Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 4th July 2022

The United Kingdom’s most northerly country, Scotland is the perfect destination for golfers, history buffs, whisky lovers, and avid nature adventurers, as well as everyone in between. There’s much more to Scotland than kilts and bagpipes. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Ness, St. Andrews, and the Outer Hebrides are all must-sees for anyone who wants to experience the magic of this ancient land, formerly known as Caledonia. Time to explore! Check out our list of the best things to do in Scotland.

Look out for the Loch Ness monster 

One of the world’s most famous lakes, Loch Ness is a must-see on any Scotland itinerary. At 23 miles long, a mile wide and 788 feet deep, Loch Ness is the largest lake by volume in the United Kingdom, and contains more water than all the lakes of Wales and England combined. Legend has it that this famous loch located in the romantic, rugged Highlands is home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. The mystery of Nessie has fascinated locals, experts, and tourists from all over the world for centuries. Visit this large body of freshwater yourself – you might even get a chance to spot the elusive, underwater creature if you’re lucky! There are plenty of walking and cycling routes to choose from around Loch Ness. If you are a nature lover, you’ll be in your element here, and can expect to see majestic golden eagles, otters, pine martens, and red squirrels all nearby. Loch Ness is close enough to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it an ideal day trip from either of those two cities.

Play golf in some of the world’s most spectacular locations, no matter your skill level 

Golf is ingrained into Scottish culture. This ancient land is actually the place where the game was invented. With over 550 world-class golf courses and only 5 million residents, Scotland has probably the highest ratio of courses to people anywhere in the world, and is a dream trip for nearly everyone who loves golf. Are you in the mood for a stay and play golf getaway with your friends and family? Scotland has a stunning selection of legendary golf resorts to choose from. The most famous golfing site in the world, the historic town of St. Andrews is home to no fewer than seven spectacular golf courses, which together make up Europe’s largest public golf complex. While it may be tough and expensive to get a tee time at the most famous St Andrews golf courses, you can still hit up The Castle Course, the Monifieth Golf Links, or The Duke’s 18 hole course for a round without breaking the bank. Back up north, very close to Monifieth, Panmure Golf Club is one of the world’s oldest clubs, dating back to 1845. It should come as little surprise that it has hosted Open Championship Final Qualifying on multiple occasions. Located some 10 miles south of the town of St. Andrews, Leven Links is one of the oldest pieces of golfing ground in existence anywhere in the world, and regularly hosts Open Championship Qualifying. Truly the “home of golf,” Fairmont St. Andrews is about two miles from St. Andrews, and offers two courses for play, but it’s the Kittocks, designed by Australian golf course designer Bruce Devlin, that grabs the spotlight, with stunning views of the River Tay and the North Sea coast of Scotland. Be sure to make a reservation online to guarantee a tee time.

Experience the Edinburgh Festival 

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant city full of culture, art, history, great entertainment, welcoming locals, and a variety of impressive landscapes. One of Scotland’s greatest events, the Edinburgh Festival transforms the city in August. The streets throb with performers and festival-goers, and everything from churches to swimming pools turns into a venue for shows. The Fringe, the International Festival, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are the biggest events. 

Explore bustling Glasgow 

Renowned for the elegance of its Victorian architecture, Glasgow is a dynamic city with a great art heritage that stretches from the Middle Ages all the way to the 21st century. This vibrant and buzzing Scottish city packs a punch with its downright cool music, club and dining scenes, first-rate museums, and amazing outdoor spaces. From unusual eateries and hidden bars to burlesque shows, there are also plenty of exciting experiences in the city that stray away from the norm.

Visit whisky distilleries 

Scotland excels in whisky tourism, with more than 130 distilleries that please everyone, from bon viveurs and wine lovers, to serious connoisseurs. The production of Scottish whisky, also known as Scotch, has been a proud part of Scotland’s heritage since the 1400s. It’s made from grain, most commonly barley. Visit the most significant whisky distilleries to find out exactly what makes each blend so special. 

Escape into the Outer Hebrides 

With their wide-open spaces, pristine white-sand beaches, heather-covered mountains, and lunar-like boulder-strewn hillsides, the wild and windy Outer Hebrides are a 130-mile-long string of interconnected islands lying off the northwest coast of Scotland. Few places in Britain are more remote and beautiful than the Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles and Outer Isles, in the extreme northwestern corner of Europe. One of the last strongholds of Gaelic culture, the archipelago includes the Isle of Lewis and Harris, North and South Uist, Barra, and the UNESCO-protected island of Saint Kilda, as well as lesser-explored gems including Benbecula, Scalpay, Grimsay, Eriskay, and Vatersay, and over fifty uninhabited islets. Here you can visit fairy-tale castles layered in history, and some of the most striking cliffs in the world. The islands can be explored by car, on foot, or on a bike.

Look out for the Loch Ness monster, Play golf in some of the world’s most spectacular locations, and Experience the Edinburgh Festival.