Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Scotland

Life is basic and boring if you go to the same places and take the same pictures as everyone else. After all, Columbus wouldn’t be Columbus, ‘The Explorer’, if he had stuck to the same journey as everyone else again and again, right?

Beyond the classic cities and landscapes, Scotland can offer so much more. With this 10 wonderful destination alternatives, you can explore the less travelled roads of United Kingdom’s northernmost country and discover the country’s hidden wonders. You can be guaranteed with extreme satisfaction with picturesque villages, ethereal natural beauty, a taste of history with historic buildings, art-filled galleries, as well as excellent local restaurants, just to name a few. 

1. Berwickshire is a must-go for quaint coastal town lovers. 

Traveling to Berwickshire will indeed fulfill your pleasantly-old-fashioned heart. This town, which is nestled in the east of the Tweed Valley Forest Park in the Scottish Borders, is an hour away from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Being a historic county, Berwickshire can offer you a relaxing break from the hectic stress that life and the city offers—there are many great outdoor activities such as diving! While staying here, you can enjoy the beauty of quaint towns and villages, stunning country houses, magnificent birdlife, and beautiful sandy beaches sheltered by high cliffs. Doesn’t that sound remarkable? 

2. Cowal Peninsula

If you love the glistering lake, or lochs as Scottish people would say, and high mountains, why not try the Cowal Peninsula? Surrounded by Loch Long an Long Fyne in the west of Scotland, the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute is a place where you can find stunning scenery. The northern part of the Cowal Peninsula is surrounded by the Argyll Forest Park. Furthermore, the area is only a little over an hour, by car, away from Glasgow, where you can find the fascinating Highlands. Those who love the outdoors, food, and wildlife buffs will have the time of their lives in this peninsula.

3. Lanarkshire, the land of beautiful scenery and outdoor pursuits.

Although the other places we have mentioned above have spectacular views and outdoor activities, nothing can compare to Lanarkshire. Lanarkshire, also known as the County of Lanark, is a historic county in the central lowlands of Scotland. It is important to note that leaving this place, which is sandwiched between Glasgow and Edinburgh, might be a bit hard to leave. Why? Because Lanarkshire offers an abundance of sights to see and activities to do. A round of gold, fascinating historic buildings, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, what more can you possibly ask for?

4. Love pristine and dramatic scenery? Try the Sutherland and Caithness area.

Who doesn’t love pristine and dramatic scenery that looks like it came out of a movie? The Sutherland and Caithness are some of the isolated and least populated parts of the far north of Scotland. However, they offer great amounts of sensational scenery, wonderful wildlife, rich heritage, high mountains, narrow valleys, seascapes, and landscapes. Your holiday in this remote area of Scotland will offer you so much!

5. The small but abundant Cumbrae.

The Isle of Cumbrae or Great Cumbrae is the larger and most accessible of the two islands known as The Cumbraes in western Scotland. The untainted coastline is popular amongst visitors who especially love water sports, cycling, walking, and nature.

6. Nothing beats peaceful walking in beautiful scenery, so go ahead and try the Angus Countryside and Glens. 

If you are one of the many people who enjoy peaceful strolls while enjoying the scenery around you, then the countryside of Angus, which stretches out from the city of Dundee, is the perfect area for you to witness the lush valleys and soft peaks of the Angus Glens. In these areas, you can find endless miles of twisting small roads and paths, which are perfect for walking, cycling, and just enjoying the great outdoors—there are also towns and smaller villages where you are able to experience serenity and interactions with friendly locals. 

7. What about Dumfriesshire?

If you love rolling hills and sandy beaches, then Dumfriesshire might be the perfect place for you! The hilly area of Dumfriesshire has a generous mixture of landscapes, undisturbed lochs, woodland to a rocky coastline, as well as sandy coves. Dumfriesshire, or the County of Dumfries, is situated along the shore of Solway Firth and is an outdoor lover’s ideal haven.

8. Next on the list, Banffshire!

If you love rugged cliffs and an abundant amount of wildlife, it’s a must to pay a visit to Banffshire. With miles of rocky cliffs, sandy bays, and splendid examples of Georgian architecture, the wonderful corner of northeast Scotland, is full of pure artistry.

9. The Shetland Islands, the wonderful archipelago of Scotland. 

Being made up of more than 100 islands, there’s so much more to the Shetland Islands than meets the eye. Each island possesses and shows off their own stunning sceneries, unique heritage, and special characters. With every island you visit, you’ll get a taste of their wealthy archaeological and historic sites as well as a diverse array of flora and fauna—which are distinct to the isles.

