Scotland is famous for a great deal of things. However, for many, three things might come to mind: whisky, rain, and men in kilts. Though you’re at the mercy of the ever-changing Scottish weather, there’s so much to see and do that you want to fit it all into your trip. Here are five things you can’t miss when traveling to Scotland.
Tour an Ancient Medieval Castle
Did you know Scotland is famous for its castles? The three most popular are Kilchurn, Dunnottar, and Urquhart. Exploring off the beaten path is best, as this is where you’ll find the most magical places and amazing sights.
If castles are your thing, you might consider taking a tour on the Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire. The Scottish folks have a deep reverence for history, so they strive to take care of these buildings.
Visit the Beaches of the Outer Hebrides
When you think of Scotland, do you automatically picture lush green hills and sheep grazing in the pasture? While Scotland has all these things, it also has a lovely coastal area.
The most popular beach towns are Aberdeenshire and Moray, but there are many more for you to consider. If white sand and jade green waters call you, you won’t want to miss these beaches.
Sample Whiskey from the Five Regions
Scotland is comprised of whiskey regions. There are five, to be exact, which include:
- Lowlands
- Highlands
- Islay
- Speyside
- Campbelltown
Having a shot of whiskey in Speyside will taste different than the ones in the Highlands. Each region is known for bringing a distinct fragrance and taste to its liquor. If you love whiskey, you’ll want to sample from each of these regions to find the one that suits your palate.
It’s also beneficial to visit a few regional distilleries to see how they make these beautiful spirits. Of course, when you leave the area, you can still buy Johnnie Walker blue label whiskey online to savor the tastes you’ve discovered.
Take a Spin on the Jacobite Steam Train
Did you know that the streets of Scotland inspired JK Rowling to write her famous Harry Potter series? You can certainly feel the vibes of this story come to life when you’re touring.
If you’ve always wanted to ride the Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite Steam Train is the next best thing. Some of the bridges you cross in this magical ride are shown in the movies.
Eat Haggis with “Neeps and Tatties”
Diving into their cuisine is part of experiencing all Scotland has to offer. One of the most famous dishes in these parts is haggis. Haggis is a dish comprised of sheep organs, onions, and oats. The real treat is it’s covered with a nice whiskey sauce. They’re famous for this dish, and with one bite, you’ll understand. Though it’s not the most appealing thing to look at on your plate, you can undoubtedly savor every bite.
However, if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might be surprised at the generous offerings from this land. Neeps and tatties is a version of mashed potatoes with some mashed turnips thrown into the mix.
Visiting Scotland is a dream come true for many. From the vast countryside to lively entertainment, it’s a place you must experience at least once in your life.
