beautiful places in scotland to visit

20 Most Beautiful Places & Beauty Spots in Scotland

It's easy to find beautiful places to visit in Scotland. With our wild beaches, sparkling lochs and romantic castles, we're often referred to as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Dunnottar Castle Aberdeenshire

A couple at Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

Dunnottar is one of the most recognisable castles in Scotland. Perched on the cliff edge of the North Sea, it boasts a dramatic and evocative atmosphere with centuries of history. Marvel at the intricate details and amazing condition of the castle, alongside the incredible panoramic views out to sea.

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Bow Fiddle Rock Moray

Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie

Bow Fiddle Rock in Portknockie is a stunning sight to admire as the sun shoots its last rays over the coastline. Hike the trails around the area, find your own secret slice of paradise and keep an eye out for the nesting seabirds, such as herring gulls, great black-backed and lesser black-backed gulls.

Isle of Iona Isle of Iona

Looking across the coast to the jetty on Iona

The Isle of Iona is a small, picturesque island just off the south west coast of Mull. Known for its strong, historic connections to Christianity, explore Iona Abbey or head to the northern coast which has beautiful bays and beaches, boasting the best views out to sea.

Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands North Uist

Camping at Clachan Sands

The Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands on  North Uist  is an impressive stretch of pristine white sands, perfect for a scenic stroll or a picnic on the beach. The crystal-clear waters and shallow bay give the perfect opportunity for snorkelling and swimming. Head for a wander at dusk to enjoy an immaculate sunset.

Bealach na Ba Wester Ross

Bealach na Ba

© @wills_onthehills

The Bealach na Ba is one of the most famous driving routes in Scotland. Known as the Road to Applecross, the route offers epic views out across the whole of Wester Ross, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. With its tight bends and single track, this road isn't for the faint hearted but the views from the top are astonishing.

Loch Ken Galloway Forest Park

Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park

© VisitScotland / Damian Shields

Located in the south east corner of the Galloway Forest Park, Loch Ken offers walking, cycling, watersports and fishing. Take a stroll around the banks of the loch at sunset and you'll be mesmerised by the landscapes.

Glenfinnan Fort William

Glenfinnan Monument

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. Set amid superb Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, it sits opposite the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. A must-see for any amateur photographer or Instagram enthusiast.

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Eoligarry Beach Isle of Barra

Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra

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Eoligarry Beach is an unspoiled white sand beach on the Isle of Barra, the most southerly of the Outer Hebridean islands. Land on the island by plane along the famous Traigh Mhor beach and begin your adventure north to Eoligarry, featuring incredible views out to the islands of Orosay, Fuday and Fiaraidh around you.

An Lochan Uaine Cairngorms National Park

An Lochan Uaine

Legend says that this mysterious loch is green because the local fairies used to wash their clothes in the waters. It might just be due to the trees lying along the loch floor but either way, we think there is something pretty magical about the Green Loch in Glenmore Forest Park, situated in the heart of Cairngorms National Park .

Mealt Falls Isle of Skye

Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye

Mealt Falls on the north of Skye is an incredible sight. Partnered with the popular Kilt Rock, together they create a fantastic viewpoint. 

Rannoch Moor Perthshire

A frozen Lochan na h-Achlaise with a snow-capped Black Mount in the background, Rannoch Moor.

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

Rannoch Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. You'll find grassy moorland, peat bogs, lochs and heather hillocks which all make for striking scenery.

National Wallace Monument Stirling

The Wallace Monument in autumn

Admire the famous National Wallace Monument in Stirling, and the incredible hills behind. Follow the story of Scottish patriot and martyr, Sir William Wallace at this national landmark where you can learn about centuries of history.

Ullapool Wester Ross

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Head to the north west coast of Scotland where you'll come across the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. The town boasts a variety of things to see and do, as well as being a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset or two over the pretty harbour.

St Abb's Scottish Borders

St Abb's is a small fishing village sitting on the Berwickshire coast only an hour south east of Edinburgh. You might recognise the jagged cliffs and old fishermen's cottages from the big screen - Marvel filmed here for the blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame . The town has even been twinned with New Asgard, the fictional village in the movie.

Glen Clova Angus Glens

Corrie Fee, Glen Clova

Glen Clova is a valley with superb views and an abundance of flora and wildlife. It's one of the Angus Glens, a series of tranquil valleys split by single-track roads, offering some of the most majestic landscapes of north east Scotland. It sits between Angus, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire and makes up part of the Cairngorms National Park.

Fingal's Cave Isle of Staffa

Fingals Cave on Staffa Island

This awe-inspiring natural formation will take your breath away. Marvel at the towering basalt columns and intricate rock details of Fingal's Cave as you take a boat tour out to the island and explore the enticing atmosphere of the cave itself. You'll find it off the west coast of Scotland.

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Isle of Jura

Corryvreckan Whirlpool

The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world and one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles. Take a boat ride out around the islands with a bumpy ride through the whirlpool itself, all in the hands of a very capable and experienced captain. It's located on the Gulf of Corryvreckan, between the isles of Jura and Scarba.

Loch Lomond Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Walkers on Conic Hill

Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. Experience peace and quiet, whilst spotting wildlife and exploring the beautiful landscapes. Relax amongst the natural beauty of the lochs and breathe in the air of the hills and awe-inspiring views from each of these summits.

Yesnaby Castle sea stack Orkney

Yesnaby Castle sea stack on the west coast of Orkney

You can't help but admire the beauty around the Yesnaby Castle sea stacks. Sitting off the west coast of Orkney, this impressive rock formation is a great place to see various sea birds including the oyster catcher.

Tobermory Isle of Mull

A sea plane glides over the multicoloured houses along the pier at Tobermory, with the hills of North Mull over the water in the distance

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

Tobermory is one of the most easily recognisable towns in Scotland, thanks to the brightly coloured houses along the harbour-front. Head to the Isle of Mull where you can experience the magic of this quaint fishing port, which was used as inspiration for the popular children's TV show, Balamory .

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We might be biased, but we think Scotland truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Why not share your beautiful holiday destinations over on our social platforms -  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  X (formerly Twitter) ?

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in every region, but why not slow down your travels and experience all that Scotland has to offer?

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The 10 most beautiful places in Scotland

From dolphin sightings off rugged coasts to glimpses of medieval and modern cities, these are the most dazzling destinations in Scotland

Growing up in Scotland , incredible beauty was so close at hand that I almost took it for granted. It was only when I hit my teens and twenties and started travelling that I began to truly understand why so many tourists – around three million a year – flock to my homeland from all over the world and are endlessly enraptured. It’s pretty uncommon, it turns out, to find a country where you can wake up in an ancient capital city, walk rugged coastline and admire historic engineering wonders, plunge into a misty Highland glen or climb a snow-flecked mountain all in the space of about 24 hours. Capped with a whisky, of course.

Scotland’s finest attractions both natural and manmade are not only abundant and extraordinary but amazingly accessible. At less than 31,000 square miles, Scotland is smaller than most American states and you can drive coast to coast in less than a day. And yet it packs in so much, from sweeping lochs and peatlands to sleepy fishing villages, cities steeped in culture, mountains stacked on mountains and castles enough to give you castle fatigue. Finding beauty in Scotland isn’t a case of where to look, so much as where to start. Here’s my pick of the most beautiful places in Scotland. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏩The best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands 🎭The best things to do in Glasgow 🌲The best road trips in the UK 🏞️The most breathtaking hikes in the UK 🌤️The best places to visit in the UK

Malcolm Jack is a writer from Scotland. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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The most beautiful places in Scotland

1.  Edinburgh Old Town

Best for: Getting to the heart of Scottish urban history

Scotland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe , but for centuries people have clustered themselves so tightly into the medieval heart of Edinburgh that they literally built things on top of one another. Hugging a sloping slab of craggy volcanic rock, Edinburgh’s Old Town is a magical mystery tour through Scottish urban history, stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile down to Holyrood Palace at its foot. Among its warren of cobbled streets and narrow closes, wynds and terraces, you’ll discover traces of a subterranean city beneath a city, sudden sweeping views of the Auld Reekie skyline, and some classic hidden pubs . 

