Oban, Scotland

Oban is a town in the Scottish Highlands. It is the gateway to the isles, shopping and drinking capital of the north west, and home to the excellent whisky of that name.

 

Scottish Major Cities

Edinburgh

 

Edinburgh is the capital and second largest city in Scotland. Founded on Castle Rock by ancient British tribes who utilised the strategic elevated position of the volcanic rock. It is named after Edwin, King of Northumbria in the 7th century. Edinburgh did not develop into a town until the 11th century, but it soon grew and in 1532 it was declared Scotland's capital. Edinburgh Castle has been the home of Scottish Royalty for many centuries. The castle is open to visitors and guided tours are given regularly.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, and in its prime it was often referred to as the 'Second Capital'. Glasgow was founded in the 6th century by St Mungo. He built a church here and the town slowly grew around it. Glasgow grew over the centuries and by 1450 it was declared a city. The city gained wealth and importance during the Industrial Revolution due to its iron and steel production. Glasgow grew even more after the Union of Parliaments was signed in 1707 and trade with America made the huge port famous. Glasgow's importance began to decline in the 20th century beginning with the Depression in the 1930's. Today the city is a successful centre of modern technology.  Glasgow offers a full range of entertainment throughout the year. 

Dundee

Situated on the north side of the Firth of Tay. Dundee is the administrative centre for the Tayside Region of east Scotland and the country's fourth largest city. Dundee was a famous ship building centre in the 18th century. Today it is an industrial city that has many sights on its famed port. On the waterfront two historic ships can be seen. The H.M.S. Unicorn is a wooden ship of 46 guns that was built in 1824. The Unicorn is the oldest British warship still afloat and it is still fitted as it was on its last voyage. One of the last of the original sailing ships made in Britain is the Discovery. It was a research ship built in 1901 that was used by Captain Scott on two expeditions to Antarctica. It is now anchored at Craig Pier and is open for tours.  The McManus Galleries are located in Albert Square. The gallery exhibits collections of Victorian art and archaeological materials of the area. Outside the gallery is a statue of the famous poet Robert Burns.  

Perth 

Perth lies beside the River Tay in the Tayside region, it is the smallest of   Scotland's cities. The Scottish Parliament met there on occasions and it was the home of many Scottish kings.Perth is an historical city that was once the capital of medieval Scotland. The city had religious importance because it was the home to the large monasteries of the Black Friars, the Grey Friars, the White Friars and the Carthusian's. These monasteries were destroyed after the sermons of John Knox in 1559 when he launched the Scottish reformation from the pulpit of St John's Kirk.   

  
Aberdeen

Aberdeen has grown considerably since 1972 and is now the third largest city in Scotland.  There is much here for visitors who have an interest in history and art. The oldest house in Aberdeen is Provost Skene's House. Built in 1545, it was once the home of Sir George Skene, a mayor of Aberdeen in the 17th century. Two hundred years of design can be seen inside the period rooms. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is  located in Shiprow, overlooking the harbour. Exhibitions trace the local seafaring history of Aberdeen. Displays on shipwrecks, fishing, shipbuilding, wrecks and rescues, and the workings of the oil fields can be found here.  The Art Gallery features collections of 18th to 20th century art. The decorative arts collection is comprised mostly of Aberdonian silver. Collections of jewellery, ceramics, tapestries and glass can all be seen here.

 

Inverness

Often referred to as the 'capital' of the highlands Inverness is the northernmost major city of Scotland. Once a small village nestling on the shores of the River Ness, Inverness is today a thriving, modern town and commercial centre. The heart of the town offers a wide variety of shopping experiences from the ubiquitous souvenir shops to famous high street retailers like Marks & Spencer. Inverness boasts some of the finest traditional kilt making shops in Scotland and no holiday would be complete without a visit to watch the most famous of all Scottish garments being made. Enjoy a short stroll along the banks of the River Ness, taking in the beautiful St. Andrew's Cathedral, famous for it's unfinished twin spires.

 

 

10 of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK

1. Richmond Park, South West London

A place where most Londoners go to get their green space fix, historical Richmond Park is a 2,500 acre site of special scientific interest. Originally established by Charles I in 1637 as a hunting area, the park with its ornamental gardens, ancient oaks and 600 red and fallow deer roaming freely, still manages to retain a medieval feel. A very popular spot especially in summer, locals and out-of-towners come here for summer picnics, quiet walks, lazy scenic drives and of course, obligatory deer watching.

