Tag: Train to Scotland

Explore Dundee and the Tay Country

Posted on by Amy Moore

Explore Dundee and the Tay Country

 

With a central location and a great mix of city and countryside, Dundee is an ideal location for a break away.

We’ve created a guide to the best and most interesting places that the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design and the Tay Country has to offer, so travel with Caledonian Sleeper to find out more.

 

V&A Dundee

 

The V&A Dundee, opened in 2018, has transformed the waterfront in the city. With a calendar of events and exciting exhibitions, it’s a must-visit for anyone going to Dundee.

New to 2020 is Tea and Tour – an experience combining a tour of the museum with an expert guide, followed by afternoon tea at Tatha Bar & Kitchen.

 

Broughty Ferry

 

Beside the sea, Broughty Ferry’s mix of pubs and restaurants makes it a relaxing and interesting place to visit, not far from the heart of Dundee. Find good quality Scottish produce at Forgan’s, where you can dine in the main restaurant, outside, or in a private bothy – there’s something for everyone.

The Broughty Castle and Museum explores the history of Broughty Ferry as a fishing village, the history of whaling, and wildlife that can be found in the area.

Broughty Ferry beach and esplanade are some of the best places in the local area to spot bottlenose dolphins– particularly from May to September.

 

Explore the coast

 

Tay Country has a range of coastline to discover. The Fife Coastal Path is Scotland’s longest continuous coastal path in the 117 miles between Kincardine and Newburgh. Take a walk along or take a boat trip to the Isle of May to see the sea life and wildlife.

Enjoy the abundance of local seafood along the route, including the seafood shacks in Crail, where the fishermen recommend their catch of the day.

 

Go outdoors

 

Explore the home of golf in Tay Country’s St Andrews. For the full golfing experience, enter the ballot to play a round at the Old Course, or try your hand at golf in one of the 111 other courses in Tay Country.

Go for a walk around the rolling countryside or beaches, or go adventurous and bag one of Tay Country’s many Munros.

Your 2020 guide to Highland adventures

Posted on by Amy Moore

With activities for all to enjoy and scenery that can’t be beaten, the Highlands are Scotland’s not-so-hidden gem.

And to help shape your 2020 Highland adventure, we’ve created a list to guide your planning. With stops in Aviemore, Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness, Caledonian Sleeper can take you on the journey of a night time to some of Scotland’s most scenic locations.

The Gathering, Inverness 

The Gathering Festival returns to The Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday 30 May. The one-day festival boasts a lineup loaded with Scottish talent – including the world’s most famous pipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The family-friendly event will have a variety of stalls offering mouthwatering craft food and drink, sourced exclusively from the Highlands and Islands. In addition, a range of events will be taking place at venues and bars throughout Inverness to tie in with the festival making the city a vibrant place to spend the weekend.

Fort William Mountain Festival

The Fort William Mountain Festival is a five-day festival celebrating the mountains of Scotland – with films, exhibitions and talks from some of the world’s most exciting adventurers.

The event runs from 19 – 23 February with views of the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.

Aberdeen Restaurant Week

Celebrate the best of Aberdeen’s foodie scene with Aberdeen Restaurant Week, which runs from 24 February until 1 March. Keep an eye out for discounts, events and tastings across the city.

Jazz Festival

Each year, Aberdeen hosts a Jazz Festival in March – with jazz performances held across the city. Visit Jazz On The Green as the city comes to life on 15 March.

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William

The UCI Fort William World Cup has been staged at Fort William every year since 2002. Held on 6 and 7 June, this year thousands of spectators will gather on the slopes of Aonach Mor to see the best downhill riders in the world fly down the mountain at breathtaking speeds.

The World Cup Village is the perfect place for bike fanatics and casual fans alike to mingle. There will be a selection of the biggest brands attending and all the equipment and gear you could ever need will be there for purchase. The village’s food and drink tent ensures visitors will be well fed serving a range of delicious items, including Haggis Nachos and the renowned Aonach Mor Burger.

Belladrum

Held on the outskirts of Inverness and with a view over the infamous Loch Ness, Belladrum is known as the Tartan Heart Festival.

A family-friendly festival, Belladrum is home to a number of stalls serving locally-sourced goods. There will be performances from global artists as well as local up and coming artists and traditional Scottish music.

This year’s festival is held from 30 July – 1 August.

Climb Ben Nevis

Translated from Gaelic, Ben Nevis means “mountain with its head in the clouds.” This name is fitting for the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, standing at a considerable 1344 metres. The mountain represents a challenging but massively rewarding ascent for the thousands who complete it each year.

There are a variety of routes to the top that offer different levels of climb and changing views. However, it is the summit of Ben Nevis that is truly special, offering incredible views that stretch for miles.

Those who don’t fancy the climb can take the gondola and enjoy similar views of the beautiful Nevis range. Ben Nevis distillery is the perfect place to head as a celebration for those who have completed the climb, located around 7 minutes away from the mountain.

Highland Games

Most Highland cities and towns are home to Highland Games – something that has been part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years.

With Scottish produce, Highland dancing, stalls, and events including cycling, races and the caber toss, it’s a truly Scottish experience. Games are usually held between May and September.