📍 Need more reasons to go to Edinburgh? Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Edinburgh Fringe . 

2.  Fingal’s Cave

Best for: Marvelling at the raw power of nature

‘The mighty surge that ebbs and swells,’ runs a line of a poem by Sir Walter Scott inspired by an 1810 visit to Fingal’s Cave on the Inner Hebridean island of Staffa, and the roar of the sea amplified by the cathedral-like enclosure. The 60-million-year-old geological wonder has inspired centuries of poetry, music, writing, painting and filmmaking. Accessible on foot over broken pillars of rock, or by boat when conditions are a bit fairer, Fingal’s Cave is an assault on the senses. Deep darkness is hit by shards of light from the sea,  kaleidoscopic colours surround you and  sound reverberates around the walls and ceiling. Nature’s symphony, you could say, happens here, when air is sucked in and blasted out of the cave by the wind and the waves, creating rumbles and booms. Yes, it’s as poetic as it sounds. 

3.  Crail Harbour

Best for: Grabbing some fresh crab

Among a string of sleepy old fishing villages and towns along the coast of Fife’s East Neuk, Crail has to be the prettiest. Thanks not least to its picture-postcard perfect harbour – a crescent of time-and-tide washed sandstone set beneath steep cliffs, sheltering a small fleet of boats and weathered fishing creels stacked along the piers. Gorgeous old stepped-gabled cottages jut out of the hillside above at severe angles. While the harbour is nowhere near as active as it was in its late 19 th century Herring boom heyday, a handful of fishing vessels still operate, landing live lobster and crab which you can buy fresh off the boat from an iconic old harbourside shack, Reilly Shellfish . 

4.  The Cairnwell Pass

Best for: Taking the high road

Stretching from Glen Shee, Perthshire past the mountain ski resort of the same name to the enchanting Victorian village of Braemar, Aberdeenshire, The Cairnwell Pass is the highest main road in the UK and the southern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. The drive up – which can also be walked or cycled if you’re feeling fit enough – is literally breathtaking; the land suddenly sweeps sharply upward, and before you know it, you’re hundreds of metres above sea level gazing back down at the glen below. The sudden feeling of transition is profound and overwhelming – a true moment of arrival to the Scottish Highlands. Coming back down at speed makes your ears pop. Truly invigorating stuff. 

5.  V&A Dundee

Best for: A glimpse of modern Scotland

The first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London has brought fascinating exhibitions on everything from video games to tartan to the City of Discovery. But you don’t even need to enter Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s dramatic jagged building, inspired by the cliff edges of eastern Scotland, to experience its impact. Juxtaposed with the famous Dundee-built arctic explorer steamship RRS Discovery moored on the Tay next door, the V&A has helped re-shape and revitalise the entire city’s entire waterfront and provides an inspiring glimpse of a Scotland that seizes its future as well as celebrates its past. Sip a summertime beer by the sea at the pop-up outdoor café and you could be anywhere from Copenhagen to New York .

6.  The Small Isles

Best for: Dolphin spotting

Almost as famous as its Highlands are Scotland’s islands , many of the most beautiful of which are to be found off the west coast among the Hebridean Archipelago. While the larger islands of Harris and Lewis, Skye and Mull might attract the most tourists, the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides – Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum – offer up something different. Our favourite? The most populous small Isle, Eigg. H ome to only around 100 people, Eigg is a fascinating experiment in community ownership and sustainable living, and it’s got a stunning beach in the Singing Sands. Rum is a National Nature Reserve, while Canna (with a population only 15) has spectacular cliffs and archaeological sites. If you’re lucky, you can spot seals, dolphins and even whales onboard the ferry there. 

7.  Loch Katrine

Best for: A legendary cruise

It might be dwarfed by the far larger Loch Ness and nearby Loch Lomond, but for an unforgettable experience on and around one of Scotland’s countless famous bodies of inland water, the legendary Loch Katrine in the Trossachs can’t be beaten. This is a mystical, atmospheric spot, completely removed from the outside world and surrounded by huge mountains. So beautiful, in fact, it inspired  Sir Walter Scott’s poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’ and Gioachino Rossini’s opera ‘ La donna del lago’ . 

Badboy hero of Scots folklore Rob Roy MacGregor was born on the loch’s northern shore, and it’s served as as reservoir to the city of Glasgow 30 miles to the south for over 150 years (the still functioning Victorian waterworks are an engineering masterpiece) . There’s still functioning Victorian waterworks to admire, and you can you can hop on a cruise ship adjacent to the  SS Sir Walter Scott steamboat (yes, there’s a bar on board). Or simply walk or cycle a paved path along the northern shore.

8.  Dunnottar Castle

Best for: The crown jewel of Scottish castles

Big ones, small ones, ruined ones, living ones – Scotland has castles to suit every requirement. More than 1,500 in total, spanning over a thousand years in age. Of course, the most beautiful is a matter of taste, but Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire near Stonehaven has to be up there. Built in the 15 th and 16 th centuries, the ruins gaze out at the North Sea from a 160-foot rocky outcrop ringed by cliffs, once the stronghold for one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Earls Marischal, until they lost their titles in the failed 1715 Jacobite rebellion. The Scottish crown jewels were famously hidden here from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17 th century, and exploring Dunnottar’s remains with panoramic sea views is a seriously romantic experience.

9.  Ben Nevis

Best for: The highest of Highland highs

If you’re going to climb a Scottish mountain, might as well make it the biggest of the lot, right? And at 4,411 feet, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Britain, and is always to be taken seriously – check the weather forecast well in advance before setting out, pack sensibly and wear strong footwear. But know that you don’t have to be a highly seasoned mountaineer to bag this Munro (as Scotland’s 282 mountains over 3,000 feet are known). It’s a relatively straightforward climb if you’re quite fit. Budget for about six to nine hours in all and set off nice and early to give yourself plenty of good daylight at the rocky summit. On a clear day, you’ll get 360° panoramic vistas stretching as far as Northern Ireland. In other words, it’s worth it. 

10.  The Flow Country

Best for: Splendid isolation

You can travel for miles across the barren far north of Scotland in Caithness and Sutherland and scarcely see another living soul or a trace of human habitation. The feeling of isolation is awe-inspiring, like a private audience with vast mountains and plains. A nd yet, the Flow Country as it’s known – the most extensive bog in the world, stretching over 1,500 square miles – will play a crucial role in the future of mankind. The soggy peatlands, formed of the remains of plants, store enormous quantities of carbon for thousands of years. Keeping them alive and healthy is essential in the fight against global warming. A decades-long quest for UNESCO World Heritage status and protection is hoped to be completed in 2024.

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The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour:  The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip:  Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip:  Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland  (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip:  It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of  St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney  with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip:  Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip:  Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

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27 Most Beautiful Places in Scotland For Your Bucket List

Scotland is a country that boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From rugged mountains to pristine beaches, there is no shortage of stunning scenery to explore. If you’re planning a trip, make sure you don’t miss out on visiting some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

We’ve travelled extensively around the country, so here are our tips for the top spots to visit.

Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Scotland

Scotland is one of the most scenic places on earth. Make time to visit some of the highlands and islands as well as the cities during your Scottish trip. You’ll be rewarded with some breathtakingly beautiful views and fantastic travel experiences.

One of the most iconic destinations in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. This rugged island is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, including the famous Cuillin mountain range and the stunning Fairy Pools. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to take in some stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye is not to be missed.

Another must-see destination in Scotland is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This expansive park is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and forests in the country, as well as a wealth of wildlife. Whether you’re looking to hike, cycle, or simply take a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of trails to explore in this stunning national park.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. There are many things to see and do in Edinburgh , from visiting historic landmarks to exploring the city’s many museums and galleries. You’ll also find fun floating hotels such as Fingal and the Four Sisters Boatel .

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just want to explore the city’s many attractions, there is something for everyone in Edinburgh. Read our suggestions of where to eat in Edinburgh if you’re planning a trip there.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city. The castle sits atop a hill in the heart of the city, and it has been a royal residence for centuries. Today, it is home to museums, exhibitions, and events, and it offers stunning views of the city below.

2. Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a historic street that runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, and it is a great place to explore on foot.

The street is home to many historic landmarks, including St Giles’ Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

3. Dean Village

Dean Village is a picturesque neighborhood located just a short walk from Edinburgh city center. The area is known for its beautiful architecture, quaint streets, and stunning views of the Water of Leith. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Fort William, Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking for stunning natural beauty, the Highlands of Scotland are an absolute must-visit. From towering mountains to serene lochs, this region is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. For hikers, nature lovers and photographers this stunning Scottish region is a must-visit.

Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, Fort William is a charming town that serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding area. With its picturesque streets and stunning views of the mountains, it’s easy to see why this town is a popular destination for visitors to the Highlands.

5. Ben Nevis

Standing at 1,345 meters (4,411 feet) tall, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Hiking to this West Higland summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

Without a doubt, Ben Nevis is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.

6. Glenfinnan Viaduct

Fans of the Harry Potter films will recognize the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct as the location of the Hogwarts Express train journey. The Jacobite steam train travels over the scenic Scottish landmark and the journey finishes in the small harbour town of Mallaig.

Even if you’re not a Potterhead, this iconic railway bridge is worth a visit for its stunning scenery.

7. Loch Ness

No trip to the Highlands would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, home of the legendary Nessie. Whether or not you believe in the Loch Ness Monster, the lake itself is a beautiful sight to behold.

Some of the best views of Loch Ness are from Suidhe Viewpoint, Urquhart Castle and Dores Beach. If you’re feeling energetic, the Loch Ness 360° Trail spans 80 miles and covers the entire circumference of the lake.

8. Glen Coe

Also known as Glencoe, this valley in Western Scotland is surrounded by towering mountains that has been featured in many films, including Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s a popular spot for hiking and photography, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in the Highlands.

Bidean Nam Bian is a mountain range located in Glen Coe. With its jagged peaks and rugged terrain, it’s a challenging but rewarding destination for experienced hikers.

9. Isle of Skye

Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Each island has its own unique charm, making them all worth visiting.

The Isle of Skye is one of the most popular destinations in Scotland. Known for its rugged landscapes and stunning scenery, the island is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature.

The island is home to many beautiful sights, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Fairy Pools, and the Cuillin Mountains. There are also some great whisky distilleries including Talisker, the only single malt distillery on the island.

10. Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

The Isle of Mull is located in the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands located off the west coast of Scotland. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture.

Mull is one of the most popular islands in Scotland, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Some of the most interesting sights on the island include the Isle of Mull Railway, the Tobermory Distillery, and the beautiful beaches of Calgary Bay.

11. Isle of Iona

The Isle of Iona is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland. The island is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Some of the most popular sights on the island include Iona Abbey, St. Oran’s Chapel, and the white sandy beaches.

12. Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands are a group of islands located off the north coast of Scotland. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. Some of the most popular islands in the Orkney Islands include Mainland, Hoy, and Rousay.

13. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and its national parks are no exception. Located just a short drive from Glasgow, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Scotland.

The park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including the famous Loch Lomond, which is the largest freshwater lake in the UK. There is also a wide range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and ospreys.

You’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy at this scenic spot in Scotland, including hiking, cycling, and water sports.

14. Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, covering an area of over 4,500 square kilometers. It boasts some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Scotland, including the Cairngorms mountain range, which is the highest in the UK.

Visitors can spot wildlife such as red squirrels, pine martens and golden eagles. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the park, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

15. Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. It is home to many beautiful places that are worth visiting.

Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo’s Cathedral, is a medieval church located in the heart of Glasgow. It is one of the oldest buildings in Glasgow, with parts of it dating back to the 12th century.

This beautiful Scottish landmark is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, with soaring arches, intricate stonework, and stunning stained glass windows.

One of the highlights of Glasgow Cathedral is the crypt, which houses the tomb of St. Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow. The crypt is a peaceful and serene space that provides a glimpse into the cathedral’s rich history.

16. Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Kelvingrove Art Gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Glasgow. It is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including works by some of the most famous artists in history.

The gallery is housed in a stunning Victorian building that was opened in 1901. It features an impressive array of exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

One of the most famous works on display at Kelvingrove is “Christ of St. John of the Cross” by iconic painter Salvador Dali. This is considered one of the greatest religious paintings of the 20th century.

In addition to its art collection, Kelvingrove also features a natural history section, which includes exhibits on animals, plants, and geology. The museum is a great place to learn about the natural world and the history of Glasgow.

17. Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is a historic fortress that sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Stirling. The castle has played an important role in Scottish history, and it was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn.

Today, visitors can tour the ancient castle and learn about its history. Stay nearby at stunning Cromlix House Hotel for a relaxing getaway.

18. St Andrews

St Andrews is a charming coastal town that is famous for its golf courses and its university. The town is also home to several historic sites, including the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.

Take time to explore the town’s narrow streets and enjoy the stunning views of the North Sea.

19. Bow Fiddle Rock

Bow Fiddle Rock is a natural rock formation that is located on the coast of Moray , and one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. The rock gets its name from its shape, which resembles a violin bow. Visitors can enjoy the sweeping views of the rock and the surrounding coastline.

20. Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined fortress that sits atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea. The castle has a rich history and was the site of several important events, including the imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots.

A tour of the castle will give you insights into its fascinating history. From the top, you have the most stunning coastline views.

21. River Clyde

The River Clyde is a major river that flows through Glasgow and into the Firth of Clyde. The river is an important part of Glasgow’s history, and visitors can take a boat tour to learn about the city’s industrial past.

22. Loch Ken

Loch Ken is a freshwater loch that is located in Dumfries and Galloway. The loch is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.

23. Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

The Isle of Lewis is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides and is home to many beautiful sights, including the Callanish Stones, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, and the beautiful beaches of Uig.

Eoligarry Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that is located on the Isle of Barra. The beach is surrounded by stunning scenery, and visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, surfing, and kayaking.

24. Isle of Harris

The Isle of Harris is known for its stunning beaches and rugged landscapes. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, including Luskentyre Beach, Scarista Beach and Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands.

The latter is known for its crystal-clear waters and its stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, surfing, and kayaking.

25. Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor is an expanse of around 50 square miles of moorland in the Highlands of Scotland. It is located to the west of Loch Rannoch.

The moor has a bleak, remote beauty and is popular with hikers and climbers, especially in summer. Virtually uninhabited, it provides an important habitat for wildlife including red deer, grouse, golden eagles and hen harriers.