10. With East Lothian, you are guaranteed pretty seaside villages and beaches. 

With East Lothian, known for its picturesque countryside and delightful coastline, you’ll never be bored. Although last in the list, with a range of outdoor activities, over 40 miles of coastline, golden beaches, food, some of the world’s finest golf courses, and award-winning attractions, East Lothian is definitely not the least when it comes to wonderful places to visit in Scotland!

Off the Beaten Path destination in London

Navigation:

• Take a tour guided by the Homeless and explore the other side of London
• Marvel at the Biggest Hindu Temple – out of India that is
• Calling out all Harry Potter heads and visit Davenports Magic 
• Little Venice
• The Thames Path
• Dennis Severs' House
• A trip inside London’s Container City and Smallest Museum 
• See the amazing view of the London City – for free
• When in London – sip a cup of Tea

There is a lot to see and things to do in London, but if you are a traveller looking for a different way to see things around, here are some of the unique tours around the city. 

Take a tour guided by the Homeless and explore the other side of London

Even if guided tours don’t stoke your fire, then make an exception for this one. This is the most off the beaten path when it comes to touring London. The Londonian charity put up the ‘Unseen Tours’ to help homeless people, and it’s just pure genius. These folks know the unexplored hidden alleyways in London, and you cannot be closer in the usual Londoners life than this. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone; you are learning more of London while helping change the life of your tour guides. There is a different stretch of these tours, one unique than the other. 

Marvel at the Biggest Hindu Temple – out of India that is

This may come to a surprise for some, as London houses the Biggest Hindu Temple located outside of India. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was built using traditional materials and method. Also the first traditional stone temple in Europe, the sight was spectacular indeed. Marvel at its very finely carved Italian marbles and Bulgarian limestone. The best time to tour the temple’s ground is during a religious rite and you’ll be surprised how the colors brightly contrast the white temple. The easiest route going to the temple is through the underground Jubilee line for Neasden near Wembley Stadium. Then walk about half an hour from central London and you’ll be there. 

Calling out all Harry Potter heads and visit Davenports Magic 

London is known worldwide because of the Harry Potter films and what would be nicer than to visit a magic school to start your tour in the city. Founded in 1898, its right under the Charing Cross station and well hidden along the busy streets of the city, which adds mystery of the place. They also offer magic workshops and learning a magic trick or two would be really nice to show your friends back home. It’s even hailed as ‘The Real Hogwarts and Home to London Wizards’.

Little Venice

Yup, read that right, London has its very own Little Venice, a salute to the famous Italian city. Enjoy a leisure walk in the morning or late afternoon as the place is quite enjoyable. Home to many pubs, restaurants, and waterside cafes, it does come alive during the hot summer days. Watch Londoners as they board their canal boats and jog along its shores. Top it off with a bit of sightseeing in Regent’s Park or Camden.

The Thames Path

Not really an off the beaten path, Thames Path is home to many hidden gems inside the city of London. The 40-mile long trail comprises of many serene spots waiting to be discovered. Many tourists opt to hire a bike, which for them serves the purpose really well, as they can stop and enjoy a fresh air any moment they like. The path serves as home several public beaches, the village of Rotherhithe and The Prospect of Whitby, one of Charles Dickens’ favorite pubs. 

Dennis Severs' House

Dennis Severs' House is one of the city’s peculiar tourist attractions. Tourists can step inside the artist’s former home that seems to be left untouched since the 18th century. Known as the most original immersive experiences, the house still has an unkempt bed, untouched food, and house left to dust. A trip to this house is not an ordinary walk inside a museum.

A trip inside London’s Container City and Smallest Museum 

Here is a certified not touristy spot and considered a best-kept secret in London, the Docklands area. Over the past few years, it’s becoming a hip and trendy spot for millennials and a must see in London. The Trinity Buoy Wharf is a hidden gem for the artistic and creative minds. It’s also home to the real container city, the smallest museum and the only lighthouse in London. The place is far from the usual glitz and glamour of London’s busy street lights, which makes it a great spot for anyone who really wants to get in touch with their inner creative self.

See the amazing view of the London City – for free

Anything that free is really worth a try, especially in a place like London. You don’t need to get in line and buy yourself that expensive London Eye ticket to get a view of the city. There’s a hidden alternative that offers the same great view and its free! One of the few hidden places to see the entire London city is up to the One New Change shopping mall terrace. The view is so amazing it's even worthy of those postcard-perfect photos. 

When in London – sip a cup of Tea

What a better way to cap your trip in London City than to sip an afternoon tea on top of a classic double-decker bus. Londoners do love their tea, they're famous for it. Although it’s very common to sip tea anywhere in the city, drinking a cuppa on top of a Londonian double-decker bus isn’t. Sip a very relaxing drink while the bus drives around Buckingham Palace and other famous tourist spots in London. It’s something very unusual even for locals’ standards. The tour includes selections of cupcakes, sandwiches, and more sweet pastry to pair with your tea. What a lovely trip it would be.

