only the city's
top attraction, but a proud and lasting symbol of the Scots nation.
The castle rock has been inhabited since 800 BC, but today most of
the remaining structures date from around the 16th century (with
the big exception of St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest
building, dating from the early 12th century). Of all the things to
see and experience at the Castle (including the spectacular view of
the city), the favourite for visitors is the Crown Room, which
contains the Scottish crown jewels and regalia of state. Also on
view here is the legendary 'Stone of Scone', upon which all the
monarchs of Scotland have been crowned. The castle also still
functions as a military headquarters, and is the site of the
spectacular military tattoo, which is world-renowned and held each
August. At 1pm each day, except Sunday, the 'one o'clock gun' is
fired, traditionally to allow ships in the Firth of Forth to check
their chronometers. The gun is also fired at New Year to mark
midnight during the Hogmanay celebrations. Tickets should be
pre-bought online to avoid queuing on arrival.
Address:
Castlehill
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 225 9846
Email:
hs.ticketing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website:
www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
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Description:
The Palace of Holyrood was originally an abbey, built in the
12th century, and later the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, notorious
for her turbulent reign and dramatic life. Today the palace is the
official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and is used by
the Royal family for state ceremonies and entertaining, but much of
the imposing baroque building is open to visitors. An audio guide
steers visitors around the grand royal apartments, which reflect
the changing tastes of a line of monarchs, as well as the Throne
Room and the Great Gallery, culminating in the apartments of Mary
Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley, their bed-chambers
linked by a secret staircase. A plaque on the floor marks the spot
where Mary's Italian secretary David Rizzio was murdered in 1566.
The rooms feature splendid plasterwork ceilings and magnificent
furnishings and tapestries.
Address:
Canongate, Royal Mile
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 556 5100
Email:
Website:
www.royalcollection.org.uk
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Description:
Not just any garden, the Edinburgh Botanic Garden is
acknowledged as one of the finest in the world, featuring six
percent of all the world's known plants, the most tender being
cosseted in glasshouses. Visitors can admire vegetation from 10
climate zones from tropical palms to arctic tundra, and see some of
the world's oldest plants in the orchid and cycad house. There are
also several restaurants and cafes, and a gift shop. The garden was
established in 1670 as a physic garden in Holyrood, was later moved
to Leith and was firmly planted in Inverleith in 1820, where it has
remained a top attraction ever since.
Address:
20a Inverleith Row
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 552 7171
Email:
visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk
Website:
www.rbge.org.uk
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Description:
The National Gallery of Scotland is situated in the heart of
Edinburgh and is home to Scotland's greatest collection of European
paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism.
The museum opened to the public in 1859 and includes works by
Botticelli, Cézanne, Van Dyck, Pisarro, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt,
and Titian. The Gallery also boasts the most comprehensive
collection of Scottish painting in the world. The Scottish Portrait
Gallery can be found nearby at 1 Queen Street and includes great
paintings of Scots rather than by Scots. The National Portrait
Gallery is closed for renovations however, and will re-open in late
2011.
Address:
The Mound, Princes Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 624 6200 or 332 2266 (recorded
information)
Email:
enquiries@natgalscot.ac.uk
Website:
www.nationalgalleries.org
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Description:
The historic town of St Andrews is home to the most famous golf
club in the world, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
Often referred to as 'the home of golf', St Andrews and the British
Golf Museum are must-visits for any enthusiasts of the sport. With
500 years of golfing history, and the home of the British Open, the
museum will take visitors on an exciting journey through the
sport's heritage and an introduction to the world's golfing
legends.
Address:
Bruce Embankment, St Andrews
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)1334 460 046
Email:
judychance@randa.org
Website:
www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk
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Description:
Glasgow's top cultural attraction was donated by the shipping
magnate Sir William Burrell in 1944. Over his lifetime, Burrell
amassed more than 8,000 works of art, 3,000 of which are displayed
at any one time. The collection includes hundreds of sculptures,
drawings and paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, some
notable medieval European tapestries, as well as artefacts from
Arabia and the Orient. The collection is housed in an ugly,
purpose-built building set in the sedate surroundings of Pollok
Country Park. Within walking distance is Pollok House, which
contains a fine collection of Spanish paintings including works by
Goya, Murillo and El Greco. The Edwardian house is the ancestral
home of the Maxwell family, who donated the house and the
collection to the National Trust in 1966.