Rannoch Moor featured in the Harry Potter film Deathly Hallows Part 1 as the location where the Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express. The moor has also inspired many artists and writers with its wild, melancholy landscape.

26. Loch Shiel

Another Harry Potter filming location is Loch Shiel, which features as the Black Lake in the Prisoner of Azkaban. With its glistening waters reflecting the rugged mountains around it, this unspoiled beauty is a picture-perfect Highland loch.

This beautiful loch stretches over 20 miles, ringed by scenic woodlands and the imposing peaks of Glenfinnan to the east. The striking sight of the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the loch’s head has made it a great place to visit

27. Eilean Donan Castle

This picturesque castle is located on a small tidal island where three lochs meet – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh – in the western Highlands of Scotland. An iconic Scottish landmark, Eilean Donan was established in the 13th century as a defensive stronghold for the Mackenzies and other clans.

Today Eilean Donan is one of the most recognized castles in Scotland and a hugely popular tourist attraction, drawing over 300,000 visitors a year.

It is renowned for its picturesque location on an island linked to the mainland by a stone arched bridge. The castle has featured in several films including Highlander and James Bond: The World is Not Enough.

Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Places in Scotland

Overall, Scotland is home to many beautiful locations that are worth visiting. In addition to the popular tourist destinations, there are also some lesser-known areas that are equally stunning. You’ll be spoilt for choice when planning a trip to Scotland.

• Edinburgh Boatel – A Floating Scottish Hotel

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The most beautiful places in Scotland

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 26.04.2024

Awe-inspiring glens, castle-topped crags, and culture-rich cities — it’s clear why Scotland  is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. But with such variety, deciding where to go in Scotland isn’t easy. So we asked you to share your insights in our “where's the most beautiful place in Scotland?” survey.

• 10. Orkney - one of the northeastern coast's most beautiful places in Scotland

9. Pitlochry – in the heart of Scotland

• 8. Bealach na Bà – in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands
• 7. Glen Coe – a village in western Scotland

6. Isle of Iona – a small island in the inner Hebrides

• 5. Loch Lomond – a lake in southern Scotland
• 4. Glenfinnan – a hamlet in the Lochaber area of the Highlands
• 3. Isle of Harris – the southern part of a Scottish Hebridean island
• 2. Edinburgh – Scotland's compact, hilly capital
• 1. Isle of Skye – our readers' most beautiful place in Scotland

With the results now in, read on to discover the ten most beautiful places in Scotland, as voted by Rough Guides readers in 2022. It'll also arm you with tips on where to find the best accommodation, whether you're looking to discover  7 must-visit places in Scotland you've probably never heard of or are in the market for 7 uniquely Scottish experiences . There's a reason Scotland was included in our round-up of amazing traditional dress around the world.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Scotland, created by local experts

20 days  / from 2994 USD

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

6 days  / from 613 USD

Festive Feelings around Christmas in Scotland

Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of the Scottish Highlands! Lovely Christmas Markets and winter festivals await visitors during the winter months, but this itinerary can also be turned into a summer festival hop!

11 days  / from 1070 USD

Scotland's Wildest Natural Scenery

Want to lose yourself in Scotland's wildest natural scenery? This itinerary is a breath of fresh air and perfect to explore the most enchanting landscapes of the Highlands. It will allow you to get to know the wildest landscapes of Scotland, its fast-paced history and its amazing traditions.

10. Orkney - one of the northeastern coast's most beautiful places in Scotland

What you love:  “the lovely beaches and open scenery” .

Rich in mystery-shrouded Stone Age sites,  Orkney  is a veritable living museum. The four sites that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney near Stromness were awarded World Heritage status in 1999. Stromness also happens to be one of the  30 best seaside towns UK . 

The ancient settlement of Skara Brae is a must-visit. Stunningly sited by the sweeping curve of the Bay of Skaill, the remains of this 5000-year-old fishing and farming village are astoundingly well-preserved, and especially beautiful on bright days.

Then there’s the Ring of Brodgar, the monumental Stones of Stenness, and the nearby  Maes Howe burial site . Arguably Europe’s most impressive burial chamber complex, Maes Howe’s most extraordinary feature is the way the tomb aligns with the winter solstice sun. That and the runic graffiti left by the Vikings back in the 12th century.  

Alongside loving Orkney’s spectacular scenery and historic attractions, you also mentioned its excellent opportunities for outdoor adventuring, with one respondent declaring Orkney to have “some of Scotland's best walking routes”. If hikes are your thing, you’ll want to discover  10 great places to go walking in Scotland . 

Where to stay in Orkney

• For cosy stays : The Stromness Hotel by Paymán Club is a comfortable 3-star hotel only a short drive from the Ring of Brogdar and Standing Stones of Stenness.
• For scenic stays : Merkister Hotel sit on the shores of Harray Loch. Family-run for over 30 years it's home to an award winning restaurant and guests can fish off the hotel pier.
• For family stays : Standing Stones Hotel in Stromness features a restaurant, bar and large, scenic garden. Good sized family rooms are available as well as a range of spacious doubles.

Find more accommodation options in Orkney

What to do in Orkney

If you're staying in Inverness a  3-day guided tour to Orkney is one of the best ways to explore this fascinating and mysterious area of Scotland.  

Orkney's spectacular Skara Brae settlement © LouieLea/Shutterstock

Start planning your unforgettable trip to Scotland today! Simply get in touch with our local experts who will tailor a unique Scottish itinerary to suit all your wishes.

What you love:  “the wild forests and rivers” 

Located in the spectacular Highlands of  Perthshire , it’s clear to see why the peaceful, picturesque town of Pitlochry made it into your top ten most beautiful places in Scotland.

Pitlochry is certainly one the best places in Scotland for foodies — think distilleries, pubs, restaurants and tearooms — with easy access to a host of rewarding walks and  exhilarating outdoor activities . 

After visiting and sampling the wares of one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, Blair Athol Distillery, head to Queen’s View for a variety of woodland walks and (you guessed it) excellent views over Loch Tummel. 

Lovers of the glorious outdoors will also want to explore Ben Vrackie (“speckled mountain”), with its 841m summit providing a splendid backdrop to town, and its peak offering fine views of the Beinn a Ghlo range to the north. 

Looking for more pulse-quickening experiences? Go gorge-jumping at Killiecrankie Gorge, which also happens to be the site of one of the bloodiest battles of Jacobean history. Meanwhile, mountain biking, canyoning, quad-biking and white-water rafting adventures await in the countryside around nearby Aberfeldy. 

Considering a holiday in the  Highlands  with kids? Read about 7 things every family must do in the Scottish Highlands . 

• For secluded stays :  Pine Trees is a 4-star Victorian mansion set in 10 acres of lush gardens and woodland, it also specialises in Scottish cuisine and features log fires.
• For luxury stays : Fonab Castle Hotel is a refurbished Highland castle offering luxurious rooms with large bathrooms, as well as scenic views, mature gardens and two restaurants.
• For budget stays : Pitlochry Backpackers is based in a former hotel and offers dorms, twin and double rooms, a self-catering kitchen, communal lounge, bike storage and a drying room.

Find more places to stay in Perthshire .

What to do in Pitlochry

To make the most of your journey, try a  Highlands tour from Edinburgh  that takes in Fort William and Loch Ness en route to pretty Pitlochry.

Loch Tummel and Tay Forest Park as seen from Queen's View © grafxart/Shutterstock

8. Bealach na Bà – in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands

What you love:  “the rustic, remote beauty” .

