Things to see and do United Kingdom

Founded in 1824, The Glenlivet Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in the region and the second largest distributor in the world after Glenfiddich. In the early ^19th century, it was the favorite whisky of aristocrats and the king. The tour will take you behind the scenes of this famous whisky: the history of its distillery, the production process, the storage in the warehouse. You can even taste the spirit directly from the barrel. Audioguides in French are available to follow the tour, even if you don't speak the language.

The Harris Tweed & Knitwear exhibition "Clo Mor"(Big Garment in Gaelic) offers an interesting retrospective of the local tweed industry and its journey through time. Between photographs and edutainment spaces, the visit is suitable for all ages. Models present clothing of all types and all eras, showing how Harris Tweed was honoured on the world's catwalks. It is possible to attend weaving demonstrations.

The Glen Nevis Information Centre is a very useful stop to find out about possible walks in the area - several routes of all levels - including the climb up the Ben. It is strongly recommended that you stop by to check the weather conditions before any ascent, especially outside the summer months, and to get all the information you need for a safe hike. There is on-site parking and a coffee shop.

This company offers a wide range of guided tours in and around London. Among the options, one tour has become legendary: "Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath". This is a full-day excursion dedicated to discovering England's three most iconic sites. You'll travel aboard a luxury coach, accompanied by a dedicated professional guide, whose commentary will be audible at all times through individual headphones. This experience combines history and comfort to meet your every expectation.

This museum is dedicated to aerospace, an industry in which Bristol specializes. The local star is, of course, the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, designed and built here. It was the last Concorde to fly, and could cross the Atlantic in just three hours. You can see the interiors, but other aircraft are also on display. And don't forget the Red Arrows simulator! The attraction is housed on a former World War I base, renovated and refitted to accommodate it.

This great Norman fortress, partly in ruins, stands to the west of Oxford city center. The wooden fortifications on the motte castrale were replaced by stone in the ^11th century and, like many similar sites in England, the castle was largely destroyed during the English Civil War. In the ^18th century, what remained was converted into a prison. Today, guided tours take visitors into the bowels of the building to discover its varied and tormented history.

The Museum of the famous Scottish University is dedicated to the prestigious institution and its powerful heritage. There are three areas to visit: Wardlaw Museum (exhibition on the history of the university), Bell Pettigrew (natural sciences) and the Collection Centre where many valuable objects accumulated over the centuries are on display, such as 15th century ceremonial sceptres, a 16th century astrolabe, an 18th century telescope and many others.

This elegant castle on the other side of Stornoway Bay was built between 1847 and 1857 for Sir James Matheson, who then owned all of Lewis thanks to his fortune built on the Chinese opium trade. Since 2016, following an extension of the site, there is a museum on the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides. It describes its people and their relationship to the land and sea. The Gaelic approach is predominant, but the texts are also translated into English.

It is the main tourist office of the External Hebrides, making it a compulsory passage to Stornoway.

Don't miss Primrose Hill which, as its name suggests, is a hill in the northward extension of Regent's Park. It's a trendy little park where local Londoners like to come for picnics, but Primrose Hill above all offers one of the best views of London. Don't hesitate to take a stroll through the pretty streets of Primrose Hill, via Regent's Park Road and Chalcot Crescent. A real gem. Many celebrities live behind these superb colorful facades, including Kate Moss and Jude Law.

The ironworks opened its doors in 1789, for another revolution... It is now one of the best preserved forges in Europe. We visit its huge furnaces that were powered by coal. It is also a whole living environment that we discover: an information centre houses models that provide an overview of the site's structure and internal organization. Photographs and press clippings from the period also provide information on the fate of these pioneers of the industrial revolution.

This superb bucolic bay with perfect curves unfolds languorously at the exit of the village of Ballintoy. The azure of the sea licks the immense white sand beach which is itself bordered by a gigantic mosaic of green grass and scrub... The site, which runs for 2.5 kilometers is visible from the main road. It is one of the wonders of this region, as much for its geological, botanical and archaeological particularities. You will have understood it, Whitepark Bay, it is a delicious stroll in perspective.

