Glasgow is home to more than 20 museums and art galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum, a radical space designed by Zaha Hadid that reveals the history of transport in the city. Many of the city’s major museums are free, while those looking to get out and discover Glasgow’s incredible street art can take a tour of the Mural Trail with an expert local guide.
The work of eminent architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is dotted all over the city. You can dine in style and delve into the history of his work at Mackintosh at the Willow, which features a restaurant, tea rooms and a visitor centre.
Style Mile, the area between Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and the Merchant City is packed full of independent boutiques and vintage fashion venues, while Sloans Market and Merchant Square Craft Market are a must for shopaholics.
The vibrant Finnieston area is the city’s hippest new foodie quarter, with quirky bars, independent restaurants and a cool, laid-back vibe.
Make sure you visit People Make Glasgow for a more detailed glimpse of city life.
Just over one hour’s drive from Glasgow you’ll find Loch Lomond, a first hint of the Highlands and an area designated a National Park for its epic splendour.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is located in central eastern Scotland, near the Firth of Forth, close to the North Sea. Thanks to its spectacular rocks, rustic buildings and a huge collection of medieval and classic architecture, including numerous stone decorations, it is often considered one of the most lively cities in Europe. Scottish people called it Auld Reekie, Edina, Athens of the North and Britain’s Other Eye.
Edinburgh is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is a city with a fantastic position. The view falls on all sides – green hills, the hint of the blue sea, the silhouettes of the buildings and the red cliffs. It is a city that calls you to explore it by foot – narrow streets, passageways, stairs and hidden church yards on every step will pull you away from the main streets.
The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It is the capital of Scotland and home to many tourist attractions. A visit here will be well worth it, considering the numerous things you can do and see. Most of the structures in the Old Town have remained in their original form over the years. Charming medieval relics are plenty in this section of the city. In contrast, orderly Georgian terraces line the streets of the New Town. The general urban scenery is a blend of ancient structures and modern architecture, which gives the city a unique character. In 1995, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. With year-round festivals, a throbbing nightlife, and an entertaining arts scene, Edinburgh never falls short of interesting travel ventures for tourists.
If you’re looking for a calm and charming getaway then a stay at Hayling Island may be the one for you. Hayling Island is a small and endearing island off the south coast of England. The island is within the county of Portsmouth and has all the attractions of your traditional seaside holiday. With the additional benefit of impeccable views of Langstone Harbour, it makes for a beautiful place to visit and admire. It is one of the many fascinating British isles that is often overlooked and overshadowed by some of its bigger and more well-known neighbours. In addition to this, the island has a small but charming population of around 17 thousand which means its got all the makings of a quiet and uninterrupted trip filled with fascinating views and wondrous beaches.
Despite being peaceful and serene there are still many activities to get up to when visiting Hayling Island. In fact, windsurfing was actually invented there and so sports events linked to windsurfing as well as sailing are often taking place for visitors to get involved with.
Windsurfing – Hayling Island
Sailing – Hayling Island
There are numerous wonderful beaches to enjoy with the family or to simply take a dip in the water, some most notable include; West Wittering Beach and Hayling Island Beach. If beach leisure isn’t for you and you prefer a more active trip there is an abundance of parks to wander during your visit with Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Staunton Country Park as well as others offering glorious trails for visitors to wander.
While providing typical features of a British seaside holiday Hayling Island is too unique in its range of opportunities. For those looking for a little more, there is also the possibility of catching the Ferry to Portsmouth and enjoying the water. Or even more interestingly, you may want to get the ‘Bee-Brave Experience’ which is an opportunity to gain understanding and get close to Bees an experience unique to the charming island.
Jersey is the biggest of the Channel Islands and sits a mere 14 miles from the French coast and 85 miles from the English coast. Despite being geographically closer to France the language that dominates is English along with Jerriais which is actually the traditional language of Jersey and is closely related to French. Additionally, despite being the largest of the Channel Islands it is still relatively small being 5 miles long and 9 miles wide and consisting of 12 parishes. Just like the Isle of Man Jersey is a self-governing part of the British Isles meaning that while it likely shares some of the same charming features as Great Britain it will have many other interesting characteristics of its own.
Gorey Castle
Jersey Beach
The capital of Jersey is called Saint Helier and is the largest settlement and only town of Jersey. Saint Helier houses some fascinating landmarks such as Fort Regent, Beresford Market and 16 New Street, all of which cannot be found anywhere else. If you’re more interested in the environment there are three areas of land protected as their deemed to be considered ‘Sites of Special Interest’ and the excellent Jersey Zoo to explore.
Zoo – Meerkats
Traditionally folk music prevailed across the land, although now the music is far more diverse and jersey is home to many music festivals such as Jersey live, Weekender, Rock in the Park and more that can be enjoyed at different times throughout the year.
