Planning a European vacation but not sure which fascinating nation to choose?
If you’re looking for a small yet perfectly formed country packed with culture, history, beautiful landscapes and dynamic towns and cities, Scotland could be your dream destination.
The list of hotspots here is endless and it’s tough to prioritise which you should definitely pack in your itinerary ? to save you the trouble, we’ve collated a list of five super Scottish attractions that showcase just how cool Caledonia really is!
1. V&A Design Museum, Dundee
Dundee’s V&A design museum is full of interesting exhibitions and artefacts on historical and contemporary design In Dundee, Scotland and beyond, but it’s also worth visiting simply to gaze in wonder at the building itself. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and inspired by the rugged cliffsides of North East Scotland, its distinctive angular silhouette on the banks of the River Tea blends beautifully with the silvery waters.
Tip: Kengo Kuma explains his V&A vision in this video from design gurus Dezeen.
2. Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline
Dunfermline, in Fife (near Edinburgh) was Scotland’s ancient capital. Several kings and queens are buried in or near the Abbey here, the most famous of whom is Robert the Bruce. Visit the Abbey to see the final resting place of this warrior King and don’t forget to stop at the thorn tree in the graveyard outside where, legend has it, the remains of the mother of William Wallace (of ‘Braveheart’ fame) are also buried.
Tip: if you love the beautiful game, take in a Dunfermline Athletic FC football match!
3. Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Stirling
At the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the aforementioned Robert the Bruce lead severely outnumbered Scottish forces to a famous victory against an English army and solidified Scotland’s status as an independent land. Visit the site of the battle today and you can see a beautiful memorial statue on the field as well as a stirring exhibition which recreates the gruesome action of Bannockburn in virtual reality.
Tip: rent a vehicle from car hire experts Enjoy and explore Bannockburn, Stirling and beyond.
4. People’s Palace, Glasgow
Glasgow’s greatest assets are its gregarious locals, and this might well be Scotland’s friendly city. At the People’s Palace museum on Glasgow Green you can learn all about the amazing social history of this bustling metropolis through a unique collection of prints, films, photographs and artefacts.
Tip: pause for a refreshing craft beer and tasty pub grub at West on the Green.
5. Edinburgh Castle
Perched imperiously on a volcanic plug that dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh Castle resembles something straight from the pages of a fantasy book. Take a castle tour and you can learn all about its weird and wonderful history, enjoy amazing views and, if your timing is right, you might even see and hear the one o’clock gun being fired!
Tip: take an Old Town walking tour to learn all about the castle and its environs.
Have we missed your favourite Edinburgh hotspot? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
