In the last period of time, people are trying to choose more and more exotic locations to spend their holiday. Many times, they end up spending money in distant places, assuming there aren’t other destinations closer to them. However, in Europe, but also on other continents, many locations hide real treasures. One of them is Scotland itself. It remained in the minds of travellers as the home of the Loch Ness monster. But Scotland has a lot more to offer, like the bay itself.
In this article, you can find many activities to do with friends, family, or your significant other. So, get your luggage ready and stop thinking. Scotland is closer than ever.
Best events to attend in Scotland
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Scotland also has several great events. From entertainment to art and culture, these festivals will be an extremely enjoyable activity. Among these, the most popular ones to go to are:
- Hogmanay
- Celtic Connections
- Spirit of Speyside
Hogmanay
All countries celebrate New Year’s Eve, but Scotland has its celebration called “Hogmanay!” This party has its origins in the traditional Viking celebrations. They used to celebrate the coming of the solstice with real bonfires. This tradition can also be found in many other nations who used the old calendar. Certainly, the ideal place for this holiday is the capital itself, Edinburgh. During this festivity, visitors can admire live performances, concerts with local bands, and real fireworks shows offered by Edinburgh City Hall. The authorities also organize a procession with torchlights every year, which are applied on the old streets of the capital. Also, even visitors can choose to participate in the parade, taking a torch.
Celtic Connections
Scotland is an amazing country where countless cultures intertwine. This festival is also in the winter, as are many other festivals in Scotland. For those planning a winter trip to Scotland, this music festival is perfect. Celtic Connection runs for 3 weeks, starting in mid-January, and takes place in Glasgow. Folk music is an old tradition in Scotland. Here, music fans can experience famous folk musicians in an almost magical context. In addition to the music scene, the Celtic Connections festival also has many performances. Here, visitors can enjoy exhibitions dedicated to Celtic culture or interesting workshops. It is also important to note that this festival is free and allows access to anyone. Of course, this whole festival would not have been possible without the help of The Scottish Government.
Spirit of Speyside
Another important aspect for which Scotland is known is whiskey. This great drink has been around for a long time. And for those who are passionate about it, the Spirit of Speyside festival in May is the perfect opportunity. This festival lasts for half a week and is held right in Speyside. The location is extremely picturesque, in the countryside, in the north-eastern part of the country. Here, travellers can be present at various tastings and workshops or conferences on whiskey.
Top activities to do in Scotland
For sure, Scottish events and festivals are just some of the activities that can be done. For fans of going out in the city, the following article about best bars and pubs in Scotland is perfect. First of all, the perfect activities in Scotland are excursions. Scotland is a country with countless tourist attractions, but to see them all requires a lot of trips. All these and many other activities can be found below.
Tours around the country
The most popular types of tours that tourists can experience in Scotland are bus tours. They may also include train or boat trips. The most popular locations for these tours are Skye, Loch Lomond, and the famous Jacobite Steam Train. The Isle of Skye has magical landscapes, where there were once amazing species. Here, visitors can easily imagine how the Druids, Celts, or elves lived in peace. Loch Lomond is an enchanting location, consisting of a lake surrounded by hills. This location is inside a Trossachs National Park, which transports the tourist to a dreamland. Also, this destination is an extremely documented and loved one. Loch Lomond has also been used as a source of inspiration for music artists.
Outdoor activities
For adrenaline fans, countless outdoor activities can be done in Scotland. Due to the terrain and the advantageous geographical position, tourists can try off-ground, on water, on land, on snow activities. Some of the most popular ones are bungee jumping, off road biking, fishing, and horse riding.
Sport events
Being a country with a rich history of sports, tourists can not miss the various sporting events. For example, a private tour of the Isle of Skye is the perfect opportunity to try out a round of golf with a professional coach.
Something for Everyone
In Scotland, no tourist will be bored. The incredible number of activities is so great that most of them will have to take more vacations to take full advantage of it. Scotland also provides a variety of dedicated tourism platforms, covering all of these activities and traveling companies. Thus, tourists will not bother to find their trains or buses for their favourite route.