This pleasant peninsula is located north of Carrickfergus and reaches the port of Larne. The atmosphere is special and typical, apart from the rest of the country, although it is not an island. In the north, a ferry for Larne navigue every hour in the summer. The Muck Island, off the Mini mini port, is home to the largest site of bird nesting in Northern Ireland. The coast and its basaltic cliffs (the Gobbins) were the place of a sordid event in 1641, when the English soldiers of the Carrickfergus garrison threw the inhabitants into the sea. A very pleasant beach is located in the north (Brown Bay) and various walks are possible from the Whitehead car park. From the coast, we have a magnificent view of Belfast from Blackhead Path and its lighthouse. You should not miss Gobbins Cliff Path, which allows you to discover the beautiful cliffs of the peninsula.

This golden sandy beach is one of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland. It stretches between Portstewart and Castlerock and offers splendid views over Donegal and the north coast. It is a very popular place for boaters and families in the beautiful days, and walkers the rest of the year.

The XVIII domain reflects the heterogeneous and antagonistic tastes of Lord's couple and Lady Bangor for architecture. On the one hand, there is a neo-classical style, and the other is a rather Gothic influence… the differences are quite intriguing to observe between the front façade and the big staircase, as well as the back of the house and the éventail's range of the éventail. You can take tea in the rooms of the castle. Part of the site was used in the shooting of the game Game of Thrones for plans from Winterfell castle, which makes it a pilgrimage place for all fans.

The site was under British influence throughout the Middle Ages. Now in ruins, the place is worth a visit for its high gothic windows on the east side, the layouts of the chapter house and the refectory which give an idea of the grandeur of the heyday of piety. The marshes around the river Quoile are also interesting to walk around. Fans of Game of Thrones will not miss passing through here, as the place was used as a backdrop for a scene in the series, when the Starks asked to meet the Freys to cross the river!

This beautiful forest park spans 1 000 hectares. A 10 km road allows you to cross it and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills. At the entrance to the site begins a hike for the Slieve Gullion Hill, from which you can see the whole county. At the top are some megalithic cairns.

The building that once housed royal residences now embodies the Houses of Parliament, the prestigious precinct where the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords operate.
Originally built in 1097, Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the building. The rest of the building dates back to the ^19th century, after a gigantic fire destroyed much of it in 1834. Architect Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860) was commissioned to rebuild the building in a neo-Gothic style inspired by the Tudor era. Work lasted from 1840 to 1852. Today, the palace extends over 3.24 hectares and is almost 300 meters long. There are some 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 km of corridors. It also contains state apartments for the Speakers of both Houses.
On the north facade of the building, atop the clock tower (renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012), Big Ben is also one of the city's symbols. This 13.5-tonne bell stands 96 metres high and was installed in 1859. This iconic London tower is currently undergoing major renovation work. These have been the subject of numerous articles, as they are expected to cost a total of over £80 million, compared with the initial figure of £30 million. The work involves repairing damage caused by a World War II bomb, asbestos and pollution.

The Old Man of Storr is a unique rock formation located 7 miles north of Portree, via the A855, on the Trotternish Peninsula. It rises among other rocks more than 50 metres above the ground. Legend has it that Storr's old man was a giant who lived here. When he lay on the ridge at the hour of his last breath, his thumb remained raised. The Storr refers to the group of rocks that surround the old man. It is a title derived from a Nordic word meaning "great man". The path leading to the site from the roadside parking lot represents approximately 3.8 km round trip. Allow 1 hour and 15 minutes of walking, without the inevitable breaks to admire the landscape and take pictures. The site is very popular... and very popular.

