"We will continue to support Scottish businesses to ensure they have the right information, support and guidance to open safely". Inverewe Garden: The house is now open for visitors - See 773 traveler reviews, 704 candid photos, and great deals for Poolewe, UK, at Tripadvisor. Switzerland’s official government tourism site posted an announcement on June 5 th 2020 stating: “Switzerland will open the borders to all EU and EFTA states and Great Britain on June 15.” But the best-case scenario is that this travel ban will confuse them. With more than 2,000 fortresses and palaces, no matter where you find yourself, a castle is never far away. Hotels were able to reopen from July 15, providing they follow certain guidelines and hygiene practices. In Scotland, the public was told that garden attractions, zoos and shops would be allowed to open from 29 June but you'll have to wait a little longer to check into a B&B or holiday rental as staycations are still banned. Visitors are welcome to pre-book for our ticketed attractions and visit free sites that remain open in Scottish Government’s Level 1 and Level 2 COVID-19 protection areas. There's a lot to see in Scotland. On face coverings, the Scottish Government's website says: "People must by law wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and public transport premises such as railway and bus stations and airports, and in certain other indoor public places such as shops, restaurants (when not seated), libraries and places of worship.". On the provisional date for visiting Scotland from England and other countries in the UK, VisitScotland's Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead says: ". Visitor attractions. "The costs of remaining open and providing a total experience which the customer expects, with limitations and uncertainty are too high.". Many in the tourism industry are desperate to for tourism to continue. The guidance recommends care homes take a staged approach to resuming visiting. ", It adds: "When restrictions are lifted, we would encourage people to holiday at home to support Scotland’s tourism industry. Please see the Planning Your Visit section for more information. He said: “The overwhelming majority of people are just trying to keep up with regulations in order to follow them. In light of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities are operating on reduced capacities or have been closed to the public. 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Details can be found under our Events tab. Where we are now. Read our community guidelines in full, The latest offers and discount codes from popular brands on Telegraph Voucher Codes, Can you still travel north of the border? Check the 5-level Covid-19 restrictions for each area to plan and book ahead when considering your trip. Following a previous tightening of restrictions, Mike Tibbert, vice president of the Scottish Passenger Agents Association, said: "We seem to have government announcements actively designed to destroy travel jobs and the whole industry," he said. During this difficult time, our partners at VisitScotland will be providing regular updates as new information becomes available. In Scotland, the public was told that garden attractions, zoos and shops would be allowed to open from 29 June but you'll have to wait a little longer to check into a … She said: "These travel restrictions – nobody likes them, I don't like them – but they are vital in helping us minimise these risks.". Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. The move has been met with criticism from opposition parties. Scotland introduced a five tier system on Monday 2nd November with updated advice on how people can meet, use services and travel within 32 council areas. Conversely, Glenapp Castle, a grand hotel in Ayrshire, which is also under Level 3 restrictions, has decided to stay open and it remains to be seen how many will close. The answer is no, for now. The country you love needs you. Nicola Sturgeon urged Scots to abide by the new regulations, which could see a £60 fine levied against those who violate the rules, unless a "reasonable excuse" such as caring responsibilities, hospital appointments or exercise is supplied. Switzerland is reopening to tourists on June 15 th 2020, starting by allowing visitors from 30 countries. Scotland is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Yes, you can travel to Scotland from other parts of the UK, unless there are local restrictions in place in the area of Scotland you are travelling to, or within your local area. If you're in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and asking 'when is Scotland reopening for tourism?' I have been having conversations with hoteliers the length and breadth of the country and many are doing similar. You'll want to read this before planning a staycation. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Britain's 11 best coastal retreats for 2021, The best staycations in Scotland for 2021, Where The Crown series 4 was filmed in Scotland, The Crown's Balmoral Castle is available to rent, The best cottage breaks in the UK for 2021, 13 UK holiday destinations to visit in 2021, Country Living, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network. 