Exploring Scotland
A trip to the Edinburgh Festivals can be the perfect starter for a longer holiday around Scotland. Excellent transport links by rail, car and ferry give an abundance of options for exploring the rest of the country.
Travelling further north the incomparable beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands has to be seen to believed. Known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, the area around Lochaber and Fort William is home to some of the world’s best adventure sports including world championship mountain biking routes. For a more laid back trip visitors can enjoy the stunning landscape of the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis.
The city of Glasgow is just an hour away with a thriving nightlife, the UK’s largest shopping area outside of London and has a unique character all of its own. The historic cities of Perth and Stirling - both former seats of the King of Scotland (at Scone Palace, Perth and Stirling Castle) - are also just an hour drive from Edinburgh.
South of Edinburgh and just over an hour from the city the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway encompass a lowland landscape of medieval castles, abbeys and historic towns. Home to Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott this area is perfect for those on literary pilgrimages as well as visitors looking for an idyllic getaway.
Even closer to Edinburgh are the unspoilt beaches of East Lothian. Surfing, sailing and other watersports are available on many of the stretches of beach from Cockenzie and Port Seton to Berwick-upon-Tweed. East Lothian is also home to 22 links and parklands golf courses including the Open Championship course at Muirfield and the popular links courses in Dunbar, North Berwick and Gullane. Regular train and bus services run from Edinburgh to towns in East Lothian or you can make the short journey by car.
Start planning your holiday today.
Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
National Trust Discovery Ticket
