Expecto Patronum a Riddikulus Time in Scotland
Cheers (Sláinte) to the gem of the United Kingdom – the country of Scotland!
One of the most fascinating places I have ever traveled to combines a splendid blend of old world urban charm of Edinburgh and Glasgow to rural majesty in its Highlands. I am guilty of falling victim to the generalization that every country in a certain region is the same with very little to offer differently to visitors, and I could not have been more incorrect. While there are some striking similarities between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Scotland exceeded every expectation I had and in all of my travels throughout Europe, it was the most pleasantly surprising country I have visited.
While I never have as much time in a country as I would like, I was fortunate enough to see a large portion of Scotland from cities to the countryside. I hope that my visit/recommendations motivates fellow travelers to not overlook a country and to truly enjoy what it has to offer, it makes for a time like I had in Scotland that I am forever grateful for:
Edinburgh
A vacation in Scotland would not be complete without a stop in my favorite European city (so far) – Edinburgh (pronounced Eh-din-buh-ruh or Eh-din-bruh).
The moment this amazing city captured my heart was pretty immediate when I discovered that there is an entire tour dedicated to my favorite book series – Harry Potter. Their symbiotic impact on each other is profound, as JK Rowling drew inspiration from various aspects of Edinburgh for her famed series, thus bringing influence upon the city that has embraced it as the birthplace of “The Boy Who Lived.”
The Elephant House: Where it all began! You can visit the exact spot in which this literary genius began the best book series in history. It’s red trim and ornamental elephant hanging outside are unmistakable, and for any die-hard fan, there is a special electricity about being in the building that helped Rowling change so many lives through her beloved characters.
Victoria Street: an alluring smattering of eccentric and colorful buildings that curve along a cobblestoned street – doesn’t that sound like a reminiscent reminder of the most famous street in Harry Potter – Diagon Alley? These eclectic edifices even contain a joke shop, ice cream parlor, and the “Diagon House” where Potter fans can find magical memorabilia from the series – you’ll almost feel as if you might run into the Weasley’s themselves preparing for school.
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard: one of the most eerie spots in Edinburgh is Greyfriar’s Kirkyard – a spooky yet beautiful cemetery that contains the most sinister character from the franchise. This particular grave site has a menacing air, especially around the memorial to one Tom Riddle. Rumor has it that this is the final resting place of Lord Voldemort – an ominous remembrance to arguably the most prominent villain in pop culture.
Best of Scotland’s Capital
Dean Village: Perhaps the area of Edinburgh I most enjoyed, Dean Village is a pocket of perfection that appears to be standing still in time. Located just outside of the city center, this small neighborhood is a photographers paradise as the Water of Leith flows lazily through the quaint stone houses and under the Dean Bridge on its way to the Atlantic. This place holds a special place for me as it was somewhere I wanted to badly visit, but I did not have time initially and on my last night in this unbelievable location, I was able to walk from my hotel just as sun was setting, peering through the flowering trees as the river happily bubbles nearby. It was an incredibly peaceful moment I wish I could bottle up.
Edinburgh Castle: Guarding the city of Edinburgh on its rocky throne, the crown jewel of Edinburgh is its magnificent castle. One of the most renowned and established royal structures in Europe, the Edinburgh Castle is a must see when visiting the capital. Dominating the Edinburgh skyline and visible from almost every angle in the city, the castle looms over the stately grounds of Prince Street Gardens where walking paths and wildflowers abound. A visit to this famous landmark is unquestionable, where one can learn and understand its role in Scottish history since the 12th century! The steep trek up the hill is worth your while, as the Castle boasts not only the Honours of Scotland (the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles), but also the best views in the entire city. The Castle is equally breathtaking at night, so make sure you set aside some time to see it lit up as well!
Calton Hill and the Royal Mile: The most illustrious street in Edinburgh leads to one of the grandest views in the city. The Royal Mile is an outstanding homage to the Scottish social scene – quirky bars and restaurants mingled with ancient churches whose spires soar over the cobbled walkways. This is where you can see bagpipe artists and street performers alike, creating a memorable impression as tourists and locals mix between the castle and Holyrood House. The Royal Mile leads to the Calton Hill area, a large outcrop that holds some of the city’s oldest remnants and a view to die for. I believe it is a definite must see in this photogenic city!
Glasgow
Glasgow is actually the largest city by population in Scotland, however, like Edinburgh, there is a small town feel to this hip and diversified city. As one of the most underrated cities in Europe, Glasgow offers a youthful, metropolitan city center with some of the most beautiful Gothic architecture sprinkled throughout. To miss Glasgow if you are visiting Scotland is to do the country an injustice, so make a point to spend a day here, it will NOT disappoint.
