Hi friends! We just got home from another epic UK tour, and we’re kicking off our recap series with our Scotland itinerary. If Scotland is on your travel wish list, here’s your sign to just book it. It’s an easy hop from Bradley Airport in Hartford via Aer Lingus, with one simple connection in Dublin.
Without further ado…here’s some of what we got up to in Scotland this time around!
Welcome to 🏴
Okay, so you may not get the full VIP treatment with Bev’s dad meeting you off the plane (we lucked out), but getting anywhere on this itinerary is easy from both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.
First stop: fresh air at Callendar Park
We needed that crisp Scottish air immediately (it really is different) so our first stop was Callendar Park (Falkirk). The grounds stretch over 170 acres and center around the magnificent Callendar House, which boasts a 600-year history. Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria all passed through these halls. Outlander fans will recognize it too—several scenes were filmed here.
Bonnie Prince Charlie’s stone
⬇️ This stone marks the spot where Prince Charlie watched the Battle of Falkirk Muir (1746), which the Jacobites won in half an hour (so said Bev’s Dad, our tour guide). We decided it would be good luck to touch the stone.
Hello, Edinburgh!
We checked into the Apex Hotel in the Grassmarket—an unbeatable spot with most major highlights within walking distance. Our room had a postcard-perfect view of Edinburgh Castle, and yes, Lora’s camera went into overdrive! A rainbow even showed up for dramatic effect.
Bonus: we arrived on Halloween, which is a wildly fun time to be in this already witchy city.
Don’t miss: The Royal Mile
If you do one thing in Edinburgh, walk The Royal Mile. Start at Edinburgh Castle, then wander your way down the cobblestoned stretch to Holyrood Palace. Along the way you’ll hit great shopping (stray from the main drag for the best finds), charming restaurants, pubs, ghost tours, and centuries of fascinating history.
A night to remember: Samhuinn Fire Festival
We were lucky enough to be in Edinburgh for the winter solstice and went to the Samhuinn Fire Festival, an ancient Celtic celebration marking the shift from Summer to Winter. It’s fire, drumming, storytelling, mythological characters, queens, kings, goddesses, hags – we’re still unpacking everything we saw that night. 😆
If you’re in Edinburgh for either solstice, you must check out the events by the Beltane Fire Society!
Views for miles from Arthur’s Seat
Before you leave Edinburgh, make sure you hike up Arthur’s Seat. (If you loved the Netflix series One Day, you already know why we had to go!) This ancient extinct volcano sits just a mile from Edinburgh Castle, giving the city a built-in hike with jaw-dropping views. At 822 ft, it rewards you with panoramas in every direction—pretty amazing for a “middle of the city” climb.
A quick tip: choose your route wisely (some are easy, some are… not), and maybe turn back if it decides to pour.
Sleeping in a castle? Don’t mind if we do!
If staying in a castle is on your bucket list, Crossbasket Castle Hotel in Blantyre is the place. This lovingly restored 17th-century beauty mixes historic charm with full-on luxury. We stayed in the Gate Lodge and had the best time pretending we lived there.
Dinner at Trocadero’s (under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr.), was pure escapism – think Roaring Twenties, jazz-club energy, lush interiors, Champagne, and live performances. A dream.
Wild swimming round two: Loch Lomond
Apparently, one freezing dip in the Highlands wasn’t enough (we did it last time we visited on the side of a mountain!), because we suited up again – this time in Luss on Loch Lomond. Our friend Julie once again coached us through our questionable life choices.
Smarter this year: Julie booked us into a hot sauna pod (Hot Tottie) right on the loch for an hour. We got so hot we wanted to run into the icy water…which we did. Four times. Screaming a tiny bit less each time. Then right back to the sauna for more punishment/therapy. Unforgettable, 10/10 recommend.
Cocktail hopping in Glasgow
No Scotland trip is complete without a night out in Glasgow (Bev’s teenage stomping grounds). We checked into Native Hotel in the city center, close to Central Station for our train south the next morning. Our suite had a balcony overlooking George Square, and seeing it all lit up at night was magical.
Glasgow’s bar scene is legendary, and The Spiritualist lived up to the hype with great tapas, creative cocktails, and a fun, buzzy atmosphere. Then we capped off the night at The Citizen Glasgow housed in the old Glasgow Citizen newspaper offices—if only walls could talk!!
Next Up: Tales from the Cotswolds!