With its dramatic coastlines, wild open wildernesses and captivatingly compact cities, it’s no surprise Scotland was voted the most beautiful country in the world by the readers of the popular travel guide publisher, Rough Guides.
Follow the adventurous couple, Max & Alex, as they explore incredible places and make magical memories in VisitScotland’s Come Along film:
This video was created in partnership with MRM McCann, Fifty Films & VisitScotland.
The land’s undeniable beauty is bound to be calling you back home. For your next trip back up north, why not come and experience more beautiful places with some of these trip ideas?
Dundee & Angus
Loch Brandy in Glen Clova, one of the Angus Glens
There’s never been a better time to visit the amazing city of Dundee than in 2018. The waterfront gem is a UNESCO City of Design and will soon become home to Scotland’s first-ever dedicated design museum, the V&A Dundee – the only V&A in the world outside London – which opens its doors on 15 September.
Cool, creative and cultural, the city is known for inventing marmalade, The Beano and Grand Theft Auto. Along the coast you’ll find Broughty Ferry, which is an ideal spot for beach strolls. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the pubs or restaurants with spectacular views out to sea.
Try the world’s fastest growing watersport, cable wakeboarding, at Foxlake Dundee. An overhead cable will pull you over the surface of the lake with a feel similar to surfing or snowboarding but on water.
Venture a little further from the city and witness the peaceful landscapes of beautiful Angus, a region of rolling glens and stark coastal beauty.
How to get there: Dundee is well connected by rail links, or fly direct from London Stansted to Dundee with Loganair.
Find out more about Dundee & Angus.
Aberdeenshire & Moray Speyside
Dunnottar Castle
Skirting the edge of the north east coast, an ancient city awaits. Aberdeen, a city of impressive architecture, maritime heritage and atmospheric cobbled lanes, is a wonderful city escape and its neighbouring ‘Castle Country’ is bound to inspire with tales of centuries gone by.
There are plenty of castles near Aberdeen, so you can easily base yourself in the city and explore some of Scotland’s Castle Trail, which takes you to the impressive ruins of Dunnottar Castle, the fairytale Crathes Castle or Drum Castle, as well as many other magnificent fortresses.
Thanks to Aberdeen’s coastal location, fresh seafood is (unsurprisingly) a local speciality, so make sure to try out the menus at restaurants such as Moon Fish Café and Silver Darling. The nearby Moray Speyside region is the birthplace of world-famous single malts including Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, so a Speyside dram is a must too.
With rugged cliffs and imposing sand dunes lacing the Aberdeenshire and Banffshire coastlines, a day at the beach is a great place to recharge and escape the stresses of city life. Aberdeen’s city centre beach is a fabulous place for dolphin spotting in the summer or venture out to the glorious sands of Balmedie Beach further north.
How to get there: Aberdeen Airport is 7 miles (11 km) from the city centre and is well connected by London airports and by rail. Fly from London Heathrow to Aberdeen with Flybe, or catch a direct train from London Kings Cross to Aberdeen with Virgin East Coast.
Find out more about visiting Aberdeenshire.
Glasgow & Loch Lomond
Walkers by Loch Brandy in Glen Clova, one of the Angus Glens
Scotland was voted as the ‘most welcoming country’ in 2017 by readers of Rough Guides, and it’s easy to see why when you visit Glasgow. With locals famed for their friendliness, the bright lights and the buzzing atmosphere of Scotland’s biggest city always makes for an unforgettable night out. Stop for cocktails at the Blue Dog or Wicked Lounge in the Merchant City or check out the live music at The Butterfly & The Pig before catching a gig at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
Did you know you can do a bungee jump in the city centre of Glasgow? If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your break, leap off the Titan Crane (that’s right – a real life, A-listed historic crane!) with Highland Fling Bungee.
In just under an hour’s drive from Glasgow, you can find yourself on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Admire these iconic landscapes with an invigorating hike up the Ben Lomond (at 990m, this peak is one of Scotland’s favourite Munros) or venture further into the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to admire the 10 m high cascading Falls of Falloch.
How to get here: It’s easy to get to Glasgow from several London airports and by rail connections. Catch a direct train from London Euston to Glasgow Central with Virgin Trains.
Or, why not take the overnight Caledonian Sleeper and wake up in Scotland refreshed and ready to explore. It travels from London Euston to Glasgow, Aberdeen and several other Scottish destinations.
Find more day trips from Glasgow.
For more inspiration, go to VisitScotland.com
