Sensational Summer in Scotland 2019

From Edinburgh to Stirling or Glasgow,
Our handy Scotland guide will keep you in the know!
A palace, gardens, a safari park and more,
There are so many places for you to explore! 

1. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

**Free vouchers when you book with Picniq!**

Visit the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and home of so much Scottish royal history. Step inside the State Apartments, glorious Gardens and Abbey. Look out for unusual furniture, sparkling jewels and so much more! The Queen’s Gallery houses changing exhibitions that are always worth a visit. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and is an insightful trip into Scotland’s rich history. BOOK NOW.

2. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Explore the diverse history of Scotland and the rest of the world. The diverse collections cover everything from nature, art, design and fashion through to science and technology. This summer, there will be themed weekly activities. Until 26th July explore stories and songs at Wee Summer Mornings, on 8th-13th July and 22nd to 26th July, discover East Asia and Egypt. In honour of the 50th Anniversary of the moon landings, explore Moon Week between 15th-19th July and Science Saturday on Saturday 20th July. Find out more here.

3. Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Arguably the finest garden in the city, Glasgow Botanic Gardens are a must-do if you’re nearby this summer. Visit the Kibble Palace, a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble which has recently been restored. Burn off some energy exploring the grounds before enjoying some lunch in the Botanic Gardens Tearooms, with both indoor and outdoor seating just in case the British summertime lets you down! Find out more here.

4. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles and must-see attractions. The castle has a long and eventful history with a dramatic and often bloody past. Dress up in costume and try medieval costumes in the Palace Vaults. Enter the Great Kitchens, travel back in time and discover what dishes the kitchen staff are preparing for the king’s banquet. Then let off any extra steam in the Queen Anne Garden, with amazing views of the surrounding countryside – an ideal place for a picnic! Find out more here.

5. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, for spectacular views over Edinburgh. This hill fort sits in Holyrood Park, a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Put on your walking boots and take a jacket as the top of the hill can be a little windy! On a sunny day, it is the perfect place to have a picnic. Find out more here.

6. Glasgow Science Centre

Perfect for kids with a thirst for knowledge, learn about all aspects of science, including the human body, the universe and much more! There are heaps of workshops taking place throughout summer; Destination Space: To The Moon, where you can explore the Apollo Missions to the Moon; make your own colourful 60s style lamp in Lava Lamps; and control a remote-controlled LEGO Mindstorms robot to complete a mission on the moon in LEGO Mindstorms: Moon Buggy Driving Test. Find out more here.

7. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

2nd – 24th August 2019

The Tattoo has been entertaining Edinburgh locals and visitors alike for nearly 70 years. Running alongside the Edinburgh Festivals, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo delivers world-class military celebrations rooted in Scottish tradition. This year, the Tattoo will explore colour, music and light, as it’s inspired by the Kaleidoscope, invented by Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster in 1816.

8. The Time Capsule Water Park, Coatbridge

When the British summertime lets you down, head to this waterpark for some splashing good fun in the warm! Ride the 10m high Storm Chasers, Thunder and Lightening, with their amazing twisting twin flumes. Then test your strength and endurance in the Tsunami wave pool! For gentler fun, float down Riptide River, a lazy river with a rapid ending. For younger visitors, head to the sanctuary of Cove Island, a sheltered area for more leisurely fun. Find out more here.

9. Jacobite Steam Train, Scottish Highlands

Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, pass some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK on this 84-mile round trip. Begin your journey near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, pass the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. You’ll even cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct, which you’ll recognise from the Harry Potter films!

10. Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling

Located in Central Scotland, this is one of the most exciting family attractions you can find. There are over 350 different animals at the Safari Park, including lions, giraffes, rhinoceros and monkeys. There are also lots of new babies, including two Barbary Macaques, one little ring-tailed Lemur and a critically endangered red-ruffed Lemur! Find out more here.

11. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Opened in 1901, this is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Explore 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more. The most famous painting on display at Kelvingrove is the Salvador Dali masterpiece Christ of St John of the Cross. There’s even a Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling of the west court! Find out more here.

What have you been up to lately? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

Let’s go on a Picniq! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or tag us on Instagram using #PicniqUK! ❤