A comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to Scotland
Scotland is an incredible country bursting with stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, and a very popular place for tourist from all across the globe! So if you’re planning your first ever trip here, there are several things you should know in order to make the most of the experience. This guide is here to help you, and will hopefully make preparing for your amazing Scottish trip a whole lot easier!
Where is Scotland?
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, taking up the northern third of Great Britain we share a border with England but for the most part we are completely surrounded by water, from the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Although Scotland is a relatively small country - we certainly have a lot to offer, with exquisite scenery and landscapes, thriving cities and over 790 islands around, Scotland is the place to be!
Why do people go to Scotland?
There’s a lot of great reasons why people go to Scotland! Perhaps one of the biggest is our simply magical and unique landscapes, the rugged hills and breathtaking coastlines are a huge draw for people (even us locals are in awe every day at our country’s scenery!). We also have a really rich history here in Scotland, which lives on through our well preserved historic sites and castles that are dotted all over the county. The culture in Scotland is strong and very special, from our yearly traditions such as Burns Night and Hogmanay, our traditional music, ceilidhs and cuisine, there is a lot for someone to experience and dive into here!
When should you visit Scotland?
There is simply no ‘wrong’ time to come to Scotland, it is totally up to you and what you want to experience here! Spring time (March-May) is when the milder weather starts coming in, with nature blooming and brighter days, which is great for sightseeing while it’s still not peak summer time! Summer (June-August) is obviously our warmer and sunnier months, they days are long, bright, and it’s just a good atmosphere all round, however this does mean that it is much busier, so be prepared to be with lots of other people when visiting the best view points and attractions!
Autumn (September-November) is one of our personal favourite times to be in Scotland, the leaves are turning and it’s just a very colorful time here. It is also a little bit quieter, but you can still get some lovely sunny weather! Winter (December - February) is by far our coldest months, the days are slightly shorter in terms of daylight, but it is actually a very charming and cosy time to visit. Filled with festivities and traditions, you can cosy up with a dram and some music, but also experience some of our incredible scenery in the most dramatic state, frosty and breathtaking!
What do you need to you bring?
We know packing can be a confusing task sometimes, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what it is you should be bringing. So here are our top recommendations that need to be in that case!
Mixed Clothing: Scotland is well known for experiencing all 4 seasons in a day, from warm sunshine, rain, frosty mornings and strong winds, you WILL see it all! Depending on what time of the year you are coming to Scotland, the temperature will differ from the warmer months of April-August, and the colder months of September-March. We recommend bringing lots of layers - t-shirt, jumpers, hoodies, scarfs, hats, but also some summer essentials if you are coming then, like sunglasses and shorts (just incase the Scottish sun pulls through!)
A Good Pair of Walking Shoes: Scotlands has so many different landscapes and areas to explore, so it’s likely you will be on your feet a lot of the time, and adventuring across different terrains. From the cobblestones of the city of Edinburgh, to the mountainous walks of the Scottish highlands, you need to make sure you have good comfy boots or shoes on!
Local Currency: The currency in Scotland is the British Pound (£), and although most places these days take cards of all types, it is a great idea to have some cash in hand for the more rural parts of Scotland, and for any local businesses that may not be able to operate with card.
A Camera: There are going to be A LOT of great photo opportunities in Scotland, so make sure you have a working camera in hand at all times (most phones are already ideal for capturing the beautiful scenery).
Travel Essentials: This is obvious (but you’d never want to forget), but make sure to bring your essential travel documents such as your passport and any documents you need. A universal power adapter is also pretty essential for charging devices such as that camera!
A guidebook/map and…a sense of Adventure: There is simply SO much to see and do here in Scotland, so get ready to explore, we recommend making a plan of all the places you would like to hit up! Make sure to check out our guided tours if you need inspiration, there is both single day and multi-day tours on offer, with some of the best guides around - a memorable trip is guaranteed!
How to get around
When visiting Scotland, you probably want to cover a lot of land in order to see some of the best sights, so getting around when you arrive is something you want to feel confident with! There are a few different options here:
Public transport: Buses and trains are available all across the country, connecting the bigger cities and towns very efficiently, for example going from Glasgow to Edinburgh, or up to Inverness can be easily done! There are lots of local services that can take you out to the more remote locations too.
Car: For much more freedom and options, having a car is ideal when travelling Scotland. You can take yourself out of the cities and explore the rugged landscapes far and wide without waiting on a bus or train, and driving the scenic roads is a fantastic experience in itself.
Tours: Sometimes you just want to be taken to the best spots, and not have to worry about your transport, which is where we come in very handy! We run 5-star tours all around the country, where we will take you in our brilliant and comfortable vans to some of the best places, with an excellent guide too! Check out all the day tours and multi-day tours we do, and don’t hesitate to get in touch for something more personal and private!
Top 3 Mainland Places to visit in Scotland
Edinburgh: Most people begin their Scottish adventure in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. With its stunning architecture and extremely vibrant culture, the city is always thriving with people and visitors from all around. There is a lot to explore here, the Iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal mile and Arthur’s seat draw people in, and offer a great insight into the city’s history and importance. There is an abundance of local restaurants and pubs all over the city, where you can try different cuisines and even catch some live music! Blending historic features with modern attractions, Edinburgh is definitely a must visit!
Glencoe: If you’re looking to see some of the best of the Scottish Highlands then you absolutely need to get up to Glencoe. The landscape here is utterly incredible, the mountains really will take your breath away (and as locals, we still find it magical every single time we pass through). Spots such as Rannoch Moor and The Three Sisters are excellent, and a great photo opportunity. We even do a great single day Glencoe and Highlands tour that leaves from Glasgow and Edinburgh, which we highly recommend doing!
