15 Of the Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Scotland is home to several breathtaking locations, each providing a distinctive experience in and of itself.
These 15 locations offer the ideal starting point for your Scottish holiday, whether your interests lie in discovering historic castles or taking in the breathtaking scenery of the countryside.
To give you an idea of what Scotland has to offer, we’ll examine each of these locations in more detail in this post.
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Number 1. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a culturally and historically diverse city. Located atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle that offers an outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. The historic halls and rooms of the castle are open for exploration, and guests can even see the Scottish Crown Jewels.
The Royal Mile, which is dotted with stores, cafes, and historical sites, runs from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Arthur’s Seat is a neighbouring hill with easy walks and fantastic city views. The largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, takes place in the city every August and draws artists and tourists from all over the world.
Number 2. Loch Ness
The Scottish Highlands’ Loch Ness is a large, deep lake that gained fame for the Loch Ness Monster, sometimes known as “Nessie.” Though there’s a lot more to do, boat trips and Nessie searching are the main draws.
Hiking trails in the vicinity provide incredible views of the surrounding landscape and lake. Scotland’s mediaeval past can be seen at the Urquhart Castle ruins on the lake’s edge. The castle is situated at one of the best vantage locations to take in the beauty of Loch Ness, and its history is fascinating.
Number 3. The Isle of Skye
The rough terrain, quaint fishing villages, and mediaeval castles of the Isle of Skye are well-known features. It’s a photographer’s and nature lover’s dream come true. On the island, the Quiraing offers some of the most breathtaking hiking paths due to its unique hilly and cliffside terrain.
Another well-known site is the massive granite pinnacle known as the Old Man of Storr. The Talisker Distillery, where guests can sample one of Scotland’s most well-known single malts and learn about the process of making whisky, is also located on Skye. For those seeking a cool plunge, the Fairy Pools—clear, blue pools on the River Brittle—are ideal.
Number 4. Glencoe
Some of the most spectacular views in the country may be seen in the Scottish Highlands‘ Glencoe valley. The trails here range from easy hikes to strenuous climbs, making it an ideal spot for hikers, climbers, and photographers. The area is also rich in history, particularly the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, which resulted in the awful deaths of MacDonald clan members.
The Glencoe Visitor Centre includes displays about the area’s nature and human history. Movie lovers should not miss Glencoe because of its stunning views, which have been featured in several films.
Number 5. Stirling
Central Scotland’s Stirling is a mediaeval city known for its advantageous position and massive castle. Scotland’s monarchs and queens once called Stirling Castle, perched atop Castle Hill, home.
The neighbouring Wallace Monument, a tower honouring Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, highlights the city’s significant role in Scotland’s independence struggles.
Climbing the monument offers visitors sweeping views of the surroundings. The old town of Stirling, with its cobblestone lanes and historic buildings, is a fascinating place to explore.
Number 6. Inverness
The Highland capital, Inverness, is located near the north end of Loch Ness. It’s a little city with lots of restaurants, shops, and sights that’s easy to explore on foot. Perched above the River Ness, Inverness Castle provides amazing views and an insight into the city’s past.
With quick access to Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal, and other beautiful locations, the city is an excellent starting point for exploring the Highlands. The Highlands’ history and culture are revealed in the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Number 7. Orkney Islands
The archaeology of the Orkney Islands, which situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland, is rich; some sites date back 5,000 years. The beautifully preserved Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae provides an intriguing glimpse into prehistoric existence.
Visitors are fascinated by the ancient stone circles known as the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The Scapa Flow, one of Britain’s most significant naval stations throughout the World Wars, is evidence of the islands’ rich maritime past. The Orkney Islands are a fascinating travel destination because of its distinctive culture, fauna, and landscapes.
Number 8. Fort William
Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, Fort William is situated in the Scottish Highlands. With summertime activities like hiking and mountain biking and wintertime activities like skiing and snowboarding, it is referred to as the outdoor capital of the UK.
There are several stores and eateries in the town itself that serve both visitors and outdoor lovers. The history of the area, including the Jacobite uprisings, is told at the West Highland Museum in the town centre. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is nearby, gained notoriety for its role in the Harry Potter movies.
Number 9. Cairngorms National Park
With its huge forests, mountain ranges, rivers, and lochs, the Cairngorms National Park is the biggest national park in the United Kingdom. With chances to observe deer, eagles, and ospreys, it’s an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts. Plenty of outdoor activities are available in the park, including as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and skiing at one of its ski resorts.
The park is home to a number of quaint communities, including Aviemore, which serves as a central point for tourists interested in discovering the area’s natural beauty. The visitor centres in the park offer details on the numerous outdoor activities, walking trails, and animals.
Number 10. Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is well-known for its impressive architecture, lively cultural scene, and welcoming people. The city is full of examples of art nouveau and Victorian architecture, such as the Glasgow School of Art, which was created by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
From artwork to armour, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has a wide range of collections. Another must-see is the Riverside Museum, which focuses on transportation and travel. Glasgow has a vibrant music scene, with everything from indie bands to classical music performed in various locations.
Number 11. Oban
Scotland’s west coast is home to the little harbour town of Oban. Mull and Iona are just two of the many islands that ferries depart for, making it known as the entry point to the Hebridean Isles. Many restaurants in the town serve fresh fish and shellfish, which makes it famous for its seafood.
Situated in the town’s centre, the Oban Distillery provides tours and Scotch whisky samples. With its Colosseum-esque edifice perched above the town, McCaig’s Tower offers superb views of the harbour and neighbouring islands.
Number 12. Shetland Islands
Located between Scotland and Norway, the Shetland Islands present a distinctive blend of Norse and Scottish ancestry. There are cliffs, sandy beaches, and untamed waters all around this stunning yet wild area. With so many different types of seabirds breeding on the cliffs, the islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The ponies of Shetland are little, resilient horses that are allowed to graze freely. Every year in January, processions, costumes, and the burning of a Viking longship are all part of the Up Helly Aa celebration, which honours Viking ancestry.
Number 13. Dundee
Scotland’s east coast city of Dundee has developed into a centre of design and culture. Scotland’s design museum, the V&A Dundee, features both foreign and Scottish design creations. The city’s shoreline is a wonderful place to visit after extensive renovations.
As evidence of its long history of shipbuilding and exploration, Dundee is home to Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship, RRS Discovery, which is currently housed as a museum ship on the quay. It is simple to stroll around Dundee’s small city centre, which is filled with eateries, galleries, and retail establishments.
Number 14. St. Andrews
St. Andrews is best known for its golf course, the Old Course, considered the oldest in the world and a pilgrimage site for golfers. The town is also home to the University of St. Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, adding a vibrant student atmosphere.
The ruins of St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral offer a look into Scotland’s medieval past. The town’s beaches, including the West Sands, are beautiful and often less crowded, offering a peaceful escape.
Number 15. Isle of Arran
Accessible by ferry, the Isle of Arran is situated off Scotland’s west coast. With its rolling hills, beaches, forests, and mountains, it provides a miniature version of Scotland’s surroundings. The island is ideal for outdoor activities like golf, cycling, and hiking.
Whisky tastings and tours are available at the Lochranza-based Isle of Arran Distillery. A historic home and garden, Brodick Castle offers insights into the history and culture of the island. Arran is a great place for those who want to see the best of Scotland in one place because of its diverse landscapes and attractions.
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