Built for the 1999 Rugby World Cup in place of the old Arms Park sports arena, the Millennium Stadium is a Welsh legend! This huge, modern, saucer-shaped stadium can accommodate up to 74,500 spectators! Imposing and modern, it's the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof. Since January¹, 2016, and for the next ten years, the Millennium Stadium has been renamed Principality Stadium, after the Cardiff-based Principality Building Society. The Welsh rugby union signed the naming contract (a kind of sponsorship) for a total of £15 million.
Rugby matches are the most impressive international events. You need to have seen Cardiff on the day of a national rugby team match! You can feel the Welsh fervor in the streets as the day progresses. There are also soccer matches, motorcycle rallies, car races and concerts that attract huge crowds. The program is extensive and exhaustive. It is published on the stadium's website.

Visit the Principality Stadium: home of the "Red Devils". It's possible (and highly recommended!) to explore this magnificent stadium, one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales, with a visit to the press conference room, VIP lounge, changing rooms, players' tunnel to the "sacred turf"... Impressive!

This imposing modernist citadel on the edge of the Area has a national reputation. Over 8500 objects are listed on four floors, with the central theme of war, tournaments, hunting, defence and eastern weapons. In this respect, the Royal Armouries are part of the same museum family as the Tower of London in the capital. There are medieval armour, spears, swords, rifles, but also guns, guns, game and samurai attire.

This lighthouse museum at Kinnaird Head will capture the hearts of lighthouse lovers and absolute neophytes alike. This is Scotland's first lighthouse (built in 1789) and is adjacent to a 450 year old castle. Its location in an exceptional and atypical place, the special life of the keepers whose history has been told here, the engineering developed to save lives, the largest collection of lenses in the world, the tea room in the lighthouse, all play in its favour...

According to legend, the site was a Druidic monument before becoming a Roman temple dedicated to Apollo. A first Christian church was built there in 660, and in 875, the relics of St. Werburgh of York were brought here to protect the population from Viking incursions. In 1092, Hugh Lupus, the nephew of William the Conqueror, began the construction of a large monastery; the building underwent many modifications before becoming a cathedral in 1541. Today, it is particularly famous for its pink stone architecture in the rich Gothic style. We appreciate its magnificent 12th century choir and its perfectly restored cloister.

In the heart of the City, Guildhall has been the centre of government since the Middle Ages. The first Guildhall was built in the 15th century, and its original porch has been preserved to this day. The façade, built in 1789, is a curious variation on the use of architectural elements from the era of cathedral builders. For several centuries, the Guildhall has been both the Parliament and the City Hall of La City. It houses the oldest watchmaking museum in the world.

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1882, the Royal Court of Justice houses the Supreme Court. George Edmund Street designed the entire neo-Gothic building. The rooms known as the "Bear Garden" with their beautiful panelled ceilings and wallpaper with the Court's emblems are on display. Their name would come from the atmosphere that emerged during the settlement of certain disputes, similar to that of a bear fight. In the main hall, two pillars of a very flowery style and under the arches a column that does not extend to the ground.

The magnificent Hampton Court Palace and its gardens make up a magnificent walk in Surrey, south of London. The place was used in particular as the residence of King Henry VIII. He was the most famous occupant and the first royal owner. We discover the ceremonial apartments, the large hall, the royal chapel. The Tudor kitchen could feed up to 800 people, it is the most important 16th century kitchen still in existence. Outside, the gardens are superb, a rose garden, a French garden and a labyrinth complete the visit.

As soon as you enter, the legendary Bristol Boxhite aeroplane flies overhead. Housed in a magnificent Edwardian building, the museum is home to archaeological collections, ceramics and porcelain from all over the world, exhibits from ancient and modern civilizations and an impressive natural history section. And don't miss the contemporary art gallery, featuring works by some of the world's most renowned artists. A museum well worth a visit.

Built in 1130, on the model of the rotunda of the church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, this small church is in Romanesque style, one of the four medieval round churches in England. Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama and Queen Victoria have all walked through his door! It is the second oldest building in the city. Don't miss this amazing round stone architecture. Inside, a 20-minute video projection invites you to discover the history of Cambridge. This church is therefore a good starting point for a visit to the city.

