UkClone, we're going to Scotland for a week after the game. What are your top 5 must see attractions? We are staying the first night in Glasgow, next two nights in Inverness, then the rest of the time in Edinburgh. TIA
Sorry, just saw this!
Happy to give you more suggestions if you share what kinds of things you like to do (nature, food, museums, sport, golf, etc).
To me, the best bits of Scotland are outside the cities, in the rural areas where it can be incredibly scenic and more Scottish. If you’re driving you could easily get to some bits on the way between cities. If I had to suggest 5 things to do, I’d suggest something like the following (not all very close to the cities):
Glen Coe - incredible scenery and on the way-ish between Glasgow and Inverness
Loch Lomond - there’s a really cool spot called Conic Hill in Balmaha; it’s a tough hike but the views are awesome. Probably 45 minutes outside Glasgow.
St Andrews - if you like golf at all, it’s obviously a pilgrimage but the town is cool too and a pro tip is to go on Sunday as The Old Course is open to the public as a park you can walk around. Probably an hour from Edinburgh
Distillery Tour - basically there’s loads of them but easiest for you would be to go to Speyside on your way between Inverness and Edinburgh. Glenlivet or Glen Grant are two good options but there are lots. Key is DO NOT do the Johnnie Walker thing in Edinburgh.
A castle somewhere - Edinburgh Castle is the obvious one, but Stirling Castle is pretty much its equal and an easy train ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Really out of your way, but Dunnottar Castle is a cliff top ruin between Aberdeen and Dundee and is really, really cool.
For the cities themselves, a few suggestions below:
Glasgow - The Kelvingrove Art Museum is a cool 19th century building and has some interesting art. I would also check to see if the Rangers or Celtics have games while you are there, the two most famous football clubs in Scotland. Also, go to a pub and get a Tennents.
Inverness - Not a great city if I’m honest. Near there, Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness is good. The Culloden Battlefield is just outside the city and is interesting, particularly for Outlander fans. Also, Fort George near there is supposed to be a good military museum on the North Sea coast.
Edinburgh - Edinburgh is gorgeous but will be packed that time of year. Agree with Angie on Mary Kings Close, even if it’s a bit hokey, you get a view of Edinburgh history you can’t get anywhere else. Arthurs Seat is a hike from the city centre that has amazing views at the top. The National Museum is free and has some great exhibits. I would highly recommend you find the Cairngorm Coffee Shop if you are a coffee drinker; it’s expensive but the best coffee I’ve ever had. If you’re lucky, there may be rugby at Murrayfield, which I would strongly recommend as it’s a very Scottish experience.
Sorry, lots there but feel free to reach out directly if you want anything more targeted at specific interests, food recommendations, travel logistics, etc.