Bealach na Bà ("Pass of the Cattle") is a bona fide bucket-list beauty spot. An exhilarating rollercoaster of a road that connects Torridon to Applecross. In fact, its epic nature earned it a spot in our feature on the  world’s most extreme drives , and our overview of the  best road-trips in the UK .  

While Applecross may sound like a  pretty Cotswold village , its name is a corruption of the Gaelic for “estuary”— Apor Crosan. What’s more, driving Bealach na Bà is certainly no walk in an English country garden.

This former drovers’ route has a 20 percent gradient and countless hair-raising hairpins that make for a thrilling ride while offering jaw-dropping views over to Skye (more on that later). 

If that’s sparked your interest in finding the freedom of the open road, discover more  fantastic Scottish road-trips , and read the  Rough Guide to the North Coast 500.  Bealach na Bà is part of this 516-mile route that takes in everything from stunning coastal scenery and expansive sandy beaches, to rugged mountains and remote villages. 

Talking of which, if it’s seclusion you’re after, check out our guide to the  most spectacular remote places in Scotland . Alternatively, if adventure is on your mind, Scotland happens to feature in our overview of where to go for a serious adventure in some of the world’s wildest places. 

Where to stay in Wester Ross

• For active stays :  Hartfield House Hostel offers pet-friendly accommodation in Applecross with extensive grounds and covered space for bikes, ideal for cyclists and walkers.
• For budget stays : The Bunkhouse in Applecross offers a choice of single rooms and small dorms and features a shared kitchen and lounge in a scenic, rural location.
• For scenic stays : Applecross B&B features a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace all rooms have private bathrooms with shower and breakfast is full English/Irish or vegetarian.

Explore more places to stay in the Highlands .

What to do in Wester Ross

If you're in Inverness and short on time, take an  Inverness day trip  to discover the wonderful wildness of Torridon, Bealach na Bà, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle.

The breathtaking hairpin bends of Bealach na Bà, Scotland © Jaroslav Sekeres/Shutterstock

7. Glen Coe – a village in western Scotland

What you love:  “the scenery is spectacular and it feels like home” .

Quite simply,  Glen Coe  is “just magnificent”, as one of our respondents enthused, while another of you celebrated its capacity to “take you back to times gone by”. 

Sixteen miles south of  Fort William, Glen Coe (“Valley of Weeping”) serves up breathtakingly beautiful views of a mountain valley tucked between cloud-shrouded, conical peaks. The epic nature of the landscape also matches its dramatic clan history.

This is the perfect destination for ramblers and hikers of all abilities, with the half-day hike over the Devil’s Staircase especially recommended. Part of the West Highland Way, this spectacular trail starts in the village of Kinlochleven. Follow the thistle signs up to the 1804ft pass before ambling down into Glen Coe. 

The awe-inspiring Allt Coire Gabhail hike also affords plenty of opportunities to see exactly why Rough Guides readers voted Glen Coe one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

The hiking route begins opposite the Three Sisters massif and leads walkers into the Lost Valley. Prepared to be stirred by views of the upper slopes of Bidean nan Bian, Gearr Aonach and Beinn Fhada.

Where to stay in Glen Coe

• For grand stays : near Fort William,  Glencoe House offers suites in a stately mansion house where you occupy your own wing and enjoy panoramic loch and mountain vistas.
• For authentic stays : Clachaig Inn is the liveliest and best known hotel in Glen Coe, expect cask-conditioned ales and heaped platefuls of food and comfy en-suite rooms.
• For lochside stays : The Isles of Glencoe Hotel sits on a peninsula in Loch Leven at the foot of Glencoe. The hotel offers spacious rooms with breathtaking loch and mountain views.

Find more accommodation near Glen Coe .

What to do in Glen Coe

If you're based in Edinburgh and want to explore this world famous area of Scotland, book a  day trip that takes-in Loch Ness and Glen Coe .

The brooding River Etive in Rannoch Moor near Glen Coe © Shutterstock

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What you love:  “it talks to the soul” 

Located less than a mile off the  Isle of Mull , with a population of 177, if there’s one word that sums up your feelings about the  Isle of Iona , that word is “soulfulness”.  

At just three miles long and a little over a mile wide, it’s been a petite pocket of pilgrimage for centuries. As one of you remarked, the island’s “rich spiritual history set amongst such wild natural beauty leads to a visit that speaks to all five senses on a soul-level”. 

While most visitors come for a day-trip, to truly experience the tranquillity of the Isle of Iona, consider overnighting. It’s home to a host of historic sites, among them Iona Abbey and Dunbhuirg Iron Age fort.

Iona is also blessed with beautiful walks and a stunning coastline, with one of our respondents waxing lyrical about the “turquoise sea and white beaches”. 

Interested in other destinations with spiritual depth? Read our run-down of places to experience  awe-inspiring religious ceremonies . And, if you’re seeking the ultimate secluded experience, arm yourselves with our  tips for surviving solo travel .

Where to stay in Iona 

• For scenic stays :  Iona Pods feature mountain views, 10-minute walk to beaches. The pods are set on a working croft and complimentary WiFi is provided throughout.
• For family stays : St Columba Hotel is set in large gardens in Iona, it offers a restaurant and bar, as well as a range of family rooms and concierge service for guests.
• For cosy stays : Ardoran House is close to Iona Ferry Terminal and features a sun terrace and a private beach area. Iona Abbey is a pretty and easy walk from the guest house.

Discover more places to stay in the Inner Hebrides .

What to do in Iona 

Spend some dedicated time exploring the best of Scotland’s West Highlands with local guides on a  four-day tour of Mull and Iona . 

The Isle of Iona is a calm and colourful charmer © yvonnestewarthenderson/Shutterstock

5. Loch Lomond – a lake in southern Scotland

What you love:  “the combination of water, mountains, islands and woodland”.

At 23 miles long and up to five miles wide,  Loch Lomond  is Britain’s largest stretch of water. It also presents the very epitome of Scotland’s scenic majesty, as immortalised in the ballad that describes its “bonnie, bonnie banks”. In fact, one of you pointed out that “its banks are called bonnie for a reason”. 

Designated Scotland’s first national park back in 2002, the  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park  stretch from the lochs of the Clyde Estuary to Loch Tay in Perthshire, with Loch Lomond at its heart. 

While the western edge of the loch can become packed with day-tripping coach tours from  Glasgow , the eastern side has an altogether more pastoral feel — think wooden ferryboats, and tree-shrouded islands, with excellent opportunities to walk or take a serene boat trip. 

That said, since you happen to be in the general neighbourhoon, a visit to Loch Lomond is a good excuse to discover Scotland's city of cool: why Glasgow should be your next weekend break with more travel tips from our  insider’s guide to Glasgow . 

Where to stay in Loch Lomond

• For luxury stays : five-star Cameron House in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park offers luxurious en suite bedrooms, a golf course, rooftop infinity pool and four restaurants.
• For independent stays : The Coachouse is close to Balloch Castle Country Park and features fully-equipped self-catering units with kitchens, lounge areas and private bathrooms.
• For family stays : Loch Lomond Luxury Lodges in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park offers 1,2 or 3 bedroom lodges with hot tubs, saunas and spa baths.

Find more places to stay near Loch Lomond .

What to do in Loch Lomond

One of the most magical ways to explore Loch Lomond is to take a cruise with views set sail on an island discovery tour around Scotland's most famous loch.

Lovely Loch Lomond, Scotland © Shutterstock

4. Glenfinnan – a hamlet in the Lochaber area of the Highlands

What you love:  “i'm not sure i have the words, it's just so beautiful".

