Our favourite things to do in Scotland

Ayr Beach plays host to thousands of visitors from far and wide each year, serving up one of the best seaside adventures in Scotland. Two landscapes await you. When you hit the sand and look at sea, you’ll see the beautiful Firth of Clyde with the glorious Isle of Arran in the distance, a snapshot of an untampered rural island off Scotland’s mainland.

Inland, the beach backs onto the heart of the town, giving you easy access to an abundance of amenities. You’ll be just steps from a wide range of cafés, pubs and restaurants that welcome all the family with open arms. The pier plays host to those all-important amusements, and the sandy specimen has its fair share of history too. The ruins of the 16th-century Greenan Castle are to the south of town, marking the start of Greenan Beach, Ayr’s neighbour.

Culzean Castle is a historical fortification that sits lavishly on the Scotland’s west coast. Looking out over the Forth of Clyde, it dates back to 1777 and was constructed on the orders of the 10th Earl of Cassilis in several different stages. He was keen to showcase his wealth and grandeur in a single setting. That vibe lives on to this day, with lush gardens visible from the moment you enter the site through an arched entrance.

A total of 40 buildings makes up the estate, each yours to explore on a visit here. Inside, you’ll find prestigious paintings and luxury furnishing. The vast surroundings are made complete by a swan pond and fruit-filled glasshouses. The castle has appeared on several TV programmes over the years, most notably the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Returning to its beauty is easily one of our favourite things to do in Scotland.

One of the greatest attractions in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Zoo is in the Corstorphine area of the city, not far from the famous rugby stadium at Murrayfield. It sits on sloping land, giving visitors a fantastic view of Edinburgh in all its glory. A zoo of firsts, it’s the only one in the UK that hosts koalas and giant pandas. It was also the first zoo in the world to breed penguins and has provided a home for these loveable creatures ever since.

There are tons of other animals and exhibits to enjoy in your time here, with the chimpanzees particular favourites of ours. You’ll learn more about their lifestyle and social structure from the fantastic experts that look after them with warmth and love. The zoo is involved in conservation around the world and is often at the forefront of the most forward-thinking environmental projects.

This site is a real tribute to the contribution of Scotland in the aviation sector. It’s a brilliant showcase of aircraft that have changed the way we live, work and travel. Composed of four hangars, the National Museum of Flight exhibits examples of military and civil aviation throughout the years. Conservation and adaptation to the challenges of climate change are also covered. The centrepiece for us is the massive, dedicated space to Concorde.

The supersonic jet last flew in 2003 and is a reminder of just what is possible with the miracle of modern technology. You’ll leave here wondering what’s next for flight in the 21st-century, such is the achievements of the previous 100 years that are perfectly put into perspective by the incredible experience here.

Royal Troon is a classic links course on the west coast of Scotland. Founded in 1878 with just five holes, it was poignantly given its royal designation 100 years later and has hosted several Men’s Open Championships. It historically hosted its first Women’s Open Championship in 2020. It’s far from a closed, exclusive club. Visitors are welcome and although the price isn’t cheap, it’s worth it to play a round on a course that has hosted male and female legends of the game.

The difficulty varies, with the longest and shortest holes in Open Championship golf a part of this course. Inevitably, the weather conditions play a huge role too, with the first six holes parallel to the sea particularly exposed to the wind. Playing a few holes here is an amazing thing to do in Scotland. You’re bound to create a few golfing memories!

Tyninghame Beach is over on Scotland’s east coast, exposed to the crashing waves of the North Sea. Conveniently located near Edinburgh and our park at Seton Sands, the atmosphere is pristine with the surrounding landscape nothing short of remarkable. Come wind, rain or shine, the experience here is great. You’ll see Bass Rock out on the horizon as you look out to sea. The natural wonder is a magnet for birds, who migrate here yearly.

Historical remnants surround the sand too. You’ll see anti-tank blocks formed of concrete, a throwback to the area’s role as a training base during the Second World War. The present-day peace couldn’t be further from that turbulent time, making this an amazing thing to do in Scotland and undoubtedly one of the country’s best beaches.