Glasgow is a beautiful Scotland city with gardens, history, and modern amenities that make it a wonderful place for your Scotland vacations. A day in Glasgow can have enough activity and rest to make a perfect day for all Scotland Vacations.

Wake Up

Wake up when you feel like it after getting a nice restful sleep in a quant bed and breakfast of inn. Get ready for the day in a bright cheerful room with a view of historic Glasgow.

Breakfast

Getting breakfast close by is going to save you time and stress, so go ahead and enjoy the breakfast that is included with your room. If the morning meal is not included then go the inns restaurant or a place within walking distance.

Tour the Peoples Palace

The people’s palace is a wonderful museum that represents the people of Glasgow past and present that have made an impact as well as Glasgow’s social history. 

Lunch

Keeping things simple go have lunch at the glasshouses whole foods snack bar nearby. If it isn’t to your taste or isn’t open then ask an employee where to eat that is really close. Sit back and soak Glasgow in while eating your lunch.

Walk Through the Glasgow Green

The Peoples Palace is attached to a wonder full park and winter gardens. You are there and we are tying to keep things enjoyable and stress free, so exploring this wonderful park should be your evening’s activities. Get some exorcise while you are there by walking all the paths.

Dinner

Since you are most likely going to need to take some sort of public transportation to get back to your room you might as will stop at a nice restaurant on the way to have your dinner. Get advice from locals before deciding on which restaurant to go to. They know what is good in there neiborhood.

Off to Bed

After having a fun day it is so nice to come back to the same room where your things are waiting for you. Watch a bit of the local TV if you want to better understand the culture and relax before bedtime.

Above photo of a street in Glasgow Scotland by dweinberger

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There is so much to see in Edinburgh you could spend your entire Scotland vacations there and still not see it all. Here are four things that you can’t miss while on your Edinburgh vacations.

Edinburgh Castle

You can’t go to Edinburgh and not take the Royal Mile tour and see the Edinburgh Castle. Many of the castles historic buildings are open to see and they are set up as museums to enhance your knowledge of the area. Be sure to bring your walking shoes as the castle is sitting high on top of the castle mound which is an old volcano.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Old Town is fun to see since it is a perfect example of closes and houses from long ago. You will not have a hard time imagining what it would have been like to life there for Edinburgh’s poor. You can take a tour of an underground close that was once open to the air before it was closed in a built on top of.

New Town

When the “Old Town” got to crowded and dirty for the genteel class they built there own town in there current style and this town the built is now called New Town. New Town is new in comparison to the Old Town as it was built in the 1700s. If you tour the New Town you can examine and enjoy the Victorian architecture.

Royal Botanic Garden

Visiting a garden when you are touring a foreign place is always a relaxing and educational way to spend your time on a vacation away from home. The Royal Botanic Garden will not disappoint you with its variety of gardens and even its wildlife.

Above photo of New Town in Edinburgh Scotland by Davybot

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Have you been thinking about visiting Aviemore Scotland on your Scotland vacations? Aviemore might not be the on the top three of the most famous cities in Scotland, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t on the top three places that you should visit on your Scotland vacations. There is a lot to see and do in Aviemore Scotland as well as tons of character. Here are 5 reasons to put this city on your Scotland itinerary.

Aviemore has lots of character. Most of Aviemore is relatively new by Scotland standards. This town dates from before the 1600s, but most of it was built in the 1800s when the train started going though. Today this is definitely a mountain resort with quaint architecture and a small town feel.

Outdoor actives are all around. Aviemore is most famous for its outdoor activities. This town in sitting in the middle of the Cairngorm mountain range and the Cairn Gorm ski area is near by. You can also enjoy dry ski slopes in the wormer months as well as challenging hill walking.

Experience Scotland’s highlands in this small town. This town is the best part of Scotland’s highlands. You can spend all of your time there or use it as a jumping off place to see the rest of the highlands.

Aviemore has shopping and all sorts of modern conveniences. Since this is town that around other small town it is the place to go shopping. This city has a supermarket as well as other types of shops. You will also find a go cart track, theatre, and a swimming pool.

The train line makes it a great jumping off point for other Scotland cities nearby. The train line put this mountain town on the map in the 1800s and you can still take the train there today. You can also take that train out of Aviemore to other highland areas of interest

Above photo of and area near Aviemore Scotland by Mark Wales

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If you are thinking about where to visit during your Scotland vacations then you have probably been considering Edinburgh vacations. Edinburgh has history and modernity all wrapped into one very vibrant Scottish city. If you are going to take Scotland vacations in Edinburgh then you must see these attractions.

