There's more to Scotland than tartan and shortbread. With flights from London to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness taking just over an hour, it provides a holiday destination that has something for everyone without having to travel too far. Don't want to fly then why not take a slower pace and travel by train, the journey from London to Glasgow is just over 4 hours and allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Perhaps plan your own journey and drive, making stops wherever takes your fancy. Perhaps plan your own journey and drive, making stops wherever takes your fancy, an ideal option for anyone who wants to take their dog on holiday with them.
Given its size, Scotland is incredibly diverse with historic cities, miles of rugged coastline, unspoilt countryside, beautiful lochs, dramatic mountains and glens.
Scotland is brimming with culture and history. Interested in castles? It has Edinburgh Castle, famous for the Edinburgh Royal Tattoo, the imposing Stirling Castle and the fairy tale Craigievar Castle to name only a few. Is culture your thing? Scotland has splenty of museums, gallerys and theatres to visit including the Scottish National Gallery, Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery and the wonderful Burrell Collection in Glasgow. A history buff? Scotland is steeped in history, from Iron Age Forts, pre-historic standing stones, Viking settlements and 6th century chapels to evocative historic battle grounds such as Glencoe and Bannockburn. Why not follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps and travel on the Fort William steam train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the very train and journey used in the films.
The pristine countryside and coastline in Scotland have some of the most picturesque scenery anywhere in the world. Take an island hopper trip with Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and travel the islands of the west coast, the Isle of Bute, Tobermory on Mull with its quaint colourful houses, Iona with it’s beautiful abbey and (weather permitting) a boat trip to the tiny island of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave – the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture.
This beautiful natural environment is home to a wide variety of wildlife, red deer, highland cows, beavers, badgers, otters, red squirrels, seals, puffins, eagles and much more.
There is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast to do, mountain climbing, hill walking, skiing, cycling, wind surfing, kayaking, fishing and golfing. For those who prefer a more sedate holiday, enjoy the numerous stately homes such as the magnificent Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute, and relax with a tipple at the local Gin Garden – Scotland doesn’t just make the best malt whisky in the world, and that leads to another trip you could take. A tour of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. Argyll and Bute is famous for its fresh seafood, much of which is exported to top restaurants in London and the world. The area is a delight for foodie enthusiasts and you can create your own gastronomic itenerary!
You can choose to stay in luxury or boutique hotels in the vibrant cities, try out quaint village bed and breakfasts or go self-catering in the many rural and coastal cottages. There are holiday accommodation styles to suit everyone. So whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a cultural tour or a relaxing retreat give Scotland a go.
If this has piqued your interest and you would like to find out how to experience this beautiful place for yourself, then why not take a trip to one of Scotland's most accessible islands, the Isle of Bute and stay at Seaview Cottage Straad, a five star holiday let located in St. Ninain's Bay on the west coast of the island. There are few truly quiet spaces left these days, however Seaview Cottage Straad is one of those places - this makes it the ideal location to truly get away from it all. .