0 comment. Scotland is part of the U.K., and is mostly following the lead of London. SCOTLAND’S tourism industry is set to re-start on July 15, the Scottish Government has announced. Level 0 is the level with the least restrictions, though no areas are currently in this tier. Visitors to Scotland often want to explore all the country has to offer. The proposed resumption for Scottish tourism is 15 July.". However, those in areas now classed as Level 4 can only remain open for essential work travel. Travel to holiday accommodation, even with members of your own household, is not yet possible, 6 ways to be a more sustainable traveller, Monet’s garden: The wonderful way to visit, 7 of Britain's most impressive stately homes, 10 reasons to visit the Peak District next year. This document is part of a collection. In 2013, for example, UK visitors made 18.5 million visits to Scotland, staying 64.5 million nights and spending £3.7bn. The toughest coronavirus restrictions in Scotland … From Scotland's 'travel ban' to England's new rules, what do the winter measures mean for journeys north of the border? England Drops Its Quarantine for Most Visitors, but Not Those From the U.S. Meanwhile, since self-catering accommodation was allowed to reopen in July, holiday letting companies, such as Sawday’s, have seen bookings at record levels as holidaymakers seek remote Highland escapes. Visitor app Our app is your one-stop shop for information on Scotland’s iconic historic attractions. For example, many people go to Edinburgh for 2 days on a trip to the UK and that constitutes their trip to Scotland. f11photo/Shutterstock If you're willing to hunker down for 14 days, Americans can visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Some of them lay in ruins, some are still standing proudly and welcome visitors to their halls. There was some evidence of a stay-away sentiment over summer, with pictures emerging of locals at the Scottish border holding signs warning off visitors from England. Anyone arriving in Scotland from abroad will need to check Scotland’s travel corridors list to see if they need to go into a 14-day quarantine on arrival in Scotland. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Others on the island that you can visit include Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, and Lagavulin. “Scotland’s tourism offer is world leading and I hope many people book staycations or even visit their local tourist attractions and restaurants as they reopen. In a bid to salvage the summer tourist season, travelers from France, Italy, … Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, is not hopeful. Become a member The industry is now expected to be benefit from a summer season, with a … Find out the COVID protection level for each local area and get information on what you can and cannot do at each level. The toilet facilities at Culloden are open when the visitor centre is open. The information on this page was correct as of November 06, 2020 at 12:00 GMT. Advertisement Sign up for the latest travel stories and to hear about our financially protected holidays, for when the time is right. ... access to the places in our care from as little as £4.50 a month by becoming a member of the National Trust for Scotland. SIGN UP, The heavenly UK islands we can't wait to explore, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Find out more, The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Due to Coronavirus (COVID-2019), we understand that visitors in Scotland may be looking for advice and support regarding their visit or travel home. Here's everything you need to know, Restrictions are still in force in Glasgow, Gleneagles, one of Scotland's finest hotels, will close for the winter, The British Isles are waiting – these are the best UK cruises for 2021, Midwinter marvels: The best British outdoor breaks for December, The most romantic hotels in Scotland, from roaring fires and exquisite restaurants to breathtaking scenery, The best things to do in Glasgow during lockdown, 50 fabulous UK country hotels for all ages, London's best (and worst) railway stations – ranked and rated, Looking for Father Christmas? You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. Commercial flights started back up in July. Included in these measures, is a new Click and Collect system, new uniforms and PPE for staff and … It means non-essential shops, hospitality, gyms and beauty salons will be among the businesses forced to close in these areas until December 11. ... “The campaign now that Scotland is open and welcoming is really important. We want to help you stay informed. “Without immediate and targeted stimulus for the travel sector, Scotland will lose its global connectivity as airlines cut routes. England will be reverting to its own modified tier system from December 2. Those living under Tier 3 restrictions, which will include swathes of the north and midlands, plus Kent, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, will be advised against travelling outside of their areas. This applies