27 Enjoyable Days Out in Scotland for Grown Ups

Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh

​Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia has been voted the country’s top attraction by Visit Scotland. This floating royal residence sailed over a million miles and held a special place in the queen’s heart A boarding pass costs £16 for adults and you can explore the opulent state apartments, crews quarters and engine room before heading to the Royal Deck tea-room which boasts delicious food and superb views.

Snowboarding in the Cairngorms

Home to 3 of the 5 Scottish ski centres, the Cairngorms are a paradise for winter-sports enthusiasts. Take a trip on the UK’s highest funicular railway with views to die for. You will find everything you need for hire on the mountain, such as skis, sticks, boots, boards, and helmets and there are trials for all abilities, with beginners lessons available if you are a complete novice.

Eilean Donan

If you’ve ever bought a Scottish calendar or tin of shortbread you will be familiar with this castle as it is one of the country’s most iconic images. Located at the point where 3 sea lochs join, it is perched on it’s own island, overlooking the Isle of Skye and surrounded by truly magnificent scenery. Open from February to December if you want to see more than just the views entrance to the castle costs less than £10 per adult.

Axe-throwing on the Isle of Skye

Skye is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but if you fancy something a bit different from picturesque Portree, and the enchanting Fairy Pools why not try Axe-Throwing? Costing just £20pp, this memorable experience is the ideal rainy day activity in Scotland. Stress relief doesn’t come any better. Try several different sizes of axe and maybe even learn a trickshot or two.

​Blair Drummond Safari Park

Home to over 350 animals, this outstanding safari park is located near Stirling and is one of Scotland’s top attractions. Open every day from March until October tickets start at £16.25 per adult. There are birds of prey displays to enjoy, fascinating keeper talks, a boat tour around Chimp Island, sea lion shows and plenty of places to have bite to eat, have a BBQ or enjoy a picnic.

Paragliding in Arran

View the incredible scenery of Arran from a different perspective when you take to the skies. Training is provided, starting fairly low on a gentle slope, then flying higher as your ability and confidence grows. Open from March to September you will need to book in advance, but Flying Fever offers one of the most fun things to do in Scotland for adults.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

A fantastic day out for all ages, and just a short walk from the city centre. Admission is free and you can enjoy one of the finest botanical gardens on the planet. The Glasshouses are a particular favourite, home to over 3,000 exotic plants as are the magnificent Redwood Trees Boasting an array of events throughout the year, plus an award-winning restaurant, Terrace cafe with breathtaking views and gift shop, it is one of the best budget days out in the capital

Walking - Ben Nevis

You don’t need to be Edmund Hillary to climb the UK’s highest mountain there are walks and hiking trails for all abilities. The Highland Mountain Company offer guided tours to the summit, but you will need to be fairly fit as the 16 km route will take you to 1345 metres above sea level and takes around 6-8 hours. Don’t worry though there are plenty of scenic resting spots and the day ends at the pub, where you can enjoy a well deserved pint.

Luxury spa day at Gleneagles

Scotland is renowned for the great outdoors but there are opportunities to pamper yourself too. Gleneagles is known throughout the world, but did you know that as well as golf this exclusive hotel offers a wealth of country pursuits, plus luxurious spa experiences, that are second to none. Opt for a hot stone massage or facial, relax in the serene surroundings before enjoying an indulgent afternoon tea. Bliss!

Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies

Everyone knows that Scotland is famous for kilts, whisky, haggis and castles but surprisingly 2 of the country’s most popular attractions are incredible modern monuments. The stunning Kelpies, stand at 30 metres making them the largest equine sculpture in the world. While the Falkirk Wheel the only rotating boat lift in the world is an exceptional piece of engineering.

Scuba Diving in Oban

Did you know the coastline of Argyll is longer than that of France and offers a range of snorkelling and Scuba diving to suit all abilities. Dive Oban and Argyll provides all the training and equipment you need as well as offering a number of diving experiences from exploring wrecks, to diving with sharks, night diving and visits to Grey Seal Reef. Prices start from £35 per person and this thrilling activity will certainly be one to remember.

Loch Lomond - Action Adventure Activities

There are many fun things to do for adults in Loch Lomond, making it a popular short break destination. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely cruise on in a vintage steamship,, see Rob Roy’s grave stone, or head to the fascinating Sealife Centre. Some may want to seek thrills at the aerial adventure park, whilst others can have a go at one of the vast array of water sports on offer. Then there are the land based activities such as cycling, climbing and segways you really will be spoilt for choice!