Music Festival
Along with a selection of music there is also much food to be enjoyed when visiting Jersey. Seafood holding a special position in the traditional cuisine of Jersey, along with their rich Jersey milk and the islands famous Chats (small potatoes). A unique culture influenced by a mix of British and French settlers makes Jersey an interesting island to visit and their fine cuisine and taste for music make for a trip you will enjoy.
A small and charming island near Great Britain is waiting for your visit. The Isle of Man is one of the British Isles and is located in the Irish sea. The Isle of Man, unlike Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is self-governing and so is not classed as part of the United Kingdom. The small island is known for its wondrous castles, rural landscapes and beautiful coastline. The Isle of Man has actually been considered the ‘gem of the Irish Sea’ and this is all thanks to its substantial beauty and quirky attractions both of which make it a glorious place to visit.
The Ayre Shoreline
Clagh Ouyr
If the quirky little island interests you, then a little insight into the wonderful experience that awaits is likely to be much appreciated. Whether you decide to visit the capital, Douglas, or wonder the 95-mile breath-taking coastline, the Isle of Man has much for you to see and experience. The predominant culture is said to be highly influenced by the islands Celtic and Norse past and its being said that much of the prevalent music is too influenced by these origins. Additionally, as it was once home to many British immigrants, it’s also pointed out that much of the typical British culture influences the island and so all these influences make for a fascinating culture that is unique to the island. Manx is the traditionally spoken language through the island, however this language is now sadly considered ‘critically endangered’ and the English language is the most spoken throughout the island.
Ballaglass Glen
Under the Treaty of Perth, the island became part of Scotland in the year 1266. Then more than a century on, in 1399, it would become under feudal lordship of the English Crown. Despite this it has always maintained its self-governance and has never been part of what we now consider the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’. The quaint gem was home to 84,077 individuals in the year 2018 and is too home to many impressive and beautiful attractions.
Castletown Inner Harbour
Castle Rushen is considered one of the most well preserved medieval castles in Europe and the fascinating grounds can be accessed at certain points in the year meaning it makes for an extraordinary day out. On the other hand, The Gaiety Theatre provides the perfect opportunity for you to appreciate some of the magnificent architecture that is unique to the island. With all this in mind the island makes for a beautiful and peaceful trip worth taking.
Skye, or the Isle of Skye has a truly breath-taking landscape and plenty of views to be admired when you visit.
Coral Beach
Skye is within the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and is actually the largest of the major islands. Perfect for those with a passion for the outdoors and a taste for beautiful views. It’s considered one of the top locations in Scotland to visit, admired mostly for the remarkable scenery. In addition to the remarkable landscapes its also a great place for those with a passion for wildlife. A variety of enchanting animals including seals, dolphins and otters can all be appreciated when visiting the Isle of Skye.
Seals on Skye
While it is remarkably beautiful, that’s not all Skye has to offer. There’s plenty to do for those who decide to visit and a variety of places to choose from. As suspected the incredible landscape means that it is a prime place for walkers, hikers, and climbers.
Quiraing – Totteridge Ridge
It has many famed climbing destinations including ‘The Trotternish Ridge’ which would make for an adventurous and challenging day out. However, for those less experienced, Skye is highly saturated in areas that would make lovely walks. For those who are looking to appreciate the landscapes by other means there are plenty of pony ride opportunities available.
Ireland is a fascinating country split into two parts, Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom and, the Republic of Ireland, which is independent. Saturated with beautiful landscapes and a complex history it makes for both a beautiful and an educational holiday. No matter which part you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to have a memorable and character filled trip, meeting welcoming people and visiting beautiful countryside.
Skellig Michael
Giants Causeway
Ireland has a fascinating and enjoyable culture and heritage that can be witnessed and appreciated if you choose to visit. The Republic of Ireland were successful in getting their independence back after centuries of British rule in 1921 and the fascinating history of how they accomplished can be further understood by visiting. Despite this split the entirety of Ireland has a lot to offer those who visit. Beauty, tranquillity, culture and cuisine are all in abundance within Ireland.
Guiness – Irish Beer
There are ample reasons to visit Ireland, the breath-taking green landscapes that dominate the country have seen to it that the country has been nicknamed the ‘emerald isle’ and is to this day considered to be one of the jewels of Europe. The island in itself is the second largest in the British isle and the third largest in Europe, despite this the country is home to a relatively small population of around 6.6 million people. With such a small population and such mesmerizing scenery Ireland makes for a wonderful place to visit and have a blissful holiday, uninterrupted by many of the stresses of everyday life.
Dingle Penninsula
Friendships
Ireland’s rich in culture and the Irish people are well known for being welcoming and warm, meaning that the small population has a lot to offer those who visit. It was actually said, by Lonely Planet, that Ireland was the friendliest country in the world in 2010 so the atmosphere and people do nothing but add to the many reasons Ireland warrants a visit.