Address:
2060 Pollokshaws Road, Pollok Country Park
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)141 287 2550
Email:
museums@glasgowlife.org.uk
Website:
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/our-museums/burrell-collection/Pages/home.aspx
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Description:
Located in a former Grecian-style mansion in the heart of the
city near George Square and Buchanan Street, the Gallery of Modern
Art displays Glasgow's extraordinary range of post-war art and
design. Glasgow's most recent gallery, it was opened in 1996 and
includes works by Niki de Saint Phalle, David Hockney, Sebastiao
Salgado, Andy Warhol and Eduard Bersudsky as well as Scottish
artists such as John Bellany and Ken Curry.
Address:
Royal Exchange Square
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)141 287 3050
Email:
museums@glasgowlife.org.uk
Website:
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/our-museums/goma/visiting/Pages/home.aspx
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Description:
Glasgow's principal art gallery and museum, the Kelvingrove is
one of Scotland's most popular free attractions. This imposing red
sandstone building, opened in 1901, houses a superb collection of
paintings by old masters such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Van
Gogh and Picasso, as well as an impressive display of European
armour, military weapons and prehistoric relics. The main
attraction is a room dedicated to the works of the 19th-century
architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who studied at the Glasgow
School of Art and designed many of the city's great Art Nouveau
buildings.
Address:
Kelvin Park, Argyle Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)141 276 9599
Email:
museums@glasgowlife.org
Website:
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/our-museums/kelvingrove/Pages/home.aspx
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Description:
Loch Ness is situated in the Great Glen that links Inverness on
the east coast to Fort William in the west. The most famous lake is
24 miles (39km) long, half a mile (1km) wide and 700ft (213m) deep
and is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster, which many claim to
have glimpsed from the shore. There are fine walks around the
mountains and glens that surround the loch and many head for the
scenic ruins of Urquhart Castle or the Nessie exhibition at
Drumnadrochit. The four lochs that make up the Great Glen are
linked by the Caledonian Canal, which was built in the early 1800s
to enable ships to pass from the North Sea to the Atlantic without
having to navigate Scotland's harsh north coast. The most
traditional and comfortable way to travel along the glen is by
boat, and a flotilla of canoes, yachts and cruising boats are
available for hire in Inverness and Fort William. The more
energetic may opt to walk or cycle along the 70-mile (113km) Great
Glen Way. The walk will take four to seven days.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.loch-ness.org
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Description:
The West Highland Railway runs on 100 miles (161km) of track
from Glasgow to Fort William, and then along the West coast through
the remnants of the Caledonian forest, Loch Lomond, Glencoe and
some of Britain's most spectacular mountain scenery and finest
walking country. Passengers can get off at Highland stations and
set off on wonderful walks direct from the platform. For a hiker
this railway is an absolute gift and for any visitor wanting to
explore the Highlands in comfort, a ride on the West Highland
Railway is a must. There are three passenger trains running in each
direction every day. Walkers should make sure they book
accommodation well in advance and remember to bring rainwear and
anti-midge cream.
Address:
Postcode:
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Description:
Beyond Inverness and the Great Glen, Scotland stretches away in
a spectacular fusion of wooded glens, sweeping moors, rugged
coasts, towering mountains and welcoming villages. The Northern
Highlands includes both the rich farmland of the Black Isle and the
precipitous sea cliffs of Cape Wrath; the traditional crofting
communities of North West Sutherland and the busy towns of Easter
Ross; the historic fishing villages of Caithness and the wooded
straths of Mid Ross; and the popular beaches of East Sutherland and
the majestic, beautiful mountains of Wester Ross. Due to its
remoteness this huge area is largely overlooked by tourists despite
having one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Europe.
