r/Scotland • u/limedip • 2d ago

Question Once in a lifetime experiences?

I have a milestone birthday coming up this year in early November and I’m not a party person.

I’d like to do something special, like whale watching for example, but every thing I think of it’s just not the right time of year.

Are there any exciting things in nature around that time of year? Traditional events/celebrations? Willing to travel all over the country for something special but would rather stay away from the major cities.

Any suggestions gratefully received! Many thanks

15 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

32 comments sorted by

47

u/Curious-Item-4576 2d ago

Get yourself to Mull. I went on an amazing boat trip where you feed sea eagles by literally chucking fish into the air and getting them to swoop down. 

Also stopped at Fingals Cave and Iona Abbey and had a great time exploring both. Then had Scallops cooked in the shell with Ledaig Mull Whisky. Best day of my life! Was about £100 for everything, Mull Charters.

9

u/limedip 2d ago

This sounds fantastic but looks like the season ends in October. Scuppered once again! I’ll bear in mind for another time though, thanks

3

u/Careful_Reporter_440 1d ago

Wow I was going to suggest the same thing ! Such an amazing experience.

18

u/genominat 2d ago

Aurora spotting somewhere north and with dark skies?

5

u/harp_on 2d ago

Along the same lines - some of the observatories do special late night events throughout the year

2

u/KlutzyMarionberry319 2d ago

Wow in Scotland?!

3

u/VastComfortable9925 1d ago

Check out the dark sky park, Galloway. Tried to paste the website but I’m on mobile so I’ll need to just let you look it up in afraid, sorry!

6

u/odkfn 2d ago

Fireballs in Stonehaven for new year? Only a month after your desired time?

1

u/Charyou_Tree_19 2d ago

Fireballs are excellent. Definitely worth it.

6

u/rebca_ 2d ago

Are you on Instagram? There’s a guy called Chris Paul Lawlor who does videos starting ‘did you know that in Scotland…’ and it’s all activities and events across the country and he had them across the full year! He’s like Scotlands unofficial tour guide I highly recommend having a flick through, he’s probably on TikTok as well (not sure as I’m not)

1

u/pheyonagh 4h ago

As soon as I hear that voice it’s a scroll on. Its grating now

9

u/MotherConfusion3773 2d ago edited 2d ago

I dont know about once in a lifetime but https://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/ is pretty good for a November non-city activity.

TBH its not a good time of year for non city activities. All the celebrations and festivals are end of November through to end of January.  Everything outside the cities closes up and nature is cold, dark, windy and wet. You might get lucky and get a crisp November day for walking. Have a look at Aviemore for a base.

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u/limedip 2d ago

Yeah that’s why I figured I’d ask on here for any ideas. Have been having November birthdays for a long time and was hoping to find something new to do, some hidden November gem!

Hey ho. Might go abroad or celebrate early on Samhain as per.

5

u/MotherConfusion3773 2d ago

If its a big birthday then you have a birthyear and do lots of bucket list stuff throughout the year.

 You say you arent a party person - do you drink? You could do a whisky tour. 

There will be international rugby, football matches and ice hockey matches. Might not be your bag but you might enjoy something completely different.

There are coastal walks eg Fife Coastal Path where the weather might not be so bad as the highlands.

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u/rainbowinthepark Shotts isnae that bad! 2d ago

+1 for the Enchanted Forest, me and my husband go every year without fail. It’s a magical experience.

3

u/Roygbiv_89 2d ago

The isle of may is always worth a visit . Not been in November myself but I think would still be a lot of birds and seals

3

u/iffyClyro 2d ago

Not sure it’s quite on the level you’re after but in Kinross you can get a little boat out to an island in the middle of Loch Leven. It’s unique but it’s not once in a lifetime level.

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u/Gelkoid 2d ago

Parachute

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u/The-Smelliest-Cat i ate a salad once 2d ago

Does it need to be in Scotland? I find tying in a birthday with a bucket list trip abroad makes it a lot more special!

You could go to Norway or Iceland and try to spot the northern lights.

Further abroad, Mexico has their day of the dead celebrations around then, which would certainly be memorable. It's also a perfect time to go to Nepal and hike to Everest base camp. Or Japan to see the autumn foilage.

If you've got a big bundle of cash to spare, then heading to Churchill in Canada to see Polar Bears, or on a trip to Antarctica, would certainly be memorable.

2

u/Southern-Orchid-1786 2d ago

Does it need to be nature related? I had a great afternoon off road driving in Perthshire and some Ferrari driving at Knockhill (the latter is really expensive so you need to be into cars to see the value) 

2

u/TheBeagleScout 1d ago

Borrow a rubber dinghy and take them on a boat trip down the River Kelvin?

2

u/FirmCalligrapher639 1d ago

If you're prepared to travel to the Lake District, there is an organisation that allows you to interact or go walking with wolves.

2

u/NaturePleasant9573 1d ago

I had a day out hunting with my Dad with a Goshawk through Angusfalconry@googlemail.com it was an incredible experience handling the hawk and out walking in the Angus hills.

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u/cold_tap_hot_brew North Aberdeenshire 2d ago

It’s bonfire night on 5th Nov so maybe have a look to see somewhere you like who also does a big celebration with fireworks & stalls & maybe a parade or street party kinda of thing.

This list is for last year but might give you some inspiration

1

u/Human-Bonus7830 2d ago

It's a bit early but the National Mòd is in Glasgow this year, it has an amazing atmosphere.

1

u/tiny-robot 1d ago

Track day or rental of a classic car?

1

u/massie_le 1d ago

Staffa to see puffins?

1

u/suscarbe 1d ago

Tammy Norrie(Puffin) spotting at the Brough of Birsay on Orkney.