FIND YOUR INNER AVENGER: 8 AWESOME SUPERHERO ACTIVITIES

Where do superheroes go on holiday? Scotland of course!

To celebrate Edinburgh featuring as a location in the newly released blockbuster movie Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War we’ve come up with a few suggestions for holiday ideas that will perfectly match your very own superhero traits.

From strength and agility to speed and endurance, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test all over Scotland. And don’t forget to pack your magic powers, capes and gadgets!

1. SUPER STRENGTH

Action shot of hammer thrower competing at Halkirk Highland Games.

Hammer thrower in action at Halkirk Highland Games, Caithness © James Gunn Photography.

See a Scottish test of strength by visiting one of the many Highland Games that take place between May and September each year. Watch or even take part and test your strength and stamina in the heavy games of hammer throwing, shot put, weight for height and the iconic caber tossing.

Did you know: Scotland might not have a man of steel but what about horses made from steel! See the two impressive 30 metre high Kelpies at Helix Park, by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott. Take a tour or marvel at them from the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal.

2. SUPER SPEED

Professional mountain biker Ruaridh Cunningham at 7stanes, Innerleithen

Professional mountain biker Ruaridh Cunningham at 7stanes, Innerleithen.

Whether you prefer getting up speed on water or dry land, there’s plenty to choose from. Show your skill on the track at Knockhill Racing CircuitFife where you can take to the wheel of a Formula Race Car. If two wheels are more your thing, why not challenge your friends to complete a few of the 7stanes mountain bike trails, at centres across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. For water fans, take a trip around scenic Loch Lomond on wakeboards or waterski or why not take to the open seas, with kitesurfing in the stunning west coast surroundings of the Isle of Tiree.

3. ABILITY TO FLY

Zip wire fun at Go Ape

Zip wire fun at Go Ape © Go Ape.

Always wanted to fly? Well grab your imaginary cape and take to the skies at various locations across Scotland. Glide above the beach at the Golden Eagle Zip LinesDurness or try Go Ape‘s highest zip wire at Glentress Forest. If distance is your thing try one of Europe’s longest zip wires at 820 metres long at Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre in Dumfries & Galloway.

Did you know: There are many more flying activities you can do in Scotland including bungee jumping in Killiecrankie, Perthshire or paragliding over the beautiful Isle of Arran, often referred to as Scotland in miniature.

4. SUPERHEROES LIKE TECHNOLOGY

Glasgow Science Centre, on the south bank of the River Clyde, Glasgow.

The Glasgow Tower, Glasgow Science Centre and IMAX on the Clyde Waterfront, Glasgow.

Superheroes always seem to have the latest technology and gadgets – or a least, the ability to produce their own. Visit the Glasgow Science Centre and the Dundee Science Centre to discover a world of inventions, innovation and gadgets of the future. Or head to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions in Edinburgh, where anything is possible in a world of visual trickery!

Also in Edinburgh visit the National Museum of Scotland, where you can discover everything from meteorites to monsters of the deep. You can even try your own genetic experiments.

Superhero to super structure – Stretching 2.5 kilometres between the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry, is the Forth Bridge. Opened in 1890 this railway bridge is one of Scotland’s most well known landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a train over the bridge or a boat tour on the Forth for a better look at this super structure.

5. POWER OF ENDURANCE

The summit of Ben A'an overlooking Loch Katrine

Stunning view of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A’an in The Trossachs.

We all like a challenge so how about putting your own endurance to the test and bagging a Munro– a mountain which is over 3000 feet. If you are up for the challenge there are 248 of them in Scotland to conquer. Alternatively there are lots of other walks to enjoy with varying terrains, distance and height – and plenty of stunning scenery too!

If climbing is more an endurance test for you, then visit the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena – the largest of its kind in Europe with its 30 meter high assault course! Or for an extra chill – try the 12 metre ice wall at Ice Factor in Kinlochleven. This is the world’s largest indoor ice wall, set in the beautiful countryside around Glencoe in the Highlands.

6. POWER OF TIME MANIPULATION

The ancient standing stones of The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney

The ancient standing stones of The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney © Iain Sarjeant.

We might not be able to travel back in time for real but a visit to one of Scotland’s many historic sites will make you feel like you have stepped back to another period. Prepare for battle at The Battle of Bannockburn Experience, near Stirling.  Travel back even further in time at the Scottish Crannog Centre, Perthshire and discover what Iron Age life was like at the interactive centre or visit mysterious stones circles and settlements on Scotland’s islands at Calanais on LewisThe Ring of Brodgar on Orkney and Jarlshof on Shetland.

7. DISCOVERY

The historic RSS Discovery at Discovery Quay. Dundee.

RSS Discovery at Discovery Quay. Dundee. © Dundee Heritage Trust.

Curious travellers many wish to find out about Scotland’s own ‘Superheroes’? Make a visit to the National Wallace Monument, Stirling and The Hall of Heroes – where you can recognise remarkable Scots through the centuries. Or take a trip to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh and discover many Scottish characters in the wonderful 19th century frieze around the Great Hall – look out for Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns and many more.

Taking the theme of discovery to its roots, why not visit the explorer ship of the same name in Dundee. Find out about the RSS Discovery‘s journey which took Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their first expedition to Antarctica.

8. CELEBRITY STATUS

The historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh.

With their appearances in many Hollywood blockbusters, superheroes have achieved global celebrity status. Why not recreate your own movie superstar moments and visit the Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War film locations? Strike your best superhero pose at one of the filming locations for the movie in the centre of historic Edinburgh, the city of superheroes. Take time to explore the Royal Mile and Cockburn Street where some of the action took place.

Discover more about film and TV locations in Scotland and start planning your own set-jetting mission to Scotland.

 

Source: Visit Scotland