Are you planning cheap coach holidays? Which places do you want to visit? Where do you think you’d have the maximum fun? Scotland is a really good choice; it is close by so you can easily bring the costs down in the sense that there wouldn’t be too many travelling expenses, particularly if you choose to go by coach. Plus, there is so much to do, and so many places to see: the historic castles that show off a glorious past, the magnificent scenery that will take your breath away, the battlefields that witnessed victory and blood, the trails where kings and queens walked, the secluded beaches, the ever tall mountains, Scotland has it all.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in the country that are a must visit if you are going off on a ‘Scottish’ holiday this year.
The Edinburgh Castle
Probably the most popular fortress in the country and among famous historical sites in the world, the Edinburgh Castle has dotted the city’s skyline since centuries ago. Located on top of a black basalt rock, the castle provides splendid views of other popular attractions in Edinburgh such as the Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
You can enter the castle from Esplanade through a drawbridge that is built over an old moat. As you cross your way towards the main gates, you’ll come across statues of heroes who won against the English in history.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club – St Andrews
Scottish people seem to have invented many a things such as postage stamps, telephones, bicycles and even steam engines. But probably their most fun invention is golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf club which is situated in St Andrews, 12 miles away from Dundee, draws many tourists round the year.
The club was founded in the year 1750 and is the ruling body of the game today. The British Open is often hosted here at any of the 18 hole courses, probable the best of which is the Old Course that runs along the coast.
The British Golf Museum and the Clubhouse are also nearby, and definitely worth a visit if you want to know more about the game’s journey from inception till today.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is the biggest lake in Britain, located in the north western side of Glasgow, some even believe this wonder to be the Queen of Scottish Lakes. Trout, whitefish, salmon, the lake is home to a number of freshwater fishes which sure taste delicious when cooked and eaten. Ride a boat across the lake, hike up the trials of Ben Lomond, and oh, you can even enjoy a number of water sports at the site. Be sure to set aside a day if you plan to visit Loch Lomond; there is just too much to do at the edge of these sparkling, blue waters.
The Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran or the Scotland in Miniature takes up only 166 miles of land, but is a mirror image of the mainland in terms of landscapes. Just like the mainland Scotland, Arran shows off huge mountains, castles, moorland, golden beaches, fishing harbours and of course, the great game of golf.
If you visit Glasgow, you can easily get here as well; it doesn’t even take an hour by ferry. While you only need a day to visit the main attractions in the area, Goat Fell Mountain and the Brodick Castle, you should keep aside two to three days for this place, so that you can explore the place in great detail.
Stirling
Stirling is located in between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is known for the Battle of Bannockburn and the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Check out the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, where you’ll come across several interesting historical exhibits and displays. Also visit the Wallace Monument and the nearby Sterling Castle. The Wallace Monument soars over 246 feet in the sky, offering splendid views all around. The Sterling Castle, perched on a volcanic crag has a rich history, which saw some of Scotland’s most fine eras.
Loch Ness
The Loch Ness Exhibition, which takes place at the Drumnadrochit Hotel isn’t worth missing, simply because its exhibits tell a very fine tale of the past that the area has had. The Urquhart Castle also has several myths to tell; it caught fire around 500 years ago, but despite that, it offers an amazing backdrop for some beautiful pictures.
The Isle of Skye
Skye is the biggest inner isle of Scotland, also referred to as the Could Island and the Sküyo. If you love nature, you should definitely include this on tour list of places to visit. The interesting wildlife, the romantic landscapes set amidst the mountains, the dark, exciting caves, the glorious waterfalls, and the golden beaches will leave you spellbound. And all of this you get to enjoy in a really small area, which adds to the appeal.
The Isle of Skype is covered with oak forests that are a home to seals, otters and around 200 bird species. You can easily get to Skye by road, but ferries are a fun alternative.
The Northern Highlands
The Glen More separates the Northern Highlands from the rest of Scotland. The Northern Highlands occupy a large area from Inverness right up to Thurso. Though you’ll come across small, interesting villages, most of the area still isn’t habited, and serves as an excellent spot for biking and hiking. Dornoch is among the prettiest towns because of its castle ruins, cathedral and John o’ Groats that overlooks the Pentland Firth.
The Burns Heritage Trail
Your visit to Scotland wouldn’t be complete until you visit the two sites associated with Robbie Burns, the famous poet. The trial starts at are the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and ends at the Robert Burns House.
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