Honeymoon in Scotland

Though part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has a distinctive national, political and cultural identity. above all it is one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles with a verdant beauty and medieval history, all of its own. So if you are looking for a mix of scenic and cultural attractions to figure on your honeymoon destination, you cannot go wrong with Scotland.

Delights of Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a great place to plan as the main honeymoon destination. Here you can ramble through the historic Old Town which is dominated by the Royal Mile, a medieval thoroughfare stretching for about a mile from Edinburgh Castle downhill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can also explore the exclusive West End neighborhoods near Shandwick Place though Morningside is probably the poshest old suburb in the city, with leafy streets and wide avenues. On days that you and your beloved are feeling particularly artistic, head for the Modern Art Gallery in the Dean area of Edinburgh where the amazing building and grounds are home to an ever changing art collection. Calton Hill offers some of the most romantic views of Edinburgh – it is a gentle walk and costs nothing. It is also home to Nelson’s Column and for those couples who don’t feel high enough during the summer months, at the price of a small fee of £3 you can go up the tight winding stair way and get the view from the top. The National Monument, Dougald Stewart Monument and the Observatory House are pieces of Calton Hill’s unmistakable character which you should not miss. Another take a jolly to South Queensferry - It has got history, views of the Firth of Forth and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge as well as plenty of places for coffee, cake, food and beverages, to while away a romantic morning or afternoon with your beloved.

Go sightseeing in Glasgow

The largest city in Scotland and the third-largest in UK, Glasgow today is a far cry from the industrial city of nineteenth century Europe. Contemporary Glasgow is a lively hub of arts, culture, sports, fashion and business, all of which make it one of the best places to enjoy a honeymoon. Situated on the River Clyde and located in the country’s west central lowlands, Glasgow is blessed with several beautiful natural vistas. Nature lovers in the city can thus find a lot to explore in each other’s company. There is the Glasgow Botanic Gardens which has an amazing spread of gardens, a conservatory and even a research and study centre. A perfect way to spend a romantic afternoon would be to head directly for the lush greenhouse bursting with tropical plants - begonias, orchids, and ferns. For couples who would like to experience nature in its original element, another perfect romantic idea would be the Drumpellier Country Park where you both can either go for a boat ride on the serene Lochend Loch, explore the Peace Gardens or amble through the Woodland Walk.

Culture hot spots

In the nineteenth century Glasgow was a famous center for heavy industries and commerce. But in the present century, the city has shrugged off its grey visage and emerged as a vibrant center of arts and culture. So if you and your partner are art buffs, Glasgow has a lot to offer. The Winter Palace is one of the most amazing expressions of history and art in the city where you can not only partake of some royal treatment but also explore the exquisite paintings in the museum and the breathtaking views of the Winter Gardens. The Hidden Gardens is yet another romantic place in Glasgow dedicated to the effervescence of multiple cultures and beliefs that the city is justly proud of. The Hunterian Museum and Gallery as well as the Merchant City are other venues popular with culture lovers. On the other hand if you want to get down and muddy, how about signing up for the Ceramic Experience? Here you are sure to have a fantastic experience playing around with colors and clay and when you both have had your fill, there is even a nearby café, just right for some conversation and a bite to eat. The Glasgow Barrowland, the SECC, the O2 Academy and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall are among the venues which offer a more classical offering. Jazz lovers might make it a point to head for the Drum & Monkey on St Vincent Street while for a more authentic Irish sound can be found playing at Jinty McGinty’s on Ashton Lane.

Spooky sites

Like any other self-respecting country of ancient castles and fearful knights, Scotland too has its share of haunted places that could make for a highly exciting though unusual idea on your honeymoon. The Glamis Castle in Angus owes its supposed haunting to a long history of incarceration and execution. The imposing home of the present Earl and Countess of Strathmore is believed to include a number of secret rooms with its ghostly residents. some of the spirits thought to haunt the Castle include the so-called Monster of Glamis Castle which refers to a deformed child who was kept locked up in a hidden room his entire life, a tongueless woman running around the garden and a wicked aristocrat who loudly bemoans a lost card game. There's also the mysterious Grey Lady, probably a nickname for Janet Douglas who was executed on a false charge of witchcraft in 1537. Historians know Culloden Moor, near Inverness as the place where the last battle in mainland Britain was fought On the 16 April 1746. This battle against Jacobite repression which marked the start to a grim era grim era of repression of Highland customs and traditions left many dead and even more ruthless massacred. And as befits any bloody battle, the dead do not rest easy and every year on April 16, the battle's anniversary, the landscape is said to echo again with anguished cries as phantom legions re-enact the slaughter. For the convenience of adventure tourists like you, the battlefield, has a National Trust for Scotland visitor centre where you can get information on its history, guided tours and much more.

Explore nightlife

Once you are done touring the scary and royal historical sites, it is time to chill out with your beloved in the upscale bars and nightclubs of Scotland. Edinburgh is one such city where the rich and fashionable party away till the wee hours of the morning. While the Hard Rock Café is a legendary destination for die-hard rock fans, the GHQ is a hangout of the uber stylish men and women of the city. Le Monde is an elegant cocktail bar with a large choice of spirits. For a gourmet experience though you can take your partner to the Granary Bar which has a varied menus ranging from traditional favorites to more exotic dishes. On the other hand if your partner likes to groove to the thumping beats of the dance floor, check out the Bongo Club or the Cas Rock. Like any other world class city, Glasgow has a thriving bar scene with sports bars, wine cars, whiskey bars and lounge bars making up only a few of its segments. Belo, right next to the Social is a hip basement bar and club which is popular with soccer pros over weekends and has a relaxed atmosphere in weeknights. Then again there is the Bargo, a modern Merchant City bar with high ceilings, water bubble feature on the walls and low leather seating, all of which lend it a cool, aquatic atmosphere. For a warmer ambience and a more colorful crowd, head towards the Bar Ten located opposite The Lighthouse and where the music tends to be more alternative than other trendy bars. One of the most popular recreational destinations in Glasgow is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut where you can enjoy a wide variety of live musical offerings. 13th Note, MacSorley’s, Laurie’s, Blackfriars, Halt Bar and O’Neil’s are some of the other music bars and cafes popular both among the city’s couples as well as visiting honeymooners who wish to catch some great live music.