Heading to Scotland? There’s much more to this proud U.K. country than the requisite visit to Edinburgh. Add these unexpected highlights to your Scottish bucket list

Try falconry (really)

It’s the art of bird training, and it’s something that’s incredibly special in Scotland. They can make owls and other large predatory birds fly to your hand from out of the blue (literally). Elite Falconry will come to your destination to provide the falconry, which is an experience you won’t find elsewhere. Plus, it makes a fabulous Instagram photo.

Eat dinner in a castle with a butler

Tucked away within the cliffs of Ayrshire (a region in southwest Scotland) sits an ancient castle-turned hotel called Glenapp. Inside that castle are French-trained butlers—yes, real butlers—who will serve you a six-course Scottish meal inside the intimate dining room (or you can eat in the traditional library). Up the ante by requesting a bagpipe player to serenade you during your meal, which includes canapes, coffee and petits fours. While you’re dining, you’ll take in views of Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre and the Ayrshire coastline.

Dine at Field

This Edinburgh restaurant opened in 2013, and its focus is on local, seasonal Scottish food. It’s a 22-seat restaurant off the beaten path, so Field is incredibly intimate, and both chefs have worked in Michelin-starred restaurants previously. What makes Field even better is that it’s not ridiculously expensive, so you have no excuse not to dine there.

Try haggis

It tastes better than it sounds. Haggis is made from a sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, and it’s combined with oatmeal, spices and salt. Then it’s cooked encased in the sheep’s stomach. But try it. It’s a Scottish tradition, and it’s served in many local restaurants (seriously, it tastes really good, and Glenapp makes a great one). Plus, haggis is banned in the United States because sheep’s lung is not allowed to be consumed stateside, so this is your big chance.

Stay at a stylish hostel

Not a hostel person? We aren’t either. But Scotland is home to a few pretty sleek ones. Among them is CODE, where the penthouse suite is a total bargain, and it’s in the middle of all of Edinburgh’s action. Plus, CODE offers free WiFi, has a rooftop terrace and lets you choose between a private room or a pod (you won’t find typical hotel bunk beds here). The Edinburgh Castle is just a 10 minute walk away, while the Grassmarket party zone (shops, bars and restaurants) is just 6 minutes by foot.

Spot a monster

If you’re in Scotland, you owe it to yourself to check out Loch Ness. There’s an actual Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition within the Drumnadrochit Hotel where you can learn about sightings, and figure out how to spy the monster himself under the water. After checking out the exhibit, leave your car at the end of Bunloit Road, and walk to the summit of Meall Fuar-mhonaidh. From there, you’ll be able to look down at the loch. Bonus: It’s a great view of the hills and lochans.

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