Why would you want to spend your Scotland vacations in Glasgow? This is a city with high quality museums and galleries, an incredible nightlife, and friendly locals. Glasgow is also said to have buildings that rival Barcelona and Paris. Glasgow is definitely worthy of your Scotland vacations. If you have the time it would be fun to walk all over Glasgow to really see it, but if you don’t want to do that, then you can take a bus or subway to just about anywhere you want to go. There is a long list of attractions that you might want to visit on your Scotland vacation to Glasgow. Here are just two to get you started.

Gallery of Modern Art

I bet you knew about Scotland’s long history with tons of art to fill each decade, but did you know that there is a vibrant modern art movement too? This modern art gallery is controversial in its humorous interpretation of itself and of Scotland. This is a constantly changing exhibition, so even if you visited a few years of even six months ago you would still see something different today. You will also find a café and a public library to round out your experience.

The Mackintosh Trail

Charles Rennie Mackintosh was an architect that was popular in the early twentieth century. He was born in Glasgow in 1868. Mackintosh along with his wife and his wife’s sister and husband dominated Glasgow style for a while. If you enjoy his style of architecture than there are several building to see around Glasgow. For example; Glasgow School of Art, Willow Tearooms, Mackintosh House, Scotland Street School, and St. Matthew’s Free Church. Many of these buildings are close enough together to walk.

 

Above photo of University, Glasgow, Scotland from the Library of Congress

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Glasgow is the perfect place to spend your Scotland vacations. This large Scotland city is full of history, friendly people, and quirky museums. If you are looking for fun things to see on your Scotland vacations then visit these museums in Glasgow. 

House for Art Lovers

This museum was designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald but not built until 1996. This is a dream home set in the Bellhouston Park for all to see. On Sunday afternoon the music room is used for recitals.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

This is the oldest public museum in Scotland and it is the home of a wonderful scientific collection that was donated by a Glasgow-trained physician in 1807. You will find a wonderful coin collection as well as geology and archeology. Across university avenue is the art collection.

Museum of Piping

This is the National Piping Centre. That means bag pipes of coerce. People come from all over the planet to learn bag piping here. In this centre is where the National Museum of Scotland has a small museum dedicated just to the highland bagpipe. There is also an auditorium for concerts, and a sound archives in the building.

Museum of Transport

The Museum of Transport has an impressive collection of historic vehicles such as steam powered trains, horse drawn trams, fire engines, motorbikes, and model ships.

These only scratch the surface of what you can see and do on your Scotland vacations in Glasgow.

To find out what other things you can do on your Scotland vacations in Glasgow and all over visit scotlanddreaming.com

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Edinburgh is the perfect place to spend your Scotland vacations. This is the capital of Scotland and is full things to see and do. There is a wonderful tour buss system in Edinburgh that allows you to buy a ticket and then jump on and off the buss all day. What must you see in Edinburgh? Here are two of the many attractions that you must see on your Scotland vacations in Edinburgh. 

Edinburgh Castle

From June to October you can see an amazing festival in front of Edinburgh on the Esplanade. Even if don’t visit during this time this castle on a volcano is worth the trip. First visit the oldest structure in the castle is St. Margaret’s Chapel that is still sometimes used for weddings. Second you can see the Scottish National War Memorial which was built in 1923 to honor those that dies in World War 2. Make sure you get to see the Crown Room on the first floor. The crown, sceptre, and sward are usually on display there. A Scottish National War Museum is also on site a worth a look. Wish such a brutal war history in Scotland this museum is definitely not to be missed.

New Town

Edinburgh’s New Town isn’t new in the terms we are used to. The first part of New Town was built in the mid to late 1700s and the second part was built in the early 1800s. Covering about one square mile this was a wonderful neighborhood built with wide streets and nice squares at each end. Near by you will find the mound which is a causeway that is the home to the national museum of Scotland. Also visit Stockbridge which is a Bohemian artisan’s corner. 

Above photo of Princess Street and castle from Scott’s Monument from the Library of Congress

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There are so many things to do and see in Edinburgh on your Scotland Vacations you could easily spend a week and not see it all. So what do you fit into your itinerary? That is a question that only you can answer, but here is a list of sights to get you started. You might just want to see it all, so start planning now for future Scotland vacations. Check back for detailed pages describing each sight.

Arthur’s Seat

The remains of an ancient volcano, Arthur’s Seat is a green hill with several smaller hills and locks around it. Part of it is the ridge of Old Town and leads up to The Castle mound of Edinburgh Castle.