Edinburgh Castle

It would be hard to justify Scotland vacations that do not include Edinburgh castle. Edinburgh castle would be hard to miss if you are visiting Edinburgh as it sits high on an ancient volcanic outcropping. You can visit and even take a tour of St Margaret’s Chapel which is the oldest surviving building. If you visit during July and August you can enjoy the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is a fantastic festival.

The Old Town

If you want to experience a medieval town on your Scotland vacations then you need to pay a visit to Edinburgh’s Old Town. This Old Town was one the only town for the first 650 years of Edinburgh’s existence. You will find old closes and tenement houses as they would have been long age. This is a highly touristy area and for good reason. 

Holyrood Park

Also known as Queens Park, this is a great attraction in Edinburgh to see on your Scotland vacations. If you like to be outdoors and get some real exorcise than you must visit Holyrood Park. The Queens Drive circles this 5 acre park that includes moorland, marshes, fields, hills, locks, and crags. This is a nice place you everyone with all types of fun walks to take. You can get a nice map of those walked from the ranger’s station.

Above photo by Cristopher Chan

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Glasgow is known for its friendly locals and gritty character. If you can only see on of Scotland’s cities on your Scotland vacations this year than you can’t go wrong making it Glasgow vacations. Glasgow is completely Scottish. This is a real city not just a tourist attraction. People live and work there all year round. Glasgow is a city with a long interesting history and you can see it all over the place in the buildings and museums. If you are ready to soak in some Scottish atmosphere and enjoy the history and nature then here are four places that you must see when you go there.

Peoples Palace

If you are interested in learning about the people of Glasgow, past and present, then you must see the Peoples Palace. This is not a history of Scotland’s royals it is a history of there regular people that have done extraordinary things.

Scottish Football Museum

Where I come from football means something different that what it means in Scotland, so I will say that this is a museum of what Americans would call soccer. Hamdpen Park is where this museum is located and also where the oldest football team calls home.

Tenement House

Would you like to step back in time to the year 1911? You can when you tour the Tenement House. This home of one of Glasgow’s upper middle class and is just as the occupant had left it.

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green is the oldest park in Scotland and has been used for many interesting purposes over its long history. Today this park has been returned to its former uses and you can go enjoy it. The Peoples Palace is located in Glasgow Green so you can visit both together easily.

Above photo of Glasgow Green by twistyfoldy.net

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When you think of visiting a city on your Scotland vacations you are probably thinking of Edinburgh. Although I love Edinburgh it isn’t the only big city in Scotland worth visiting. Glasgow is a beautiful city with warm locals and so much to see and do. You could spend your entire Scotland vacations and still not see everything. 

Just to give you a taste of what you can find in Glasgow here is a few of its magnificent gardens.

Botanic Gardens

In the beginning these Botanic Gardens were just a collection of plants kept for medicinal reasons by the university. In 1842 this collection was moved to the west end suburbs. Today the Botanic Garden stretches to 27 acres. You can enter the gardens on Great Western Road and Queen Margeret Drive.  These gardens contain Kibble Palace which is a 23,000 sq foot glasshouse filled with exotic trees and plants from all corners of the earth. Outside you will enjoy an herb harden, sequential border, an arboretum, a renowned orchid collection, and the national collection of begonias.

Glasgow Green

The Glasgow Green is the oldest public park in Scotland. It was given to the people in 1450 and used ever since. This park has an interesting history. For a very long time this park was used as a place for the people to hang there wash, graze there cattle, and have public hangings. Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army camped in the park. Football clubs were started here, and the earliest golf clubs played on the green. This park is also the home of the Peoples Palace which is worth have Scotland vacations just to visit it.

Above photo of Glasgow Cathedral from Cornell University Library

 

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Inverness is a good place to put on your itinerary for your Scotland vacations. The capital of the highlands and sits at the mouth of Lock Ness, Inverness has plenty to see and do.

Balnain House

A mansion built in the Georgian style that dates back to 1762 is now the center for the study of highland and island music.

Castle Gallery

In an 18th century building you will find a fine contemporary art gallery of art from British artists.