Sled-dog Experience in Aviemore

Nestled in the heart of the National Park, The Cairngorm Sleddog Centre offers a brilliant day out for couples in Scotland. Boasting a range of activities; you can visit the kennel and museum before heading out on a sled-dog safari. This unique experience gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with these stunning dogs and enjoy the views and wildlife from a different perspective.

Make a Curry in Abernethy

You will need to book in advance, but these one day cookery courses offered by Lets Cook Scotland are a brilliant day out for adults. Their Introduction to Indian Cooking 1 day course costs £125 and is perfect for spice lovers. The classes are informal, small, and you will be able to take anything you cook home, ideal for those staying in self catering holiday accommodation. Best of all there’s no washing up.

Glasgow City Mural Trail

Walking around this cosmopolitan city you will come across some impressive examples of wall art which inspired the City Centre Regeneration Team to create the UK’s first city centre mural trail and all you need are some comfy walking shoes. See the floating taxi on Mitchell Street, take in the 3 murals dedicated to Glasgow’s most famous comedian Billy Connolly, the big birds next to the Enoch Centre and the ferocious tiger on Clyde St.

Mountain Biking in Glentress Forest

Adrenaline junkies will love mountain biking through the heart of the Tweed Valley in Glentress Forest. There are trails for all abilities from green to black, as well as a fantastic free-ride area. The pretty border towns of Innerleithen and Peebles are nearby, where you will find outlets for equipment hire and best of all the only thing you need to pay for is the parking making this a brilliant budget day out.

Glenmorangie Distillery tour

Situated in the Royal Burgh of Tain by the serene shores of Dornoch Firth lies arguably the most famous distillery in Scotland. Glenmorangie Whiskey was founded in 1843 and the distillery boasts the highest stills in the country. The expert guides will take you through all stages of the process. You can enjoy a sample at the end and perhaps pick up a special gift at the shop. Prices start at just £7.50 per adult

The Wallabies of Inchconnachan

Scotland is home to some amazing wildlife but wallabies are not something you would expect to see. Well, you can if you head to Inchconnachan a small island in Loch Lomond. The cute marsupials were brought to the island by Lady Arran after the second world war and now roam freely. You can hire a boat to reach the island which is an ideal spot for a picnic and some unusual photo opportunities.

Motor Racing at Knockhill

This premier motorsport track near Dunfermline, is home to a off-road and go-karting track plus a rally course offering a wide range of thrilling driving experiences. You can feel the speed of a Ferrari, Aston Martin or Type R Racing Car as you whizz round the number 1 circuit in Scotland. Alternatively take your own car and put it through its paces on one of the special trackdays, perfect for adrenaline junkies and racing enthusiasts.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Visit the UK’s only free-ranging reindeer herd which roam the Cairngorms. Daily guided tours head out to see the 150 reindeers and give you tons of information about these fascinating, friendly creatures. They can be found all year round but seeing them in the snows of winter around Christmas time is a magical experience never to be forgotten. There is also an excellent gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir.

Play Golf at St Andrews

For golfing enthusiasts, no visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to the home of golf; St Andrews. The world-famous venue offers a variety of packages so you can tee-off and follow in the footsteps of legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. There are lessons available for beginners, guided tours of the old course, a well-stocked shop along with 3 elegant clubhouses.

Buy a Kilt at Lochcarron Visitor Centre

There is nothing says Scotland like Tartan and at this family-run company runs tours of it’s mill and factory in Selkirk where you can learn about an industry which is integral to Scottish history. The tour finishes in the visitor centre where you can purchase the finished products, along with tartan and tweeds there are garments made from lambswool, cashmere and mohair.

Pony Trekking in the Highlands

Dolphin Spotting in the Moray Firth

The Moray Firth is teeming with wildlife including otters, seals and a wealth of seabirds, but the big draw here are the resident bottlenose dolphins. You can take one of the many boat trips, but it is perfectly possible to view these amazing creatures from land too. Admission to the Dolphin Centre is free and there are daily walks and tours along with the chance to see Britain’s largest icehouse.

Take the Da Vinci Tour

Ideal for fans of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, this tour departs daily from Edinburgh and takes in the glorious scenery of Southern Scotland. You will visit Melrose Abbey which is said to house the heart of Robert the Bruce, Scott’s View, the William Wallace Monument and Tweed Valley before heading to Rosslyn Chapel, with its ancient carvings, mystery and links to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.

Experience one of Europe’s Longest Zip Wires

Fun adult days out in Scotland, don’t come any better than Laggan Activity Centre which can be found in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. Boasting a huge array of activities including water-balling, archery and segway tours, the highlight is definitely the 820 metre double zip wire. Once you’re strapped in, get ready for the experience of a lifetime; for a couple it would cost £20 pp with additional runs (if you’re mad enough) just £10 each.