Calton Hill

You can get a wonderful view on this hill to the east of Princess Street. Calton Hill is the home to the Old Observatory, new Observatory, Dugald Stewert Memorial, the unfinished National Monument, and the Nelson Monument.

Camera Obscura and World Illusions

Both exhibits about Edinburgh and Panoramic Projections of Edinburgh can be seen at Camera Obscura. You can find it at the top of the royal mile in the Outlook Tower.

Canongate Kirk

Canongate Kirk is a church that has a graveyard where a few famous people were put to rest, such as Robert Burns and David Rizzio.

Canongate Tolbooth/ The People’s Story Museum

Located up the hill from Conongate Kirk is the home of the Peoples Museum. This is a museum of the life and times of the people of Edinburgh from the 18th century forward.

City Art Centre

Edinburgh’s own art Gallery displays changing exhibits and a wonderful collection of Scottish paintings.

Craigmiller Castle

Found southeast of the city centre Craigmiller Castle is full of history. You can visit the site that both Mary Queen of Scott’s husband’s murder was planed and the place that she escaped to on a few occasions.

Cramond

Near Queensferry Lies a village called Cramond which was one had a strong water-powered industry. This is a perfect place for an evening stroll or you can catch a ferry to Dalmeny.

Dynamic Earth

Conveniently located near the new Scottish Parliament building is a High-Tec imagery trip back through time to the creation of the earth.

Edinburgh Castle

You can easily find this land mark on Castle Mound as it is very large. You can take tours of many of the castles buildings and if you time it right enjoy the festival.

Edinburgh Zoo

The Edinburgh Zoo is located at corstorphine on the side of a steep hill. You can enjoy seeing the animals with Edinburgh Castle in the background.

Fruitmarket Gallery

This is a Gallery of high-profile arts venues of contemporary art and design. You can find it behind Waverly Station across from the City Art Centre.

Georgiam House

At No.7 Charlotte Square in New Town you will find a recreated 1796 home to show how the better half lived.

Gladstone’s Land

This is an example of a tenement-house in Old Town dating back to the 17th century. Again this is an example of how the eras well to do lived.

Grassmarket

Located below the Castle Rock Grassmarket has served quit a few purposes over its history including the location of executions until the late 1700s. Now it is full of nice shops, restaurants, and pubs to visit.

Grayfriers Kirkyard

Grayfriers Kirkyard has a long important history to Scotland. Now you can see several memorials and the grave of William Adam.

John Knox House

John Knox was the founder of the Church of Scotland. The John Knox House is where he preached out a window in his early years. There is an exhibit about him in the house to see.

Lauriston Castle

An avid collector of fine furniture owned and then donated this castle along with his collection to Edinburgh for all to see.

This is a town with many fashionable restaurants. The Edinburgh River runs though the center of town and it has a nice walk.

Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood is a collection of exhibits about childhood not and exhibits for children. Although this would be a fascinating place to children it is full of things children experienced and played with in the past.

Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh houses a historical collection that will take you though the centuries. You can easily find it across the road from the Canongate Tolbooth.

Museum of Scotland

This is not a museum that you can see all at once, the Museum of Scotland is spread out on several levels that start on the first floor with the earliest beginnings and work up though time. This is a modern interpretation of an ancient fortification and is easily found on the western end of Chambers Street.

National Gallery of Scotland

You can find works of some of the best old masters in the UK along with distinctly Scottish artwork. The National Gallery of Scotland can be found on the mound.

New Town

To the North of Princess Street sits the so-called New Town. This New Town actually dates back to the late 1700s this is mostly Victorian architecture.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Still officially the home of Scotland’s royalty. It has a long history that is worth exploring. This is a tourist attraction only when a Royal isn’t visiting.

Princes Street Gardens

Between Castle Rock and Princess Street lies a strip of park called Princess Street Gardens. Look for the clock made of flowers with moving hands.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Every 20 minutes a tour can take you though this now underground close where you can see what it was like to be one of Edinburgh poor. Find it in old town under ground.

Royal Botanic Garden

To find the Royal Botanic Garden by crossing the Stockbridge on Princess Street. You will see several rock gardens, lots of Rhododendrons, squirrels, and tons more.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the almost straight road that links the Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse through the Old Town.

