Travel advice for Scotland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Scotland
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written by Chitra Ramaswamy
updated 11.01.2021
Billy Connolly famously said that "there are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter". Yet anyone who loves walking in this hauntingly beautiful country knows that even the weather can't spoil the bleak majesty of its ancient landscape. It's the rain, wind, sleet, snow, sun and constantly changing light bursting from vast, shifting northern skies that make walking in Scotland so magical. And you don't have to bag a single munro to reap its rewards either...
The Great British Road Trip
Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored
customize ⤍Festive Feelings around Christmas in Scotland
Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of the Scottish Highlands! Lovely Christmas Markets and winter festivals await visitors during the winter months, but this itinerary can also be turned into a summer festival hop!
customize ⤍Scotland's Wildest Natural Scenery
Want to lose yourself in Scotland's wildest natural scenery? This itinerary is a breath of fresh air and perfect to explore the most enchanting landscapes of the Highlands. It will allow you to get to know the wildest landscapes of Scotland, its fast-paced history and its amazing traditions.
customize ⤍A true 'Outlander' Adventure
Calling all Outlander lovers…you are in luck! Who would like to follow in the footsteps of the nurse Claire Beauchamp on her trip to Scotland in 1743? We have designed the perfect itinerary to experience the most charming corners that feature in the series.
customize ⤍Magical 8-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!
Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 8-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!
customize ⤍Highland Tour: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Edinburgh
Discover the beautiful region of Perthshire, the famous Loch Ness and Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Get a chance to admire Europe’s oldest mountain, stroll along sandy beaches on the Scottish West Coast, and visit the mysterious Isle of Skye.
customize ⤍Walking around vintage England and picturesque Scotland
Visit two traditional capitals, London and Edinburgh, and enjoy a trek through the Loch Lomond national park. This trip will let you discover peaceful Scottish islands by foot, with several days of detailed walking tours included in the trip.
customize ⤍Harry Potter and The Alnwick Castle
You are one step away from joining a magical adventure! If you are fans of the wonderful world of the little magician apprentice, Harry Potter then the time has come to discover the very scenes where the Harry Potter universe was filmed. Do not forget to bring your wand. We await you on platform 9¾!
customize ⤍Robert Louis Stevenson described the extinct volcano forming Holyrood Park as "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design". The views back across Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament, Leith, the Firth of Forth and out to the Bass Rock are fabulous. There's no need to climb Arthur's Seat either. Circle the crags, wander the paths, and take refuge with the dog walkers in Hunter's Bog. It's extraordinary enough to find hillwalking like this in a capital city. Afterwards, go for a pint at Swedish hipster bar Hemma.
Glasgow also has many green zones worthy of a visit. Choose a park to walk around in our list of parks in Glasgow.
It's a park your car and stroll through the dunes affair but arriving on the vast stretch of sands, often empty save the odd wild pony, you feel like you've stumbled upon one of nature's great secrets.
The journey lives up to the destination: narrow winding roads passing crofts, cottages and one of the most beautifully situated graveyards you're likely to come across. If one must die, this is the place to wind up. Stay at the Neolithic-inspired Blue Reef cottages.
Pick your way around the headland and seek out the ruins of a Norse chapel reached by steps cut into sandstone with only a rusty chainlink rail to guide you. Orkney also features in our reader survey of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
Our guide to the best things to do in Scotland will help you fill your Scottish holiday with all sorts of activities.
Explore more of Scotland with The Rough Guide to Scotland. Compare flights, book hostels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.
written by Chitra Ramaswamy
updated 11.01.2021
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Scotland
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