Spectacularly sited at the head of Loch Shiel, respondents praised the sleepy village of Glenfinnan for its “peace, beauty, landscape and diversity”, with many of you highlighting the viaduct and steam train.  

Traversed by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, travellers of all ages will delight in taking a trip across the elegant, multi-arched bridge. 

During the summer, a Jacobite steam train runs from Glenfinnan to Fort William and Mallaig, with conventional trains running the rest of the year. There’s a reason this route was included in our round-up of  unforgettable train journeys . If it’s old-world charm you’re after, discover more Britain's top five steam railways .

Alongside the viaduct, visitors are drawn to Glenfinnan for the walks and history. It was here in 1745 that Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied forces before the ill-fated march on London, with the Glenfinnan Monument marking the exact spot he raised his battle standard. 

One of Scotland’s most iconic structures, this 60ft column crowned with a Highland clansman in full battle dress occupies a beautiful, brooding spot at the head of the loch, best appreciated from a viewpoint behind the Visitor Centre.  

Where to stay in Glenfinnan

• For family stays : Prince’s House offers spacious rooms with en suite bathroom, as well as family rooms. The hotel restaurant is excellent and several rooms enjoy mountain views.
• Best for walkers: The Armoury villa .

Find more places to stay in the Highlands .

The Rough Guides to Scotland and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

What to do in Glenfinnan

While you won’t want to miss  boarding the Hogwarts Express , history buffs might want to consider booking a  4-day Outlander Trail from Edinburgh .

Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct — one of your deserving most beautiful places in Scotland © Nick Fox/Shutterstock

3. Isle of Harris – the southern part of a Scottish Hebridean island

What you love:  “atmospheric and wonderfully restoring, it’s a total balm”.

Part of the  Western Isles , you adored the Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh, from the old Norse for “high land”) for being “tranquil, beautiful, and full of fond memories”, and for its “beyond spectacular” beaches.

In actual fact, the Isle of Harris is connected to Lewis, with the “division” deriving from a historical split in the MacLeod clan. Harris is hillier than low-lying Lewis, with boulder-dappled slopes descending to dazzling white sands and azure waters that make it one of the best islands in Scotland .

Sheltered in a green valley on the narrow isthmus, charming Tarbet is Harris’ largest settlement. The port’s mountainous backdrop is breathtaking, with the town itself attractively laid out on steep terraces. North Harris is especially spectacular, with bulging, pyramidal mountains of gneiss looming over fjord-like Loch Seaforth.

Meanwhile, though the scenery of South Harris is less dramatic, it’s another stunning area, with its west coast boasting some of the finest stretches of golden sand in the Western Isles, which is really saying something. It's also a big reason Harris was one of your most beautiful places in Scotland.

Where to stay: 

• Best for loch views:   Ceol na Mara Guest House . 
• Best for scenic seclusion: Finsbay Lodges .

Find more places to stay on the Isle of Harris .

What to do:

Want to blend a city break with exploring the best of the Western Isles? Take a  multi-day trip from Edinburgh  or  Inverness .

Beautiful beaches abound on the Isle of Harris, bagging it a spot in your most beautiful places in Scotland © Shutterstock

2. Edinburgh – Scotland's compact, hilly capital

What you love: “the craggy castle looming over the city, the sweeping views from arthur's seat, the heritage and culture".

Robert Burns described  Edinburgh  as “Scotia’s darling seat”, Walter Scott called it “mine own romantic town”, and you hailed it "an absolute stunner”. 

Part-built on Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano with a jawbone of crags so striking it almost puts  Edinburgh’s showpiece castle  in the shade, Scotland’s capital is something of a living fairy-tale. Its cobbled wynds wind from the Royal Mile in the  Old Town  into an old New Town that served as the grid blueprint for Manhattan.

But it’s not all about the past, Edinburgh is a hotbed of art and culture, with a thriving food scene that showcases Scotland’s best  eating and drinking  options. It's one of our  30 best places to go with kids as well, and one of the best UK city break destinations .

Where to stay:

• Best for atmospheric indulgence: The Witchery by the Castle .
• Best for boutique beauty: Tigerlily .

Read our guide to Edinburgh accommodation and find more places to stay in Edinburgh .

From going underground in  Old Town’s spooky vaults , to heading off on a  Harry Potter tour , Edinburgh isn’t short of rewarding activities for all ages and tastes. Talking of which, this  History of Whiskey storytelling and tasting tour  comes highly recommended.

Edinburgh's stunning cityscape from Arthur's Seat © S-F/Shutterstock

1. Isle of Skye – our readers' most beautiful place in Scotland

What you love:  “fabulous scenery, hidden lochs, rugged coastline, gorgeous towns, beautiful people” .

With over 18% of votes, the  Isle of Skye  is your number one most beautiful place in Scotland, drawing enthusiasm for its “vast wilderness and scenery”, and for being so darn “beautiful and wild”. What’s more, our experts selected the Isle of Skye as one of the best places on earth for 2022. 

Though featured in our round-up of the  best UK places to visit in spring  due to this being the perfect time to appreciate its budding natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is a divine year-round destination. Indeed, a number of you remarked on its varied “scenery and changing weather” throughout the year. 

With its mysterious moors, mountains, cliffs and lochs, Skye is the perfect place to be astounded by nature — there’s a reason it earned a place in our gallery of the world’s best sunset spots . 

It’s a place of enchantment, too, as seen in the Fairy Glen’s landscape of emerald valleys, miniature mountains and babbling brooks, and at the Fairy Pools. Not only are these breathtakingly beautiful, but they’re also one of the  best places in Britain for wild swimming

If you fancy exploring the isle of Skye alongside visiting Loch Ness and Edinburgh, our  tailor-made Highland Tour  might be of interest. Curated by a local expert, it can be fully customised. 

For more information, see our comprehensive guidebook to the  Scottish highlands and islands . You might also want to look at a guide to the best Scottish islands . 

• Best for beach lovers: The Beach House .
• Best for family comfort: self-catering Rowan Cottage .

Find more places to stay on the Isle of Skye.

Book a full-day Best of Skye tour  from Portree to explore the Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Glen.  

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye - your vote for the most beautiful place in Scotland - © orxy/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Scotland ? Check out the Rough Guide to Scotland . If you travel further in Portugal read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit . For inspiration speak to our local experts . A bit more hands on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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19 beautiful places to visit in Scotland (best things to see & do)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2023

If you are struggling to choose destinations for your Scottish travel itinerary this article will be a good place to start. While it is extremely difficult to just choose 19 of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland (this list could be very long!) these are my top picks!

Consider this post as an overview of some of the best places to visit in Scotland. You will also find links to more detailed posts that you can click through to help you plan your visit once you have firmed up your general travel itinerary.

Need help starting the planning process? Check out my complete guide to planning your trip which includes the step-by-step process we go through when we plan our own travels.

1. Edinburgh

2. the kelpies, 3. isle of skye, 4. the scottish highlands, 5. speyside whisky tour, 6. the west highland line – glasgow to fort william and the glenfinnan viaduct , 7. the orkneys, 8. loch ness and castle urquhart, 9. loch lomond and the trossachs national park, 10. stirling castle, 11. glasgow.

• 12. Scotland's islands

13. Drive the North Coast 500

14. st andrews, 15. cairngorms, 16. aberdeen, 17. balmoral castle, 18. pitlochry, 19. glen etive (skyfall drive), fast facts – scotland.

• FAQ's planning your visit to Scotland

When is the best time of year to visit Scotland?

What should i pack for scotland, is it expensive to visit scotland, 19 beautiful places to visit in scotland.

