The Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this year with a special four-day Jubilee weekend (June 2 to 5).
Her Majesty has had a long-standing affection and affinity for Scotland.
In fact, the Royal Family dating back to the days of Queen Victoria has had a love affair with our diverse and wild landscapes winning them over and seeing them spend their summers here.
To celebrate this connection, car rental company Hertz.com has pulled together a list of top Scottish locations that have a royal connection that is ideal for a day trip away on your very own regal road trip.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
Located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile you'll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
This impressive 16th-century royal palace is home to beautifully decorated apartments where royal figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots lived and worked.
The Hertz team said: "Inside, the public are invited to tour these apartments and learn more about the turbulent events that shaped this palace’s rich history. Don’t miss the palace’s grand interior, where you can marvel at royal portraits in the Great Gallery and gaze upon the ornate décor of the Throne Room.
"Book in advance and check opening times, as the palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with additional short-notice closures subject to royal visitation."
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
The royal ship which served the Queen from 1954 to 1997 can be found at Leith's docks and is one of Scotland’s most-visited attractions.
The Hertz team said: "On board, you’re given unparalleled access to the yacht’s five main decks, from the Royal Family’s State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters and Engine Room down below.
"The self-led audio tour of the yacht will take you on a voyage to discover more about the vessel’s crucial role in the Royal Family’s modern history.
"Included with your admission is entry to the Royal Deck Tea Room, where an assortment of food and drink can be enjoyed."
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral, Ballater, AB35 5TB
The favourite summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert is another popular tourist attraction.
The Hertz team said: "While the castle interior is largely for Her Majesty’s eyes only, visitors are encouraged to book a tour and browse the rotating exhibitions of royal objects in the Castle Ballroom.
"Head outside to roam the castle’s grounds and carefully manicured gardens, situated amongst the rugged landscapes of Aberdeenshire. You can visit the Karim Cottage and original Iron Ballroom commissioned by Prince Albert and even take a Balmoral Expedition – a two-hour journey of the grounds in a Land Rover."
Balmoral Castle is open from April to August, with ticket purchasing in advance highly recommended - there is also the Pipers Hall Coffee Shop and gift shop to enjoy.
The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
Lying close to the gilded halls of Holyroodhouse you'll find the impressive Queen's Gallery, which first opened back in 2002.
Housing multiple exhibitions from the Royal Collection, this former Victorian church building’s walls are adorned with paintings by the great masters, from Rembrandt to Rubens.
The 2022 exhibition will commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Hertz team said: "There are also many works that have been temporarily loaned from the Picture Gallery in Buckingham Palace – a fantastic royal attraction in London to visit in its own right.
"Alongside the changing exhibitions, there’s the chance to immerse yourself in the gallery’s varied collection of decorative arts, ornate furniture and photographs.
"Each can help you piece together the complex and far-reaching history of Her Majesty and the Royal Family. The gallery is open from Thursday to Monday every week, with short-notice closures for royal events."
Stirling Castle
Castle Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1EJ
Dominating the surrounding Stirlingshire landscape, the ancient fortification of Stirling Castle has played a key role in both Scotland and Britain’s royal history.
In 2021, the Queen opened the refurbished Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, which is home to more than 12,000 objects displayed over three floors.
The Hertz team said: "Visit to learn more about Scotland’s Highland Regiments and discover their years of service to the Crown. Admission to Stirling Castle provides you the opportunity to tour the Royal Palace, one of the UK’s best preserved renaissance buildings and childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
"The interior promises to transport you back to the Renaissance years, with its intricate hanging tapestries and vast catalogue of artefacts from throughout the ages.
"Step out into the peaceful Queen Anne Gardens to walk the paths of Britain’s monarchs and take advantage of the castle’s location with its sweeping views."
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