Edinburgh Festival
The showcase of Edinburgh's cultural heritage culminates in a spectacular celebration of the popular arts, from cutting edge theatre, music and film. The
Edinburgh Festival offers a variety and intensity rarely found at other major arts festivals and features performances from around the world of every conceivable genre. It possesses a real carnival atmosphere with nightly events and parties and Edinburgh truly comes alive with rich colour and vibrancy.
Winter Sports
When the snow falls, short breaks in Scotland can fully enjoy the downhill thrills of skiing and snowboarding offering a more accessible and cost effective alternative to Europe's major ski resorts. Rugged Aviemore offers the finest winter sports action in Scotland that is perfect for first time skiers and features a vibrant resort like atmosphere of lively restaurants and bars. It is set in stunning natural scenery offering active, adventurous short breaks all year round and easily accessible for a day out from Aberdeen.
Palaces & Castles
Scotland can boast over 2,000 castles and stately homes from evocative ruins to opulent royal residences. The most visited is undoubtedly the majestic Edinburgh Castle - a landmark that completely dominates the Scottish capital and a must do on any Scottish city break. Other striking historic homes include Linlithgow Palace and spectacular Stirling Castle, both convenient from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Many Scottish historic homes are set in dramatic scenery and feature elegant art treasures and priceless artefacts and offer up a colourful glimpse of Caledonian history.
Hogmonay
Ringing in the New Year is undeniably best experienced north of the border where the Scots certainly know how to throw a party. An intoxicating mix of rich tradition and full on hedonism, New Year's Eve in vibrant Glasgow, trendy Edinburgh and Aberdeen is certainly an occasion to cherish with a wild, memorable night of drinking and revelry guaranteed. It offers the best opportunity to experience the wit and irrepressible character of the Scots.
Shopping
Any trip north of the border is the ideal opportunity to search out bargains and quality gift items. Distinctive, original and individual, tartans make a wonderful gift and come in all manner of designs while whisky lovers are sure to pick up a bottle or two of premium single malt Scotch. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow boast a plethora of fancy boutiques and atmospheric shopping arcades and Aberdeen has a delightful waterfront street market filled with quality local produce.
Golf
Scotland is the spiritual home of golf and still inspires seasoned professionals and novices alike on its iconic, ancient courses such as St Andrews and Royal Troon. A day of challenging golf in spectacular scenery is heaven for the serious handicapper and is sure to provide an unforgettable once in a lifetime sporting experience whatever the weather.
Museums
The variety of history on show in Scotland is simply outstanding and its cities boast some of the UK's most vivid collections of decorative art and cultural heritage. Edinburgh and Glasgow showcase excellent permanent exhibitions of fine art and industrial heritage while Aberdeen's spectacular Maritime Museum is an inspiring day out. Whether it is shipbuilding, interactive science, royal history, whisky or researching Scottish clans, there is something for every historical interest and a museum visit will provide a colourful insight into the past.
Nature & Wildlife
Scotland possesses not only the most spectacular scenery in the UK but also a magical variety of flora and fauna. It highlights a rugged, uncompromising landscape containing majestic eagles and osprey, mountain goats, puffins and dolphins amongst a host of interesting wildlife species. It is a haven for nature lovers with vast areas of spectacular wilderness just a short journey from large cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Outdoor Sports
From all of Scotland's great cities, the scenic, rugged countryside is only minutes away and offers the perfect environment for adventurous outdoor activities. Horse riding days out are popular in the Lothians and keen anglers will not want to miss the chance of a day on the River Don or River Dee in Aberdeen - known for its wonderful salmon and trout fishing. Hiking and mountain biking are also extremely popular, especially around windswept Aberdeenshire where challenging off road trails will provide some stunning vistas and rewarding glens and lochs to negotiate.
Nights Out
Each of the three main cities in Scotland offer a distinct choice for nights out and all will guarantee a memorable occasion of revelry. Aberdeen is at the heart of Scotland's live music scene nowadays and features a wealth of live venues and a mustering of trendy jazz clubs. Edinburgh can boast cool designer bars, fabulous eateries and classical entertainment including first class ballet and opera performances. Nights out in Glasgow are legendary and attract partygoers from across the UK. It has a host of earthy, traditional pubs, trendy cafe bars and a great range of all night discos and super clubs.
