Scotland Things to Do

A time for enjoying the countryside and celebrating the inimitable Scottish culture, summertime is the best time to explore the north of the British Isles. From dodging the rain to partying up a storm, here are a few tips for visiting Scotland in summer.

Golf. Whiskey. Monsters. Mountains. Castles. History. Do any of those interest you? If so, then head for Inverness, capital of the Scottish Highlands.

This is the most gorgeous and romantic of all the Queen’s castles in Britain. At the other end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse sits below craggy Arthur’s Seat and has done for 500 years.

From the windswept Highlands to the medieval grandeur of Edinburgh castle there’s enough spectacular scenery in Scotland to keep you busy for weeks, but with just one week to spend you’ll have to be more selective. Luckily, the country’s diminutive size, excellent road links and abundance of car rental and public transport options, mean you can cover plenty of ground in a short time, so the only question is where to go first.

Whether you fancy an action-packed round-country itinerary or a scenic journey through the Scottish countryside, these three itineraries will give you plenty of ideas for how to spend one week in Scotland.

Those look to explore the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands will likely find themselves stopping over in charming Inverness, the historic capital of the Highlands and the northernmost city in the British Isles. The city isn’t just a jumping off point for hikers and climbers though – its historic architecture and idyllic setting on Scotland’s most famous loch (Loch Ness) makes it a scenic base for sampling the unique culture of the Highlands. To make the most of your visit, here are a few ideas for things to do in Inverness.

Perhaps most famous for their native miniature ponies, the Shetland Islands are one of Scotland’s most unique destinations, marooned in the North Sea between Scotland and Scandinavia. The islands are the northernmost point of the British Isles, a wild playground of varied wildlife and untamed natural terrain that entice only the most intrepid of travelers, with their intriguing blend of Nordic and Scottish cultures.