Archive for 'Scotland'

THE Attraction Pass for Britain

Great British Heritage Pass

The Great British Heritage Pass offers free entry to more than 580 of Great Britain’s most popular heritage sights, including properties under the care of National Trust, English Heritage, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, and Cadw.  With so many properties to visit with this one pass, lets just highlight a few: Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, Roman Baths, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle, Dover Casle and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Select a validity that best suits your itinerary from 4,7,15 days or 1 month. Visit just a handful of attractions included on the pass and you’re already saving money!

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Scotland’s scenic routes

2 unforgettable highland journeys

steam train / west highland lineThe West Highlands Line travels from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig.

One of the highlights of this route is the breathtaking curve of the 100 feet high Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct itself is a monument, as it’s the first concrete viaduct ever built in Britain and has since become renowned for appearing in several of the blockbuster ‘Harry Potter’ films. (more…)

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BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass

Scotland 280x180From Edinburgh to Glasgow to Aberdeen

Explore Scotland to its fullest, without missing a beat of passionate culture and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.  With the BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass, travel over a period of 4 days within 8 days, or 8 days within 15 flexible rail days. Enjoy the freedom of planning your Scotland itinerary far and wide and be sure to include these must-see destinations: (more…)

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Highland Homecoming

October 13th-31st

7719Enjoy the best of the Highland’s rich heritage and culture with a program of over 100 events including spectacular street theatre, music, storytelling and world famous “ceilidhs” (a Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling).

Each local community has a different story to tell, so the Highland Homecoming team has helped devise original ways of celebrating the tremendous people and achievements of a range of Highland towns.

Check out the calendar of activities from walking tours, exhibitions, heritage theatre and of course lots of music; Nairn even has its very own Jazz Festival!  www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh

VB-00008987-001Climb Aboard an Open-top Bus for the Ultimate Tour

City Sightseeing bus tours are a great way for visitors to become familiar with a city as they are guided from one stop to the next.  Live commentary brings life to a list of attractions that are filled with stories, history and culture that you would surely miss if you tried to see them all on foot.  The real beauty of the City Sightseeing tour is that you can choose the stops you want to get off at and hop on the next bus that passes, often only 15 minutes apart.

If any of the following cities* are on your itinerary then let City Sightseeing show you around: Bath, Belfast, Blackpool, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chester, Colchester, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Felixstowe, Glasgow, Great Yarmouth, Inverness, Ipswich, Liverpool, Llandudno, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Norwich, Oxford, Stirling, Stratford, Windsor or York.

This month our focus falls on City Sightseeing Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.  12 stops bring visitors through Edinburgh’s Old Town, to the elegant Georgian New Town, to the Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and much more as seen on the following list of City Sightseeing Edinburgh’s stops and nearby attractions:

*With low season upon us, please note that some tours have seasonal operations.  These tours have year round operations: Bath, Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and York

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The Great British Heritage Pass

RECD08162Your Passport to UK Heritage Properties

The Great British Heritage Pass truly is the pass to see it all, where pass holders get free entrance to over 580 attractions throughout the UK.  That’s right, 580!  Imagine the crowds that these popular attractions face – Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace, Roman Baths & Pump Room, Stonehenge, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and many more – and now imagine skipping the queues and enjoying a completely cashless entry. (more…)

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Scotland’s Style Capital: Glasgow

VB-00033161-001From Medieval to Art Nouveau

Enjoy the countryside and coastal views as you pull into Glasgow, which is situated just 42 miles from Edinburgh.  Glasgow has been named Scotland’s style capital, a well-deserved title, once you discover its art deco brasseries, stylish shops, cultural centers, more than 30 art galleries and museums and an annual program of performing arts and festivals.  Stroll along the River Clyde and take in your share of architecture and design.  Shopping, fine dining and nightlife aside, don’t miss Glasgow’s School of Art, The Burrell Collection and Glasgow Cathedral. (more…)

