At Sparkloft, our Discovery Trips are an open invitation to explore—new places, new ways of thinking, and new parts of ourselves. For Kelly Ann, that exploration took shape in Scotland, where a TikTok inspiration led to unexpected moments. See how following curiosity, online and off, turned a short trip into a lasting experience.
Drawn by the allure of ancient castles and the call to push beyond my familiar routines, I booked my Discovery Trip to Scotland. I was eager to wander through Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets and immerse myself in distinctly-Scottish experiences unlike any I'd encountered before. As a Gen Z social media marketer in the Travel and Tourism industry, I heavily relied on social media to plan my trip. I utilized TikTok to find unique activities and scoured the Instagram pages of hotels that fit my travel parameters. Going into the trip, I was equipped with a loaded itinerary and an enthusiasm to experience as much of Scotland as possible in a few short days.
On my first day in Edinburgh, I wanted to hit the ground running. Because it is known as one of the most walkable cities in the world, my mission was to explore Edinburgh on foot. And there was no better way to get a feel for the city. I navigated through winding streets, steep stairways, and narrow alleyways (known as “closes” in Scotland), making my way to Edinburgh Castle. Built upon a volcanic rock in the heart of the city, the castle stands as a beacon of Scottish history. In addition to being a royal residence, I learned that the castle also served as a military base and prison. I also discovered that the small stone chapel I casually walked into was actually Edinburgh’s oldest building! Other memorable highlights of the castle were the Scottish National War Memorial, the Crown jewels display and the beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Upon leaving the castle, I set out to find the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. In the late 1800’s, a dog named Bobby became famous for guarding his owner’s grave for over fourteen years. This story of devotion and loyalty continues to touch the hearts of many, and inspires tourists like myself to visit and admire the adorable statue.
I continued my walking tour of the city, strolling through the beautiful cobblestone streets en route to Armchair Books. I saw several TikTok videos about this cute but expansive bookstore and immediately added it to my itinerary. The walls were lined from floor to ceiling with books of all genres. From history to horror, customers can always find something up their alley. Just don’t go looking for a specific book; the store only sells secondhand books, which makes their collection both very unique and slightly chaotic.
My second day in Edinburgh was slated to be my “active day.” When searching for unique activities to do while in Edinburgh, I discovered a TikTok that featured Scotland’s first and only alpine coaster. While I typically avoid rides and roller coasters, this coaster seemed like a fun, special and memorable way to experience Scotland. And it certainly was! I will never forget the exhilarating feeling of flying down the Scottish mountainside while admiring the views of the city of Edinburgh.
After riding the Alpine Coaster, I embarked on a short hike to our next destination: Swanston Farm. While planning the trip to Scotland, seeing Highland cows was always on the top of the priority list. After searching on TikTok, I learned about a farm just outside of the city of Edinburgh that allows visitors to admire their herd of Highland cows. And it just so happened to be a short hike from the Alpine Coaster. So I huffed and puffed my way up the mountainside to find the cows. I expected to admire several cows from afar, but was shocked to run into them standing directly in the hiking path!
Later in the day, I decided to continue the theme of uniquely-Scottish activities with a Scotch Whiskey Experience. The tour and tasting at Johnnie Walker Princes Street was incredibly immersive, utilizing distinct scents, sounds and visuals to showcase the story of the Johnnie Walker label. They explained the farm-to-table process of producing the perfect Scotch whiskey, and then let us taste the fruits of their labor. Historically, I was never a huge fan of Scottish whiskey. However, I was introduced to the magic of a highball, which completely changed the cocktail game for me!
After spending two fantastic days in the city, I traveled to the south of the country to experience the Scottish countryside. Nestled in the Scottish Borders is the historic SCHLOSS Roxburgh hotel. I selected this hotel for its beautiful estate and the array of uniquely-Scottish outdoor activities. Upon arrival, I immediately made my way to the archery range. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable about the sport, and also explained the cultural significance and history of archery in the region. The activity was both exciting and educational, and something I will never forget. Once I finished the archery experience, I was able to explore the vast property, taking in the beautiful weather and sunset views.
Overall, this trip was filled with incomparable experiences, breathtaking views, and insightful learning opportunities. I feel so lucky to have experienced so much of Scotland in such a short timeframe. Each activity and encounter pushed me out of my comfort zone and enriched my understanding of Scottish culture and history. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity and will think fondly of my Discovery Trip for many years to come.
