Scotland is the perfect setting for a summer break with great attractions, tours, and events throughout the season. There are plenty of inspiring holiday ideas available on www.visitscotland.com/perfect
Family fun
Deep Sea World, North Queensferry, Fife: One of the big attractions of Deep Sea World in North Queensferry is the underwater safari involving the UK’s longest underwater viewing tunnel at 112 metres long and surrounded by a million gallons of water. Look up and see terrifying sharks swimming above, including the sand tiger shark, the largest shark on display. Wonder at the mysterious coral reefs and make sure you are there for the spectacular sight of the piranha feed. Deep Sea World also has a seal sanctuary with two seal pools, one for resident seals and the other with injured and rescued seal pups. Go underwater at Deep Sea World and witness some spectacular marine life. The more adventurous can even go diving with the sharks.
Geocaching in Perthshire: Geocaching is a challenge in which participants use orienteering skills through GPS technology to find caches — small hidden containers which hold either clues to the next hidden cache or small treasures which take the form of coins, puzzles, toys, and other items. The week-long gathering will see a variety of geocaching days and nights out (including a Mega Adventure After Dark with night cache challenges and Mega Woofy Event for cacher and geodog teams ) with thousands of participants scouring the Perthshire countryside for hidden treasures. The event is a major highlight of the Perth 800 sporting programme celebrating the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210. www.perth800.com
Archaeological Treasures Trail, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides: VisitScotland’s Archaeological Treasures Trail showcases a range of readymade trails for visitors to use to help plan their trip to Scotland’s islands during the summer months in Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides. The trail highlights archaeological finds and recent insights into the histories of the islands and the artefacts which have been uncovered in recent times. Each readymade itinerary features details of exhibitions and museums, information about recent high-profile finds, popular visitor attractions, listings for local guides, and suggestions for walks, accommodation, and dining. The trail is available to view online, along with downloadable itineraries, at www.visitscotland.com/perfect until the autumn.
Edinburgh Zoo’s Penguin Parade: Meet the penguins at Edinburgh Zoo’s famous Penguin Parade as the zoo’s star attractions go for a lunchtime wander. Edinburgh Zoo has more than 1,000 amazing animals from all over the world including lions, leopards, rhinos, wolves, and the only koalas in the UK. Another great attraction is the hilltop safari ride which takes visitors across the plains with many wonderful animals in sight. The Budongo Trail is a new state-of-the-art facility where visitors can be even closer to the chimpanzees and study their charming behaviour.
Inveraray Jail, Argyll: Inveraray Jail is a 19th century jail and courthouse where costumed guides describe what life was like for former inmates. It is a highly entertaining and educational day. Experience facing the judge and hearing the verdict. Then there is the chance to meet some of the prisoners and hear their grim tales of life behind bars. Visitors also get the chance to try out the prison beds and hammocks. Learn all about the different types of punishment for prisoners, including the ominous sounding crank machine. Life in Inveraray Jail was extremely tough and the tour gives visitors a real sense of what it was like.
Adventure Golf Island, Fife Leisure Park, Dunfermline: Scotland’s first ‘Florida style’ golfing playground, at Fife Leisure Centre in Dunfermline, boasts 36 holes with two pirate-themed courses — Treasure Island and Pirates’ Cove — where you can win treasure and swap for a free game. Putt beside dramatic waterfalls, dancing fountains, and swaying palm trees. Go for golfing glory in the midst of pirate forts, Tiki huts, and a fully rigged pirate ship as well as the extra thrill of ‘night play’ under the floodlights.
Voyage on the Waverley steamer, Departs Glasgow: Climb aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer for an incredible journey in the Firth of Clyde. The Waverley is one of the most photographed ships in the world, built on the Clyde more than 60 years ago and in recent years lovingly restored to its former glory. The towering funnels, timber decks, and shiny brass are hugely impressive. Watch the great steam engine turn the famous paddles as the Waverley sails to the magnificent isles of Arran, Bute, and Cumbrae and pretty coastal resorts like Dunoon and Largs. There is a restaurant and a gift shop onboard, while all around is some of the finest scenery in Scotland.
