You might think Scotland is just acres and acres of farm-land but our northerly neighbour boasts a huge number of truly exceptional places that should be on everyone’s bucket lists. 

With dramatic mountains, stunning lochs and glens and cities steeped in rich history, Scotland is bursting with beautiful places to visit. 

Due to Brexit and the ever increasing popularity of staycations, GoEuro.co.uk, the website and app for comparing and booking rail, coach and air travel across Europe, has put together their top picks of Scottish breaks and how to get there:

Isle of Skye

Connected to the Scottish mainland by a tiny bridge, the Isle of Skye is the second largest of the country’s islands and incredibly beautiful. Stretching 50 miles through jagged mountains, glistening lochs and towering sea cliffs, the Isle of Skye is a magical place to stay in Scotland. To truly take in the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish highlands, drive to Trotternish on the North of Skye and hike along the island’s most famous trail ‘The Old Man of Storr’. The ‘Old Man’ is an awe-inspiring rock formation that stands high and can be seen for miles around. The trail was created by a massive ancient landslide, leaving it as one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

How to get there:

From Manchester: Driving is the fastest way but travellers with more time to spare can take the coach to Portree. Return tickets start from £115.40 and car hire from Portree starts from £38 per day.

 Culross

Relive the domestic life of the 16th and 17th centuries amid the winding alleys, historic buildings and cobbled streets of the fascinating Royal Borough of Culross. A must-see is the beautifully refurbished palace, featuring an interior in the style of the 17th Century. After wandering around the palace, head outside and relax in the peaceful garden.

From Manchester: The fastest way to get to Culross is to fly to Edinburgh and then hire a car. Return tickets start from £68.32 and car hire from Edinburgh Airport starts from £40.34 per day. For travellers on a budget, consider taking the train to Dunfermline and then hiring a car. Return tickets start from £27.50 and car hire from Dunfermline starts from £31.24 per day.

Portgordon

Portgordon is a seaside village in the county of Moray. Situated along the eastern coast of Scotland, Portgordon is one of the best places in the UK to go seal-watching. For the best viewing platforms, head to Portgordon Beach park and listen to them bark.  

How to get there:

From Manchester: The best way is to fly to Inverness, with return tickets starting from £116.37. Car hire from Inverness Airport starts from £121.20 per day. For travellers with more time on their hands, consider taking the train to Huntly and then hiring a car. Return tickets start from £122 and car hire from Huntly starts from £15 per day.
 Falkirk

Located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Falkirk is a town bursting with outdoorsy activities that the whole family can enjoy. A trip to Falkirk should definitely include a visit to the Kelpies, as they are the world’s largest equine sculptures. Towering over the Forth and Clyde Canal, visitors can even take a tour inside them. Other attractions that should not be missed include The Falkirk Wheel, Kinneil Railway and The Helix.

How to get there:

From Manchester: The quickest way is to fly to Edinburgh and then hire a car. Return tickets start from £68.32 and car hire from Edinburgh Airport starts from £40.34 per day. For those with more time, consider taking the train to Falkirk via Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street. Return tickets start from £27.50.  
Perthshire

The country of Perthshire straddles both the Scottish highlands and lowlands, providing visitors with stunning mountain backdrops, lochs, glens and vast, unspoilt open countryside to explore. For the townies, head to the city of Perth and admire the beautiful shops, art galleries and elegant Georgian terraced houses. 

How to get there:

From Manchester: The fastest way to is to fly to Edinburgh and then hire a car. Return tickets start from £68.32 and car hire from Edinburgh Airport starts from £40.34 per day. For travellers with more time, consider taking the train via Edinburgh Waverley. Return tickets starts from £68. For travellers on a budget, consider taking the coach. Return tickets start from £46.40.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here