Loch Ness: Located in the North of Scotland, you will find Loch Ness, which contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. This iconic Loch is not only famous for the incredible surrounding landscape and views, but also for the legends that lie within. The tales of the Loch Ness Monster add an element of excitement and magic to the area. You can learn about the history and heritage of the land and loch at Urquhart Castle, creating the fantastic blend of natural beautify and cultural significance. Why don’t you come with us on a Loch Ness tour?
Top 3 Islands to Visit in Scotland
Getting over to some of the stunning Islands is a must do when coming to Scotland, and there are SO many to choose from. It totally depends on the time you have here, and how far you are willing to travel, so definitely take that into consideration - but here are our top 3 islands for visitors in Scotland!
The Isle of Skye: Undoubtedly the Isle of Skye is one of the most amazing places in Scotland, you won’t see anything like it! The scenery here is simply magical and other-worldly, the beautiful formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and the fairy pools are a must see! Check out our 3-day Isle of Skye tours leaving from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Orkney: Extremely rich in historic significance and beauty, the Orkney Islands can give visitors a fantastic blend of culture, stunning landscapes and archeological wonders! Found right off the north coast of Scotland, it is an adventure visiting these stunning islands, and definitely worth getting up to. Take a look at our Orkney Islands Tour here!
The Isle of Lewis and Harris (The Hebrides): The Hebrides is an archipelago of islands off the North West of Scotland, and offer some of the most incredible beaches and views across the county, from Luskentyre, to the Butt of Lewis, you will be completely in awe of the islands! We run a fantastic 5 day trip to lewis and Harris, learn more about it here!
Top 3 Castles to Visit in Scotland
Scotland is absolutely bursting with history, and we are well known for our incredible castles and ruins that are spread all throughout the country. Most people want to visit a castle or two on their travels, so here are just 3 we think you’s love!
Stirling Castle: One of the most historically significant and architecturally impressive castles here in Scotland, it is certainly a must see. It sits up on a volcanic rock in Stirling, and offered incredible views over the nearby landscape and River Forth. This castle is greatly associated with a lot of Scotlands history, and payed a key role in many pivotal events as it served as home to many scottish Kings and Queens. Visitors can wonder both inside and outside the castle, and explore the restored interiors. Check out our Stirling Castle day tour!
Dunnottar Castle: Perched on a cliff on the East coast of Scotland, Dunnottar castle is absolutely incredible. The dramatic ruins sitting before the coastal backdrop are an incredible sight, it’s rich in history, and definitely worth the visit. Dating back to the 14th century, this castle served as a stronghold during pivotal moments in scottish history, and was a key part of the wars of independence and the Jacobite uprisings.
Dunrobin Castle: Like something from a fairytale, Dunrobin castle is one of the top castles to visit ins Scotland due to its gorgeous architecture and elaborate gardens. The turrets and grounds overlook the North Sea, and visitors can wonder about snd explore both the interior and exterior. The castle and the gardens are heavily influence by French design, which is clear through the elegant and charming appearance of this magical castle.
Top 3 Hidden Gems in Scotland
Now we know everyone wants to go to the most famous and well known spots, but there are a few places that sometimes slip under the radar for a lot of visitors. These are a few hidden gems worth seeking out when you get here!
Fingals Cave: Located on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, Fingal’s Cave is a natural wonder that features a rather special geological formation of hexagonally jointed columns made of basalt. The sea cave can be explored by visitors, and the acoustics within are magical. You can only get here by boat trip, but it’s certainly a great hidden gem we recommend (you might also see puffins there too!).
Isle of Iona: The small island of Iona is located in the inner Hebrides just off the west coast of Mull. This beautiful island played a significant role in the spread of christianity across Scotland, and visitors can go and explore Iona Abbey and surrounding features. The island has tranquil beaches and is usually extremely peaceful and quiet, a great taste of island life - It’s a great journey and adventure to get there too
Hermitage Woodland Walk: Tucked away near Dunkeld, you will find the Hermitage woodland walk, another great hidden gem in Scotland. The trail features the incredible Black Linn Falls and Ossian’s Hall, which offer fantastic views across the powerful waterfalls. This is a great escape from the city, and is a tranquil spot to wonder around, and take in the nature around you.
Ultimate Scottish Experience Checklist
There are a few things that we recommend you try and do that will guarantee you have the ultimate experience here in Scotland, so we challenge you to try and tick off as many of these as you can!
Try Haggis (the national food of Scotland)
Attend a Ceilidh (a traditional gathering and dance, they are SO fun!)
Visit a distillery (for a wee dram of whisky)
Go to a castle (you have to see at least one!)
Get out to the highlands (yes the cities are great, but no trip is complete without experiencing the highlands)
Hunt for Nessie
Go to a Highland Games
See a highland cow
Listen to some bagpipes (you’ll here them before you see them)
Take a tour with us!! (Not to toot our own horn but we have so many great tours on offer, you should definitely check them out!)
So there you have it!
In summary, make sure you are packed well, and prepare for all conditions. Scotland is fantastic all year round so come at a time that you think you personally will enjoy best based on what you want to see and experience. Work out what is important to you, is it history, culture, scenery, or all of it? Plan out what key locations you want to hit up, and find out how it is you are going to get there, whether that’s by public transport or car, or with us! Once you have a good itinerary and plan sorted, you will be good to go! Enjoy the diverse landscapes, try out our cuisine, engage with the locals (we are super friendly!), and be ready for a trip of a life time!
So that concludes our guide to visiting Scotland for the very first time, we hope you found something helpful in it, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@scotlandswild.com for any more information or guidance - you are going to LOVE Scotland!
