Things To Do
Near Drumtochty Castle
The venue is located in the North East of Scotland. There are all sorts of landscapes to experience up there; whether it's the Cairngorms National Park, the coastline and beaches near Aberdeen, or the picturesque Scottish woodlands. There are also lovely trails from the venue that you can explore. We have private access to the entire property during our three day stay, so feel free to take a stroll around! The venue is also situated about an hour away from Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British Royal Family; if anyone wants to take a scenic drive around. There are even a couple courses in the area, in case anyone was in the mood to golf. Plus, for all our whiskey enthusiasts, there is the Fettercairn Distillery about 15 minutes down the road. We already plan to make a stop there!
Edinburgh
You absolutely must check out Edinburgh on your way to or from the wedding! It is one of Ariana's favorite cities. The Gothic architecture and the rich history really are breathtaking! Edinburgh Castle is a must-see, as well as St. Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile. For any Harry Potter fans out there, this city inspired a lot of the scenery and even some of the names in the books. So it will feel like you are stepping into the world of witchcraft and wizardry! Make sure to check out Arthur's Seat if you are interested in a more outdoorsy activity. Hiking up there is well worth it to get a great view of the city. Although it can get pretty windy at the top, so make sure you bring the appropriate clothing. One of the most picturesque areas would definitely be Dean Village, so make sure to check it out. Apart from the sites, the people are one of the best things about Scotland! Everyone is so nice and friendly, so make sure to strike up conversations with anyone you meet along the way.
London
If you explore London, make sure to check out all the historic architecture and museums. It's truly our favorite thing to do when exploring a city. We'd recommend the British Museum and Sir John Soane's Museum; or if you are into more modern art, check out the Tate Modern. If you are interested in the history of England, the Tower of London has an excellent tour that really brings you back in time. And for all our fellow foodies, make sure to hit up Chinatown for some tasty treats! Our absolute favorite part of the city is the South Bank. You can see all the quintessential London views from across the River Thames. There is even a walkway along the river that has great restaurants and bars, or just makes for a nice stroll. We love staying down there as well! If you want to get some cool views of the entire city skyline, definitely check out the Sky Garden! It is free to enter, but make sure you book your time slot ahead of time because it books up fast.