Getting Around in UK Rail System Without Breaking the Bank

Navigation:

• Book in advance
• Search for great deals, even at the last minute. 
• Avoid Booking Fees
• Look for Supersaver tips
• Take a Slower Route
• Well time Your Travel
• Get a Railcard
• Research Airport Train Options
• Don’t ignore Refunds
• Try Split-Ticketing

Combining UK’s complex ticket pricing system with the 25 percent raise of train fares since 2011, many find it extremely difficult to travel at peak times on intercity routes. Therefore, Telegraph Travel has listed down 10 strategies to help passengers save rail travel cost. 

Book in advance

Booking earlier, which helps prevent the hassle of the last-minute booking, can also combat the unreasonable high prices of rail routes. Around 12 weeks before departure, train companies usually release their limited cheapest fixed-time Advance tickets. Therefore, tickets are cheaper the earlier you buy. To find information on how far in advance you are able to book with each company, see National Rail’s chart at nationalrail.co.uk. In addition to this, you can register with The Trainline at thetrainline.com/ticketalert to be alerted via email of when Advance tickets go on sale for specific routes 

Search for great deals, even at the last minute. 

If you are unable to book Advance tickets well ahead of due to circumstances, you are still able to combat the unreasonable high prices of rail routes. This can be done by booking Advance tickets just before traveling—with CrossCountry, you are sometimes able to buy Advance online tickets 15 minutes before departure. It is important to note that when booking Advance tickets last minute, the cut-off times change from one operator to another; cut off times are usually 6 pm or 11.59 pm the day before. 

Avoid Booking Fees

Although online booking fees are small, with agents such as Trainline charging 25p to £1.50 and redspottedhanky.cm charging £1, constant online booking for a frequent train traveler can take more money out of your pocket. To avoid this, book through train operators’ websites for free booking—any train operator can book any train journey at the same price. 

Look for Supersaver tips

Although finding online deals is hard-work, it does not mean they do not exist. On megatrain.com you are able to find exceptionally inexpensive fares on some services operated by South West Trains and East Midlands Trains—this includes Southampton-London Waterloo and Leicester-London St. Pancras). Prices normally start at £1 (with additional 50p booking fee). 

Take a Slower Route

Taking slower routes may result in your money being saved. When traveling, riding on other routes that take longer, but still end up in the same location, are usually a lot cheaper. For example, main route peak time travels between Bath and London Paddington costs £190 for an Anytime Return. However, you can save £108.7 by taking an extra 75 minutes by changing trains in Salisbury. You’re still going to end up in the same location, however, with more cash on your hand.

Well time Your Travel

By avoiding peaks such as Monday to Friday during business travel periods, you can still save significantly, even without booking ahead. Though prices are higher than Advance rail fares, buying Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets don’t restrict you to traveling on a specific train. To see which services are a peak, off-peak, and super off-peak on a specified route, you can head over to thetrainline.com/train-times. 

Get a Railcard

Investing in a railcard can help you save ⅓ on rail fares for a whole year and only costs £30 a year for most— Disabled Persons Railcards are £20. The nationwide 16-25, Two Together, Family and Friends, and Senior and Disabled Persons railcards are able to pay for themselves on just one or two long-distance journeys. To find out more details and information, you can go on railcard.co.uk. 

Research Airport Train Options

Considering cheaper alternatives, such as booking airport express services in advance, can help you travel for a lot cheaper. Traveling at the weekend, when booked 90 days ahead, costs £5.50, compared with £22 bought on the same day of travel on the Heathrow Express (heathrowexpress.com). When services are stopped from London stations to Gatwick, it can take the same time or a few minutes later than the Gatwick Express except, it takes less money and is cheaper. 

Don’t ignore Refunds

When you’re disadvantaged, like your train being delayed, do not hesitate to get a refund—you are entitled to get your money back. To do this, you will need to put in a claim as compensation normally is not automatic. Train companies usually follow the Delay Repay arrangement— if the train is 30-59 minutes late, they pay 50 percent of the single fair and if the train is an hour or more late, they pay 100 percent. However, different train companies come with different policies; policy details are usually on their website and being aware of these can help you with your refunds. With some train companies, such as Southern and Thameslink, you are entitled to compensation if the train is late by 15 minutes. Keep in mind that being late may sometimes be out of the control of rail operators (operators such as GWR won’t pay up if they delay was caused by something outside their control). 

Try Split-Ticketing

Rail bosses have admitted that buying two or more tickets for different connecting segments of your journey, rather than buying one ticket for the whole trip, can be cheaper—this usually applies for long distance trips. Research shows that by doing this, you can reduce the price of traveling by nearly 90 percent. The train has to call at a station, as named on the ticket, and you do not need to get off or change.