Cliffs of Moher – County Clare
If you’re looking for tranquillity and beautiful views, you’ll likely love a trip to visit the Cliffs of Moher or Killarney National Park which offers breath-taking views and makes for a memorable experience where you can view and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
There’s a plethora of charming towns such as Sligo and Glengarriff which are both aesthetically pleasing and offer a well-rounded experience of Irish life. Furthermore, if your hoping to get fully immerged in the culture and wish to experience Ireland city life then you might want to visit one of the two capitals of the country, these are Belfast which is thecapital of Northern Ireland and Dublin which stands as the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Both have unique history and atmosphere waiting to be enjoyed by you.
A trip to Ireland would make for a character filled and interesting one. The country has a lot of history and many incredible views that would be appreciated by all. Everyone should get to visit Ireland witness the Emerald Isle and enjoy the company of the nicest people in the world at least once.
Grab your shades and escape with the kids for summer activities on the beach, from surfing frothy waves to building sand castles whilst cooling down with an ice cream. Spend summer holidays in England hunting for fossils along the Jurassic Coast, or spotting dolphins on the Lizard peninsula. Lose yourself to the sounds of your favourite band at a music festival, or enjoy a Shakespearian play under the stars. Feel the summer breeze on your face as you explore scenic country paths on foot, two wheels or even four hooves, and finish off with a tall glass of something cool in the gardens of a country pub.
Wales, much like its neighbouring country England is a small country that boasts a lot of culture and historical value. It sits in the southwest of Great Britain also known as the United kingdom and has a population of just over 3 million. The small country is scattered with wonderful castles that provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to get lost.
Seaside towns such as Tenby and Pembrokeshire provide the perfect scenery for tranquil days out with the family or to practice your photography. With a deep and fascinating Celtic history to discover and its own language to admire or maybe even learn it makes for a memorable and enjoyable place to visit. It’s a country dominated by vast stretches of greenery and there’s plenty of exciting and beautiful places that warrant attention. Additional to all of that, welsh people are wholesome and welcoming in nature and will likely add to the experience.
If you’re looking for excitement it may be worth heading to the capital city of Cardiff where there’s plenty to eat, drink and do at all hours of the day. Expand your knowledge by visiting Cardiff Museum or explore your taste buds with the variety of foods found in the range of restaurants. If you are looking for a city holiday but don’t want the chaos of a capital city then maybe the smaller cities of Swansea, St David’s or Bangor would be preferred, all would provide exciting breaks with welsh charm. If a city isn’t the type of thing you’re hoping for then there’s ample of charismatic seaside towns to holiday at, many of which even offer caravan holidays for fun trips with the family. No matter what type of holiday you’re seeking Wales is home to plenty of attractions that should be made the most of when anyone visits, some being Beacon Beacons National Park and Snowdonia National Park, both of which can be made into an adventure filled day exploring some of the countries gems.
Wales makes for a wonderful country to visit and explore. While sharing similarities with other British countries, the country also has much to offer that cannot be found anywhere else. The culture is one to be enjoyed and took advantage of when visiting. It would be a shame not to get lost in the extensive history of the country and learn as much as possible about the small countrys role in the famed British empire. With a much smaller population than England it can offer a relaxing place to holiday and get away from many of the stresses of normal life.
Our countryside, hills and landscapes, awe-inspiring landmarks and coastal seascapes have missed you and have been waiting patiently for your return. Finally, it’s time to start safely exploring our beautiful country again. Where will you start?
Will it be one of our seven cultural cities, with their iconic attractions, contemporary bars and restaurants and full range of accommodation offerings eager to welcome you back?
Or, what about a coastal seaside retreat with miles of sandy beaches on your doorstep, begging for you to explore during Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters? Or a glamping escape nestled deep in the countryside surrounded by acres of space and time to reconnect with the ones you love?
Now you’ve seen our new film, it’s time to plan your trip. Our Holidays & Breaks page has everything you need – with short break ideas provided by the industry stars of our film, a short video on how to enjoy safe travels in Scotland, and all the latest Covid-19 advice including our new Good to Go scheme.
Plan your break to Scotland now, because Only In Scotland can travelling so little make such a big difference.
NOW OPEN AND GOOD TO GO
Scotland’s famous attractions, welcoming accommodation and bustling city streets are reopening their doors to welcome back all of its local and international friends to visit. With added safety measures in place, you can still experience all the incredible culture, enticing history and hidden gems that the country has to offer, complete with the reassurance that it is clean and safe to do so.
Accommodation; hotels, self-catering, camping and more
Keep an eye out for the ‘We’re Good to Go’ logo which will show you tourism businesses who are working hard to adhere to government and public health guidance, and have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check they have everything in place to reopen safely.