to people who live in Scotland and to people who live elsewhere in the UK who are thinking of coming to Scotland and/or Shetland. Guidance Due to Coronavirus (COVID-2019), we understand that visitors in Scotland may be looking for advice and support regarding their visit or travel home. By Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth Journalist. Level 3 areas include Edinburgh, Inverclyde, Angus, Perth & Kinross, Fife, North Ayrshire, City of Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, Falkik and Dundee. Only the Highlands, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles are under Level 1, which just requires hospitality venues to shut at 10.30pm. It’s an adventure in itself just reaching Nc’nean, a remote and free-spirited whisky startup 12 (slow) miles down a single-track road on the Morvern peninsula on Scotland’s stunning west coast. Nicola Sturgeon has suggested she is considering introducing a quarantine for English visitors entering Scotland.. "We expect to see this change in Phase 3. Scotland. Plan your visit. For all care homes, regardless of Covid status, essential visits should be generously supported where possible to do so safely, without a defined time limit. Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance; This publication is available to … Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group has met for the first time since news of potential COVID-19 vaccines has been announced, prompting ambitions… All of Scotland 25/11/2020 Do not jump too quickly from place to place or be too biased toward one place when planning your trip. you'll have to wait before planning a trip. Scotland is currently using a new five tier system (Levels 0 - 4). Details can be found under our Events tab. Care home visits allowed from next week. Greece announced on Friday that it will open to visitors from 29 worldwide countries – on the same day plans emerged in Bulgaria to lift a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers from 26 European states. Edinburgh, Scotland, will issue fines if visitors and citizens don't follow the mandatory quarantine. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.. Eleven areas in west and central Scotland are now in the highest level of the country's five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions. Scotland's care homes to re-open to visitors. SCOTLAND’S tourism industry is set to re-start on July 15, the Scottish Government has announced. The Scottish Government has enacted sweeping new rules that ban cross-border travel to England, Wales or Northern Ireland unless it is deemed 'essential'. In 2013, for example, UK visitors made 18.5 million visits to Scotland, staying 64.5 million nights and spending £3.7bn. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Midlothian and East Lothian must adhere to less severe Level 2 measures, which mean pubs and restaurants have to close indoors at 8pm, though they can stay open outdoors until 10.30pm. Under Levels 1, 2 and 3, up to six people from two separate households can meet together in public spaces, either indoors or outdoors. Edinburgh, Scotland, will issue fines if visitors and citizens don't follow the mandatory quarantine. Find out more We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. By clicking on the image or title of the attraction you are taken to the respective website or webpage. Please book your tickets in advance. Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr show on Sunday, the First Minister said that Scottish officials would “take a very close look” at making sure the virus isn’t brought into the country by people arriving from other parts of the UK. f11photo/Shutterstock If you're willing to hunker down for 14 days, Americans can visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Approved countries have been divided into Category 1 countries and Category 2 countries. More than 20 of our sites are now open. The Real Food Café in Tyndrum has been investing in new measures to get the business ready to open safely and responsibly on Thursday 23 July. Luxor and Aswan governorates are open to international visitors, including temples, archaeological sites and museums. Scotland is a well-developed tourist destination, with tourism generally being responsible for sustaining 200,000 jobs mainly in the service sector, with tourist spending averaging at £4bn per year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. We use analytics cookies to monitor visitor behaviour patterns and improve our website performance. ... ‘We are delighted that we can open up dozens more of our beautiful places once again. The areas moved to Level 4 are Glasgow, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian. Conor O’Leary, Gleneagles' managing director, said: “Having worked so hard to provide a safe environment across our estate, we are saddened by this development, especially in the lead-up to Christmas – the highlight of our calendar for both team and guests. Nicola Sturgeon has suggested she is considering introducing a quarantine for English visitors entering Scotland.. Unfortunately, the castles are not free as most of the museums in Scotland are. Here, they’re expected to collect customers’ contact information. Please see the Planning Your Visit section for more information. