Scotland is a fantastic destination to visit, with plenty of things to do and see.
Booking a cottage break in Scotland is a cost-effective way to see the country. This allows you to do anything you want, whenever you want, and for a reasonable price.
Places to visit in Scotland
Ayr
There is plenty to see and do in and around Ayr. The Burns National Heritage Park is located just south of Ayr and contains the now fully rebuilt cottage where Burns was born, as well as a museum and other attractions linked to Burns’ life. The Loudoun Castle Family Theme Park is only a 20-minute drive away, and it features rollercoasters, log flumes, a petting zoo, and much more. Another interesting spot to visit if you want a different day out is the Isle of Arran. To get there, drive up to Ardrossan, from where there is a regular ferry service to Brodick Bay on the Isle of Arran. The journey takes around 55 minutes and you can either drive or walk. The Electric Brae is a strange spot 9 miles south of Ayr on the A719, where items appear to roll up the hill owing to an optical illusion.
East Lothian/Seton Sands
East Lothian is known for its picturesque coastline and rolling hills. The Museum of Aviation in East Fortune, not far from Seton, is a great place to learn about the history of flight and see their collection of planes. The Glenkinchie Distillery in Pencaitland, home of the ‘Edinburgh Malt,’ is also not far away; you can take a tour of the distillery and see a malt whiskey display here. The city of Edinburgh, which is only a 30-minute drive away, is a year-round world-class tourist attraction with much to keep visitors occupied, including museums, art galleries, theatres, a zoo, and a castle.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is without a doubt one of Scotland’s most important cultural centres, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience this vibrant city at any time of year. There is something for everyone, and there is also the wonderful countryside and towns and villages in the surrounding area to visit. The city’s skyline is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano in the heart of the city and offers guided and audio tours. The views of the city from the castle are breathtaking. In this dungeon experience that also includes a vampire boat ride, the Edinburgh Dungeon combines history and terror with amazing special effects and real performers. From its geological beginnings to the current day, the Scottish Museum presents the narrative of Scotland, its land, culture, and people, as well as various special exhibitions. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is situated in a spectacular neon-gothic structure, and its collection depicts Scotland’s visual history from the 16th century to the current day. It also houses the national photographic collection. From the early Renaissance through Post-Impressionism, the National Gallery of Scotland offers an incredible collection of paintings and sculptures. Edinburgh Zoo, in addition to housing over a hundred species, is also home to the world’s largest penguin pool and Europe’s largest colony of penguins, as well as Hilltop Safari rides and a maze. The Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently moored in Edinburgh’s Leith harbour, with a tourist centre in the Ocean Terminal and an audio tour of the five decks, which includes the royal residences and crew quarters. Our Dynamic Earth uses interactive displays and galleries to teach you how the Earth works, taking you on a trip from the big bang to the planet’s formation and geological history. There are guided and thematic tours available at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are regarded as one of the greatest gardens in the world. The Spirit of the Tattoo is situated in a 150-year-old Victorian reservoir and offers a year-round experience of the Tattoo through an interactive display recounting the history of one of Edinburgh’s most lasting attractions. The Linlithgow Palace, west of Edinburgh, is a magnificent ruin set in a park beside Loch Linlithgow, and the Scottish Mining Museum, nine miles south of Edinburgh in Newtongrange, is based at the Lady Victoria Colliery, one of the best examples of a Victorian colliery, with a three-story visitor centre.