If you're looking for an original visit, Dennis Severs' house should be just what you're looking for. You'll witness the daily life of a Huguenot family in the ^17th and ^18th centuries. The reconstruction is meticulous, with candlelight and open fire heating. The house has been brought to life by an artist, Dennis Severs, who, until his death in 1999, lived in this atmosphere, in the manner of the ^18th century, without any modern comforts. Every detail has been recreated. Please note that it is strictly forbidden to touch any of the objects!

It's the ideal place for offbeat photos, if you love all things eccentric! We plunge into the heart of a dark and unusual cabinet of curiosities. It's a totally different experience, far removed from the usual tourist spots. Taxidermy, fetuses in jars, butterflies and exotic insects, the skeleton of a giant anteater, dodo bones... In a setting like this, it's easy to feel like Poe or Baudelaire. You can round off your visit with a cocktail at The Absynth Parlour, the museum's bar.

This huge neo-classical building stands on the same site as the original Old Somerset House, built in 1547 by order of Edward Seymour, first Duke of Somerset. On the fall of the latter, the building became royal property and a place of entertainment, but as it fell into disrepair, the court moved to St James's Palace. It was William Chambers who, in the ^18th century, transformed the building in the purest Palladian style. Today, Somerset House is one of London's major cultural centers, housing the Courtauld Institute's collection since 1989. Less well known than some of London's other museums, the Courtauld Institute boasts a superb private collection, notably of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, including such masters as Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin. Somerset House is an important venue for exhibitions, events and art fairs. There's always something going on, with exhibitions, workshops, discussions and other cultural events. Its superb courtyard is the venue for summer concerts and film screenings under the stars. In winter, a skating rink is set up in a 100% fairytale atmosphere. Its exceptional architecture has been used as a backdrop for many famous films, including The Duchess and Love Actually. It's an institution not to be missed on your visit to the capital - you won't be disappointed, whatever the program!

To visit Dunollie is to visit 3 sites. First, Dunollie Castle: its ruins, with a last renovation completed in 2019, offer a superb panoramic view on the Oban bay. Then the house-museum: a house from 1745 where each room has been renovated and fitted out to display old objects (^19th century) testifying to the daily life of its occupants. From the kitchen to the children's rooms, we discover everything about the life of a family in the 1800s. The museum also tells the story of the MacDougall clan and, through their epic story, traces the history of Scotland. Then, the park: its course invites to better understand the various invasions which marked the history of Scotland. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the civilization and mythology of the Vikings.

Regularly during the school vacations, the site offers practical and manual workshops of 1 hour for children (£5), which can be an excellent idea to familiarize them with English. There is also the possibility to follow a guided tour at no extra cost or to organize specific visits: adapted to children, focusing on the discovery of the gardens, taking a closer look at the old textiles..

You can have lunch, a picnic or a snack on the spot, thanks to The Kettle café and its menu, made of home-made products, very tasty and at mini prices.

Two information sites on Dartmoor National Park - All possible activities are detailed, as well as accommodation and restaurants.

If you hadn't grasped yet, the stars of Liverpool are still the Beatles. This is the temple dedicated to them, built on the equally mythical Albert Dock. There are many who come here telling the story of the four boys in the wind. Their entire universe is set in a playful and didactic way. A suite of rooms gives you the unique path and atmosphere that colle them to the skin: costumes, studios, reconstructions, instruments and even the famous Yellow Submarine or the white piano consecrated by the song Imagine of John Lennon… If you don't know much about their career, it's an excellent introduction. If you're already a @ fan, let's know you'll learn one thing or two anyway. This museum is deliciously kitsch and a reproduction of the Cub Accueille welcomes visitors, beer less… The Merseybeat movement also has a voice in the chapter and its date of the American sailors is not forgotten. Multilingual audioguide available.

Nicolas Loisel, your French guide, fell in love with Scotland after a few trips and settled there 10 years ago. With E-City, he becomes your guide and driver (in electric Tesla) to discover, for half a day (for Edinburgh), a day or a whole stay, Scotland in a totally personalized way. It will take you to the most emblematic sites as well as to unsuspected and even more breathtaking sites! He will offer you unusual and original experiences, 100% tailor-made, for a unique stay.