Royal Yacht Britannia

This Royal Yacht served the Royal family for over 40 years. You can see its story in the visitors center a tour the Yacht for yourself. You will find it at Edinburgh’s port of Leith.

Scotch whisky Heritage Centre

This Heritage center can be found at the top of the Royal Mile. Ride in a hollowed out beret through the center and learning about the Scotch whisky making process.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a collection of portraits of famous and not so famous people that shaped Scotland. You will also find the national photo collection too.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Located on the grounds of an old school this gallery displays works by famous artist such as Picasso, Hirst, Fergusson, Giacometti, and so much more.

Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre

You can find out everything about the Scottish Parliament from its history to its importance here. Get a tour of parts of the new parliament, but make reservations first.

St. Giles Cathedral: The High Kirk of Edinburgh

Found near the top of the Royal Mile, you can’t miss this imposing structure. Parts of this church dates back to the 15th century.

Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum is dedicated to Scotland’s own famous writers. You can learn more about Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

 

Above photo of Edinburgh Princess street by Express000

Technorati Tags: Scotland Vacations, scottish parliament visitor centre, st.giles cathedral: the high kirk of edinburgh, writer's museum

Scotland is estimated at around 30,000 SQ miles. That is a lot of ground to cover while on your Scotland vacations. Few people have the time or money to see it all. You are probably finding that you will need to pick and area or two to visit instead of the whole thing. So where do you start to look for the right part of Scotland to visit. Read on to find out the character of each area and visit back for lists of things to do in each area for your Scotland vacations.

Scotland Vacations in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is known for its Edinburgh castle that sits on top of and old volcano. Although that is a perfectly good reason to choose Edinburgh to visit there is so much more to the city and the greater area. The center of Edinburgh is split in half by Princess Street Gardens. The north sides was built in the age of reason and are Greaten style. The south site is Old Town where you will find medieval architecture and tight allays and closes. Edinburgh also has many museums so it is a cultural destination.

Scotland Vacations in Dumfries

Dumfries is a town of only about 30,000 residents and known for being the resting place for Robbie Burns. This is a quiet town that you might only want to visit for a day, but it is a perfect jumping off place to visit the region surrounding it such as the Solway coast. As Burns also spend his last five years there you will find a few places to see that are associated with him. In the nineteen sixties there was building that got rid of many original building, but what is left of the red sandstone buildings to be worth a look.

Scotland Vacations in Glasgow 

Glasgow is situated on the river Clyde, which makes it the perfect place to have been an industrial giant. Glasgow tents to have a gritty feel and bad part of town because of its failed industry in the 1960s and 1970s. Today Glasgow can seem to be a stark gray city, but is now known for being a city of culture. You will find very imaginative museums, which demonstrate Scotland’s past, present, and future. The architecture is definitely worth a visit to Glasgow it itself.

Scotland Vacations in Skye

Skye and the Western Isles have many intriguing things to see. This Area does not have many pubs; instead it is full of churches. You can take a scenic ferry to the island or the less scenic road. Skye is considered the centered of Gaelic culture. If you are a real outdoorsman than you should have no problem finding enough to keep you happy for a week of two in Skye. If your just in it for fantastic view than this is also the place for you.

Scotland Vacations in the Inverness

Inverness is located in the spectacular Highland of Scotland and known as the only city in the Highlands. This area is full of castles and other historic sites. Inverness is a busy hub that is the perfect place to stay or get transportation while exploring other parts of the Highland. Inverness sits on the river Ness and has a few foot paths worth taking.

 

Above photo of Scotland – Trotternish/Island of Skye by vtveen

Technorati Tags: dumfries, edinburgh, glasgow, inverness, Scotland Vacations, skye

With Scotland’s long history and suppositious people it is little wonder that many of Scotland castles are said to be haunted. Whether you believe spirits are stalking around these fortifications or not the legends are fascinating. Scotland’s haunted castles are definitely worth visiting. Check back for updates including more haunted castles and a special page or link for each.

Ackergill Tower
Located near Caithness
Dates back to the 15th century. It is believed that the ghost of Helen Gunn haunts the castle, who was the daughter of an opposing family. When she was kidnapped at age 15 she jumped to her death from the battlements of the tower.

Baldoon Castle
Located near Galloway
This is a 17th century castle ruin. The ghost is a young bride who was forced to marry a man that was not the one she loved; either she or her new husband was murdered on there wedding night.