Address:
Postcode:
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Website:
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Description:
The Grampian Highlands area is famous for its delicious malt
whisky, and the best way to explore this long-standing tradition is
by following a whisky route (self-drive or guided) to eight
different distilleries, including the Glenfiddich Distillery that
was started in 1887. Visitors can learn about the age-old process
of coaxing different smells, tastes and colours from a mixture of
yeast, barley, peat and water, and take tours of different
distilleries. Some distilleries can only be visited with advanced
bookings, and usually offer tastings.
Address:
Glenfiddich Distillery: Dufftown, Banffshire
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)1340 820 373 (Glenfiddich)
Email:
info@glenfiddich.com
Website:
www.glenfiddich.com
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Description:
Created by Lady Elizabeth Duthie in 1881 to commemorate her
uncle and brother, Duthie Park is beautifully situated on the banks
of the River Dee and draws hundreds of visitors to its colourful
floral displays and 44 acres (18ha) of well-maintained grounds. The
park is famous for its Winter Garden, an indoor garden with a
spectacular array of tropical plants and cacti; its Rose Garden,
with over two million plants; and its exotic and stylish Japanese
Garden. There is also a boating pond, plenty of winding walkways
for a romantic stroll, bowling greens, tennis courts, a children's
playground and a restaurant. Other 'green lungs' worth visiting in
Aberdeen include Hazelhead Park, the Union Terrace Gardens and the
Johnston Gardens.
Address:
Polmuir Road
Postcode:
Telephone:
01224 585310
Email:
Website:
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/community_life_leisure/parks_open_spaces/pos_duthiepark.asp
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Description:
Built from granite and sandstone, the single-arched Brig o'
Balgownie, stretching over the River Don, dates back to the 13th
century and was completed in 1320 during the Scottish War of
Independence. The bridge long served as an important thoroughfare
for large armies as well as for traders, and was extensively
renovated in the 1600s after it had fallen into disrepair. The
bridge stretches for 39 feet (12m) and offers beautiful views of
the river.
Address:
River Don, Old Aberdeen
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Situated on historic Shiprow, with spectacular views of the busy
harbour, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum proudly exhibits the city's
strong maritime history and its close connection to the sea. The
city's significance in the North Sea oil industry is explored, as
well as the importance of fishing, shipbuilding and sailing in the
development of the area. Displays at the museum include a 28-foot
(8.5m) high model of the Murchison oil production platform,
collections of photographs and plans from major Aberdeen
shipbuilders, and various naval paintings. There is also a café and
gift shop at the museum.
Address:
Shiprow
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)1224 337 700
Email:
info@aagm.co.uk
Website:
www.aagm.co.uk
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Description:
The Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1885, and
more than a hundred years later, continues to be one of the city's
more popular attractions. The Gallery has a large permanent and
changing collection, housed in an impressive building with an
exquisite marble interior. Highlights include collections of Modern
Art, the Scottish Colourists (including artists such as Leslie
Hunter and Francis Cadell), and the Post-Impressionists. There is
also a collection of local applied art and crafts, including fine
examples of Aberdeen silver.
Address:
Schoolhill
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)1224 523 700
Email:
info@aagm.co.uk
Website:
www.aagm.co.uk
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Description:
No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to one of its
magnificent castles, and Balmoral Castle - set on the banks of the
River Dee - is one of the best known and most prestigious. The
Castle, with its fairytale turrets, is set on 50,000 acres (20,234
ha) of spectacular grounds, and the Royal Family has preserved the
surrounding wildlife, buildings and scenery since it was bought by
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. A visit to the Castle
includes access to the gardens, the ballroom and the grounds, but
the Queen's Rooms are out of bounds. The Balmoral Castle and its
estate are set within the Cairngorms National Park and offer
breathtaking vistas of the Highlands. Visitors can also enjoy a
Castle tour, which takes in other impressive castles such as
Crathes Castle and neighbouring Craigievar Castle.
