We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

SPONSORED

COMPETITION: Win a brilliant holiday in Scotland

There are lots of brilliant moments to be had just across the water.

THINKING OF CATCHING a little break before the festive season gets into full swing?

You couldn’t do much better than picking Scotland. There’s a real wealth of things to see and do, just a hop and skip across the Irish Sea with our Celtic cousins.

Aer Lingus Regional and VisitScotland are delighted to offer one lucky reader a chance to jet off on a city break to your choice of either Glasgow or Edinburgh. Click here to enter and experience Scotland for yourself.

Alright, let’s take a look at where you could be going…

1. Night at the Museum

Ever wondered what happens in a museum after dark? Well, it definitely comes alive (but maybe not exactly like the film). You can experience late night opening events throughout the year at the National Museum of Scotland. Others not to be missed are The Royal Botanic Garden – Night in the Garden (until 23 Nov) or Edinburgh Zoo nights (scheduled for 2015) including a silent disco.

PastedImage-65617 The Botanic Gardens Lloyd Smith Lloyd Smith

2. Scare at bedtime

If you’re fond of the spookier things in life, Edinburgh offers historical attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close or ghost tours (such as Mercat Tours, Auld Reekie Tours, City of the Dead Tours, to name a few), giving you the chance to sample Scotland’s darker history.

PastedImage-54864 Witchery Tour, Royal Mile Visit Scotland Visit Scotland

3. Winter warmer

Edinburgh’s festivals are renowned, none more so than Edinburgh’s Christmas (21 November – 4 January) featuring 2 ice rinks and fabulous European, Scottish and even a children’s markets. Never fear, Christmas is not just for the kids – acts include the world-class Scotch and Soda, a night with a raucous circus (with some of Australia’s finest acrobats), dance and jazz music.

VisitScotland VisitScotland

4. Quids in

Glasgow boasts more than 20 free museums and galleries, so you can get your culture on without even spending a penny.  Check out everything from fine art at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to a full-sized train at the Riverside museum – or bring back memories of your school days with the Scotland Street School Museum. A bonus fact for  art fans – Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed it.

PastedImage-47237 Visit Scotland Visit Scotland

5. Get the green light

Winter is the perfect time for crisp walks, and there’s no better place to go for a stroll than one of Glasgow’s many parks. Take a gander at Glasgow Green, or the Winter Garden at the People’s Palace. And if you head to Pollok Country Park, you’ll find the some of the world-famous Burrell collection. Well worth stretching your legs, eh?

VisitScotland VisitScotland

6. Auld lang syne

But, of course, Scotland has lots more to offer than just Edinburgh and Glasgow. Aberdeen is also an ideal holiday destination, with plenty of great gig venues, hill-walking beauty spots and – best of all – a stellar Hogmanay celebration. Ring in the new year in Stonehaven with masses of fire-balls and lights. Best of all, it’s free. (Aer Lingus fly there, too!)

PastedImage-6595 The Fireball Festival at Stonehaven VisitScotland VisitScotland

With brilliant shopping, world class events, things to see and do plus great places to eat out, you are always spoilt for choice in Scotland’s cities. But where to start? Well why not explore some of our hidden gems. Win your choice of city break by entering the competition here.

You can get to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen flying with Aer Lingus Regional with prices starting at just €24.99 (one-way including taxes and charges) for the perfect winter break.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
20
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.