Scotland
Scottish holidays and short breaks
Dramatic landscapes and mist on the lochs…
Or world-class shopping and an unrivalled arts festival. Rediscover yourself in some of Europe’s finest landscapes and enjoy a leisurely break or an action-packed holiday.
There are some things that are uniquely Scottish but in truth, there's no single element that defines the country. Rather, it's a subtle blend of many different ingredients that have been added to the mix down through the centuries. A land of ancient history, stunning scenery and cutting edge contemporary culture - Scotland offers infinite variety. A friendly welcome is just the start. There are wild open spaces, punctuated by magical lochs, mountains, castles and palaces; serious amounts of culture and fashion and some great sporting opportunities from wild trout fishing to golf. Visit Scotland to discover for yourself some of the things that make a holiday to Scotland such a great choice.
For great deals on car hire in Scotland, please call to speak to our dedicated travel team, who will be happy to help with your enquiry.
You might linger in the Borders to explore the dignified ruins of once-powerful abbeys or follow in the footsteps of Rob Roy and Walter Scott through the Trossachs. Perhaps you’ll potter around colourful fishing villages in the Kingdom of Fife and tee off on the legendary Old Course in St Andrews. Or venture into Speyside to tickle your tastebuds on the malt whisky trail.
If it’s drama you’re after, you’ll head for the Highlands, a vast swathe of untamed wilderness where land and sea collide to create stunning perspectives. Discover the most perfect vista at Eilean Donan where the dramatic castle ruins and surrounding mountains are reflected in the waters of the loch. Both landscapes and wildlife are at their most spectacular in Scotland’s two National Parks – Loch Lomond and Cairngorm.
Whichever part of Scotland takes your fancy, history is never far away – from the Neolithic ruins of Skara Brae on Orkney to Scotland’s dramatic capital city. Here you can stroll through the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, visit the castle and uncover 1,000 years of Scotland’s tumultuous past. Edinburgh is a great city for walking. The long and charming Princes Street takes you through the heart of the city where there are museums, art galleries and some very cosmopolitan shopping. With a thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife, be prepared for some late nights. The Edinburgh Festival in August each year runs the gamut from high brow arts to fringe and comedy culture. And if it’s festivals you want – they’re here in abundance. Apart from Edinburgh’s celebrated arts and fringe festivals, there’s traditional music and celebration at the Shetland Folk Festival, caber tossing and games aplenty at the Cowal Highland Gathering and Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns is celebrated at venues throughout the Scottish Borders in May each year.
The Scots are fiercely proud of their heritage, which they celebrate in a thousand different ways, from the pomp and splendour of the Edinburgh Tattoo to the more intimate appeal of an impromptu ceilidh in a cosy pub. If this leads you to assume that they only look back to the past, a trip to Glasgow will set you straight. Glasgow is a really buzzing city with a rich artistic heritage and several excellent galleries and collections. One of Scotland’s most creative designers, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Glasgow boy. You will probably recognise his distinctive style in a variety of places in the city. Glasgow is also home to the famous Burrell Collection housing an amazing array of exhibits from around the world, and with some great cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs, Glasgow is a top place to party.
Further out from the cities you can discover the tranquility and incredible countryside of the Clyde Valley and Strathclyde County Park. Elsewhere you can even stay at one of Robbie Burn’s favourite resting places, Friar’s Carse Country House Hotel complete with 45 acres of private woodland and salmon fishing. Or you might want to visit Gretna Green or enjoy a different sort of adventure in one of Scotland’s theme parks. So whether you fancy yourself as the Monarch of the Glen or want to shop and party till you drop, Scotland has the lot.
Scotland is about two-thirds the size of England and Wales. Its border with England, runs for approximately 60 miles (96 km) along the line of the Cheviot Hills. Scotland's geography has been integral to its political, social, economic and cultural development and it can be divided into three distinct areas: the Southern Uplands, the Central Lowlands and the northern Highlands and Islands.
The Southern Uplands are the fertile plains and hills bordering England. The region boasts magnificent scenery, albeit of a gentler nature than that found in the Highlands: the highest peak in the area is only 2763 feet (815 m) high.
The Central Lowlands stretch from the Firth of Forth in the east to the Firth of Clyde in the west. This area contains the nation's main industrial belt and the country's two largest cities, Glasgow in the west and Edinburgh, the capital, in the east. Most of the Scotland's population lives in this area.
The Highlands comprise dramatic mountain ranges of sandstone and granite, which rise to their greatest height at Ben Nevis, which at 4406 feet (1343 m) is Britain's highest mountain. Although this region accounts for more than half the total area of Scotland, it has few major population centres apart from the cities of Aberdeen, Inverness and Dundee.
Of Scotland's 790 islands, 130 or so are inhabited. The major groups include the Inner and Outer Hebrides off the west coast, the Orkneys and the Shetland isles which lie to the northeast of the mainland.
The Six Cities of Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling are all modern, dynamic and thriving centres which encapsulate all that is best about Scotland. Each has a distinctive character of its own but all guarantee their visitors a vibrant mix of history, culture and entertainment, stirred together with some of the best retail therapy in the UK!
A nation's artistic and cultural life says much about its people and the vibrancy and creativity displayed across a wide range of artforms quickly dispels the myth of the dour, downbeat Scot. In successive generations, Scotland has produced writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers and dancers whose talents have received both national and international acclaim.
Scotland's larder has always overflowed with some of the finest produce to be found anywhere in the British Isles. Chefs can draw on the best quality ingredients from both land and sea to produce innovative and imaginative menus across a wide range of culinary styles and from a range of international cuisines.
And wherever you travel around the country, you should also grab any chance to sample the local delicacies - Arbroath smokies, Lochfyne kippers, Forfar Bridies, Selkirk bannocks, Orkney, Islay or Galloway cheeses, Dundee cake, Moffat toffee to name but a few.
Of course, amongst the gems in the national larder - or more accurately, the national drinks cabinet - is whisky, and when it comes to the water of life, Scotch is recognised the world over as being without equal, and will make a great souvenir of your Scottish holiday.
So whether your tastes are domestic or global, Scotland can offer you gastronomic experiences of the highest order, and a fantastic holiday experience.
For short stays in Scotland, weekend breaks in Scotland, business trips to Scotland, or longer holidays in Scotland, simply choose a hotel in Scotland from the selection of Scottish hotels available, and add it to a low cost flight to Scotland or scheduled flight to Scotland, to create your ideal trip to Scotland. If you are visiting family or friends, you may not need to book accommodation in Scotland at all, and may wish to only search for flights to Scotland.
If you are unable to find the holiday in Scotland that you are looking for, or would like more information about staying in Scotland, or flying to Scotland, please call to speak to our dedicated travel team, who are on hand seven days a week to help you find your perfect stay in Scotland.
