With a rich history, beautiful castles, breathtaking scenes of dramatic landscapes, magnificent architecture, and mesmerising highlands, Scotland is a fantastic country to visit and explore.
7 Best Places in Scotland to Explore
1. Edinburgh
If you have limited time to discover Scotland and can visit only a few places, then you should start with the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, for sure.
Located in the southeastern part of Scotland, closer to the North Sea, this charming city has everything a travel enthusiast is looking for. Stunning architecture, fairy tale castles, green hills, and world-known festivals will make you love this city.
Edinburgh is divided between the medieval old town and the modern new town, which introduces a different ambience to this city. There are numerous things to do in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is among the best places to visit in Scotland and Western Europe, making it a must-see on your list. This iconic Edinburgh Castle has witnessed a long history and played a vital role in the history of Scotland in serving both royal residences and military fortress.
If you are an avid art lover and admirer of world culture, then the National Museum of Scotland is the place to visit. Formed in 2006, the National Museum of Scotland exhibits an international collection of science and technology, world cultures, and natural history.
2. Glasgow
Located in west-central Scotland, this popular tourist destination is the largest city in Scotland. It is famous for its attractive architecture, fascinating museums, creative arts, musical concerts, shopping, and exciting culture.
Glasgow is arguably the most beautiful city in Scotland, with elegant architecture, happening music culture, and outstanding arts and museums.
Riverside Museum is a must-visit place in Scotland and Glasgow. You will find a fantastic collection of vintage cars, locomotives, skateboards, and many more.
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in mainland Scotland and one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, situated on the River Clyde on Scotland’s west coast.
The Kelvingrove art gallery is a masterpiece of architecture featuring a collection of 8000 astonishing objects for display. It also showcases an extensive collection of arms and armour, a vast natural history, beautiful artwork, and much more.
3. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is famous for its outstanding natural beauty, breathtaking scenery, adventurous sports, stunning castles, and glowing lighthouses.
Whether you are visiting Loch Ness to explore the alluring Loch or to find more about the mystery of the Ness monster, below are some of the most popular spots to visit:
(a) Lochend Beach
As the name suggests, Lochend Beach is the beach located at the end of the loch. This lovely beach is excellent for swimming in the natural pool or paddleboarding.
(b) Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
The Loch Ness Center and Exhibition are the perfect places after a busy day. There are many stories of sightings of Ness Monster over the years. You might want to know more about it. So, while exploring the world-famous lake, see the region’s geology and learn more about the monster mystery.
Here, you will get to know more about Loch Ness through shows of lasers, digital projections, and special effects. The glorious history of this beautiful place will be explained in detail, with a proper explanation of where the myth of Nessie came from in a scientific manner.
(c) Urquhart Castle
Take a cruise on Loch to see the impressive ruins of the castle on the western shores of the lake.
The fortress saw action via the Scottish Independence Wars. Having a rich history and serene lochs, the Loss Ness is among the best places to visit in Scotland.
4. Glen Coe Valley
Scotland’s Glen Coe is a lovely valley that pulls individuals who need to look at some fantastic Scottish Highlands scenery. Glen Coe has been an exact countrywide nature reserve and part of a countrywide scenic region.
It is an appropriate region for hiking, mountain biking, and getting outdoors. It is likewise an extraordinary region for pictures. It is undoubtedly considered one of the favourite picture spots in Scotland.
There are also some different activities in and across the small village of Glencoe, Scotland, along with travelling to museums and historic attractions, kayaking, or even snowboarding in the winter.
Situated between the majestic Lochaber Mountain Geopark, the deep valleys and towering mountains of Glen Coe were carved centuries ago by ice glaciers and volcanic eruptions.
The town of Glencoe is beautifully nestled between the foot of Loch Leven and the famous valley entrance, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the Lochaber.
Glencoe is a village that has a variety of impressive mountains and ridges. It is a small village situated on the shores of Lake Leven, which consists of several cafes, a small museum, several campgrounds and accommodations, a gas station, and one shop.
5. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is another excellent little island and mind-blowing destination for wildlife lovers. You can experience watching wildlife with the White-Tailed Sea Eagle, and it should be on top of your list of the best things to do in Scotland. Some other amazing creatures you will love watching are seals, whales, dolphins, and deer.
Skye is a dream destination for hikers and walkers—the Cuisine Range and The Trotternish Ridge present some of the most challenging mountains and exciting scrambles.
(a) Quirang
Trekking in Quirang is a must-do activity for trekking lovers as it moves through one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.
These mammoth mountain cliffs are created by enormous landslides resulting in gigantic cliffs, hidden plateaus, and rock pinnacles; if you are a photography lover, don’t forget to bring your camera to click some fantastic frame-worthy pictures. Hence, it would be best to consider this place as it is one of the best places in Scotland for photography.
(b) The Old Man Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a large rock standing tall on the Trotternish Ridge, a foreland in the Northeastern part of the Island of Skye.
The Old Man store is not only a popular tourist destination on the Island of Skye but also in Scotland.
6. Stirling
The city of Stirling is well known for its gorgeous and magnificent beaches. Visit Stirling and take in the beautiful views from Castle Hilltop Esplanade towards the National Wallace Monument on the edge of the rolling Ochil Hills before looking northeast for the mountain peaks of Loch Lomond.
Enjoy Savor, delicious food, and drink on your holiday in Stirling in friendly pubs, cosy cafés, and buzzing restaurants.
(a) Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
The remarkable landscapes of Loch Lomond, like lochs, coastlines, and forests, will leave you mesmerised as you will lose in between the valleys and mountains.
It is a trendy destination among people interested in water sports, hikers, bikers, and people who love watching beautiful sunsets.
(b) Stirling Castle
After visiting Loch Lemond, visit one of the largest and most critical historical royal castles in Scotland. i.e., Stirling Castle. This prestigious castle has also been used as a primary military base in history, and now it is restored to its former glory.
7. Inverness
Inverness is Scotland’s ‘Capital of the Highlands’ or ‘Highland Capital’. It is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Tourism is the central part of the economy of Inverness.
There are many exciting places to visit and plenty of thrilling activities to do in Inverness.
Inverness Castle is the Spirit of the Highlands, situated on the highest point above the river Ness. The best place to start a journey to Inverness is the magical Inverness Castle. It rests on a cliff with a view of the beautiful River Ness from the top.
Drive through the never-ending, relentless winding roads of North Coast 500 along with Scotland’s most beautiful scenes. The North Coast 500 starts in Inverness, passes to Applecross, and then northwards towards Torridon.
Mountain lovers and trekkers can experience the lavish beauty of the Scottish Highlands and do outdoor adventures. Head to the Cairngorms National Park if you want to have an exciting hiking adventure.
The Journey’s End
Scotland is a diverse country with a vast culture and history, making it unique. The rolling countryside, bustling cities, chilly mountain peaks, and mesmerising villages all integrate to offer a tremendous vacation spot on your cottage vacation inside the UK, whether you are searching for an action-packed break, a cultural journey, or a calming retreat.
Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Joshita