Church Street

A street of historical and interesting buildings. Look for High Church, Dunbar’s Hospital, and Abertarff House which is the regional headquarters for the National Trust of Scotland.

Clachnaharry Inn

This is a 17th century coaching inn where today you can get bar meals as well as whisky and beer.

Eden Court

Eden Court is a theater where you can watch movies, dramatics, and dance. This is the best place for this type of arts in the Highlands and Islands.

Hootananny

Yip you read that one right, this town centre bar is called the Hootananny. You can enjoy traditional music.

Inverness Castle

Dates back to 1843 this castle was built on the place that another older castle stood. Look for the statue of Flora Macdonald the young women who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in front of the Highland Counsel buildings.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

This is a museum with everything from archaeology to Jacobite relics and even fine art.

Johnny Foxes

A riverside pub with live music most nights and good food all the time.

 

Above photo of Inverness Castle by conner395

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Skye is known for its friendly people and incredible landscapes which make it perfect for your Scotland Vacations.

Armadale Castle and Gardens

The Garden of Skye contains the ruins of Armadale Castle and Gardens overlooking Kyleakin harbor. You will find a ruined castle turned into a museum, an old stable house restaurant, bookshop, gift shop, self catering accommodation, and guided walks around the grounds.

Aros Experience

Located just south of Portree this museum is a multi-media presentation tells the story of the island from the 1700 until now.

Dunvegan Castle

This has long been a stronghold for the MacLeod clan. Dates back to the 13th century. Find an incredible assortment of antiquities inside and beautiful gardens outside.

Eilean Ban

Eilean Ban is a nature reserve on a small island. It can be reached by the Bright Water Visitors Center on the Pier of Kyleakin. There is a decommissioned light house on the island with a beautifully refurbished keeper’s cottage.

Luib Croft Museum

The Luib Croft Museum is an interesting folk museum. Look for the collection of 19th century newspaper clippings of crofter’s grievances.

Skye Museum of Island Life

See how the crofters lived in these seven thatched cottages. Find it south of Duntulm Castle ruin.

Strathnaver

Strathnaver is a valley that was abandoned by its residents between 1912 and 1819 when the area was cleared for grazing during the highland clearances. You can see the remains of walls and small homesteads.

Torridon

Scotland’s first national nature reserve, complete with a visitor’s center. You can enjoy a nice trail along the north shore of Lock Torridon.

Ullapool

A well planed out village in the 1788 by the British Fisheries Society. Take the MV Summer Queen Cruse twelve miles up to see the “Green Bumps of the Summer Isles”.

Urquhart Castle

A ruined castle built on rocky outcropping in Lock Ness. This castle was blown up in 1691, but has a wonderful visitor’s center with found artifacts form the castle.

Wick Heritage Centre

A planned fishing village built in the 19 century. Look for the Heritage Centre which exhibits the town in its heyday as the busiest herring fishing port.

 

Above photo of Island of Skye by .:fotomaf:.

 

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Except during festival time Glasgow could easily rival Edinburgh as the best place to spend your Scotland vacations. The local residents are legendary for there friendliness and there love of there city. There is plenty in Glasgow to see during your Scotland vacations.

Barras

The Barras is a famous flea market which dates back to the 1920. This is an exciting place on the weekend filled with individual merchant stands and a once a month farmers market.

Botanic Gardens

The Botanic gardens are located on Great Western Road where you will find the Kibble Palace, herb garden, sequential border, and an arboretum.

Burrell Collection

Pollock Park is where the 8,000 item art collection is housed that once belonged to Sir William Burrell. This wonderful collection includes many priceless peaces by very famous artists.

City Chambers

If you enjoy the architecture and antiquities of the Victorian age you need to visit the City Chambers. It was built to show opulence and riches.

Clydebuilt

You can take a river waterbus to Braehead a Scotland maritime museum. 

Gallery of Modern Art

This is a contemporary collection of modern art places on four floors. You will not only get to see the artwork of great Scottish artists, but also works from other far off countries.

Greenbank Garden

Greenbank Garden is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and is mostly run as a demonstration garden. It is located south of town in Clarkson.

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow cathedral is one of the areas most historic and oldest sites. If you are in Merchant City then you could easily walk to the 13th century cathedral.

Glasgow Green

The oldest public park in Scotland and recently restored to its former glory. The park has a very rich and long history. This is also where you will find the Peoples Palace.