Seven hundred years of history pass by in this superb castle. It is one of the oldest tower houses in the country, as evidenced by the oak trees planted in 1700. Drum Castle is full of secrets, as the tour will reveal. From room to room, the sumptuous decorations follow one another and stun by their beauty. On the top floor, the atmosphere changes: the white walls let the contemporary art express itself. You can also visit the gardens, the oak forest and the chapel.

If you like the Georgian style and the architecture of William Adam, then you can't miss this iconic site. The manor house is simply splendid, seen from the inside and outside, and offers a rich history, from its construction, to royal visits and its use as a prison camp in wartime. It is a place devoted to art, with regular exhibitions in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland, a landscaped park of ornamental follies and a superb neo-gothic mausoleum, among others.

750 years of Scottish history, celebrated precisely in 2019, await you here. Dating back to the 13th century, Blair Castlehas undergone many renovations and refurbishments over the years, finally displaying the elegance it enjoys today. Its past is linked to that of Mary Queen of Scots, the Three Kingdoms War, the Jacobite uprisings and even Europe's only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, which of course has only a ceremonial role and was authorised by Queen Victoria.

Castle. Inside, you will see sumptuous rooms, exceptional pieces of furniture - Chippendale furniture, for example - and a vast collection of weapons, as well as numerous paintings, especially in the impressive staircase. Raise your head to the ceiling and you'll also see some magnificent decorations. There are a total of 30 rooms in the castle to visit, with exhibitions in the last ones.

Park and gardens. The landscapes are varied around Blair Castle. You will visit the walled garden, called Hercules Garden, restored to its original Georgian design. Pond, Chinese bridge and orchard adorn it. Follow a carved walkway, explore Diana's Grove, a wooded area with some of Scotland's tallest trees, discover the ruins of St Bride's Church, in a site that was already a place of worship in Celtic times. Finally, you will see deer in a large park.

Rosslyn Chapel is a must-see for lovers of art history, esotericism, symbolism, religious enthusiasts and fans of The Da Vinci Code. It will surprise you by the multiplicity of its stories: that of the green man in particular. We learn that the face of the green man is none other than that of Adam, reminding us that we have within us the seeds of good and evil, and that we have the freedom to cultivate them. You will soon understand why the chapel is described as "a poem of stones, erected by the stars" (Thomas Ross) and why Queen Victoria declared it a jewel to be preserved. You will also discover that the place did not only inspire Dan Brown, but that before him, the great Scottish poets had praised it: Sir Walter Scott in The Lay of the Last Ministrel, but also Robert Burns. You will meet the chapel's cat who also has his own story... which will please the children! In fact, they too have their own tour of the chapel with a quiz and dedicated interactive terminals.

The chapel always offers religious services: on Sundays at 10:30 am and, between April and October, masses at 5:15 pm, as well as short prayers at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Warning: Be prepared for crowds, as this is a highly touristy and crowded place. However, the organization and the site are up to the number of visitors: multilingual and interactive visitor center, guided tours, café and store, large free parking.

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is one of the emblems of Northern Ireland and a great way to discover the region's beautiful coastline. Twenty meters long and 30 meters high above the sea, this bridge of planks and braided ropes connects the coastline to a small island where bird lovers can marvel. This bridge was built by salmon fishermen in 1755, who set their nets here during the migration of the salmon to the west and their native rivers.

It takes about 1 km to walk from the entrance to the site to the rope bridge. The trail is not too difficult and some benches have been provided, making it an accessible attraction. You will have to take stairs a few times, though, so avoid the stroller whenever possible. The view is perhaps one of the most beautiful and rare in Northern Ireland. The cliffs drop steeply into the sea, which here and there gives way to a tiny beach of fine, clear sand only a few square meters wide. The water is of a clarity that reminds us of more distant tropics and does not fail to amaze. If the weather is good, there is also a nice view on Rathlin Island and the Scottish coasts. Beware, victim of its success the site is taken by storm by tourists and it may be that all the tickets of the day are already sold when you arrive on the site. It is therefore necessary to think about taking your tickets in advance online.

