With the constantly changing weather, sights, smells and sounds, Scotland comes to life in an entirely new way every single day. Not only is it one of the most majestic places on earth, it's one of most historical, with 12th century castles looming over the lush countryside, holding thousands of years of history in their bricked walls. Each person you meet is as animated and excited as the next, and each one has a personal rendition of one of the many myths and folklores that decorate Scotland's history.
So where should you stay, play and eat when visiting this mystical land? Check out our personal recommendations on the places you can't go to Scotland without visiting.
Where to stay
The Gleneagles Hotel
Although this five-star resort is tucked away in the small town of Auchterarder without much around it, you will never want to leave the hotel as soon as you check in. The extravagant, yet simple, rustic decor of the Gleneagles resort is luxurious without being intimidating. You'll meet a friendly staff that will guide you to your room, which comes furnished with a heated gas fireplace for those very cold Scottish nights.
There are eight places where you can dine, ranging from pub fare to five-star cuisine. We recommend the haggis. Trust us, it's out of this world. Not only this, but the hallway to the rooms is filled with high-end stores . After a day of eating and drinking, relax with a spa appointment. Start your day with a round of golf, an archery or falconry lesson or even some horseback riding. Rooms start at £275 per night.
The Dalhousie Castle
If you want an authentic Scottish experience, you have to spend the night in a castle, wouldn't you say? The Dalhousie Castle dates from the 13th century, however, the main parts of the castle were built in 1450. Although the hotel is now a hot spot for weddings, honeymoons and more, the castle is said to be haunted by Lady Catherine, who starved herself in her room because her parents wouldn't allow her to be with her one true love.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this functioning hotel, restaurant, spa and event space is a breathtaking place to stay. Dine in the four-star dungeon room restaurant, which features Scottish delicacies like flaky salmon and wild trout. Like Gleneagles, the castle has falconry experts on staff to teach you this deep-rooted tradition. The 29 rooms are all decorated with restored castle artifacts, rich tapestries and beds fit for a king, queen or princess. Rooms start at £165 a night.
The Lovat Loch Ness
For untouched and undisturbed beauty, head about three hours north of Edinburgh to the highlands, specifically Loch Ness. Besides being home to the legendary Loch Ness monster, Loch Ness is also home to some of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. While you are there exploring, get some rest at the award-winning Lovat hotel. This eco-friendly restored Victorian was built in the late 18th century and sits in the cozy town of St. Augustus. Most of the rooms offer a stunning view of the Loch Ness, the mountains or the Caledonian Canal. The hotel also has an award-winning restaurant by Chef Sean Kelly, which has traditional Scottish cuisine like haggis as well as other local delicacies like highland beef and venison. Rooms start at £110 per night.
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Where to play
Downtown Edinburgh
If you're looking for a bustling city that still has the enchanting castles and historical architecture you crave, spend a few hours in Edinburgh. The first stop should be the Edinburgh Castle. Although the body of the castle is only 100 years old , St. Margaret’s Chapel on the grounds dates back to the late 11th century. In addition to the sweeping views of the city from the castle walls, you can also see the crown and jewels of Scotland in the Crown Room, which date back to the 14th and 16th centuries.
After the castle, grab a cab to the royal mile, which is full of shops, pubs, restaurants and historical buildings. For the best haggis in Edinburgh, dine at the Witchery by the Castle. For a more laid-back pub atmosphere, check out the World's End pub. The pub is aptly named because it lies on the wall that was built in the 15th century to protect Edinburgh. If you're a music junkie, stop off the royal mile to Cockburn Street, which is filled with boutiques and old-school record stores. Don't leave without a stop at Cadenhead's Whiskey Shop, which has an unbeatable selection of Scotch whiskey.
The Stirling Castle
Located in the town of Stirling, right in between Glascow and Edinbugh sits the stunning 14th century Stirling Castle. This is one of the largest and most important castles in the history of Scotland and was home to some to several Scottish Kings and Queens, like Queen Mary of the Scots, 1543. The castle sits on top of Castle Hill, an intrusive craig, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geographical formation. There are several key sights to see while touring the castle, like the 15th cenutry outer defenses, the 15th century forework , the 14th century King's Old Building and the brightly colored Great Hall, which represents the first example of Renaissance-influenced royal architecture in that country. Tickets cost £13 to view.
Isle of Lewis
The Isle of Lewis is located on the northern part of Lewis and Harris and is the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Although the Isle of Lewis is home to many amazing sites, it's most famous for the Callanish Stones. The stones have been around since 2000 B.C. There are 13 primary stones in the collection and the circle of monuments represent a somewhat distorted Celtic cross. The largest stone marks an entrance to a burial site where human remains have been found. In addition to the stones, there are stunning beaches on the isle, like Valtos Beach and Tolsta Beach. If you plan your trip for summer, you'll make the Hebridean Celtic Festival, which is one of the largest Celtic festivals in the world.
Watch: What to do in Scotland
Check out this exclusive video of Claire's recent trip to Scotland with Disney/Pixar for the DVD/Blu-ray release of the movie Brave. Watch her practice archery, falconry and more!
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