Explore Scotland Like a Pro: Top 21 Things to Do
So we all heard that travel is back on right? Okay, good because it’s time to start getting our passports stamped and make up for lost time. It’s really common to overlook Scotland and go straight to London, why because London is a popular destination, but ever heard of the road less traveled? Give Scotland a chance, better yet, if you gave Scotland even half a minute of reading this blog post and you will be addicted. In fact, I will guarantee that you book a flight or better yet start thinking about why you need to go here. It wasn’t until after I visited this country that I truly appreciated it. I was fifteen at the time and did not really think about how much travel would impact my life. If I gave this trip a second chance, I would have really researched each place and tried to understand the history so that I could appreciate it more. Well seven years later, I am refreshing myself on its amazing and unique history. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s more of a hassle, in my opinion, to flood your brain with every single fact and timeline about each destination which is why I broke it down and gave you just the right amount of information to where you won’t get bored because I get it, I used to not like history that much either. Well, you stayed for this long so let’s get right into it. Scotland, let’s do this!
Welcome To Scotland Baby!!
So fun fact, I didn’t know that I was 22% Scottish! I always thought I was 50% Irish and never imagined myself to also be Scottish. Since geographically, they are so close, it makes a lot of sense, but I am you never know! Based on what I know now, I think my trip would have felt a little different if I was traveling around the land that my ancestors had once lived on. Funny how that works right? Anywho, back to business. For some historic context, even though Scotland is a part of Great Britain, it is still treated as a separate country with its own cultural values, flag, and more! This makes it particularly interesting because there are influences from both England and Ireland that you will encounter when traveling around Scotland and let me tell you, it’s the perfect mix of both! As for the top things to do in Scotland, let’s gooooo!! I am so ready for you guys to get inspired and start booking your vacations. First, let me show you a few photos and introduce you to my best friend Leigh, she’s my ultimate travel buddy and a proud bff since Kindergarten (17 years of friendship & counting!! You’ll see her face around my blog quote a few times so it’s only right to do a formal introduction!!
The Royal Mile
ATTENTION!! This is a very travel-friendly city. What I mean by that is how easy it is to get anywhere on foot. If you love wandering and exploring new destinations without throwing down pound after pound paying for taxis or public transit then this is for you. For a quick comparison, if you have ever visited Boston, Scotland’s “Royal Mile” is very similar to Boston’s “Freedom Trail” which is literally a line in the street guiding you to most tourist destinations in the city. This is awesome because one, you don’t have to rely on a GPS and waste your battery, and two, you can actually enjoy your time without the stress of not knowing where to go! Some of my favorite destinations along the infamous mile are…Edinburgh Castle
1.Edinburgh Castle
One look at this castle and you’ll be A M A Z E D. Aside from the years of history behind this, it is the perfect glimpse into one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and quadruples as a, “royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress” . Get a glimpse of the waterfront just overlooking the rest of Great Britain and the north of France and try to tell me you won’t extend your trip. I dare you!! Remember how I said that there are Irish influences, well take a look at the detailed family crests and you’ll see the similarities and how these countries’ cultures started to blend into one another. Also can we appreciate how beautifully Edinburgh sits on old remnants of an extinct volcano? If you don’t believe me, check out these awesome shots!
Coat of Arms: What Are They?
It is a visual representation of your ancestor’s legacy, their successes, and their impact on society. I’ll give you an example of my family crest.
So my last name is O’Brien and the coat of arms represents descendants of my family dating back to 1014 so you could only imagine how many times the name has changed. The O’Brien coat of arms encompasses O’Bryan, O’Bryen, Brian, Bryan, Bryant, Bryans & more. King Brian Boru defeated the Vikings back in the year 1014 and thus received the title of “King of Munster” and his descendants carried the name until the 12th century. The last O’Brien surrendered under King Henry the VIII and still held a high position in Ireland’s government.