Borthwick Castle
Located near Lothian
Built in the mid 1400s. The ghost at Borthwick castle is supposed to be Mary Queen of Scotts dressed as a pageboy, because when she visited the castle she had to escape disguised as a man.

Cawdor Castle
Located near Inverness
Dates back to the early 14th century. Cawder castle is said to be haunted by a ghost wearing blue velvet who might be Muriel Cawder the 12 year old daughter and heir who was kidnapped and forced to merry Sir John Campbell.

Culzean Castle
Located in Ayrshire
Dates back to the 18th century. There are two ghosts; one is a ghostly piper who plays during storms and the waves are crashing, and the other is a young woman in a ball gown.

Dunrobin Castle
Located in Sutherland
Parts of this castle dates back to the 1300s. The daughter of the 14th Earl of Sutherland haunts the Scotland castle. She was locked up by her father so she could not merry the man she loved and fell to her death while trying to escape.

Fernie Castle
Located in Fife
This castle dates back to the mid 1300s. Fernie castle is the place that the fames green lady haunts, she is said to mess with the lights and move things around there.

Glamis Castle
Located near Forfar in Angus
Glamis castle is known as the most hunted castle in Scotland, with three known ghosts. There is lady Glamis who was accused of which craft by her husband the king and burnt at the stake, the 4th earl of Crawford who hangs around the room he played cards with the devil in, and a ghost known as Earl Beardie.

Huntingtower Castle
Located near Perth in Perthshire
Parts of this castle dates back to the 15th century. The ghost here is known as My Lady Greensleeves; she appears before a death and is also believed to heal the sick.

Inveraray Castle
Located near Inveraray in Argyll
The original castle dates back to the 15th century. Inveraray castle is still the home of the Duke of Argyll. Parts of this Scotland castle is open to tours, in which you might get to see one of many of its resident ghosts.

 

Above photo of (Burn’s National Monument, Mauchline,Scotland) (LOC) by the Library of Congress

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Airshire joined The Kingdom of Scotland when it was taken from Viking settlers in the eleventh century. Airshire is located in the southwest part of Scotland and its farms are very fertile. Airshire has a full history full of some of the most interesting and magnificent of the Scotland castles.

A few of the intriguing castles in Airshire include;

Turnberry Castle

This Scotland castle is believed to have been started in the twelfth century, although parts of it might go back to the eleventh. Turnberry Castle is legend to be where Robert the Bruce was born, partly because it was the home of his mothers. It is known that he seized Turnberry Castle from the English and then took great care of it afterward. Even though the original castle covered about ¾ of an acre, there isn’t much of this historic fortification left today. It is in total ruin, but you can see the ditch that was created to help protect the castle, a few feet of the castle walls, and the cave that opens to the sea. You will also notice that a Beautiful lighthouse has been built on the site of Turnberry Castle and it has an interesting history of its own.

Thomaston Castle

Built in the thirteen’s century this Scotland castle is technically in ruins. Even though this keep has been left to the elements for a long time, only the garret is missing. The three stories are still intact, although they are crumbling. This Scotland castle was built by Robert the Bruce’s nephew and then owned by a family that supplied whine to the owners of Culzean Castle which is nearby. This is a wonderful castle ruin in that it has held up so well. So much of the building can still be seen which makes it easy to imagine how the original castle must have looked in its heyday.

 

Above photo of Culzean Castle, Airshire, Scotland by SpindlierHades

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If you are looking for the full Scotland castles experience then staying a night or two in one is going to be a dream come true. Some of the Scotland castle hostels offer 5 stare accommodations while others are self catering and you can rent the entire place for a group. Wouldn’t that be perfect for an important event like a wedding? If you are thinking that these castles are going to be cold, drafty, and full of spiders than you would be wrong. These are well cared for places that are very comfortable. Check back for more Scotland castle hotels.

Airth Castle
Located near Stirling
Parts of this estate dates back to the 12th century. Airth castle is new a resort and spa that can also accommodate weddings and parties.

Barcaldine Castle
Located near Oban
Built in the 16th century. This Scotland castle is not a bed and breakfast. Barcaldine Castle is also licensed for civil weddings.

Calgary Castle
Located on the Isle of Mull
A newer castle built in the late 1700s. You can rent this self catering accommodation for a week for up to 12 adults and 4 children.

Dalnaglar Castle
Located in Perthshire
This Castle was originally a hunting lodge. Dalnagar castle has a full staff and you can get exclusive use of the castle with its 10 rooms. There lots of activates to do here during your stay.