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the "unpalatable but necessary" step of moving parts of west and central Scotland from Level 3 to Level 4 for three weeks owing to "stubbornly and worryingly high" infection rates. The First Minister announced that Scotland would be entering a lockdown on 23 March 2020. The distilleries are the main reason for visiting this Hebridean island, a short flight from Glasgow or a slightly longer ferry trip off the West Coast of Scotland. This means different areas of Scotland will have different restrictions. As Scotland prepares to reopen for tourism, it is the second category that worries James Stockan. Interest has continued into winter, with agents hoping a full-scale national lockdown is not in the pipeline. Country Living participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Visitor Attractions in Scotland. This applies to people who live in Scotland and to people who live elsewhere in the UK who are thinking of coming to Scotland and/or Shetland. Killiecrankie Visitor Centre put up for rent by National Trust for Scotland quashing demolition fears by Ross Gardiner November 30 2020, 6.18am Updated: November 30 2020, 9.52am He says: “The news that Gleneagles will be closing its doors until February comes as no surprise to me given the recent announcements. Historic attractions around Scotland, from Jarlshof in Shetland to Hermitage Castle in the Borders, are preparing to welcome visitors for the start of the 2018 summer season, as Historic Environment Scotland attractions open their doors on 26 March 2018. Keep reading for an update on consular services provided by the U.S. Embassy London, UK. Simalarly, on behalf of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Marc Crothall said: “Clearly given that over 70 per cent of Scottish tourism comes from the UK market, any restrictions on domestic travel will have a significantly negative impact on the sector”. Different accommodation companies have differing policies regarding cancellations and rebookings. Nicola Sturgeon has said she will not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland, but it is not a decision she would take lightly. Scotland is a well-developed tourist destination, with tourism generally being responsible for sustaining 200,000 jobs mainly in the service sector, with tourist spending averaging at £4bn per year. Visitors from America can still enter the country so long as they agree to isolate themselves for two weeks. As we move through the route map, and as public health advice allows, we will give an update on whether it is possible to go on holiday. Edinburgh Castle is to reopen to visitors - although only 1,000 people a day will be able to go rather than the usual 10,000. Scotland is set to enter phase ... when they will be introduced and what they mean for visitors north of the border. During this difficult time, our partners at VisitScotland will be providing regular updates as new information becomes available. After months of isolation, we're ready to start exploring Britain on a staycation again but can we visit Scotland yet? Advice has also been issued to avoid sharing a vehicle with anyone outside of your household. Eleven areas in west and central Scotland are now in the highest level of the country's five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions. Changes will then be made in line with Scotland’s route-map through and out of the crisis and Scotland’s Strategic Framework. The news came after Perth and Kinross, the hotel's local council area, was placed into Level 3 of the lockdown system. It is probable that loss of connections would cause irreversible long-term damage to our whole economy.". First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the number of COVID-19 deaths is falling, but normal won’t return anytime soon. CARE home residents could soon see their first visitors in months after the Scottish Government unveiled plans for … Please familiarise yourself with the new lockdown measures for your local authority area, before visiting and consider the travel restrictions when thinking about visiting the National Park. This means putting in place the right measures to keep visitors, staff and communities safe so not everything will be ‘business as usual’ and not everything will open at once. Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr show on Sunday, the First Minister said that Scottish officials would “take a very close look” at making sure the virus isn’t brought into the country by people arriving from other parts of the UK. Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) - latest information and resources for the sector. Edinburgh Castle is to reopen to visitors - although only 1,000 people a day will be able to go rather than the usual 10,000. ... Click here for details about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our visitor centre is now open (closed Mon & Tues) – please book your tickets in advance. For day trips, the Scottish government says that people "should continue to stay in their local area as much as possible and should not travel more than around five miles for leisure or recreation.". Travelling in and out of Wales is not allowed unless you have a reasonable excuse, while Northern Ireland will enter another two-week circuit-break lockdown from Friday 27 November, putting the brakes on travel. The Kelpies near Grangemouth Below is a selection of quality visitor attractions in Scotland both for rainy and sunny days out. Gleneagles, one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels, has closed until February. “Ahead of golf’s return, we have issued guidance developed in partnership with the Scottish Government, Active Scotland, sportscotland, Health Protection Scotland and key industry partners to support our clubs in preparing their facilities and we are pleased to confirm that the return of golf can now take place from Friday, 29 May. "It’s no idle warning. Our visitor centre is now open (closed Mon & Tues) – please book your tickets in advance. However, unlike in Scotland, those who flaunt the rules will not risk being hit with fines. Wales is the only UK nation where hairdressers and beauty salons can open everywhere. In addition, the guidance sets out actions to mitigate risks to residents, visitors and staff. Save Preferences. Some in areas under less stringent restrictions have also taken the decision to shut up shop for the winter. Coronavirus in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies. The toilet facilities at Culloden are open when the visitor centre is open. ", “The support and well-wishes we’ve received over the past eight months, including our four-month closure period earlier this year, have been truly humbling, and we look forward to welcoming back our hotel guests from February 1, subject to government regulations.". Download our visitor app. ", "However, we’re committed to taking the additional measures necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone at Gleneagles, and to play our part in minimising Covid-19 cases in the region. Scotland is full of magical castles. Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment. Scotland must show visitors a warm welcome or face tourism consequences, warns Scots hotelier. On 23 June, the government announced that people in England can have overnight stays in hotels, holiday accommodation and campsites from 4 July. As Scotland’s tourism sector begins to welcome visitors back, Scots planning a staycation can now factor in a trip to try a few drams, as a number of sites along The Malt Whisky Trail plan to gradually reopen from 15 July. VisitScotland is yet to announce the guidelines for visiting Scotland on holiday, but it's likely that you'll need to bring a mask and social distancing will be in place. The oldest, Bowmore, founded in 1779, is open to visitors. In Scotland, they’re open under Levels 0 to 3 – though ‘additional protective measures’ may be needed at Level 3. UK Hospitality - a series of guidelines for businesses in Scotland aimed at supporting the safe reopening of hospitality venues including visitor attractions. The toughest coronavirus restrictions in Scotland were imposed on 11 council areas on Friday, November 20. Real Food Café, Tyndrum. Last year the island of Ireland received 11.2 million overseas visitors, generating revenue of €5.8bn (£5.1bn) – representing £750 for everyone in the Republic and Northern Ireland. THERE are islands and then there are double islands. The government says: "Travel to holiday accommodation, even with members of your own household, is not yet possible except in certain cases, such as to attend a funeral. In accordance with new restrictions announced for the United Kingdom on October 31, please see the below information for updated guidance on local and national restrictions and quarantine procedures. T he first green shoots for Scotland's tourism industy have appeared as the government confirmed some business will be allowed to open on July 15.. Seychelles is currently open to visitors from 45 countries, but the United States is not on the approved list. Contact your hotel or self-catering provider directly to check your entitlements, if your holiday is affected by the new rules. The 2m rule has also been reduced to 1m rules, with pubs and attractions also being allowed to open in England. Businesses are now unsure how to start because they can’t open fully. We all have a responsibility to enjoy tourism safely so please familiarise yourself with the guidance available and make plans in advance, checking what facilities are open. Alcohol can only be served as part of a main meal. The worst-case scenario is that it will criminalise them.”. A ban on people in Level 3 and Level 4 areas travelling outside of their council boundaries for non-essential purposes will come into law, with reminders issued that public transport must not be used unless essential. The Scottish Labour leader, Richard Leonard, has called the travel ban “deeply flawed”. Edinburgh is no more Scotland than London is England. Reconsider travel to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19.