Address:
Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)1339 742 534
Email:
info@balmoralcastle.com
Website:
www.balmoralcastle.com
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Description:
Get to grips with the mystery and magic of the ancient city of
Edinburgh at the museum dedicated to its history, from prehistoric
times to the present day. The Museum of Edinburgh contains
important collections all relevant to the city's history, from
pottery to documents, shop signs to silverware. The building in
which the museum is housed is also of interest, dating from the
16th century with a chequered history of ownership and tenancy by a
variety of people from aristocrats to common workers. There is a
gift shop on the ground floor, and although there is no food or
drink allowed, there are a number of pubs and restaurants
nearby.
Address:
142 Canongate, Royal Mile
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 529 4143
Email:
MuseumsAndGalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk
Website:
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Museum-of-Edinburgh
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Description:
Alongside Edinburgh Castle visitors can enjoy a 'wee dram' and
uncover the secrets of brewing Scotland's famed malt, grain and
blended whiskies, known to the locals as 'the water of life'. The
whisky tour includes a barrel ride through the history of whisky, a
tutored tasting, and a chance to meet a resident ghost. The bar
offers the chance to choose from 270 different whiskies, and a
restaurant serves up traditional Scots cuisine. The interactive
tour promises fun for all the family, although of course only
adults are permitted to sample the wares.
Address:
555 Castlehill, Royal Mile
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 220 0441
Email:
Website:
www.whisky-heritage.co.uk
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Description:
Pride of the Ocean Terminal in the port of Leith, Edinburgh's
recently developed waterfront shopping and leisure area, is moored
the famed Royal yacht,
Britannia. Numerous illustrious passengers, including Sir
Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, have trod her decks, not to
mention the British Royal family themselves. Now visitors can board
this vessel on a self-guided audio tour, cruising through the
fabulous state apartments to the crew's quarters, and even the
gleaming, polished engine room. Most of the accoutrements on board
are original, and there are some surprises too: like the Queen's
bedroom and one of her shiny Rolls Royces. At the Visitor Centre
you can learn about celebrity life on this luxury ship, and browse
through the souvenir shop.
Address:
Ocean Terminal, Leith
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 555 5566 (for pre-booking)
Email:
Website:
www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
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Description:
Made famous by the conclusion of the exciting novel (later
turned movie)
The Da Vinci Codeby Dan Brown, this 15th-century Gothic
church has become a touristic place of pilgrimage, just six miles
(10km) south of Edinburgh's city centre. Known among the clergy as
the 'Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew', the church was founded in
1446 and features the famous Apprentice Pillar, and remains a
working church with regular services on Sundays.
Address:
Rosilin, Midlothian
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 440 2159
Email:
mail@rosslynchapel.com
Website:
www.rosslynchapel.org.uk
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Description:
The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is used primarily for musical
events and touring groups, and it is one of the main venues for the
annual summer Edinburgh International Festival, as well as being
the year-round venue for the Scottish Opera and the Scottish
Ballet. This historic location is Edinburgh's oldest continuous
theatre site: there has been a theatre there since as far back as
1830. For nearly thirty years after 1963 the theatre became a bingo
hall, but was still occasionally serving as a festival venue. It
re-opened in June 1994 with a glass-fronted structure as the new
entrance and a dramatic mix of art nouveau, beaux-arts and
neo-classicist architecture, and now has adequate acoustics,
serving all the artistic requirements of the community.
Address:
13/29 Nicolson Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)131 529 6000
Email:
Website:
www.eft.co.uk
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Description:
A 'must see' in Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, a succession of
streets forming the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Fittingly, the Royal Mile is approximately one Scottish mile long,
running between two historic attractions; Edinburgh Castle at the
top of the Castle Rock and Holyrood Abbey. This is Edinburgh Old
Town's busiest tourist strip, rivalled only by Princes Street in
the New Town. The streets that make up the Royal Mile include
Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate
and Abbey Strand. The Hub, at the top end of the mile, plays host
to the Edinburgh International Festival, and holds integral
information on all the Edinburgh festivals. Its gothic spire, which
is the highest point in central Edinburgh, towers over the adjacent
castle and surrounding buildings. During the Festival the Royal
Mile coems alive with entertainers and visitors.