Scotland is divided into a number of geographical regions which include the Highlands, the Borders, Stirling & The Trossachs, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Fife, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, Perthshire and the island groups of Orkney, the Shetland Islands and the Hebrides (the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides)

At the end of the article, you will find a map showing the regions and the location of every place and sight recommended to help you plan your Scotland sightseeing itinerary.

For many visitors to the UK, a trip to Edinburgh is a must-see in their itinerary. The Scottish capital has much to offer and is the perfect starting point for further exploration into Scotland (or into Northumberland in the North East of England ).

I recommend that you include a visit to Edinburgh Castle , stroll the Royal Mile, do a little shopping on Princes Street, enjoy the colourful botanical gardens and soak in the Scottish culture and history.

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and deserve at least a day or two to explore and discover.

You can read more in my complete guide to visiting Edinburgh which includes itineraries, what to do and see and where to stay plus my guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh .

Edinburgh is also the perfect departure point for some of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK too.

Read more | 25 things to do and see in Edinburgh Scotland

A number of years ago I remember seeing a TV show in the UK which showcased 2 stunning horse head structures.

Standing at over 30 metres high and lit against the dark of night they were probably one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen and I knew I had to go and see them.

And if you are heading to Scotland I highly recommend going to see them for yourself.

What exactly are Kelpies? Well according to Scottish folklore Kelpies are mythical creatures reputed to take the form of horses.

This stunning homage to the working horses of Scotland can be found in The Helix Park in Falkirk a short train ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Read more | A guide to visiting “The Kelpies”

A popular destination made even more famous following the success of the TV series “Outlander” the Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides . 

With stunning scenery and landscapes, Skye is a nature lovers paradise. Don’t miss the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr and a photo opportunity with some Highland cattle!

To reach the Isle of Skye you have a number of options.

• If you prefer public transport take the train to the Kyle of Lochalsh then a bus over to Skye.
• Alternatively hire a car and include Skye in your Scottish road trip itinerary.
• Or if you prefer there are tours to Skye available from Edinburgh (multi-day) or Inverness (one day)

Read more – Isle of Skye Travel Guide | A one-day itinerary for the Isle of Skye 

Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort William, Aviemore, the Cairngorms National Park, Mallaig, Culloden, Wick….the list of what to see and places to visit in the Scottish Highlands is long.

In fact, I could easily put together an extensive bucket list for the Highlands alone so along with some of the highlights (Skye, Urquhart Castle , the Glenfinnan Viaduct ) I am placing the entire area into this list.

If you are planning to visit Scotland a trip to the Highlands should be on your itinerary. If you are pushed for time take a tour for a couple of days to see the highlights or if you have longer plan a car trip or rail journey.

If you are a Harry Potter fan we highly recommend booking the Jacobite train from Fort William to Mallaig (or Hogwarts) – read more about how to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland.

We have travelled extensively throughout Scotland by train and will be publishing some recommended train travel itineraries for Scotland in the near future.

Read more | Scottish Highlands Travel Guide / Inverness Travel Guide

If you enjoy malt whisky a tour of the Speyside distilleries is a must. Speyside is only one of the 5 whisky-making regions in Scotland but it is home to 50 distilleries (over half of Scotland’s distilleries) and the famous Speyside Malt Whisky Trail . 

Famous whisky distilleries in Speyside include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Dalwhinnie.

The trail takes 3 days but if you want to relax and enjoy the whisky a guided tour is your best option.

Read more | Speyside Malt Whisky Trail

One of the most scenic train rides in the UK is the West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William.

Catch the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig (often described as the best train journey in the world) and cross the Glenfinnan viaduct made famous worldwide after appearing in a number of Harry Potter films .

TIP – If you plan to book the Jacobite (which only runs during the summer months) it is essential to do this as early as possible as it can be fully booked for months ahead. 

Alternatively, many tours of Scotland include the Jacobite train ride such as this 9-day tour of Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye from London.

Read more | How to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland

The Orkneys are an island archipelago located off the northeastern shores of Scotland. Consisting of over 70 islands with Orkney Mainland, Rousay and Hoy the most visited The Orkneys are a fabulous destination during the summer months.

Famous for seals, puffins and Neolithic sites the island’s highlights include Scapa Flow, the Old Man of Hoy and Skara Brae.

Take a road trip to the Orkneys or alternatively fly into Kirkwall with Loganair from any of the main Scottish airports. 

It is also possible to travel to the Orkneys via train and bus with connections to ferry services to the islands.

Read more | A guide to Scotland’s islands | Things to do on Mainland Orkney

Related reading – Top 21 landmarks to see in England!

Situated 21 km south of Inverness don’t miss beautiful Loch Ness. Take a drive around the loch and stop off along the way to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Castle Urquhart , once Scotland’s largest castle stands on the banks of Loch Ness and is a must for any visitor. 

Alternatively, why not take a cruise along the Loch?

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the most famous alleged resident of Loch Ness – Nessie!

Read more | Loch Ness cruise

Located in southern Scotland Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park offer visitors a combination of stunning scenery and picturesque villages.

Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Britain and inspired Sir Walter Scott’s famous work “The Lady of the Lake” Take an unforgettable boat trip across the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the area often called the mini Highlands.

The Trossachs is the area east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling and is the perfect destination for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are within easy reach of Edinburgh and Glasgow for a day trip by car, train, bus or even seaplane or alternatively choose from a selection of small group day tours from Rabbie’s Tours or Get Your Guide.

Read more | Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles. Associated with Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce the castle has played an important role in Scottish history and independence.

A great day out for kids too with lots of activities available to keep them busy (and learning) including dressing in period costumes and playing medieval instruments!

Head to the Unicorn Cafe for refreshments and a stunning view from the rooftop terrace.

Read more | 18 Scottish Castles to visit

While Edinburgh may be the Scottish city on everyone’s itinerary Glasgow (only 50 minutes away by train or an hour by car) is also worthy of consideration.

If you have an interest in architecture and culture you will find Glasgow has much to offer. The Scottish Opera, National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet are located in the city.

Architecture designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the art nouveau style can be found across the city. Art Galleries and museums to investigate include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum.

If street art is more your thing try this street art walking tour of Glasgow instead! You will find as you read this list that Glasgow is not the last of the cities to visit in Scotland either!

Read more | Glasgow Travel Guide | Glasgow Itinerary | Where to stay in Glasgow | Best day trip from Glasgow

12. Scotland’s islands

I have already mentioned the Orkney Islands and the Isle of Skye (which is part of the Inner Hebrides) but there are lots of beautiful islands (more than 790) in Scotland to visit.

The islands mainly consist of 4 groups – the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides which is split into the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The most popular islands for visitors are

• Skye (Inner Hebrides)
• Lewis and Harris (Outer Hebrides)
• Stronsay (Orkney)
• Islay (Inner Hebrides)
• Iona (Inner Hebrides)
• Mull (Inner Hebrides)

Read more | A guide to island hopping in Scotland

There are many famous road trips to take in the world and Scotland is no different. If you want to tour the north Highlands the route to take is the NC500 or North Coast 500 which starts and ends at Inverness Castle.

The 516-mile route has been named one of the top coastal routes in the world though has prompted criticism from some due to the environmental impact.

Listen to our podcasts about Far North Scotland | Episode 10 | Episodes 35 , 36 and 42 with North Coast Explorer Tours

The home of golf, St Andrews is the favourite destination for golfers from around the world. With lots of golf courses to choose from including the famous Old Course at St Andrew’s golfers really are spoilt for choice.

