Travelheart A Blog for those who love to travel
If you’re planning on getting away this summer and you’re craving something different to the usual beach holiday, considering a holiday in Scotland could tick all of the boxes.
Though the nation may not be world famous for blue skies and constant sunshine, what it lacks in summer weather, Scotland makes up for in fascinating culture and opportunities to have a truly memorable holiday.
Use these three suggestions as a starting point to build your perfect trip this summer and discover the best of what Scotland has to offer.
Edinburgh
No trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting the historic city of Edinburgh. A world capital for art, literature, philosophy and science, Scotland’s capital is renowned for its history, culture and beauty – both natural and manmade. Described as the ‘Athens of the North’ by the great thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment, Edinburgh is a city that manages to combine tradition and modernity, with its fusion of history, exciting night life and cosmopolitan bars and restaurants.
If you’re planning on travelling in Scotland in the summer months, make sure to schedule your time in Edinburgh to coincide with the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is the world’s largest arts festival and takes place annually in August, showcasing hundreds of comedy, drama and performance acts on the street of the city. For more information on the festival, including details of the acts performing, click here.
Like many European cities, Edinburgh is a hive of activity with lots to see and do. And yet just one mile from the city centre, an oasis of peace, tranquillity and natural beauty is ready to soothe even the weariest of travellers. Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens offer the chance for travellers to explore over 70 acres of landscaped grounds and glasshouses with an astounding collection of plants from around the world.
Golf
Scotland is one of the top golfing destinations in the world. And it’s not surprising, when the country is able to boast an impressive 550 golf courses to choose from. When temperatures are soaring in the Algarve, transforming golf into a sweaty chore, opting for a golfing break in the peaceful surroundings and comfortable climate that Scotland has to offer definitely sounds more appealing.
Companies such as Golf Kings offer tailor made breaks to destinations around Scotland, including the Carnoustie Golf Hotel on the North Sea coast, guaranteeing world class golf and scenery that will outshine anything a Mediterranean destination has to offer. This hotel boasts a championship course and an extensive spa, making for a break of extreme relaxation.
The Outer Hebrides
If your holiday vocabulary determines that the words ‘holiday’ and ‘beach’ must share a sentence, don’t naturally head to the Bahamas or Barbados in search of white sand. Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, a collection of over 200 islands located about thirty miles off the western coast, boast beaches and turquoise waters rivalling the best of the Caribbean.
After the bustle of Edinburgh and the exertion required to conquer one of Scotland’s championship golf courses, exploring the Outer Hebrides is guaranteed to restore your equilibrium. Though the remoteness and tranquillity of the islands is undoubtedly the attraction for the travellers who head there, don’t be fooled into thinking that these islands are uninhabited. The island are home to some of the most picturesque towns in the world, offering a warm welcome to travellers in search of local culture and fantastic food.
Arguably the best way to see the islands is by boat. Caledonian and MacBrayne run an extensive service between the Scottish mainland and the islands, making for a great opportunity to island hop your way around the Outer Hebrides.
Though Scotland may not be able to compete with the weather of destinations further south, it would be unfair to dismiss a country with a culture as rich and wonderful, which has so much to offer travellers in search of all types of holidays, for the sake of a little drizzle. For a truly memorable travel experience, give Scotland the chance to impress!
