Scotland what to see and why visit Scotland?

There is a place on earth that combines the beauty of wild nature, mountainous landscape and hundreds of lakes along with amazing architecture and rich culture. It has become the whiskey capital of the world and a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans. Young people from all over the world come here to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. We are, of course, talking about Scotland, which belongs to the United Kingdom, and can surprise with its beauty and mysterious atmosphere. The following text comes from Natalia, a young journalist and GentleWoman reader, who combines her passions with extraordinary energy – this time she takes us to Scotland. Scotland what to see and why visit Scotland?

A brief description about Scotland

Scotland is a country with a rich history, picturesque landscapes and a strong cultural identity. It encompasses the northern part of the island of Great Britain and the archipelago: Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, to which it owes its amazing contrast. Scotland, despite its ties to the UK, still retains a unique culture and traditions, which makes it unique from the rest of the world. The Scottish countryside can be divided into two parts – the north and the south. The former is characterized by a low population ratio, stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. It is an ideal destination for anyone with a thirst for outdoor hiking. The South is the more developed part of the country, which attracts tourists with its architecture and history. Its pearl without question is the country’s capital Edinburgh, which steals the hearts of every visitor.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a must-see when traveling to Scotland. It is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Britain. It is located on a hilly terrain, and one of its landmarks is Edinburgh Castle, standing on a hill. It is one of Scotland’s oldest castles and is the city’s main attraction. The walls of the building are open to the public, which is a popular tourist attraction. For those who are not interested in history, Edinburgh Castle also offers an amazing panorama, which can be viewed for free from under its gates. Every day at 1 p.m., the sound of the One o’Clock Gun salute emanates from the castle. In the shadow of the castle grows the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, a public park that is stunning in its colors and cleanliness. A piece further on you can come across the royal residence of Holyrood. It is the property of the British royal family and is open to the public if no one happens to be staying there. The stretch between the two most popular and impressive attractions is called the Royal Mile. Regardless of the season, masses of tourists can be found in these areas. For all lovers of sunsets and city skylines, Edinburgh offers two amazing places. The first is Calton Hill – one of the 3 hills in the capital. Calton Hill is located in the center of the city, east of Princes Street, and offers some of the best views of Edinburgh and its surroundings. From the hill you can perfectly see the divide between the historic and modern parts of the city and the North Sea. Another jewel of Edinburgh is the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat. The hill is close to the city center and is a great excursion point for more active tourists. It takes little to reach the top and requires little physical skill. Rising some 251 meters above sea level, Arthur’s Seat offers spectacular views of the entire city, the Firth of Forth bay and the surrounding hills. The beauty of Edinburgh’s highest point was depicted in David Nicholls’ novel “One Day” and in the TV series based on the book of the same name. Edinburgh is also a dream for any Harry Potter fan! It was the city that inspired J.K. Rowling to create a story about wizards. Famous and loved by tourists, Victoria Street is the equivalent of the now iconic Diagon Alley. The place is full of colorful houses that hide a variety of stores and cafes with a magical atmosphere. For those who enjoy art and history, Edinburgh welcomes you to the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland. A place where you can experience a bit of peace and quiet and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city is Dean Village. It is a charming neighborhood located outside the city center in a river valley. Few tourists go there and it guarantees a tranquility and charm that contrasts with the bustling life in Scotland’s capital. The magic of Edinburgh lies in the fact that a mere stroll through even the less touristy areas, will put tourists in awe. In addition to beautiful architecture, historic buildings and red buses, the capital offers vast expanses of greenery, manicured beaches and quiet suburbs. No other city will delight with its contrasts and atmosphere like Edinburgh.

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is the opposite of Edinburgh. You won’t find historic buildings, an old town or green belts in the city center. Glasgow is a metropolis that arouses mixed feelings in many tourists. Some love the rush of life there and its strong urbanization. Opponents complain about the dirt and chaos that reigns around. As in any large city, one can find many dark corners and even more human tragedies. Nevertheless, Glasgow also manages to delight! People from all over the world come to it to study at world-renowned British universities: University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde. It’s also the place that the world’s biggest celebrities visit during their tours. In addition to universities, the city has many museums and art galleries, as well as botanical gardens or Victorian cemeteries. Glasgow is an unusual place, with different opinions nevertheless worth visiting and experiencing its unusual aura.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is the largest island off the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its rugged landscape, majestic castles and the best Scotch whisky. The weather conditions around the island are not the easiest, giving it a gloomy atmosphere that attracts tourists from all parts of the world. The cheapest and most convenient way to get to the Isle of Skye is by car, which is a huge attraction in itself. The route takes you through the picturesque Highlands, and you can see several beautiful castles along the way. This is a trip for lovers of nature, mountain hiking and living in the wild. The island’s main attractions are primarily rock formations like Old Man of Storr and Quiraing, which are stunning in their drama. Fairy Pools are a series of crystal clear pools of water and small waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains. These in turn are a paradise for hikers and climbers. Another great place is Fairy Glen – a fairy-tale glade full of green hills and strange rock formations. The fairy-tale atmosphere is also guaranteed by the Fairy Bridge, with many Scottish legends associated with it. For fans of history, the island offers Dunvegan Castle – home of the MacLeod clan and one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland. For a break from hiking and a taste of local cuisine, Portree, the unofficial capital and largest town on the island, is the ideal destination. The only downside of this location is the prices, which are much higher here than in the south of the country. Due to the small number of accommodations and restaurants, the owners price really high.

Loch Ness

The world-famous legend of Scotland’s Loch Ness monster attracts tourists from all over to hunt the underwater beast. Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous lakes, located in the Highlands region. It represents the largest lake in the country by volume, and the temperature of the water, means that Loch Ness never freezes. Its surroundings are a great spot for an excursion, as it offers many activities in nature. Tourists are mainly attracted by the many waterfalls that can be found in the region. These include Rogie Falls, hidden in the forest, and Invermoriston Falls. There is also Urquhart Castle, another popular Scottish castle, which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Loch Ness.

Glenfinnan

The picturesque village, which sits on the shores of Loch Shiel and is surrounded by mountains, attracts many tourists, especially Harry Potter fans. The main attraction is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which rises to a height of 30 meters and is part of the West Highland Line – one of the most scenic railroad routes in the world. This is where the scene in which Harry and Ron set off in a flying car chase after the Hogwarts Express train was filmed.

Whisky

Scotland is the world capital of whisky, known as Scotch. It is an integral part of the rich culture there and a national symbol. Whisky has been produced there for centuries, and each region of the country offers a variety of styles of the drink. When visiting Scotland, don’t miss a visit to one of the many distilleries or a Scottish pub! The culture of meeting in pubs is another opportunity to get a taste of Scottish culture.

Scotland – for whom?

Scotland is a country that will satisfy the needs of any tourist. Those who appreciate hiking and the beauty of wild nature will delight in the Highland areas. Fans of history and architecture will enjoy a taste of the past among the walls of old buildings. Older travelers will be soothed by the tranquility of the outskirts and the local cuisine. Students will find common ground with locals at evening gatherings over fine whiskey. Literature lovers will discover many places associated with popular novels and visit old bookstores with a unique atmosphere. Scotland impresses with its hospitality, traditional cuisine and atmosphere, making it an unforgettable place to visit for anyone and at any time.