Scotland is the birthplace of golf, so it goes without saying that if you are a golfer you simply must get in a game or two. Scotland has more than 500 golf courses scattered across its lush landscape. Everyone can find the prefect golf course to satisfy the golfer in them. If you enjoy golfing then getting the chance to play is going to be the best part of your Scotland vacation.

Historical Golf Courses

It isn’t known exactly when the great game of golf was invented, but since golf’s beginning the game was enjoyed by everyone in Scotland from paupers to royalty. If you want to tee up where golfing celebrities have been playing for so long then aim for St Andrews Links. This is a links course, which means that it is by the sea and therefore has plenty of natural sand dunes, few trees, and few water hazards. At St Andrews Links you can get tee times in the old course or the castle course. Just be aware that this famous golf course is very popular, so getting a tee time is going to take some real effort. Once you are out on the course it will all be worth it.

When to go

If you’re planning on doing some golfing on your Scotland vacation or if golf is going to be the center of your Scotland vacation then it’s good to plan for golf season, which is technically from the beginning of April to the end of September.  The busiest times are in May and September. You can easily find a nice place to golf all year long in Scotland if you don’t mind the cold weather. No matter what time of year you visit be prepared for unpredictable weather. Bring waterproof shoes and a warm wool sweater to go under your jacket.

Above photo “Tees” by foxypar4

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You’ve been working hard all year long and now it’s time for your vacation. A Scotland vacation is just perfect to unwind, see something new, get some exercise, and become one with nature. You may already know what to expect from a Scotland vacation. Things like majestic castle ruins, rolling hillocks, misty lochs, tall sea cliffs, and an exciting pub scene. There is just so much to do and see in Scotland, where do you start deciding what to include on your itinerary.

Golfing

Are you a golfer? Even if you aren’t, a Scotland golf vacation is going to be entertaining. Scotland is the birthplace of golf, so of course, it is dotted with wonderful golf courses. You don’t need to be a golf pro to play a game at many of the Scotland’s scenic golf courses. It would be a good idea to try golf at home if you are a complete novice.

Fishing

Not only can you enjoy great fish and seafood when you visit Scotland at the many restaurants and pubs, but you can also go fishing to catch your own. Scotland is a wet country with plenty of streams, rivers, lochs, and ocean to choose from. Fishing is a big pastime in Scotland, so finding tackle shops and guides is not a problem.

Urban Cities

Scotland’s Urban Cities are real happening places these days. The Scottish people are fun loving and friendly, so making new friends in local pubs is easy. If you are interested in history then the big cities like Glasgow are perfect places to sight see. Take in the enchanting architecture everywhere, roam the many museums, and follow a lovely foot path into the wilder areas. Scotland’s cities good places to find all types of accommodations. You can book anything from youth hostels to a room in a castle hotel.

No matter how you decide to take this vacation, remember to take the time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Above photo “6th Green, Royal Dornoch Golf Club” by foxypar4

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Scotland has a rich and sometimes bloody history. In the fight to become ruler, many magnificent fortifications were erected and then torn down, just to be built again even bigger. Many of Scotland’s castles have sections that were built at different times. And some were built on top of the existing castle to create snaking catacombs underneath. If you’re interested in history, archeology, and priceless antiques then a Scotland vacation is perfect for you.

Castle Ruins

There is nothing more interesting than castle ruins. It’s so easy to imagine things that took place there and what it would’ve been like to live in that harsh environment. So many of the ruined castles are crumbling because of attacks they suffered in the past. Just imagine the view from a high tower in St Andrews Castle, and the danger from the frigid environment and your enemies coming from underneath. Although this castle may not have housed royalty for long, it did become the principle administrative center for the Church of Scotland, before it became a notorious prison.

Castle Museums

Not all castles are in ruins. Luckily many castles have been kept in good repair and rebuilt over their history by loving owners. The history has been saved and is now on display for visitors to enjoy. Many of the families that owned and cared for their family castles have had to sell or donate their homes to others so that they could continue to be cared for and therefore share their family history with the masses. You can explore the former resident’s way of life throughout the ages. There are wonderful antiques not only from that location, but from the larger countryside nearby cities as well.

