Off the general beaten path of Europe, but still ready to offer you an amazing vacation experience, Scotland stands ready. For a quick starter we’re going to look at one of Scotland’s most well-known cities, Edinburgh, along with its lesser-known neighbor, Fife.
Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Parliament, and lies along the estuary of the River Forth (called the “fife of Forth”) where it empties into the North Sea.
1. Eat fish and chips at the Ship Inn in Elie, Fife. Controversial, given that the (also very good) Anstruther Fish Bar has won several awards including Seafish’s Fish and Chip Shop of the Year. But if you only have time to tuck into one plate of fish and chips then you must have it at the ultra-cozy Ship Inn in Elie in Fife, right on the seafront.
Wash down your fish and chips with one of the fantastic ales on tap while a log fire roars in the corner. Friendly staff and a lively roster of events make the Ship Inn a real hub for the community.
2. Walk along the Fife Coastal Path. Starting at the Kincardine Bridge and ending 117 miles later at Newburgh, this is a wonderfully picturesque way to take in Fife and get a healthy dose of fresh sea air.
You’ll take in rugged beaches and charming seaside towns, spotting puffins, seals and perhaps razorbills along the way.
You could challenge yourself to walk the whole route or start your journey by hiring a car in Edinburgh stopping off at points of interest like the Isle of May, Macduff’s Castle or Harbourmaster’s House and exploring the area on foot before hopping back into your car.
3. Visit the Edinburgh Festival. August is without a doubt the best month the visit Edinburgh, when the city swarms with artists, comedians, authors and performers jostling for attention.
Known collectively as ‘the festival’, there are actually several different festivals happening at the same time, including: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Book Festival, the Art Festival and the International Festival (the original festival which the others imposed upon).
4. Climb up Arthur’s Seat. Standing at over 800 feet, Arthurs Seat is the tallest of the hills in Holyrood Park, and offers one of the most rewarding walks in Edinburgh.
Make your way to Holyrood Park in the centre of town right by Scottish Parliament building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, stopping by the pond to feed the ducks before taking a hike up this manageable hill. You’ll be greeted at the top with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline.
Pack a picnic and seek out a more sheltered spot further down to make a real day of it.
5. Go for a walking tour in Edinburgh. Edinburgh’s historic old town, with its winding alleyways and preserved buildings, tells many stories and lends itself well to a huge range of tours which will give you a colorful glimpse into Edinburgh’s past and its literary connections.
Brace yourself for an eerie Ghosts and Ghouls tour with Mercat Walking Tours, take a wander around the atmospheric Real Mary Kings Close, visit Rebus’ favorite haunts or discover underground Edinburgh with an Auld Reekie tour of Edinburgh’s tunnels.
Check out the many Scotland timeshare rentals and exchanges available. For example, you can rent a timeshare right in Edinburgh at The Edinburgh Residence (see photo right).
Our guest author, Jamie, spent his early twenties touring around the UK as a musician and actor which led him to spend time in numerous wonderful locations. He loves writing about his passions which include theatre, travel, music, and food. He recommends the Norwich Playhouse for theatre, Cornwall to visit, The Vine Leaf in St Andrews for food, and the Roundhouse in London for music.
Photo Credit (1): flickr.com
Photo Credit (2): walkscotland.com
Photo Credit (3): guardian.co.uk
Photo Credit (4): main.wordpress.com
Photo Credit (5): shuttergoclick.photoshelter.com