More Perfect Days

Lord of the Rings Star Reveals Top 10 Perfect Days

The results of an online survey, revealed by VisitScotland and Hollywood star Billy Boyd, showcase UK holiday-makers' top ten ways to spend a Perfect Day in Scotland. Strapping yourself into a 12ft human hamster ball and throwing yourself down a Perthshire hill, cracking the Da Vinci Code and going on a quest for the Holy Grail all feature in the results. 

Revealing the results Billy Boyd, star of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Stone of Destiny, which premiered in June 2008 at the Edinburgh International Film Festival said:  "The results of the survey demonstrate that there really is something for everyone on a holiday in Scotland.  Whether you simply like to explore our beautiful scenery and go dolphin watching in the Moray Firth or would rather go to one of our natural adventure parks and throw yourself down a hill in a giant sphere, Scotland offers a wide range of fascinating adventures for all ages."

"I love going to go surfing with friends in East Lothian, Machrihanish on the West Coast of Scotland, and Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders. For a more romantic break I really like to go to the Ardanaiseig Hotel on Loch Awe, as that is where I proposed to my girlfriend. St Andrews in Fife is also a favourite."

The survey revealed that the top activity for people from across the UK to do in Scotland was dolphin watching in the Moray Firth in North East Scotland. Taking trip in a Loch Lomond Sea Plane, was voted a close second in overall UK results.

A Perfect Day on Orkney

Spend a Perfect Day discovering the unrivalled beauty of the Orkney Islands. Gently undulating and richly fertile, Orkney comprises an archipelago of about 70 islands of which around 17 are inhabited. Here you?ll be swept away by the power of the sea, and the power of the past, with quiet sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, fresh quality cuisine and wildlife galore. Experience 5,000 years of culture and heritage at Skara Brae, or hop on a ferry to Hoy for bird-watching at its best.  Wander through the colourful streets of Kirkwall and Stromness, which offer a vibrant contemporary scene during the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year, or take a cliff-top walk at Yesnaby, and experience the rugged beauty of Orkney?s west coast.

A Perfect Day as seen on ITV's This Morning Getaways

ITV's This Morning crew enjoyed a couple of Perfect Days in the Highlands as part of the new Getaways series and you can re-create their Perfect Days.  Tour Inverness, Aviemore and the surrounding area with 5-star Highland Explorer Tours.  Hunt for the infamous Loch Ness Monster with Deepscan Cruises and visit the Loch Ness visitor centre, then explore the City of Inverness.  After lunch drive to the Moray Firth for a dolphin and seal safari with Moray Diving Ltd.  Spend the night anywhere from a 4-star Scottish Youth Hostel to a luxury hotel such as Best Western Palace Hotel in Inverness or the Hilton Coylumbridge.  Head to Rothiemurchus Estate in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and discover activities such as quad biking.  Have some family fun in the Hilton Coylumbridge Fun House or at Landmark Forest Theme Park.

A Perfect Day on Arran

The beautiful isle of Arran, just 20 miles long, is merely a 55 minute ferry crossing from Ardrossan in Ayrshire. With mountains, moors, standing stones, beautiful beaches and historic castles, Arran represents all that is great about Scotland. Discover the tastes and smells of Arran with visits to the Isle of Arran Distillery, The Island Cheese Co and Arran Aromatics.  Experience the history with a trip to Brodick Castle, followed by a unique exploration into the Kings Cave to see the fascinating Pictish carvings. For the real outdoor enthusiast, take in the beautiful scenery with a round of golf at the Shiskine Golf and Tennis Club or take a walk up the picturesque Goat Fell - the highest point on the island.  Other great outdoor activities you can try, led by professionally trained instructors, include sea kayaking, paragliding, gorge walking and more. For the ultimate sightseeing adventure, join Skyway Helicopters for a tour of the stunning coastline and scenery.  Following your busy day, relax with some spa therapy at the Auchrannie Spa. Finally enjoy the fresh local produce at Brambles, one of the island's finest restaurants.  For more information on these great activities and attractions that will help you create your perfect day on the Arran, go to visitarran.com