Top 10 by Aimee and Andrew in Sandbach

“Swimming with sharks was so exhilarating! Amazing opportunity to swim with the sharks at Deep Sea World, North Queensferry.”

 

Deep Sea World in North Queensferry brings you face to face with some creatures of the deep not found in the coastal waters around Scotland. The attraction is home to one of the world's longest underwater tunnels, where you can view the likes of the huge sand tiger shark.

 

“It was truly surprising to find a multi award-winning fish and chip shop in such a small coastal town like Anstruther.”

 

In the friendly fishing town of Anstruther in Fife, you can savour ethically sourced traditional fish and chips at the Anstruther Fish Bar and discover the special taste that has seen the team claim the title of UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

 

“Scotland’s Secret Bunker is the last thing you’d expect to be hiding beneath a remote and unassuming Scottish farmhouse.”

 

Scotland’s best kept secret for over 40 years, this huge underground bunker was built in case of a nuclear war. The bunker is now open to the public, so you can go deep underground into the 100 foot bunker, which is the size of two football pitches, one on top of another.

 

“The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is fantastic. We were surprised to find the Mecca of golf in the small town of St Andrews.”

 

The picturesque town of St Andrews is renowned throughout the world for being the Home of Golf. The town has nurtured and developed the game for 600 years and is perhaps most famous for the Old Course, however, there are many other superb golf courses in and around St Andrews to discover.

 

“To find that such an impressive attraction as the Forth Rail Bridge, the world’s second longest cantilever bridge, was free came as a real surprise.”

 

The Forth Rail Bridge was the world’s first major steel bridge and was completed after seven years of work, in 1890. Head north out of Edinburgh toward the Firth of Forth and take a walk over the Forth Road Bridge where you can gaze east and admire the three red arches of this structure.

 

“Kite Sports Scotland in St Andrews had an amazing amount of activities on offer. It was a surprising combination of stunning scenery and exhilaration.”

 

Wander down the pristine expanse of West Sands Beach, immortalised in the opening scene of the iconic 1981 film, Chariots of Fire, and the perfect location to practice a range of kite sports. Experience the thrill of being dragged across the beach on a buggy, land or surfboard by a specially designed kite.

 

“Pittencrieff Park’s gardens, play-park and even museum are all full of lovely surprises!”

 

The grounds of Pittencrieff Park or ‘the Glen’ as it is known by locals boasts a statue of Andrew Carnegie. Gifted by Carnegie to the people of Dunfermline in 1902, the park is home to the remains of Malcolm Canmore’s Tower, once an impregnable fortress which was used as a residence by Scottish kings until it was destroyed by King Edward in 1304.

 

“It’s so surprising to find out how much fascinating history exists in Dunfermline. The Dunfermline Abbey is the perfect place to start. Built by King David I, it dates back to 1072.”

 

Once the capital of Scotland, Dunfermline is rich in history. The magnificent 12th century abbey is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce and eleven other Scottish kings and queens. Today, the Abbey continues to function fully as place of Christian worship.

 

“When we visited Culross, we didn’t expect to discover an actual palace and wealth of history in such a tiny village.”

 

Cobbled streets and ancient buildings will transport you back to the 16th and 17th centuries at Culross Palace. The garden is brimming with fruit, vegetables and both culinary and medicinal herbs.

 

“Clay pigeon shooting with Cluny clays was great fun. We were very surprised that it was such a family friendly and easily accessible activity.”

 

Catering for everyone from families to stag and hen parties, Cluny Clays activity centre offers a huge range of facilities and activities. Take part in a wide variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting, golf and archery.