2. Polperro, South East Cornwall

The southwest counties are especially popular with holidaymakers, but tourism still hasn’t managed to spoil the chocolate box pretty villages that reside here. Polperro (located in South East Cornwall) with its narrow winding streets and cottages perched on steep slopes overlooking a tiny harbour is everyone’s idea of a picturesque Cornish fishing village. Sheltered from time and tide in a cliff ravine, Polperro is often cited as the prettiest village in Cornwall – which given the competition is quite an accolade. 

3. Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway is an intriguing beauty spot and a popular tourist haunt. With a large area of coastline covered in neatly arranged stone columns it’s easy to see why this unique natural wonder is surrounded by mythical legends. The Antrim coast is also popular for cliff top walks – it offers some of the finest and atmospheric cliff scenery in Europe.

4. Glen Nevis, Scotland

Arguably one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, Glen Nevis is an exceptionally beautiful part of the United Kingdom. The stretch of ancient unspoilt scenery, overlooked by Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain), is perfect for peaceful walking and truly getting away from it all. This area is also great for wildlife watching and film location visiting – many key scenes from Braveheart, Rob Roy and Harry Potter were shot here.

5. Lake District, North West England

The Lake District is a mountainous region in North West England and a very popular holiday destination. Most visitors flock to the tourist areas of Keswick, Windermere and Kendal but also consider but the deepest lake in England – Wastwater. It’s the most remote lake but many believe it’s easily worth the extra effort to get to. Once voted Britain’s ‘favourite view’ Wastwater is hemmed in by some of the highest peaks in England and surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most impressive scenery.

6. Little Venice, London

The affluent district of South Maida Vale is is interspersed with picturesque waterways and the area where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet is affectionately known as Little Venice.  The London backwater idyll is dotted with colourful houseboats, waterside pubs and some superb restaurants – a peaceful oasis in an otherwise very busy city. Take a walk along the tow path, picnic along the banks or charter a narrowboat for a perfect afternoon out.

7. Hope Valley, Peak District

The Peak District is the second most visited national park in the world. The area is characterised by wild rugged landscapes, pretty villages, grand historic houses and dark caverns. Hope Valley is a large area in the centre of the national park which offers unusual and dramatic landscapes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the England. In the pretty village Castleton – also known as the ‘Gem of the Peak’ – you will find traditional stone Peak District Cottages, an imposing mountain, show caves and an atmospheric ruined Norman castle. The nearby ancient village of Hathersage has associations with both the legend of Robin Hood and Charlotte Bronte’s famous novel Jane Eyre and also makes for an interesting stop.

8. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The university town of Cambridge epitomises quintessential Englishness and here punting on the river and sipping Pimms on the perfectly manicured lawn is an enduring local summer pastime. The beautiful buildings are well preserved and the timeless city seems straight out of the scene form the 1950s – the preppy look seems de rigueur and most people travel everywhere by bicycle. Try the omnipresent punting as one of the most romantic ways to see the main historical highlights.

9. The Jurassic Coast, East Devon to Dorset

A world heritage site which can be found on the southern coast of England and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in UK. The 140 million year old Jurassic coast, voted the 5th greatest natural wonder in Britain, is a popular tourist destination. The area is home to both the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door – the coast’s most photographed landmark and Lulworth Cove – one of the finest coves in England. The Jurassic coast is also used for many film scenes including the big screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ and ‘Wilde’ starring Stephen Fry.

10. Llanberis Pass, North Wales

LLanberis village is located in the popular Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Nearby, twin lakes cut through a vast mountain range creating the ‘Llanberis Pass’. The Lllanberis Pass is a truly impressive place noted for its wild and rugged beauty and well as its extraordinary tranquility. The unique glaciated valley and world class climbing spot is extremely popular with drivers, ambitious rock climbers and photographers.

Lake District, England

Home to the biggest lakes and tallest peaks in England, the Lake District is located in the north west part of the country and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Comprising of just under 100 lakes and many hills, peaks and mountains, the Lake District is the ideal destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life – just make sure that you’ve got your camera with you at all times.

Bath, England