Hotels in Scotland

When you think of Scotland, the things that come to mind are bagpipes, castles, Braveheart, the Loch Ness monster, and Highlander. This is partially true as the country is littered with castles, but there’s more to Scotland than these major attractions.

Scotland is a diverse country. It has bustling cities, icy mountains, peaceful countryside, and charming landscapes, making it the perfect holiday destination. Families, couples, and solo travellers will never run out of activities to do and places to visit in this small but lovely country. It’s definitely one of the destinations you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

How to Get There

Scotland has several major airports including Glasgow International Airport, Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, Aberdeen International Airport, Dundee Airport, Edinburgh Airport, and Inverness Airport. From these airports, there are train lines and public buses that can take you to major destinations and cities.

The cheapest option to reach Scotland is through bus and coach services from England. There are also several train lines connecting Scotland and England. Ferries and boats are also an option. You can also travel by car to reach the country, but it’s a long drive that’s not recommended.

Getting Around

Public transportation is easily accessible, and they reach even remote destinations within the country. Trains provide the cheapest option and they cover most areas of the major cities. Bus services are also reliable and can take you from one city to another. Meanwhile, renting a car will allow you to explore the countryside better, but it’s the least viable option because of high fuel prices.

Top Things to Do

Peppered with impressive castles and breathtaking sceneries, a visit to Scotland is a must when you go to Europe. Edinburgh Castle is one of the top tourist spots in Scotland as it gives a magnificent view of the surrounding area. From here, head down and traverse the Royal Mile to visit small shops, cafes, museums, and historic landmarks.

Scotland is filled with greens and serene waters. Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the region, is a must-visit place. It’s home to fishing activities and watersports, and the surrounding forest is great for hiking adventures. Who hasn’t heard about the mythical Loch Ness monster? One of the most popular things to do in Scotland is to cruise the Loch Ness. The picturesque view of the lake is made more romantic with the Urquhart Castle ruins standing on the hillside.

Nature lovers and birders will love the scenic combination of sandy beaches and mountains from afar offered by the Isle of Skye and the Inner Hebrides.

Have you watched the movie Braveheart? Visit Stirling Castle to see the land where the legendary hero displayed his courage to fight for the country’s independence. If you want to learn more about the country, the prominent Glasgow Science Centre houses hands-on exhibits and special-effect theatres that will delight and educate visitors.

Another top tourist spot in Scotland is the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. Here you’ll learn the history of the country’s transportation through interactive displays. Visiting the untamed landscapes of The Northern Highlands is one of the most popular things to do in Scotland for hikers, bikers, and trekkers. The sparsely inhabited mountain region is home to wildflowers, rocky shores, and breath-taking views.

What to Eat

You can’t get any fresher seafood than the Scottish salmon. Make sure to sample the widely exported seafood yourself. Haggis, a kind of sausage made by mixing sheep’s pluck with spices, is also a must-try national dish of Scotland.

Before you go out on an adventure, have a hearty Scottish breakfast or some bangers (sausage in Scotland) and mash. Grouse, a moorland bird inhabiting the region, is also a special delicacy in the country. It’s usually available during the shooting season. For snacks, sample some Scotch pie and see why bakers all over the country battle against each other to get the title of the World Scotch Pie Champion.

Nightlife

Glasgow and Edinburgh hold a range of night activities including music festivals, clubs, live music, bars, and poker tournaments. In Glasgow, the Horseshoe Bar, Babbity Bowster, and Blackfriars pubs are the best in town. In Edinburgh, look for Sneaky Pete’s, Cabaret Voltaire, The Mash House, The Liquid Room, and OX184.

Where to Stay

Edinburgh hosts several family-friendly hotels in Scotland. The wide selection of restaurants in the area also makes it the ideal location for foodies. Glasgow is the place for people who love a vibrant atmosphere. Filled with lights, bars, and restaurants open until past midnight, Scotland hotels here are perfect for night owls and partygoers.

For a charming nature view, Scotland hotels in Loch Lomond, Galloway Forest Park, Cairngorms National Park, and the Trossachs National Park offer wonderful accommodations. Families are most welcome here. If you’re after outdoor activities, look for a place to stay in Fort William.

The Isle of Mull is littered with small shops selling locally crafted products. The quiet neighbourhood and colourful waterfront are perfect for those who want to take a break from the bustling city life without disregarding convenience.

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, the Isle of Sky is the top choice to look for remote hotels in Scotland. For the right balance between nature and culture, the city of Inverness offers the best of both worlds.

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