Address:
Edinburgh Old Town
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Like the London and York Dungeons, the Edinburgh Dungeon gives a
graphic and spine-chilling look into Edinburgh's history. The
dungeon employs every trick in the book to scare the life out of
its visitors, and it does a pretty good job of it. But behind the
scary masks and gruesome make up, it also offers an educational and
interesting look at history - a fun way for children of all ages to
learn.
Address:
32 Market Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
0131 240 1001
Email:
Website:
www.thedungeons.com
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Description:
Featuring a wonderful variety of cute and exotic animals,
children will be absolutely thrilled with a visit to the Edinburgh
Zoo. It also offers younger visitors a Kids Zone where they can do
puzzles, meet new additions to the zoo, find out about wildlife in
their own back garden and more. A must-see is the penguin parade,
held each day at 2:15pm. Another huge attraction of the Edinburgh
Zoo is its Giant Pandas enclosure, but note that visitors must book
a time-slot to see these magnificent animals as they are kept
largely out of the public eye.
Address:
134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh
Postcode:
Telephone:
0131 334 9171
Email:
info@rzss.org.uk
Website:
www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
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Description:
Located just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, Scotland's national
aquarium Deep Sea World is the perfect place for a fun-filled
family outing on a rainy day. Children can view marine life such as
sharks, eels and rays from one of the world's longest underwater
tunnels, watch seal pups play, and even get to watch a
shark-feeding session. There is a series of shallow 'touch pools'
for younger tots to touch and handle some of the sea life, such as
starfish and sea urchins.
Address:
Battery Quarry, North Queensferry, Fife
Postcode:
Telephone:
01383 411 880
Email:
Website:
www.deepseaworld.com
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Description:
When travelling in Edinburgh with children, a trip to the Museum
of Childhood is an absolute must and a favourite with adults and
children alike. It contains wonderful displays, featuring toys from
the past and present and from all parts of the world, as well as
displays about other aspects of childhood, including school and
sports, health and holidays. While children enjoy playing with the
toys, adults will enjoy the feelings of nostalgia at seeing their
favourite playthings of yesteryear.
Address:
42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Postcode:
Telephone:
0131 529 4142
Email:
museumsandgalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk
Website:
www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Museum-of-Childhood
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Description:
This science centre is a fabulous attraction for children of all
ages and adults alike, and aims to educate and inspire visitors to
think about our planet and its evolution. Featuring a number of
changing exhibitions, there's always guaranteed to be something new
to discover upon each visit to Our Dynamic Earth. Take a spin in
the G-Force space ball, and explore the many wonders of the world
in which we live.
Address:
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh
Postcode:
Telephone:
0131 550 7800
Email:
Website:
www.dynamicearth.co.uk
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Description:
The tallest of the seven hills that form Holyrood Park at 822
feet (250m), Arthur's Seat is actually an extinct volcano that
overlooks the city of Edinburgh. There are the remains of an Iron
Age hillfort, with several grassy plateaus that make for pleasant
stopping points on the way up. Described by poet Robert Louis
Stevenson as "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its
bold design", Arthur's Seat is popular for hikes, and the view from
the top of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside is well worth
the climb. There are many ideas of how the hill got its name, among
them the famous legend of King Arthur and his half-sister Morgan Le
Fay.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
One of the most impressive Scottish castles in the region,
Stirling Castle has a famous history of clashes between British
troops and Scottish revolutionaries. Its bridge is the site of one
of William Wallace's major victories, and the field of Bannockburn
was the venue for the triumph of Robert the Bruce. Stirling Castle
was also the home of Mary Queen of Scots. The castle offers tours,
and the views of the surrounding countryside, including the famous
Wallace Monument, are spectacular.
Address:
Castle Wynd, Stirling
Postcode:
Telephone:
+44 (0)1786 431306
Email:
hs.stirlingcastle@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website:
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk
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Description:
One of the city's premier tourist sights, the Glasgow Science
Centre is a captivating and compelling attraction that will appeal
to visitors of all ages. Located in Glasgow's Clyde Waterfront
Regeneration area, the Science Centre has been awarded a five-star
ranking from VisitScotland, the country's official tourist board.