Castle Hotels

Staying a few nights in one of the many castle hotels is not just for history buffs. Many of the larger castle hotels have organized activities that the entire family can enjoy. The royalty that once lived in them were considered the leisure class. They had tons of time on their hands, and filled it with entertainment. Some of these fun accommodations offer fishing trips, hunting trips, equestrian riding, and of course tours of the castle complete with interesting stories and facts. When you take your Scotland vacation be sure to visit a castle or two, it will be well worth your time.

Above photo “Aldourie Castle – on the shore of Loch Ness Inverness Scotland” by conner395

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Green rolling hills, ancient castle walls, regal churches, quant inns, kilts in bright red and navy, lively pubs, cool breezes, the best golf courses, and more locks than you could count. This is a place where the people are fun loving, friendly, but won’t pry into your personal business.

If this sounds like a Wonderful place to you then a Scotland vacation is your perfect adventure. Scotland has so much to offer its visitors you could have ten Scotland vacations and not see it all. Where do you start deciding what to do?

Scotland Vacation for the Active

Your idea of the perfect vacation might be one where you can stretch your legs and really work up a sweat. If you really want to get out and see the countryside while challenging yourself then consider taking a walking, hiking, or camping trip in Scotland. You could pick a walk like Westhighland Way on the edge of Glasgow. You can take the path as far as you want from a day hike to a longer hike. If you are a real adventurer then camping will make you feel like a real Scotsman.

Scotland Vacation for Exploring Castles

What is the one thing that you think of when you think of Scotland? You are very likely thinking of castles. Castles are such a huge part of Scotland. There is a Scotland castle for everyone’s tastes. You can find opulent castles that have been turned into resorts and hotels to enjoy for a few nights to a few weeks. Or you can find fully appointed castles to rent in its entirety for your group. There are also castles that have been turned into museums with wonderful artwork and artifacts to explore. If you are anything like me you will find plenty of castle ruins to keep your imagination going for years.

Scotland Vacation for Golfers

It isn’t known the exact date that the great game of golf was created. However, it is known that this popular game came from Scotland. In gulfs childhood the game was enjoyed by every walk of life from pauper’s to royalty. Going to Scotland to play a few games of golf isn’t just for the pros, anyone can enjoy golfing in Scotland.

Scotland Vacation for Urbanites

The urban cities of Scotland are lively places with wonderful museums, historical castles, beautiful churches, fancy hotels, affordable hostels, and hopping pubs. You will find ancient buildings changed into accommodations and restaurants. Urban Scotland is great for shopping and making new friends. Everyone should spend at least a day exploring modern urban Scotland.

above photo “Bishop Hill” by Brian Forbes

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When you decided to have a Scotland vacation you probably had castles and the country side in mind. You might be hoping to take in some good museums and stay in a quaint inn or two. Most people have a restricted amount of time and money for their Scotland vacation. If you aim for a particular urban area you can get all the elements that you wanted into your vacation while saving travel time and money. What are some of your options?

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a metropolitan city that has much to offer. If you plan your Scotland vacation for August you can enjoy the Edinburgh festival. This is a grand festival entertaining for all ages. Each night in the whole month of August the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is performed in the Esplanade. The Esplanade is a parade gowned that sits in front of the Edinburgh castle.

Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland largest city, so there is much to see. If you are looking for great architecture then Glasgow is your city. You will find all kinds of architecture from a medieval castle to buildings right out of the Victorian age. Be sure to visit “Merchant City” and the “Royal Exchange Square” for the architecture. A walk around “Glasgow University” will also be worth your time.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is known as the city of Granite. It lies north of Edinburgh. Aberdeen is colder than Edinburgh with cutting winds and driving rain. So, why would I want to spend my Scotland vacation in Aberdeen you might ask? Aberdeen is also a city of gardens and parks. Everywhere you look you will find glorious flower gardens. This city is known to have the most beautiful parks in Britain. In fact Aberdeen has been banned from the big Britain garden contest called “Britain in Bloom” because they kept winning.

No matter what your dream Scotland vacation entails, you need to visit at least one of these cities and spend some time exploring urban Scotland for yourself.

Above photo “(Union Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland) (LOC)” from the Library of Congress

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