Fun Things To Do In Central Scotland
Scotland is undoubtedly a destination on most people’s travel wish list and it’s easy to understand why. From its vibrant cities to its rugged, wild coastlines, Scotland has so much to discover. Scotland’s central belt alone is absolutely brimming with history, important landmarks, amazing festivals, incredible scenery, beautiful wildlife and bustling towns and cities. There is many an adventure to be had, no matter what type of activities you enjoy. In this post we’ll go over fun things to do in central Scotland.
Fun Things To Do In Central Scotland
Visit Stirling
Visit Loch Lomond
Visit the Kelpies
Tour the Whisky Distilleries
Go to a Festival
Visit Stirling
Known as ‘a small city with a big history’, Stirling will capture your imagination as you immerse yourself in 900 years of history. Of course one of the most famous, and important, landmarks in Stirling is its castle. This 12th Century stone marvel sits high upon a craggy peak, overlooking the city and beautiful surrounding landscape. Due to its location and elevated position, it has been a key stronghold over many years, often passing between Scottish and English power throughout the ages. It was most famously the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and today, you can see how the royal apartments would have looked thanks to a huge restoration project.
Stirling is also home to many other attractions including the Old Town Jail, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Dunblane Cathedral plus the William Wallace Monument, a key highlight in the Stirling Skyline.
If shopping is more your thing, you can soak up the character of Stirling while browsing the shops in the city’s shopping centre, Thistles. Or for more boutique shopping, head to the Victorian shopping centre, the Stirling Arcade. Then, make your way to Stirling’s high street, Murray Place and Port Street, for a refreshment stop in the sunshine.
Visit Loch Lomond
This freshwater lake is located in the heart of Scotland’s first National Park, The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. People come from all over to visit Loch Lomond because of its breathtaking beauty, wildlife, range of activities and quaint villages. The lake itself is the product of glacial excavation and sits just 7 metres above sea level and is home to 22 islands and 27 islets!
Beauty aside, Loch Lomond also has great historical significance in Scotland. Due to its position in the Southern Highlands, it was the site of many battles as clans fought to protect their lands.
There are plenty of fun things to do along the banks of Loch Lomond including beautiful walks, cycling, boat trips, visiting the local villages and watersports.
Visit The Kelpies
The Kelpies are probably one of Scotlands most famous landmarks. Engineered in 2013 by Andy Scott, the renowned Scottish artist, the sculptures stand tall at a height of 30 meters and weigh more than 600 tonnes! Scottish folklore says that kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits who inhabit Scottish waterways and lochs. Legend has it that they appear to humans in the form of horses, encouraging them to ride on their back and take them to a watery grave!
The inspiration for these sculptures, however, were Scotland’s working horses. They are a tribute to the hardworking stallions that used to transport goods along the waterways and canals of Scotland.
Amazingly, visiting The Kelpies is free, you will just need to pay a small fee for the car park. The beautiful sculptures are set within a park area that includes the Helix Visitor Centre where you can grab refreshments from the onsite cafe or browse the gift shop for a souvenir. Or of course you can pack a picnic to enjoy in the park!
You don’t need to book to go and see The Kelpies and you can visit them in the day or, for a special treat, at night when they are lit up magnificently (note the car park closes at 10pm). You can also get a guided tour inside but depending on when you plan to visit, it is advisable to book tickets online as they sell out quickly on sunny days and weekends. The ticket price costs £7.50 for adults.
The tour lasts for 25 minutes from April to September. Whereas in the winter months, from October to March, it only lasts for 20 minutes, and the ticket price drops down to £6. Up to 2 children can also go in for free with each paying adult.
Do a tour of the Whisky distilleries
Famed for its amazing whisky, there is no better activity to do in central Scotland than to tour the distilleries! Also known as following the whisky trail, some of the finest distilleries are located in and around central Scotland including the Glenturret Distillery, Tullibardine Distillery, Stirling Distillery and the Dewars Distillery.
Go to a Festival
Scotland is well known for hosting incredible festivals and no matter your passions or interests, central Scotland will have an event for you to enjoy. Edinburgh alone plays host to world famous events throughout August such as the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as well as the Jazz & Blues festival and the International Film Festival.
But there are plenty of other incredible events for you to attend in other parts of the central belt such as the Stirling Sumer Sessions, held at the foot of the iconic Stirling Castle, the Eat and Drink Festival at the SEC and the legendary Highland Games, which run at various locations from May until September.
As well as these fun activities, you also have the Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh to visit, with its legendary underground city. Or if you fancy some fresh air, walk the Alva Glen trail, with its two, quite different, sections. Whatever you choose, we know you will have an incredible time exploring this wonderful region of Scotland.
If you have visited this part of Scotland recently, let us know what you thought, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Scottish adventure.