Cathedral and the Necropolis: Perhaps the most regarded building in Glasgow, the Cathedral will leave your jaw drooping with its blackened gargoyles jutting from its green tinted roof. The inside is just as stunning where you can actually see the tomb of its patron saint, St. Mungo, in the lower crypt. This name may ignite the interest of Potter fans yet again, as the wizarding world’s hospital is also named after St. Mungo (it was my goal to find it in Glasgow, with no success…)
Be sure to make the journey from the neighboring Cathedral to the Necropolis, Glasgow’s largest burial ground that has some of the city’s most important founding member’s grave sites. Strolling through these elaborate displays shows the extraordinary wealth that once existed in this industrial city. The views of the Cathedral from this vantage point are astounding.
University of Glasgow: I quickly realized that the Harry Potter theme did not stop in Edinburgh. Glasgow’s world recognized university will transport you directly to Hogwarts, and it immediately will strike hopeful millennials who grew up on the series that those letters delivered by owls just maybe do exist! The central courtyard will take your breathe away as you envision young witches and wizards practicing the art of flying while Dumbledore or McGonagall observe from their offices in the turreted corners. A pit stop in Glasgow is necessary just to see the university alone, and I would go back to school in a heartbeat if I could study at this awe inspiring campus!
The Highlands
The rugged and untamed wild of Scotland is in its Highlands. Filled to the brim with lakes, sheep and farming culture, the Scottish Highlands is the most rural, yet impressive destination in the country. The roads are narrow, the castles are hidden and the green pastures are plentiful – staying a few nights in this inconceivable (from a California kid’s perspective) location will make your trip to Scotland as authentic as the Scotch you will drink and the seafood you will eat!
Aberfeldy/Loch Tay/Pitlochry: My home base during my time in the Scottish Highlands, the tiny town of Aberfeldy near Kenmore was glorious with its proximity to the banks of Loch Tay and its friendly and accommodating residents. A special shout-out to the hospitable owners and employees of Breadalbane Bakery, please come here if you find yourself in Aberfeldy for the best local breakfast and pastries imaginable! A must stop for whiskey aficionados is Dewar’s Distillery, a mainstay in the tasting circuit of the top Scotch and spirits the country has to offer – the tour is intimate and enlightening. Just up the road from Aberfeldy and Dewar’s is Pitlochry, a beautiful Scottish village that will make you feel as if you’re walking through a snow globe. Their water wheel and quaint main street stretching along the river is worthwhile for a pick-me-up of fish and chips or some Scottish ice cream!
Stirling Castle: Located just outside of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in the town of Stirling is the castle that shares its name. Stirling Castle, similar to Edinburgh’s, stands out from miles away on its craggy perch above the countryside. Beginning as one of the most utilized castles in Scotland before its union with England, Stirling Castle stands out in history as the main residence of Mary, Queen of Scots along with being a distinguished military stronghold against many historical sieges. Stirling Castle is so well preserved for its age (dating back to the 14th – 16th centuries) and the tour of its awesome architecture is wonderful. My favorite aspect of this landmark is definitely a stroll along the outer ramparts that gives you an unobstructed view of the surrounding region. The Prince’s Walk also offers an amazing vantage point to look down into Stirling’s gardens, in full bloom during my visit!
St. Andrew’s: From the city, to the countryside and finally to the coast, St. Andrew’s is one of Scotland’s most staggering, serene seaside getaways. Like Glasgow on a much smaller scale, St. Andrew’s is a university town (largest in Scotland) so there is a youthful infusion entwined with some of Scotland’s oldest revered relics. Chief among these is a St. Andrew’s Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Spread out across a large open space, the ruins of St. Andrew’s Cathedral (once the largest in the country) are like a boneyard of the past as structures in different states of disrepair coincide within this lush area as monuments to the Apostle they are named for. It is truly beautiful though as the ocean serves as a dramatic backdrop to these historical premises. St. Andrew’s is also the “birthplace of golf”, and as a host to frequent major golf tournaments, this city is prideful of its sporting past time.
Cheers, Scotland!
The real draw to Scotland and the reason that I can’t wait to go back is its people – the most incredibly thoughtful and genuine group I’ve ever encountered. My favorite anecdote of my time in this amazing country revolves around its citizens – a moment that I will truly never forget as long as I live. As a native of Southern California, I rarely get the opportunity to interact with animals outside of a zoo or aquarium, and we were lucky enough to be in Scotland during lambing season where every property as far as the eye can see will have hundreds of baby sheep roaming and frolicking through the emerald hills. As we would pass farm after farm, I wanted so badly to see them up close and personal, and on our last day in the Scottish countryside, we were offered to be given a tour of a local farm right on Loch Tay by the kindest woman from our hotel. She had remembered our interests for 6 days since our check in and surprised us with this unique opportunity. At this farm, they gave my family and I an unforgettable experience of seeing the inner workings of their farm and lifestyle all while getting to hold a WEEK old baby lamb. No words can be given to explain how special this was, and it was the cherry on top of a wonderful week in this beautiful country, and I hope that showcasing this level of care and thought is enough to make any traveler’s desire to go to Scotland more immense. I am changed forever because of my time there, and as much as I love writing, I will never be able to speak more highly of this place that I really believe everyone must visit one day!