Looking for more to learn? Edinburgh Castle is home to St. Margaret’s Chapel dedicated to Queen Margaret and the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s infamous coronation seat. – The Globetrotter Diaries, by Michael Clinton
So it’s already clear that you could most certainly spend your whole day in just Edinburgh Castle alone. Explore family crests from the royals, visit the Crown of Jewels that are home to the oldest crowned jewels in Britain, and Mons Meg, the world’s most famous medieval gun.
References: http://www.irishsurnames.com/cgi-bin/gallery.pl?name=obrien&capname=O%27Brien&letter= & https://www.theirishrose.com/name-histories-coat-of-arms/obrien-name-history/
2. The Edinburgh Vaults/ Mary King’s Close
Another stop along the infamous Royal Mile lies the darkest, well-kept secrets of Scotland’s underground mishaps. For hundreds of years, serial killers got away with their killings, and now that it’s been rediscovered around 250 years later, we have quite a few stories to share. It was originally used for merchants to store their goods underground; however, its musty and dark environment was not strongly suited for this as it eventually became a pit of criminal activity ranging from alcohol making to serial killings. It has then become filled with the ghosts of famous ex serial killers. In the picture below, you see an example of the “witches vault” which has been said to contain the evil presence of these serial killers. Let me tell you, it’s better than a haunted movie! Check it out and test your limits!! For more historic background click here and be sure to book your tour and get a look for yourself!
3. The Palace Of Holyroodhouse
If you’re all about learning the inside scoop and love to update yourself on all things Royals (and I mean any Royal family for that matter), you are bound to live your best life here. This is the official residence of the British Royal Family. If you are familiar with either Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, you are at the right place! You are allowed inside, except of course when the Queen is residing there, then you’re sh*t out of luck! Well, I, unfortunately, am indifferent about the royals so when I found out that we didn’t get tickets to go inside, I wasn’t heartbroken but make sure you book in advance to secure your spot!
4. Scott Monument
This is the final stop of the Royal Mile and I mean look how beautiful even the silhouette is? Like is this even real?? New York’s modern buildings could NEVER! It really is crazy to think about how cities like these were so developed before the United States was even discovered. The history behind these authentic and rich cities makes me want to travel here again, let me fit in your suitcase, please!! If you are into Gothic architecture, then this is definitely worth a visit! For some background, this monument was built in honor of Sir Walter Scott, an incredible international literary figure who impacted the lives of many! As of right now, this monument is closed, but even walking aside it will give you the chills.
But WAIT There’s More: Bonus Spots on the Royal Mile That I Wish That I Went To
- Witches Fountain: an area in Edinburgh Castle that are you bound to miss, so keep your eye out for it! The “Witches Well” was the exact location where witches were burned in years past. Don’t forget to check it out and let me know how it was!
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: If you’re traveling with the family, this would be a fun one for little ones to enjoy! Explore over 100 interactive, hands-on illusions and it doesn’t stop there, enjoy a nice rooftop after overlooking the best views of Edinburgh.
- Scotch Whiskey Experience: So since I was 15, yo and on a school trip, we both know that I wasn’t allowed to drink, but for the twenty-two-year-old gin lover, I still wouldn’t do this, haha! I am just kidding, when in Rome do as the Romans, so if that entails Whisky, I’m in!! Tours run every 20 minutes so it’s super accessible and convenient for fitting it into your day!
- Heart of Midlothian: So this area marks the center of Edinburgh and is literally the shape of a heart, how cute is that!!! On a not-so-positive note, public executions used to happen here, and apparently, it’s a tradition to spit on the heart for good luck, so once again, do as the Romans! Directions HERE!
- John Knox’s House: the gentleman that was a major contributor to the start of the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. Directions HERE!
- Hector Russel: Visit the oldest department store! For all my shopping lovers, you don’t want to miss out on this! GPS Directions HERE
- The Whitchery by the Castle, dine like a royal and feel like one too! It’s right by the one and only Edinburgh Castle. Directions HERE: Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, United Kingdom
Thank you Lost & Landmarks for the inspiration! This post is so detailed and includes way more places to see on the Royal mile to be sure to check it out here!
