10 cool, unique and unusual things to do in Scotland this summer
From open air swimming pools to world-class speakeasy bars, Scotland is filled with unique, unusual and unforgettable things to see and do. Not sure where to start? Here at Quine, we have you covered with our round-up from the coolest places to visit, snap pics and make memories this summer.
Take a dip with a modern artist
Housed within Edinburgh’s Jupiter Artland, and created by Portugese artist Joana Vasconcelos for the contemporary sculpture park’s tenth anniversary, Gateway is a swimming pool like no other. Decorated with 11,366 unique hand-painted tiles, the nine-metre circular pool is open daily for public and private sessions until the end of August, providing the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photoshoot. Tickets cost £15 per person and include 15 minutes to change, 30 minutes in the pool, and a further 15 minutes to change again.
Visit jupiterartland.org
Experience Loch Lomond from above
Scotland has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world – and it looks even more spectacular from 3,000 feet above the ground. Departing from the pontoon in front of five-star Cameron House hotel, Loch Lomond Seaplane trips take off and land on the water, before soaring over mountains, glens and islands. Although flights are available all year round, with the summer sun shining through the window, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
Visit lochlomondseaplanes.com
Get back to nature with a night in the treetops
Love camping but hate sleeping on the cold, hard ground? Book a night away in the Tree Hoose, a boutique treetop forest lodge complete with king size bed, underfloor heating, woodburning stove, and mile-long views across Loch Broom from your own private balcony. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of wine or prosecco, milk, butter, fresh eggs from the lodge’s own hens, and homemade cookies. Whether you want to simply chill out and enjoy the view (with some bubbly) or explore the landscape, this paradise escape has everything.
Visit studiohoose.co.uk
Sip cocktails in secret
Named one of the top 50 best cocktail bars in the UK, The Absent Ear is a must-visit for those who like their martini served with a side of drama. The “GlasGogh” speakeasy bar is hidden away in the heart of Merchant City, and promises “an intimate experience” with an emphasis on “high-quality liquids and playful garnishes” – think dry ice, theatrical pours and luminous colours. So exclusive (or should that be elusive?), visitors only get to know the address after booking.
Visit theabsentear.com
Grab your dabber
Combining the most popular old folks’ home activity with dance-offs, rave music, cocktails and luxury prizes, Bongo’s Bingo is, quite simply, bonkers. Described as a “wild shared social extravaganza and a night of pure nostalgic escapism”, the interactive game sees players win everything from giant pink unicorns and Henry Hoovers to mobility scooters and karaoke machines. This summer, you’ll find the Bongo team on the line-up at TRNSMT’s Boogie Bar, hosting a special bingo-meets-dance experience, as well as events in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Visit bongosbingo.co.uk
Indulge in a little resale therapy
Fresh from its success in London and Reading, where more than £620,000 was raised for good causes, Charity Super.Mkt has just opened Scotland’s first ever multi-charity store at Glasgow Fort. Browse row after row of hand-selected clothing supplied by seven Scottish and national charities, including Cancer Research, Chest Heart Stroke Scotland and Marie Curie, while live DJs soundtrack your shop.
Visit charitysupermkt.com
Save some money on your next night out at Queen’s Park Arena
Strapped for cash this summer? Worry not. Glasgow’s southside will be buzzing with activity as a massive free programme of events returns to Queen’s Park Arena, including an open-air mini film festival, lunchtime fitness classes, live sports screenings, and musical performances from local bands. There’s lots on offer for wee ones, too, so book a day off work and bring the whole family.
Visit qpa.inhouse.scot
Celebrate street art
Bansky, one of the world’s most popular and elusive artists, has chosen Glasgow to host his latest exhibition, CUT & RUN: 25 years card labour , unveiling the stencils used to create some of his most famous pieces of art for the first time ever. Featuring everything from authentic artefacts to the artist’s real toilet, visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in the city centre for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tickets are available from now until August 28, and at weekends the show is open all night until 5am.
Visit cutandrun.co.uk
Pick your own blooms
Forget pre-packaged supermarket bouquets and take a trip to pick your own beautiful blooms. Located just 20 minutes outside Montrose, The Flower Field offers flower fans the chance to harvest a range of summer stems, including stunning sunflowers, gladioli and dahlias. An honesty box is located near the entrance to the field, so simply choose “pick your own” and pay on exit. Prices start from just 40p per stem.
Visit theflowerfield.shop
Cool down in Scotland’s hottest new spa
Usually we spend the summer months hoping for high temperatures and endless sunshine, but when one of the country’s most stylish spas gets an icy update, it’s time to embrace winter weather. The spa at Kimpton Blythswood Square has just reopened with a range of new treatments, including Scotland’s first snow shower, which provides an invigorating blast of ice-cold flakes all year round. Grab your bestie, book your place and get ready to chill out.
Visit kimptonblythswoodsquare.com
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