It is one of the must-see visits for lovers of religion and ancient books. In addition to the history of the house and its famous inhabitants - James Mosmann, royal jeweller, who made the Scottish crown; John Knox, father of the Scottish religion and key figure in history - it tells the story of the Humanities and first impressions. There is a collection of books by great humanists, a bible from 1521 and John Knox's History of the Reformation within the Realme of Scotland. The place also hosts the Scottish Storytelling Association.

This landscape is, for many, one of the most beautiful in Scotland. When you arrive near the lighthouse, you will have to follow the grassy tracks trodden by other visitors to get to the Duncansby stacks, these impressive and majestic rocky peaks. As you cross the meadow, which you'll share with the sheep, and walk along the cliffs, you'll see seagulls and many oystercatchers in their never-ending ballet. You can't miss the stacks (rocks), which will stand in front of you. Plan to be well covered: the wind is blowing very strong here!

Mount Stuart is a remarkable Victorian neo-Gothic palace built between 1879 and 1900. Intended for the Marquis de Bute, it succeeded a 1719 building that went up in smoke during a fire in 1877. It owes its great beauty to the architect Robert Rowand Anderson, who sought to reflect the good taste of its sponsor, a descendant of King Robert the Bruce. The interiors, as mysterious as they are refined, are in keeping with his passion for art, astrology, mythology and religion. However, he did not have time to settle there, his death having occurred just before the house was completed. With the guided tours (mid season) and the free visit (high season: July and August), visitors can enjoy its great architectural and stylistic value. It is difficult not to succumb to the elegance of the chapel, the marble staircase, the drawing room and the intriguing horoscope room. The palace is also an artistic place with contemporary art exhibitions renewed every year.

In addition to the palace, the gardens also have a high artistic value. Made to be explored, they offer many treasures in the form of arboreal and horticultural collections of world importance, with a surprising touch of tropical essences. It must be said that the Bute family was passionate about plants, and you can feel it: landscape art at its best, arboretum and pinetum (800 conifers!).

And if you fancy a snack, the Courtyard Cafe & shop will be perfect with its fresh local produce.

Built in 1856 for Queen Victoria, this superb castle is a very refined example of "Scottish baronial" architecture. Queen Elizabeth used to visit it regularly, but it is not strictly speaking a royal residence. The building does not belong to the crown, but to the family that owns it, as a private property. The visit is interesting, but do not expect to see everything. Only the ballroom and the exhibition space are accessible. Most of the discovery is done outside in the beautiful gardens.

This is the National Aviation Museum in Scotland. It takes place on the former Royal Air Force base in East Fortune. The location is not insignificant, as it was in service for both World Wars and is one of the best preserved in the whole of the United Kingdom. The story of the conquest of the sky is told in the presence of its main witnesses, aircraft of all types and all periods. Several hangars focus on different aspects of the industry with, among others, the famous Spitfire, Meteor, Tornado and Jaguar for the military side; and the Twin Pioneer, Jetstream 31 or Boeing 707 for the civil side. A whole section is also reserved for the famous Concorde, the unfortunate plane of Europe. The museum also explains the mechanisms of flight, construction techniques, the invention of parachutes, and many others. You will also be able to play the role of a jet-setter by discovering the planes in which the stars flew when commercial flights first saw the light of day. Children (and adults alike!) will appreciate the very concrete aspect of the museum, but also its interactive terminals, which invite them to better understand how planes fly, the skills of the pilots, the art of a successful landing... You can even learn how to build an airplane in your house! It's a good opportunity to visit something that is a little different from the heritage of the region and allows you to set foot in a real cockpit.

Popular with children, families and birding enthusiasts in general, the Seabird Centre is a benchmark in Britain for its realistic approach to the world of seabirds. Several webcams provide live views of colonies in their everyday lives on nearby islands, including Bass Rock, which is unique in its kind and populated by some 100,000 Northern Gannets. The very helpful staff and the many children's games make things quite clear and playful. The most passionate will be able to treat themselves to a trip at sea.