Fenton Tower
Located near east Lothian
There has been a tower on this spot since the 11th century. A beautifully restored castle that offers luxury accommodations for 12 people.

Invercauld Castle
Located Near Braemar and Balmoral in Aberdeenshire
Dates back to the 13th century. Luxury hotel with both single and double rooms to accommodate 20. You could even get the room that Queen Victoria stayed in.

Kames Castle
Located on the Isle of Bute
This is a family owned estate with four lovely cottages that are avalible for rent. Kames castle was built in the 14th century.

Castle Levan
Located in Gourock near Glasgow
This tower house dates back to the 14th century. Castle Leven is a lovely bed and breakfast that will try to accommodate whatever you want.

Mansfield Castle
Located near Tain in the Highlands
Dates back to the late 1700s. While staying at this Scotland castle you can enjoy golfing, fishing, and some picturesque footpaths.

Pitfour Castle
Located near Perth
You can rent a one bedroom self catering apartment in this enormous castle for you vacation. Pitfour castle was built late 1700s

 

Above photo of Balmoral Hotel by MHJohnston

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Airshire is a fertile land in the southwest part of Scotland, You will find beautiful Airshire located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Many people think of this area as the place that the British Open Championship has been held a few times in the recent past. Ayrshire is also the location of quite a few of the most magnificent of the Scotland Castles.

Ayrshire goes back all the way to the 11th century when the area joined the Kingdom of Scotland. With its long history it is little wonder that Ayrshire has a few other names. You might also hear it called The Country of Ayr and Arran as it includes the Isle of Arran.

Here are a few examples of Airshire Castles;

Glenapp Castle

This Scotland Castle is one of the newer ones, as it was built in 1870 for the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire, by the famous architect David Bryce. Since the castle was built more for looks than protection it is one of the most beautiful of Scotland castles. You can actually stay the night in one of the many gust rooms or even rent the entire place out for a group because it has been restored and turned into a five star hotel. If you just want to experience a meal in this elegant castle than you are in luck. Gleapp has a wonderful restaurant that is open for reservations.

Hunterstone Castle

What a perfect example of a clan castle. Hunterstone Castle is so important to it’s clan that to visit you mush be a member the of clan and make a reservation, except for one day every year when the castle is open to non related visitors. This castle was originally built around the middle of the thirteenth century, in a style that you would expect from a true fortification. From the outside you will enjoy the rough imposing sandstone building that implies strength and invincibility. This is not a large Scotland Castle; in fact it is also called Hunterstone House by those that love it. Even if it is smaller than what you would think this sort of fortification should be, Hunterstone is certainly worth your while to see.

 

Above photo of Loch Doon Castle by shirokazan

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I could not even imagine how many Scotland castles are available to tour, so here is a short list of interesting castles to get you started. Check back for additional castles in the future.

Balhousie Castle
Located near Perth
Balhousie Castle dates back to the 15th century. This Scotland castle is now a museum where you will enjoy artifacts from local history, geology, and wildlife.

Cawdor Castle
Located near Inverness
This castle first started in the early 14th century. On a tour of Caedor castle will let you back in time to see what it was like to be an early resident.

Duart Castle
Located on the Isle of Mull
You can take a ferry to the island and then a buss to the castle if you would like to get the full experience. Duart castle was built around the 13th century.

Edinburgh Castle
Located in Edinburgh
The most important and popular of Scotland’s castles, and simply a must see. This spot has been inhabited since before the 1100s.

Fasque Castle
Located north of Fettercairn
Fasque Castle was built in the early 1800s and is still the residence of the ancestors of a former prime minister. Parts of the castle are open to tours.

Glamis Castle
Located near Forfar
Built before the 1400, this castle is still a favorite of royals. Glamis castle is a castle straight out of fairy tails.

Hermitage Castle
Located near Roxburghshire
Although this castle is in ruins it can still be toured. Guests feel that this castle is bleak and depressing.

Kellie Castle
Located neer Patentee
Both the castle and gardens are open to the publick. The oldest parts of this castle date back to mid 1300s.

Castle of Mey
Located near Caithness
Built in the late 1500’s. Castle of Mey was the home of the Queen Mother, will be open in 2009 for tours.

Rothesay Castle
Located on the Isle of Bute
Dates back to before the 1100 by Vikings. This castle is mostly in ruins but can be toured.

 

Above photo of Inverness Castle Scotland by conner395

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