With regular flights taking just an hour and costing from £49, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the beautiful Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Edinburgh, City of Culture.
From the cobbled streets and winding lanes of the Old Town to the Georgian grandeur of the New Town, Scotland’s capital is an architect’s dream. Edinburgh is one of the few cities to have earned UNESCO World Heritage status and everywhere you turn, there’s a piece of history waiting to be discovered.
Must be seen…
Edinburgh is a city that is constantly evolving, here’s our pick of the very best attractions new and old.
National Museum of Scotland Arguably the largest of Edinburgh’s museums, the National Museum of Scotland features 36 galleries with more than 20,000 exhibits ranging from technological developments, world cultures, and the natural world.
The Scotch Whisky Experience Located at the top of the Royal Mile, The Scotch Whisky Experience offers expert guides that explain the different types of whisky so you can then decide which brand you would like to try a dram from.
The Real Mary King’s Close Beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret (The Real Mary King’s Close), a warren of hidden streets where real people lived, worked, and died between the 17th and the 19th centuries.
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle is the world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
The Royal Yacht Britannia The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over forty years.
Sandeman’s Free Walking Tours Sandeman’s Free Walking Tours will take you down the narrow alleyways where there were body-snatchers, witch hunters, firebrand priests, and philosophers and tell you stories behind the history and show you views which will define your trip to Scotland’s capital.
Glasgow City of Shopping and Style…
Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is consistently voted as the top place to shop in the UK outside London’s west end. Little wonder then that in this ‘dear green place’, you’ll find a plethora of cool vintage shops, independent artisan ‘food & drink heroes’, well-known brand names and exclusive designers.
Here are our top tips for a fantastic shopping spree in Glasgow, whatever you’re after.
Vintage
We Love to Boogie 100 Byres Road, Glasgow. A pioneer in a new age of vintage shopping where every item is carefully handpicked, and shoppers can sit peruse their potential purchases in the in-house café.
Supermercados The Barras Centre, 54 Calton Entry, G40 2SB. Saturday market at the Made in the Shade boutique. Glasgow’s only weekly indie marketplace and based in the city’s most famous market district. Supermercado takes place every Saturday.
Bespoke Shopping
The Maisonette, De Courcy’s Arcade, Upper Floor, 21 Cresswell Lane Glasgow. G12 8AA Dedicated to off-beat design, creativity and vintage lifestyle, Maisonette showcases work by directional Scottish designers, makers and artists and introduces the work of creatives from across the UK and beyond.
The Nancy Smillie Shop 53 Cresswell Street, Glasgow, G12 8AE An Aladdin’s cave full of furniture sourced from all over the world. Stylish French lighting and accessories including fur and velvet cushions and throws, stunning lamps and gorgeous handmade glassware.
Cruise 180 Ingram Street, Glasgow, G1 1DN Established in 1981, Cruise have built a huge range of high-end fashion products for men, women and children. It is recognised as of UK’s leading luxury retailer, and the friendly staff will help you find your dream designer bits, so you are guaranteed a successful shop.
The Style Mile
The Style Mile in the very centre of Glasgow which houses the most extraordinary concentration of inspirational shopping, atmospheric cafes, fine restaurants, and decadent late-night haunts. From unique designer show spaces to flagship stores for British and international retailers, you’re bound to find your fashion thrill. It even has its own app from iTunes full of the latest special offers, bars, cafes and what’s on listings. Stores include All Saints, American Apparel, Hollister, Belstaff, Vivienne Westwood, Fifi & Ally, and Cos to name a few.
Food & Drink Heroes…
The Hidden Lane Tearoom Unit 8, 1103 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND This hidden gem has a wide range of loose-leaf teas served in vintage teapots and cups to give a refined feel to your visit. It is famous for their secret recipe scones that sit amongst the delicious afternoon tea. You can book the Luxurious Tea Party package for only £30 per person.
Demijohn, 382 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AR. Like a liquid deli, Demijohn stocks a truly unique range of whiskies, liqueurs, oils, vinegars and spirits.
George Mewes, 106 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB. A wonderful delicatessen specialising in cheese including French, Italian, Spanish, British and Swiss Cheese.
We flew from East Midlands Airport from just £49.
For more information visit https://www.visitscotland.com/. This site provides ideas for surprising things to see and do in Scotland, as well as money off vouchers.