There is much to see and do in the Glasgow Science Centre. The
heart of the Centre is its Science Mall, which features hundreds of
interactive exhibits spread over three floors. On the first floor,
kids will be delighted by the Giant African Land Snails and the
Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches; while highlights on the second
floor include a fancy console that allows you to morph your
features with those of celebrities, and to view a 3D model of your
face. The third floor is probably the pick of the lot, featuring
brain-teasing optical illusions in the Mindworks and Alice and
Wonderland exhibitions. The Glasgow Science Centre is also home to
an IMAX theatre and Scotland's leading planetarium. A world-class
attraction, a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre is a must for
visitors to this Scottish city - and an absolute godsend for those
travelling with kids in tow. Budget at least three or four hours to
take it all in.
Address:
50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow
Postcode:
Telephone:
0141 420 5000
Email:
Website:
www.gsc.org.uk
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Description:
The Falkirk Wheel - a rotating boat-lift located near the town
of Falkirk in central Scotland - is an unlikely but extremely
popular Scottish tourist attraction. The Wheel, which was built as
part of an initiative to rejuvenate Scotland's canals and
waterways, is a tremendous feat of engineering. Visually
spectacular, the Falkirk Wheel has an overall diameter of 115 feet
(35m), and features two 45-foot (15m) mechanical arms, shaped like
double-headed Celtic axes. A landmark in Scottish engineering, the
Falkirk Wheel features on the obverse of the country's £50 note. An
increasingly popular day excursion, visitors to the Falkirk Wheel
can enjoy 50-minute boat rides on the Union Canal that feature an
exciting 'lift' on the Falkirk Wheel. Kids will also love the
Waterwalkerz Activity Zone found at the site, and the whole family
can enjoy the four miles (7km) of woodland walking trails that
surround the area. Bicycles can also be hired. A fun and
educational day out with the kids, a trip to the Falkirk Wheel is
highly recommended for family vacationers in Scotland.
Address:
Lime Road, Tamfourhill
Postcode:
Telephone:
08700 500 208
Email:
info@thefalkirkwheel.co.uk
Website:
www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk
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Description:
The history of the city of Glasgow is intimately linked to that
of the Glasgow Cathedral, as it was the city's patron saint, St
Mungo, who oversaw its original construction. The Saint's remains
remain buried in the Cathedral's crypt, and the Cathedral itself
continues to form a vital part of the religious life of the city of
Glasgow. The impressive medieval building, which dates back to the
late 12th century, is one of the best examples of Scottish Gothic
architecture you'll find anywhere in the country, featuring vaulted
arches, stained glass, and spires that have been beautifully
blackened with age. A highly recommended activity for tourists in
Glasgow, take about an hour to explore the Cathedral's quiet,
serene and splendid interior.
Address:
Cathedral Square, Castle Street, Glasgow
Postcode:
Telephone:
0141 552 8198
Email:
info@glasgowcathedral.org.uk
Website:
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Description:
The highest peak on the British Isles, Ben Nevis is an extremely
popular destination for serious mountaineers and intrepid hikers
alike. Located near the charming town of Fort William in the
Scottish Highlands, the imposing igneous cliffs of Ben Nevis
dominate the skyline and offer an irresistible challenge to active
types looking to conquer Britain's most intimidating climb. There
are two main routes up the mountain: the Mountain Track, which is
ideal for experienced climbers, and features a thrilling ascent up
craggy 700 metre (2,300 feet) cliffs on the mountain's north face.
The gentler Glen Nevis route is suited to fit hikers, and follows a
steep track up the mountain's south face. On the summit of Ben
Nevis, the ruins of an old observatory (abandoned since 1904) can
be found, and the views are immense, rugged and spectacular. At the
foot of the mountain, the famous and popular Ben Nevis Distillery
can be found near Victoria Bridge (a little ways north of Fort
William), providing an interesting excursion for malt whisky
enthusiasts.
Address:
Scottish Highlands, near Fort William
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.ben-nevis.com
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