As you are all probably aware by now, I love Scotland and can’t wait until I get to visit once again.
I’ve always been a fan of Scotland, I love the scenery, I love the history, I love the culture, I can’t get enough of the food and drink, and of course, I love the locals. If there is one thing about Scotland that I’m not so keen on, though, it’s the weather.
The UK in general is not renowned for its hot sunshine and scorching summers, but Scotland is particularly nippy and wet, including in the summer months. If you are planning on visiting Scotland, make sure to take your brolly (umbrella) and don’t expect too much in the way of hot sunshine in the summer.
Now, I’ve visited bonnie Scotland in the summer many times, and each time I’ve visited there has been at least one day where it rained heavily, but that’s okay. I didn’t let that ruin my day, or even my trip, in fact, I embraced it, and I want you to as well.
Here are se7en fun things to do on your Scotland summer holiday on a rainy day.
Visit the Scottish Football Museum in Glasgow
Glasgow gets a lot of bad press, and okay, while it is a little rough around the edges, it is actually a very cultured part of Scotland steeped in tradition.
If you’re ever in or around Glasgow and the heavens open, a visit to the Scottish Football Museum should be high on your list of activities.
I’m not the world’s biggest football (soccer) fan I must admit, but even I really like the sound of this museum. To visit, you certainly don’t need to support a Scottish football team either, as you can simply take a wander around and look at the vast collection of sports memorabilia.
The fierce rivalry between Glasgow Rangers and Celtic F.C is also intriguing to me and there’s plenty more on that at this very museum, so be sure to stop by, even if it isn’t raining.
Visit Crathes Castle
That’s right, it’s a castle, and you know how I feel about castles, right?
If you enjoy the countryside and want to get away from cities and towns, Crathes Castle is the perfect attraction for you to check out if you want to escape the rain and the formidable Scottish weather.
Set against a backdrop of greenery and rolling hills, Crathes Castle has everything you’d expect of a castle, complete with winding staircases, turrets, and ornately decorated ceilings.
The star attraction, however, has to be the jewel-encrusted Horn of Leys, which, legend tells, was gifted to the Burnett Family who owned the castle, by none other than Robert the Bruce himself.
Get tipsy at the Edinburgh Whisky Experience
Okay, this one is an attraction that requires a designated driver or public transport as it involves alcohol.
If you were asked to name one beverage that Scotland is famous for, of course, whisky would be the first drink that springs to mind. If you like whisky or want to learn about Whisky and you find yourself in Edinburgh, a great way to spend a rainy afternoon is at the Edinburgh Whisky Experience.
Here you can learn the history of whisky distillation, how to tell the differences between different whiskies from different parts of Scotland, how to enjoy a glass of whisky correctly, and of course, taste plenty of Scotch whisky in the process.
Sample some authentic Scottish food
Foodies are in heaven when they visit Scotland, and rightfully so. Whether you’re in-land or by the coast, there’s something for everybody in Scotland in terms of food and drink.
Haggis, for example, may not sound appetizing to some people, but take it from me, real authentic Scottish haggis tastes divine and is something you must sample when in Scotland.
If you’re by the coast, the seafood from the cold waters off-shore is fresher than you could ever imagine and makes for a wonderful summer evening’s dinner.
If you are looking to escape the rain, simply book into any one of Scotland’s beautiful pubs, restaurants, cafes, or bars and sample some of the culinary delights on offer.
From Michelin star restaurants in the city to rustic home-cooked pub grub in the Highlands, Scotland has something for everyone in terms of food.
Wander around Glencoe Visitor Centre
Glencoe is certainly a real treat to explore in the summer when the weather is nice, but as mentioned, you can’t rely on the Scottish weather in the summer and it can change in an instant.
If you do find yourself at the Glencoe Mountain Resort in the midst of a downpour, don’t worry, all is not lost. Glencoe Visitor Centre was designed with this partly in mind which means that it isn’t your typical visitor centre, it is actually packed full of attractions and features.
If you can’t visit the Glen, the Glen can visit you at the visitor centre, as the developers have gone to great lengths to bring the natural wildlife, the landscape, the scenery, and the history of the Glen inside to you at the visitor centre via visual displays, sculptures, interactive features, eye-catching designs, and more.
As if that wasn’t enough, when it is time to eat, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the café are like nothing you’ll have experienced before and will certainly beat the views from inside a greasy spoon café down some back alley.
Learn about science at the Dundee Science Centre
If your Scotland summer holiday takes you to, or near to Dundee, then I strongly recommend a trip to the Dundee Science Museum when it rains.
This museum is perfect for adults and children alike, as there are numerous interactive displays, hands-on exhibitions, and various other science-related attractions which are as enjoyable as they are educational.
Brave the rain and go hiking in the wilderness
Finally, if you really want to experience all that Scotland has to offer, just go ahead and throw your waterproofs on, head out into the countryside or the Highlands, and go exploring.
A little rain never hurt anybody, and besides, in the summer it will feel quite refreshing and will allow you to enjoy the panoramic vistas and lush countryside that Scotland is famous for.
Plus, on top of that, you’ve got the perfect excuse to head back to your cottage or hotel room, take a warm bath, get into your pjs, and settle down for the night with a glass of whisky and a takeaway. Heaven!
Which one would you try first? Let us know!
Until next time stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
