Scotland Bucket List: Top 5 Experiences
#1 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an incredible tradition that, as Americans, we knew nothing about until we decided to visit Scotland. The Military Tattoo is a cultural event, a musical event, and a celebration of international talent that I simply cannot compare to anything else.
During the month of August, nighttime performances are held on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. Some nights include fireworks. I imagine this event feels like the opening of the Olympic games, except more intimate, and with more music. It is an impressive and beautiful event full of emotion. I, for one, teared up as the bagpipers played Scotland the Brave.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo turns 70 in 2020, and, fun fact, Queen Elizabeth II was present at the first even in 1950.
Cost: The tickets are pricy (we spent £160 for 2 people) and you have to purchase months ahead to get a good seat. (We had ours mailed to us.)
Here's a short clip of our experience on IGTV. However, I would not spend time watching a bunch of videos; let yourself be surprised!
#2 Watch Shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh is a must-do for anyone who loves theatre and a lively city atmosphere. Even if for some reason you don't love plays, musicals, or comedic improv, you will enjoy the Fringe. The Royal Mile comes alive with music and performances. (Again, you must visit Edinburgh in August to attend this festival.) From Shakespeare to Harry Potter to current events-- the Edinburgh Fringe has it all! Performances occur all day with more PG-13 shows at night.
We were able to purchase tickets two ways: 1) at a booth in Waverley station and 2) from our phones using the strong WiFi at Starbucks.) Cost depends on what you choose to see, but many shows were £10-£15 per person.
#3 Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Reindeers really exist and they roam in the beautiful Cairngorms. A guide leads you on a hike up to the herd, performs reindeer calls, and then you can feed them and enjoy their company and then walk back down at your own pace. They are sweet and gentle.
Cost: Adults £16/ Children £10
How to Buy Tickets: We purchased tickets at the Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Center an hour before we wanted to leave. Tickets are first come, first served. And you can grab lunch at the little cafe next to the visitor center while you wait.
We stayed the night and pitched a tent across the street at Glenmore Campsite, which we also recommend. For more information, check out our detailed trip report.
Reindeer in Scotland
feeding the reindeer in Scotland
#4 Hiking on the Isle of Skye
So, the Isle of Skye is not that easy to get to, but, if you have the time, we highly recommend visiting for 2-3 days. More specifically, we recommend The Quiraing Hike on the Trotternish Peninsula. Here's a helpful website that offers details on getting to the trail (we missed the turn for the road up the hill at least 3 times.) Better yet, the cost is free!
We stayed nearby at Shulista Croft Wigwams for 2 nights, and it was our favorite place in Scotland. We hope to return with our daughter and stay for at least a week in the near future.
Isle Skye- hiking over water-quiraing hike
The short video below captures a small fragment of the beauty of Skye.
#5: Jump into some Water Sports
I know this is a general bucket list item, but Scotland is surrounded by water and has many beautiful lochs and rivers. So, we recommend getting out on the water- whether its kayaking, whitewater rafting, or abseiling.
For this trip, we were able to spend half a day canyoning (abseiling) with G2 Outdoor. They are based near Aviemore, and convenient to other expeditions in Cairngorms National Park.
Cost: We spent £110 for 2 people.
Bonus: The epic photos below were taken by our guide.