5. Watch a Traditional Scottish Ceilidh
So my group went to watch a traditional Scottish Ceilidh with dinner that included a famous ritual of how Scotts eat haggis, their national dish. Okay, can we first appreciate how my best friend Leigh and I bought kilts just for this!! Best friend goals right? If that wasn’t the cherry on top, think about the Irish dancer in me going nuts at the Scottish Ceilidh! I needed to dance on stage with them because their performance gave me happy feet! It was truly a sight to see. (For more information on what it is, check it out below!)
What is A Traditional Scottish Ceilidh?
So you can start to see what I mean by the multiple influences of Ireland in Scotland right? It’s truly a melting pot and goes to show that regardless of a country’s borders, geographically, we are bound to mesh cultures one way or another! To start us off, Ceilidh is pronounced, “kay-lee” and translates from Gaelic (the traditional language of the Irish) to a gathering or party. With Scottish folk music, kilts, traditional shoes, and a great attitude and you’re ready to take the stage!
Popular Scottish dances include Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip The Willow and I’ve attached tutorials for you to get your groove on!
Looking to Dance? Check out the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, and if you’re staying in Glasgow, check this out, Sloans – links are courtesy of Scotland Info Guide
Later on, we got to witness the traditional haggis preparation right before they served it to us. For some background, haggis is a combination of sheep heart liver, and lungs mixed with oatmeal and some spices. Afterward, it’s left to simmer in the casting of the sheep and left for about three hours, and then served. LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS DELICIOUS! The poem “Address to a Haggis” was recited and before we knew it we were listening to“Auld Lang Syne,” another Scottish poem. If you want to hear more about the experience that I had, check it out here!
6. Hadrian’s Wall
So Hadrian’s Wall is right at the border of England and Scotland, so this is where the Tour de Scotland ends! let’s get to the point, what was Hadrian’s Wall? Well for short, it was a fortress for the Roman Empire during battles and measures to a staggering 73 miles in length. It is said that construction started near A.D. 122, which means yes when you visit, you will be walking through H I S T O R Y! Back in the day, it took around 15,000 men in six years to complete- could you imagine? I could never!! Although parts of the wall were removed to build towns, homes, and other buildings, a majority of it still remains today. I am telling you this is a must-see on your trip out to Scotland! –History.com
Bonus: More Fun Places to See That I Wish I Did On My Trip!
- Hike Ben Nevis, the tallest point of the British Isles (approximatelt 1345 meters high!). Here is everything you could need for the hike, thank me later:)!
- Eat at Three Chimney’s a famous restaurant in Scotland and will satisfy all of your tastebuds with the Isle of Skye’s authentic food!
- Visit Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcanowith astounding views overlooking Scotland from 823 feet above sea level. If you have a drone, BRING it!! (Make sure it’s okay to fly it though!)Urquhort Castle, visit this amazing castle!
- Take a Tour of the Lockness Monster: Trth be told Nessie is still out at sea and you might get the chance to see her! With around 1,000 eye-witness accounts, you might be lucky number 1,001!
- Calton Hill I had to save the best for last! Low and behold, CALTON HILL. Where you will find mesmerizing views of the beloved Scotland- please send me your pohotos of this when you go- I never got to do this!:( In short, this is Edinbrugh’s Acropolis and a National Monument! Check if you and let me know what you think!
So There You Have It!
I am telling you even with all of this information, there are still amazing places out there, but I condensed it to the best places to visit because we are only human right? 24 hours in a day can do so much especially if running around is not your ideal vacation! Scotland has (as you have already seen) SOO many amazing places that might make you want to visit more than once!) As travel is still on the fence with new strands of covid, let’s all be safe and make smart decisions! xoxo Vee!
what do you think?