WHY SCOTLAND SHOULD BE NEXT ON YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY WISH LIST

When it comes to making memories with your loved ones, holidays are up there as one of the most special events during the year. But before you can take that trip and enjoy yourself, there’s some planning to do first! One of the first things you need to decide is where do you want to go?

To make choosing your holiday destination a little easier, we’ve selected our top Scottish locations, all with superb things to do – as well as excellent accessibility credentials.

Glasgow

With its vibrant atmosphere and friendly people, Glasgow is a top choice for a city break in Scotland.

Head over to the University of Glasgow buildings in the city’s west end to explore the fascinating exhibits in The Hunterian Museum, with a diverse range of exhibits such as the history of medicine and zoology. See Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), medical instruments used by famous figures such as James Watt and one of the greatest collections of coins and medals in the world.

The Glasgow Science Centre is a fabulous day out for all the family. Get stuck into the hundreds of interactive exhibits in the science mall, explore the cosmos in the planetarium and see a film on Scotland’s biggest screen at the IMAX cinema.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the city, the Crowne Plaza Glasgow is a great option. This sleek hotel is located right next to the Scottish Event Campus, ideal if you want to take in a gig. The hotel boasts accessibility features, including a ceiling track hoist, accessible accommodation and assistive listening.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

In the north east of Scotland, the city of Aberdeen is surrounded by lush countryside and spectacular coastline, making it the ideal location for combining city sights and fresh country air.

In the city, head to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum situated at the historic harbour. Here you can find out about the seafaring history of the area and see intriguing objects, including beautifully detailed ship models dating from 1689 to the present day.

Heading out of the city, in the town of Alford, you’ll find the Grampian Transport Museum. Explore the fascinating transport exhibits, including chariots from the 1800s, stage coaches, fire engines and cars.

An excellent accommodation option in the area is Crathie Opportunity Holidays which is located in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park in historic Royal Deeside. These charming, purpose-built accessible holiday co ages have a ceiling track hoist available, and have been carefully designed with access for all as the number one priority.

Edinburgh and The Lothians

Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh is home to plenty top-quality things to see and do, and lots of interesting history to discover.

Head to the National Museum of Scotland to explore the galleries and to learn about the fascinating exhibits. See beautiful clothes in the art, design and fashion gallery, learn about animals from around the world in the natural world gallery, and discover Scotland through the ages in the Sco ish history gallery.

Take a trip out to beautiful East Lothian – known as Edinburgh’s coast and countryside – to visit Glenkinchie Distillery, a working whisky distillery. With its traditional red brick buildings, this distillery oozes charm and will transport you back in time. Take a tour to find out how whisky is made.

If you’re looking for accessible accommodation in Edinburgh, look no further than Wilde Aparthotel. Located in the heart of the city, at the famous Grassmarket, this stylish aparthotel is in an ideal spot for you to explore the Royal Mile and the famous a ractions along it.

South of Scotland

With its beautiful scenery and great a ractions peppered throughout the land, the south of Scotland is a gem.

In Dumfries and Galloway, head to Gretna Green to see the place where runaway couples would flee to get married in days gone by. Take a tour of the Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience to see the acclaimed marriage anvil and a er explore the department store for a spot of shopping.

Over in the Sco ish Borders in the east, take a trip to Abbotsford to explore the picture-perfect home of Sir Walter Sco , one of Scotland’s greatest writers. Built in the 19th century, the house and rooms are just like Sco le them, so you really will be transported through time as you explore the house and the surrounding grounds.

If staying in a stunning historic country house sounds right up your street then be sure to check out Cringletie Hotel, near Peebles in the Sco ish Borders. The hotel boasts a range of facilities that are rare in such a historic building, including ramps and a platform li . The hotel was also the recipient of the prestigious Catey award for accessibility.

The a ractions included in this article will have detailed accessibility guides available in May. VisitScotland is working with AccessAble to create detailed access guides for venues in different regions of Scotland including Edinburgh and The Lothians, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Glasgow and the South of Scotland. Go to AccessAble.co.uk or VisitScotland.com/Accessible to help you plan your next break.