Glasgow Necropolis

The Glasgow Necropolis isn’t just any old seminary. This is a historic seminary filled with Victorian monuments by famous architects to Glasgow’s wealthy deceased. 

Glasgow School of Art

Designed by Mackintosh who trained at this collage is now considered his masterpiece. You can take a tour that includes an art exhibition also by Mackintosh.

Glasgow Science Centre

Lying on the south side of the River Clyde. The Glasgow Science Centre contains an 80 foot IMAX theater, a 400 foot high viewing tower that turns in the wind, and a science museum with over 500 interactive exhibits.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

Opened in 1807 as Scotland’s first public Museum. You will enjoy exhibits of geology, archaeology, coins, and art.

Holmewood

Holmewood was the Mansion of architect Alexander Thompson. He had an interesting way of designing buildings and his mansion is no exception.

House for an Art Lover

Designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald this building is a fantasy. The House for an Art Lover is located in Bellahouston Park. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

This is a red sandstone building that dates back to the early 20th century. Located in Kelinggrove Park, This museum holds art from many different eras as well as historical artifacts.

Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City

This building was designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh. Inside is an exhibition of the work of Macintosh, as well as a rooftop viewing platform.

Mackintosh Trail

The Macintosh trail is a self guided tour though the city of buildings designs by Macintosh. A good list of macintosh buildings include; Glasgow School Of Art, Willow Tearooms, House for an Art Lover, Scotland Street School, and St. Matthew’s Free Church.

Merchant City

Merchant City is located in the middle of Glasgow. It is Glasgow’s “New Town” but actually goes back to the 18th century.

Museum of Education

In the former Scotland Street School which was designed by Mackintosh is a museum that pays homage to Scottish Education.

Museum of Piping

This is Scotland’s centre of excellence for the learning and performance of bagpipe music. There is a small museum and an auditorium for performances here.

Museum of Transport

In the back of Kelvin Hall are all kinds of historic elegits of Scotland transport. 

Peoples Palace

Found in Glasgow’s Green the Peoples Palace is just as it sounds, a museum about the history of the people of Glasgow. There is a corner dedicated to the famous people of Glasgow.

Pollock House

Pollock house is a mid 17th century mansion set on 361 acres just 3 miles from city centre. 

Provand’s Lordship

This is the oldest house in Glasgow. Just east of the city centre you will find Provand’s Lordship across from St. Mungo Museum. You will find a wonderful collection of 15th and 16th century wooden furniture here.

Scottish Football Museum

Located in Hampden Park which is the home of the oldest football team, you can find the Scottish football Museum.

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

This museum exhibits religious art and artifacts from many different religions and countries. Different beliefs on life, death, after death, rights of passage, birth, and marriage.

Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbor

The CV Glenlee was built on the Clyde in 1896. You can take a tour of this ship and hear the ships tales.

Tenement House

This is a preserved Tenement House from 1911 where you can see for yourself how the slightly better off lived back then.

Glasgow has so many sights for your Scotland vacation that I could not list them all here. Once you get there you will find that there are more things to do and see than time to do and see them all.

 

Above photo of Argyle Street Glasgow, Scotland from the Oregon State University archives 

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Unless you are looking for really simple Scotland vacations where you will have lots of time on your hands to spend enjoying this small town like a locals then Dumfries is only going to be a jumping off place to visit the surrounding area. If you find that you have a free evening or afternoon in Dumfries on your Scotland vacations than here is a list of fun things to do.

Globe Inn

The Globe inn is a 400 year old pub, and serves home cooked meals. You can find it down an alley near High Street. 

Gracefield Arts Centre

Located near town centre this museum is filled with contemporary visual arts and crafts, and a permanent display of Scottish paintings.

Odeon

Odeon is located in the town centre. If you just want to do as the locals do visit this one screen theater to enjoy mainstream movies.

Robert Burns Film Theatre

If you are interested in more unusual films then visit the Robert Burns Film Theatre where not only mainstream films are shown. You can also enjoy foreign and Art House films. Look for this Theatre on the opposite banks of the River Nith from the main part of town.

Robert Burns Centre

Located by the river Nith, you will find the Robert burns Centre in an old mill building. This centre is an exhibition of the Dumfries burns connection.

Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal can be found in town centre. This is a theatre has live performances from the local armature Guild of Players, Touring companies, and the Scottish Opera.

 

Above photo of Sweetheart Abby, Dumfries from the Library of Congress 

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