A Guide to Traveling Outside Scotland's Tourist Traps

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Advisor - Jacqueline Schufreider
Curated By

Jacqueline Schufreider

  • Scotland

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Arts & Culture

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

Tall, slender standing stones against a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Curator’s statement

Scotland holds a special place in my heart and not only because I got married there. I am constantly in awe of how incredible Scotland is, with breathe taking highland hills to hauntingly beautiful city architecture. The beauty is just the cherry on top, the delicious cuisine was a complete surprise (Scotlands best kept secret) with over 10 Michelin Star restaurants and even more local hub favorites. If you are a Scotch lover expereince first hand where your favorites are distilled or check out a unique local spot there are nearly 150 distillery options to choose from. If Scotch isn't on your top list of beverage choices, there is also great Gin distilleries. If you haven't already fallen in love with Scotland from reading above here are a few other charming things Scotland has to offer golf (St. Andrews Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world), multiple options for stunning Lochs (lakes) Loch Ness where you can test your luck by seeing the Loch Ness Monster, another famous Loch is the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

I could seriously go on forever but lastly the people that live in Scotland are the most genuinely kind humans I have ever met, welcoming and love sharing their pride to be a Scott.

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Where to stay in Scotland

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Things to do in Scotland

A landscaped garden with a fountain set against a historic building backdrop.
  • Royal Scotsman: A Belmond Train A luxury train voyage with multiple options for journey destinations or even themed itineraries like Scotch Malt Whisky Tours and Clans, Castles and Isles. Each with choices for different day durations. On this extravagant experience you won’t have to worry about missing any moment of beauty while traveling.

  • Visit some of the Isle's: Isle of Harris where Harris Tweed is made, Harris also has the delicious Isle of Harris Gin Distillery | Isle of Lewis has the Callanish Standing Stone for all of my Outlander fans or just if you want to see an amazing sight | Isle of Skye which is by far the most famous Isle in Scotland, there is so much beauty to see, the fairy pools are just one of my favorites.

  • Venture on the south coast of Scotland Ayr and Troon: Take a tour of Culzean Castle it's perched on the Ayrshire cliffs overlooking the ocean with opulent gardens just to the side. President Eisenhower, was presented with a suite at the top of the castle for recognition of his role during World War II

  • Glenapp Castle Hotel Sea Safari: Staying on the south coast of Scotland one of our favorite Hotels hosts an unique expereince of their own a Sea Safari with all your glamping needs and adventure traveling * Royal Scotsman | A Belmond Train A luxury train voyage with multiple options for journey destinations or even themed itineraries like Scotch Malt Whisky Tours and Clans,Castles and Isles. Each with choices for different day durations. On this extravagant experience you won’t have to worry about missing any moment of beauty while traveling.

  • Macallan Distillery: This one is for my fancy Scotch drinkers I am a little bias to this Distillery because my dogs named Macallan... and it's one of the best Whiskey's, I think. But Macallan Distillery is not just a great time to try all the delicious casks, but this distillery is an experience in itself.

No trip is complete without visiting Edinburgh. This city is magical, you can definitely see why it inspired J.K Rowling to write Harry Potter. The astonishing Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and is surrounding by dark gothic architecture. Edinburgh has something to do for every type of traveler.

Day Trips:

  • Fife Villages

  • Perthsire

  • Oban

  • Fort William

Places to eat & drink in Scotland

Ancient megalithic stones standing tall against a cloudy sky.

Eat

  • Dishroom (Indian Food)

  • The Witchery

  • The Kitchen

  • Palm Court

  • Ox and Finch

  • Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

  • The Ivy

Drink + Coffee

  • Panda and Sons

  • Cocktail Mafia

  • Burr & Co

  • Kora - Also great for food

  • The lookout

  • The Devil's Advocate

Advisor - Jacqueline Schufreider

Travel Advisor

Jacqueline Schufreider

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Scotland. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Annie Decker's guide, Experiencing the Magic of Scotland in 7 Days.