Built in 1905 for Baron de Palmer, Manderston House is a sumptuous example of Edwardian style. When John Kinross, the architect, asked what his budget was, he was told that it didn't matter.... The result is there to prove it: this luxurious residence is just as luxurious as its gardens are charming. Don't miss the ballroom, the marble floors, the very advanced kitchen fittings, and the world's only silver staircase. The formal gardens (56 ha) are also superb and worth a stroll.

Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions 400 million years ago, the cliffs of St Abb's are the most romantic in the region. The nature reserve managed by the National Trust has dedicated 78 hectares of unspoilt nature to the cliffs, where you can wander the coastal paths and meet many birds. A total of 30,000 guillemots nest in their rocks, including penguins, cormorants and fulmars. The views are spectacular and the luckiest may catch a glimpse of a dolphin or whale. The information centre at the reception desk teaches you a lot about the flora and fauna of the area, where you can also see many flowers and butterflies. There is also a small café. We recommend a detour to the tiny port of St Abb's on the way, for its postcard setting.

Walking : Several discovery trails, from 30 minutes to 1h15 are easily accessible and practicable, to fully enjoy the place.

Diving : The area is a well known diving spot in Scotland and beyond, for the richness of its underwater life. It is considered one of the best for diving below 30m in the UK and Europe. Several companies offer it on site, with dives of all levels: Dive St Abbs or St Abbs Diving, for example.

Sailing : Discover the cliffs from the water by boat. These are mostly the same companies that offer diving.

A Palladian villa from the 1750s, Dumfries House was built by the famous John and Robert Adam, with interiors decorated by Thomas Chippendale. Some rooms have been estimated at £4 million! Originally commissioned for William Dalrymple, Earl of Dumfries, it passed into the hands of the Marquesses of Bute in 1814. When the 7th Marquis decided to sell the house in 2007, his fate and that of its remarkable furniture was more than uncertain. Prince Charles himself, Duke of Rothesay, mobilized for its preservation and its opening to the public. Some of his watercolours can be seen in one of the salons. Since 2008, four different visits (all in English) have been organised to this symbolic building of the Scottish Enlightenment, which also includes 200 hectares of the original park, with promenades and an enclosed garden.

Special Favourite: The Dumfries House café is a must for a snack, as it is served in the old stables, with tables set in the stables where the horses used to be. Their names can still be read.

Park side: You can spend a whole day here, between the house and the huge park. Families will enjoy the children's adventure park and the educational farm. Garden lovers will stroll through the Chinese-inspired garden (with its bridge), the arboretum, the Rothesay gardens and the Queen Elisabeth Walled Garden.

Staying at Dumfries House: 22 magnificent guest rooms are now available for overnight stays, (B&B from £170/night).

Nicknamed the Iona of the East, this abbey is located on an island in the Firth of Forth. Inchcolm Abbey was founded as a priory in 1215 by David I, but Alexander I before him had already dreamed of building a place of worship there after taking refuge there during a storm. Surprisingly well preserved, it is one of the best preserved monastic buildings in Scotland. Remarkable objects include a humpbacked tombstone dating from the 10th century, a superb fresco of a funeral procession and an octagonal chapter house (1200s), as well as remarkable stone screens. The cloister is the most complete of its kind in Scotland, creating a moving atmosphere conducive to meditation. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, there were numerous English raids during the various Anglo-Scottish wars. In 1560, the Reformation put an end to its religious activity but the site remained occupied, particularly militarily. The island is also famous for its wildlife, seals and tusks from the First and Second World Wars

One of the most beautiful views is probably the one you get from the water, when the boat docks.

Practical info: Inchcolm Abbey can be visited by ferry from South Queensferry. Two companies serve the island and offer cruises, with or without a stopover on the island: Forth Boat Tours and Maid of the Forth. Count a 3-hour excursion for about £15 per adult, plus the cost of the site visit. Guided tours are available, as well as a quiz to make it more fun.