Destination:
Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

The imposing castle that stands on the craggy mound of an extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh is the city's top attraction, a proud 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 (except for 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.

Palace of Holyrood House

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.

Royal Botanic Garden

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.

National Gallery of Scotland

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.

St Andrews

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.

Burrell Collection

Glasgow's top cultural attraction was donated by the shipping magnate Sir William Burrell in 1944. Over his lifetime he 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.

Gallery of Modern Art

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.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

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.

Loch Ness

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.

West Highland Railway

The West Highland Railway runs around 100 miles (161km) 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.

Northern Highlands

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 Europe.

Malt Whisky Trail

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.

Duthie Park

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 grounds. The park is famous for its Winter Garden, an indoor garden with a spectacular array of tropical plants and cacti; as well as its extensive rose garden, with over two million plants; and the 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.

Brig o' Balgownie

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.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Situated on historic Shiprow with spectacular views of the busy harbour, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum proudly exhibits Aberdeen'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 naval paintings. There is also a café and gift shop at the museum.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1885 and centuries later, it continues to be a popular attraction in the city. 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.

Balmoral Castle

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to one of its magnificent castles, and Balmoral Castle, set on the River Dee, is one of the best known. 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 castle and 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.

Museum of Edinburgh

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.

Scotch Whisky Experience

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.

Royal Yacht Brittania

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 learn about celebrity life on this luxury ship, and browse in the souvenir shop. The Brittania will be closed in January 2012 for maintenance.

Rosslyn Chapel

Made famous by the conclusion of the exciting novel (later turned movie) 'The Da Vinci Code' by 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.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

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 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-classicism and now has adequate acoustics, serving all the artistic requirements of the community.

Royal Mile

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.

Edinburgh Dungeon

Like the London and York Dungeons, the Edinburgh Dungeon gives a graphic yet spine-chilling look into Edinburgh's history. The dungeon relies on every trick to scare the life out of its visitors, and it does a pretty good job. But behind the scary masks and gruesome make up, it offers an educational and interesting look at history - a fun way for children of all ages to learn.

Edinburgh Zoo

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 if the penguin parade, held each day at 2:15pm.

Deep Sea World Aquarium

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.

The Museum of Childhood

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, 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.

Our Dynamic Earth

This science centre is a fabulous attraction for children of all ages and even 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.

Arthurs Seat

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. Arthur's Seat is popular for hikes, and the view from the top, of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, is 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.

Stirling Castle

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 views of the surrounding countryside, including the famous Wallace Monument, are spectacular.