The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

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 Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons.

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Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

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The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

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We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along The Borders Abbeys Way. This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

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Surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle.

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Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

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The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.

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The Forth & Clyde and Union canals are linked together by The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive piece of engineering, which opened in 2002. Learn about and ride a canal boat on the world’s only rotating boat lift and enjoy activities by the canal, such as cycling, walking, canoeing, segway rides and playing in the water park. You can hire canoes, bikes and electric boats, so there’s no excuse for not taking to the water! Here you’ll also find a walk to see the remains of the Antonine Wall, which was created from earthen mounds in Roman times.

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Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Meticulously restored, today you can meet costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will bring the world of Scotland's 16th century court to life.

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An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Time to explore

1 hour

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The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology.

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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the Luss Heritage Trail, a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro Ben Lomond, Ben A'an, and The Cobbler are all rewarding climbs nearby.

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Feel like you're in a fairytale and visit one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Visitors will be able to view historic pieces of armoury, a fine collection of china, silver, tapestries and much more. If you fancy staying longer, the expansive estate offers first-class holiday accommodation to help you get a good night's rest.

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You’ve arrived at Fort William, part of the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, so it’s time to get active! Keen hillwalkers will relish the challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, which stands at 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Make sure to visit Walk Highlands for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice before you climb.

Time to explore

12 hours

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Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the Outer Hebrides.

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising.

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The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.

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In Drumnadrochit, find out more about the legends of Nessie, all the sightings - real or not - and find out where the stories and tales stemmed from all those years ago, at the Loch Ness Centre.

Stay in one of the local cottages, B&Bs or hostels and complete your stay by enjoying some delicious local food, and even try a dram or pint of some traditional Scottish drinks.

Time to explore

3 hours

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The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country.

Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

The 3rd Duke was the country's wealthiest aristocrat and a confirmed train fanatic. He personally financed the extension of the Far North Line as far west as Lairg, the heart of what was then Sutherland's profitable sheep-farming industry.

Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking.

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Spend time in the picturesque town of Aviemore set in the north west corner of the park. Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, it makes an excellent base for exploring the park and offers easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. Nearby is the Highland Wildlife Park where you can get tantalisingly close to Scotland’s rarest indigenous species including the Scottish wildcat and elusive capercaillie. 

Time to explore

2 hours

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Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.

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Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned.

Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood. It now resides in Edinburgh Castle.

Time to explore

3 hours

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Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

Time to explore

2 hours

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A ‘must-see’ for any visitor, explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland. The cathedral’s museum houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. Make sure to climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, to see amazing views across St Andrews and Fife.