Your Sightseeing Options

Off A719, 6 miles (9.5km) north of Girvan

Turnberry Castle was the birthplace of Robert the Bruce in 1274, and where he was crowned King of Scotland in 1306, who united the nation under the banner of freeing Scotland from English rule.

Access at all reasonable times. Free


Maybole, 24km South of Ayr

In Ayrshire the architectural glories of Culzean Castle and ‘the most beautiful Country Park in Britain' are a magnet few can resist. It is impossible to convey the scale and the scope of the house and the country park. The Castle dates from the 12th Century but was rebuilt by Robert Adam in 1775, a time of soaring ambition, its grandeur is almost out of place in this exposed cliff top position. It was designed for entertaining, (the oval staircase is magnificent) and it was a favourite haunt of President Eisenhower.


Falkland, Cupar

Situated in the middle of farming Fife, is the hunting palace of the Stewart dynasty. Despite its recreational rather than political role, it's one of the landmark buildings in Scottish history and in the 16th century was the finest renaissance building in Britain. They all came here for archery, falconry and hunting boar and deer on the Lomond hills; and for Royal Tennis which is displayed and explained. Still occupied by the Crichton-Stewarts the house is dark and rich and redolent of those days gone by.

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St. Andrews

Trace the history of golf from its origins up to the personalities of today. Examines British influence on the game abroad.


East Neuk, Fife

Travel through the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk and you travel back through time. The traditional colourful cottages with red pantile roofs and crow-stepped gable ends appear unchanged from past times. Fishing boats lie at rest in the harbour following the bustle of unloading their catch as they have done for centuries. Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St.Monans, Largo and Elie ... place names as picturesque as the villages themselves. There are many restaurants offering fresh sea- food.


Glamis, by Forfar, Angus

Take a VIP Tour and a whisky / Sherry in the 16th century kitchen. This is a fairy-tale castle in a majestic setting. Family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and a Royal residence since 1372, Glamis castle is the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the legendary setting of Shakespeare's play ‘Macbeth'. Every room is an example of a certain period.


Edinburgh City Centre

To find Edinburgh Castle all you must do is go to Princes St and look up. It is perched high on its volcanic rock and looks down on a city where medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces hold over 10 centuries of history. The castle is a main attraction in Edinburgh, enjoy the rolling history lesson that leads up to the display of Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Tartan tea cosies on sale in the shop!

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Edinburgh

This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made and the origins of malt whisky distilling in Scotland.

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Edinburgh City Centre

The mile is the medieval main thoroughfare of Edinburgh following the trail from the volcanic crag of Castle Rock and connects the Castle to Holyrood Palace. Very busy during the festival but on a winters night with frost settling on the cobbles and there's no-one around, it's magical. Always interesting with its wynds and closes and abundance of tartan shops.


20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh

Home to Scotland's premier garden displays, plant treasures from around the globe in its seventy exquisitely landscaped acres plus magnificent Glasshouse Experience. A true joy in every season. The newly landscaped rock and heath garden and the tropical plant houses have been joined by a Chinese garden in which to wander. Watch for the precocious squirrels which are everywhere! There is also a gallery with occasional exhibits and cafe with outdoor terrace for serene afternoon teas.

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South Queensferry, By Edinburgh

Situated just outside Edinburgh, the House is set in 150 acres of rolling parkland with extensive woodland walks, breathtaking visits on the River Forth and a deer park. The magnificent interiors boast fine paintings, original furnishings and décor, tapestries and objects d'art with Aubusson tapestries and fabulous chandeliers in the Ballroom. The Stables Tearoom offers wonderful lunches and tempting snacks with champagne afternoon teas a speciality.

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Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace is the he Royal family's residence in Edinburgh and it is still used by the monarchy at the end of June every year. It is perhaps best known as the former home of May Queen of Scots and the brutal scene of the murder of Rizzio, her secretary. Only a dozen or so rooms are open, most dating from the 17th century and ornate cornices abound. The adjacent 12th century abbey ruins are also quite interesting.

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