Often described as Europe’s last great wilderness, Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, and somewhere between the rolling moors and snow-capped mountains roam the UK’s last remaining wild cats! To make the most of your holiday, it’s best to complement these beautiful surroundings with a stay in a luxury hotel in a land where history and Celtic charm dominate the landscape.

Gleneagles is one such hotel in Scotland. Situated near the small town of Auchterarder just north of the Ochil Hills the the Perth and Kinross region it has all the ingredients necessary for the perfect holiday is Scotland. The hotel has 232 rooms to choose from, a choice of restaurants and of course one of the biggest attracations, the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus which will host the Ryder Cup in 2014.

While the Highlands are rich in outstanding natural beauty, staying here can seem a little isolated if you prefer the comforts and amenities of modern-day living. However, you should not compromise on the quality of your hotel. Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa is located just ten miles from Edinburgh, and yet despite the close proximity to the urban sprawl of the capital, this thirteenth century castle is still set in acres of wooded parklands, so still feels in-keeping with the natural beauty that epitomises Scotland. The spa has a hydro-pool, mud bath facilities and a range of therapeutic and beauty treatments that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. The fine-dining restaurant serves traditional Scottish dishes in a contemporary manner, so it never feels stuffy or dated. Moreover, Dalhousie Castle is the recipient of many coveted awards, including the AA Hotel Group of the Year, so you can feel secure in it’s prominence.

However, Edinburgh itself is also home to many luxury hotels, and while Scotland is unsurpassed at country splendour, it is also excellent and city chic. One such hotel in Scotland is Tigerlily, set in the heart of the city centre. This boutique hotel is modern, fresh and fashionable, a far cry from the wilderness of the Highlands! The bedrooms are rich in contemporary luxuries, such as pre-loaded ipods, flat screen TV’s and designer toiletries. There is also an award-winning cocktail bar and restaurant to inject your evenings with modern indulgence, and staying in the city offers many advantages: some of Scotland’s best attractions are a mere stone’s throw away, such as Edinburgh castle, St Mary’s Cathedral and the zoo. Yet whether you are staying in the heart of the city, or the remote wilds of the countryside, don’t yet the hotel ruin your holiday. Go luxury, and enjoy the best of Scotland.

here are a lot of ways to spend a holiday, but going on a walking holiday is definitely one of the more adventurous alternatives to consider. Packaged walking holidays are very easy to find, so planning one for yourself shouldn’t be a difficult task to complete.

You can start by determining whether you want to go on a self-guided walking holiday or a fully guided one. The later option is often better – especially when this is your first adventurous holiday – because the professional guide assisting you can take you to amazing places and tourist spots in the area you are visiting.

Next, determine your holiday destination. Some destinations are more popular among travelers who love walking holidays. The Camino of St. James, for instance, is perfect because it provides a nice mix between enjoyable walks and challenging terrains.

Timing your holiday perfectly is also an important thing to do when planning a walking holiday. Check weather forecasts and other details before deciding when you will go on the trip.

With these simple details properly organized, you have a nice, well-planned walking holiday in hand already. All you have to do now is prepare for the adventure and have a pleasant time during the trip.

There are few cities in Britain with a richer sporting heritage than Sheffield. The city is home to many major teams, a multitude of world-class facilities and most importantly a community who are as passionate about their sport as any you are likely to find.

For the sports fans amongst you a weekend away to experience the sporting delights that ‘Steel City’ has to offer should make for a busy couple of days. Whether you are travelling to Yorkshire to watch your favourite team battle Sheffield’s finest, or you are simply passing through the city and fancy taking in a match, check out this list of Sheffield’s best sporting attractions.

Football

Sheffield as a city has played an integral part in the history of English football. In 1857 Sheffield F.C, the first official football club, was formed in the city. The second official football team in the World also hail from Sheffield – Hallam F.C – who play at Sandygate Road, the world’s oldest football ground.

There are now two professional clubs in the city who both ply their trade in the Football League 1. Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday play at the Bramall Lane and Hillsborough Stadiums respectively, with both teams attracting large crowds to the two all-seater stadiums that both sit within the city limits.

If you are very fortunate and are able to acquire the much sort after tickets, then a trip to experience the passion of a ‘Steel City Derby’ is a must. This derby battle, between United and Wednesday, is widely considered as one of the most exciting and hotly competed in English football, so certainly worth a look.

Rugby

As you are in Yorkshire, it would only be right to experience the fast paced thrill-ride that is Rugby League. The Sheffield Eagles are the cities rugby league team, who share the Bramall Lane stadium with Sheffield United and play in the British second tier, the Co-Operative Championship. Tickets to see the Eagles are great value, with family deals available and Friday night games played under floodlights providing a great night out for Rugby enthusiasts.

Snooker

Although amongst esteemed company in the Brammal Lane stadium, perhaps Sheffield’s most famous sporting venue is the Crucible Theatre. The Crucible is home to the World Snooker Championships, the most important event of the year in the professional snooker calendar.

The World Snooker Championships have been held at the Crucible since 1977, with the theatres seating arrangements allowing front row spectators a view of the action mere feet from the players. The 2012 World Snooker Championships is to be held in Sheffield between 21st of April and the 7th of May, so if you fancy taking in the whole tournament, there is a great selection of good value hotels in Sheffield to choose from.