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The BritRail Central Scotland Pass

Scotland pass 280x180

Visit Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow

The BritRail Central Scotland Pass spans exciting cities including Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.  To inspire your trip across Scotland’s central belt, here’s a sneak peak of what these vibrant cities have to offer… (more…)

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Merchant City Festival

merchant-city-festival 280x190Glasgow September 24-27

Glasgow’s Merchant City Festival presents a diverse arts program featuring theater, music, comedy, film, visual arts, opera, dance, fashion and literature.  Attracting tens of thousands to Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City, the Festival has opera singers in the courtyards and bars, thrilling street theatre from across Europe, top comedians and music from every genre in the bars and on the street. (more…)

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Spotlight on Aberdeen

Inspire me!

With its sparkling granite buildings, Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, home to the famous Granite Mile with over 800 shops, restaurants and bars. Where else can you follow a castle trail, whisky trail and coastal golf trail all in the same city?

Spotlight on Aberdeen

Taking the train

Trains depart from London’s King’s Cross to Aberdeen, with some services stopping over in Edinburgh. To travel overnight and save the cost of a night’s hotel, we recommend taking the Caledonian Sleeper from London. www.BritRail.com

Travelers can also travel by rail from other cities in Scotland, including Glasgow (2¾ hours), Edinburgh (2½ hours), Dundee (1¼ hours) and Inverness (2¼ hours).

What’s on

Spotlight on AberdeenSpotlight on AberdeenSPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL

May 1st – May 10th

Visitors will enjoy a mix of exciting events that have a whisky theme. Visit distilleries that are seldom open to the public, go to tasting classes and follow the Malt Whiskey Trail. For details on the upcoming festival visit http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ To learn more about the distilleries on The Malt Whisky Trail, such as the famous Glenfiddich Distillery visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com

Attractions & Sites

Spotlight on AberdeenCOASTAL GOLF

Scotland is renowned for its golf courses, especially as golf can be played all year round. There are several golf courses to choose from, many featuring cliff top views and lush fairways. Popular coastal encounters of the North East include the following golf courses: Stonehaven Golf Course, Murcar Golf Course, Royal Aberdeen Golf Course, Cruden Bay Golf Course, and Moray New and Old Courses. http://golf.visitscotland.com

sSpotlight on AberdeenTHE CASTLE TRAIL

Castle lovers can follow Scotland’s only castle trail where they can view thirteen unique castles. The Northeast is often referred to as Castle Country as it’s home to nearly one thousand castles and castle ruins. Each castle can tell its story, while visitors stroll through beautiful walled gardens and follow the clearly marked trail. With the National Trust for Scotland Pass visitors will benefit from entry to over 120 stately homes, castles, battlefields, monuments and gardens, including many on The Castle Trail www.BritRail.com

Spotlight on AberdeenDUTHIE PARK – ROSE MOUNTAIN

Aberdeen is the 13 times winner of Britain in Bloom and is sometimes referred to as the City of Roses. The stunning mountain of roses showcases more than 120,000 roses and is open every day.

Featured Lodging

Spotlight on AberdeenCITY WHARF APARTMENTS

Select from 22 serviced apartments, in three locations, right in Aberdeen city centre. Rates include breakfast, a welcome hamper with a bottle of wine, free Wi-Fi and much more. Visitors will also receive complimentary entrance to the Warehouse Health Club.

Address: 19-21 Regent Quay, 52 Regent Quay,
31-32 Springbank Terrace
Tel: +44 (0) 8450 94 24 24
www.citywharfapartments.co.uk

Featured Restaurant

Spotlight on AberdeenTHE ASHVALE

A multi award-winning resto, The Ashvale has a unique approach to a coastal favorite. Regularly filled with local families, this restaurant boasts authentic fish and chips.

Address: 42 Great Western Rd
Aberdeen, AB10 6PY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1224 575842
www.theashvale.co.uk

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