Scotland is a land of legends, mysteries and history. Its castles and palaces bear witness to a rich and exciting past. Preparing for your trip to these hotspots of Scottish culture requires a bit of planning. Here are some tips to help you get the ultimate Scottish castle experience.
Choose your must-haves
Scotland has more than 2000 castles, some of which have become real tourist attractions. Edinburgh, the capital, is home to Edinburgh Castle, an impressive fortress towering over the Old Town. Further north is Cawdor Castle, immortalized by Shakespeare in Macbeth. On the west coast, you can’t miss Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed in the world.
Before you start planning your itinerary, make a list of the castles you dream of visiting. This will help you set your priorities and optimize your time during the trip.
Book your tickets in advance
Entrance tickets to Scotland’s main castles sell out very quickly, especially during the peak tourist season. To avoid disappointment, remember to book your tickets online on the official website of the castles.
This will ensure that you can visit the castles of your choice on the dates you have selected, without wasting time in the queue. Some sites even offer themed guided tours by reservation: a great way to learn more about the history of the place.
Check and secure your important documents
Documents like passport, visa, airline tickets are essential for your trip. Take the time to check and secure them before departure.
Check the validity of your documents
- Passport: Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of return.
- Visa: If you need a visa, check that it covers all the dates of your stay.
- Flight tickets: Make sure the dates and information are correct.
Make photocopies
Make photocopies of your important documents and take them with you separately from the originals. This will save you in case of loss or theft.
Scan your documents
Scan your documents and send the files to yourself by email. You will be able to access it easily during the trip if needed.
Secure your documents
Always keep your originals with you in an inside pocket or security pocket. Never put all your important documents in one place.
By taking the time to check and secure your documents, you will leave with peace of mind for a serene trip.
Go on a road trip
Scotland is beautiful to travel on its small winding roads. Renting a car will give you a lot of flexibility to visit the castles at your own pace.
Plan several days to travel through the Highlands and discover gems such as Dunrobin Castle. You can also easily stop in the villages you pass through, in order to enjoy the atmosphere and the typical landscapes of Scotland.
Travel light
Walking through the steep corridors and climbing the countless stairs of Scottish castles requires you to be light on your feet! Limit your luggage to what is strictly necessary.
Prefer a backpack to a suitcase, which is more bulky. Choose comfortable shoes for walking and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly in Scotland. You will be able to fully enjoy visiting the castles.
Savour the atmosphere
Scotland’s castles exude a unique atmosphere, between legends, betrayals and tumultuous romances. Wander the corridors, imagine the life of nobles and servants in the Middle Ages. Admire the tapestries telling the story of the clan that ruled within these walls.
Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the place, visualize the sumptuous banquets and costume balls. You will feel the full force of Scotland’s centuries-old traditions.
At the end of the day, sit in a pub and listen to a traditional music band. Let yourself be lulled by the bagpipes and immerse yourself in the soul of eternal Scotland.
Taste local delicacies
Scotland has a rich gastronomy to discover. The haggis, a dish made from lamb offal and oats, is the most emblematic. Also try the smoked salmon, smoked salmon served thinly sliced, and the tatties and neeps, mashed potatoes and turnips.
Whisky lovers will be delighted with more than 100 distilleries to visit. Each region produces a whisky with unique aromas that you have to take the time to taste.
As you travel from one castle to another through the beautiful Scottish landscapes, you will have an unforgettable experience. Take the time to meet the locals and soak up the centuries-old history of this land of legends.
Plan your journey to the airport
If you don’t prepare your journey to the airport efficiently, you run the risk of missing your flight, so this is a particularly important step that deserves your attention. Remember to book your transport in advance and allow enough room for unforeseen events.
Book your transport in advance
Booking your taxi, shuttle or train in advance will allow you to avoid stress and unpleasant surprises. Compare the options and choose the one that works best for you in terms of budget and practicality.
Allow time
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before take-off for international flights, and 1 hour and 30 minutes before for domestic flights. This will give you time to deal with the unexpected without stress.
Télécharger les applications utiles
Les applications de traduction, cartographie et transport en commun vous seront très utiles pendant votre voyage. Pensez à les télécharger et à les configurer avant votre départ.
Applications de traduction
Grâce aux applications comme Google Traduction, vous pourrez communiquer facilement pendant vos visites et échanges avec les habitants.
Cartes et plans
Ayez toujours sous la main une carte offline de la région visitée. Les applications comme Maps.me vous fournissent toutes les cartes nécessaires sans connexion internet.
Transports en commun
Pour vous déplacer comme un local, téléchargez l’application du réseau de bus, métro, train de la ville visitée. Vous aurez ainsi les horaires et itinéraires en temps réel.
Conclusion
Voyager dans les châteaux d’Ecosse, c’est plonger dans un univers romanesque et mystérieux. En anticipant et en vous organisant, vous pourrez profiter pleinement de ces trésors historiques et culturels. Laissez-vous porter au gré des routes sinueuses et imprégnez-vous de l’âme de ce pays fascinant. Votre séjour dans les châteaux écossais restera un souvenir impérissable.