With beautiful architecture and a setting along the coast of Fife there is more to St Andrews than just golf!

Take a food tour, visit the St Andrews Museum or Castle or Cathedral. Go ghost hunting! Whatever you choose there is plenty to do and see at St Andrews even for those for whom golf is not a passion.

Read more | St Andrews Travel Guide

Situated in northeast Scotland the Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and water sports in stunning surroundings. Nature lovers can spot deer, squirrels and abundant birdlife.

Don’t miss the Highland Games held throughout the summer months.

Read more | Things to do in the Cairngorms

The Granite City as Aberdeen is also known (due to the abundance of granite that is quarried locally) is located in the north east of Scotland and is the third most populated city.

With more castles per acre than even Northumberland in England Aberdeenshire is a must for castle lovers.

Follow Scotland’s castle trail to discover 19 of the most impressive including Crathes Castle, Castle Fraser, Fyvie Castle and Braemar Castle.

Read more | A food and walking tour of Aberdeen

Balmoral is one of the favourite residences of the Queen and has belonged to the Royal Family since 1852 when it was purchased by Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert.

The gardens are open to the public between April and the end of July. In August the Queen arrives for her annual holidays (this is a good time to visit Buckingham Palace if you are in London ) and the gardens are then shut to the public.

Read more | Visit Balmoral on a day trip from Aberdeen

Pitlochry is located in the heart of Scotland and is a popular holiday destination all year round.

Attend a Highland Night and enjoy an evening with traditional Scottish entertainment including dancing and a pipe band.

The evenings run from the end of May until the beginning of September every Monday.

Read more | Things to do in Pitlochry

If you have seen James Bond in Skyfall you will have seen the part of the movie when he drives to his childhood home in the Scottish Highlands.

That drive was filmed at Glen Etive near Glencoe and was one of the highlights of our recent trip (January 2020)

If you are planning a road trip through Scotland taking this drive is an easy add on (if you are heading up to Fort William/ Glenfinnan/Isle of Skye)

In fact we did the trip as part of a short 4-day visit to Scotland in winter. You can read our itinerary (coming soon) which also included a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Fort William.

Read more | Visiting Glencoe in the West Highlands

• WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit Scotland

• WHERE TO STAY : Click here to find the best accommodation in Scotland
• WHAT TOURS TO BOOK : Click here for recommended tours of Scotland
• WHAT TO EAT/DRINK – Haggis, Potato cakes, Deep fried Mars bar, Neeps and tatties, Oat cakes, Porridge with salt, Irn Bru, Whisky.

• PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness
• WHAT TO PACK – The weather can be unpredictable along the coast even in summer so always carry a waterproof jacket (and I recommend an umbrella) See my packing list
• The currency in Scotland is £ (Pound Stirling) but there are Scottish versions of the notes. Although these are legal tender in the rest of the UK you rarely see them south of the border.

Planning your Scottish itinerary

Faq’s planning your visit to scotland.

Scotland is beautiful all year round. Temperatures really drop in winter and snow is not uncommon. Avoid Edinburgh in August unless you are visiting specifically for the festival.

Read more – Month by month guide to visiting the UK

This of course will depend at what time of year you decide to visit. I would always recommend a good pair of walking shoes or boots, a raincoat and if visiting in summer bug spray!

Read more – Seasonal packing lists for Scotland

Scotland is not a cheap country to visit but you will find accommodation options to suit all budgets. I recommend booking ahead especially during peak tourist seasons.

Edinburgh is expensive as it is a popular destination year-round (avoid August and New Year’s Eve if you are on a budget)

Read more – 15 top travel tips for visiting Scotland

I am sure you will have loads of ideas for your travels around Scotland after reading this post.

Once you have narrowed down the areas you want to visit and chosen the best things to do in Scotland to suit your interests and needs the next thing to do is start planning that itinerary!

Don’t miss my accommodation guide for Scotland which includes some fabulous places to stay – including in a Scottish castle !

If you are planning a trip to other countries in the UK why not join my free UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat to other travellers in various stages of the planning process too! It is a great place to ask questions and hear about others experiences.

If you have specific questions about a destination in the UK why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat with others planning their trip.

Join my UK and London travel planning group on Facebook for more tips, inspiration and help from other travelers planning future travel to London and the UK.

Recommended Reading

Find more inspiration for your travels in my Scotland Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

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Europe , Scotland , Travel

The most beautiful places in scotland.

You may think of bagpipes and haggis when you hear Scotland, but Scotland is also known for it’s amazing natural beauty and adorable villages. I lived in Scotland with my grandma as a girl, and was lucky enough to spend time exploring the country and soaking up all its beauty! It’s such a magical country that your eyes can hurt from seeing it all!

Between the ancient cities and the countryside of Scotland, you’re spoiled with stunning scenery! From national parks like Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to the medieval city of Edinburgh, Scotland has endless stunning sights.

Let’s not forget about the most beautiful places in Scotland up in the Highlands and on the 93 inhabited islands! Scotland boasts over 30,000 lakes, over 1,500 castles, and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which all seem like must-sees when visiting Scotland. Keep these in mind when planning your Scotland itinerary.

But don’t feel overwhelmed about missing the most breathtaking views during your trip to Scotland! This guide covers all of the scenic Scotland destinations from its unspoiled beauty in remote parts of the country to the most picturesque towns and cities so you can choose which you want to visit.

Witness the magic of Scotland’s rugged, natural beauty and historical sights during your next vacation to the most bonnie part of the British Isles!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews & blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Scotland:

Get an easy scotland itinerary.

Our favorite hotels in Scotland

• Castle Hotel : Crossbasket Castle
• Edinburgh Hotel : Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
• Inverness Hotel : Kingsmills Hotel
• Isle of Skye Hotel : Skeabost House

Our favorite tours in Scotland

• Isle of Skye Tour
• Highlands Tour
• Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Scotland use code WANDERLUST for $25 off

Renting a Car in Scotland

If you want to see authentic Scotland, I recommend you drive yourself. If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use:  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars.  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Most visitors spend at least two or three days in the Scottish capital on a first-time trip, and so should you! Because Edinburgh Castle is one of the best places where to visit in Scotland for incredible views.

This 11th-century castle sits on a dormant volcanic rock and is an iconic part of Edinburgh’s skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels as well as the National War Museum. Visit in the early afternoon for the one o’clock gun, a tradition that dates back to 1861.

Head to the Vennel, a stepped alley just off Grassmarket, for one of the most photogenic castle views. But the views from the castle across Princes Street are just as beautiful as the castle itself!

2. Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands

Ask any Scotsperson about the most beautiful sights in Scotland and, without fail, they will mention Glen Coe. Located just south of Fort William, Glen Coe is a valley enclosed by dramatic mountains streaming with waterfalls down its jagged rock.

Glen Coe is a visual treat with ten miles worth of jaw-dropping views. The hills are always vibrantly colored with snow, lush grass, or burnt orange depending on the season.

There are lots of hiking trails and areas of incredible natural beauty throughout Glen Coe. Loch Leven is a long, scenic freshwater lake at the end of Glen Coe with a ruined castle. The Lost Valley, the Pap of Glencoe, and Cloiche Finne Coire are all popular hikes.

3. The Fairy Glen and Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye

Many regard the Isle of Skye as the most beautiful place in Scotland. This island is known for its dramatic landscapes with 100 ft waterfalls, an abundance of sea life, rocky mountains, pink beaches, and so much more unspoiled beauty.

It’s the largest island in the Inner Hebrides connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s easy to reach as well as pretty.

One of the most beautiful spots on the island is The Fairy Glen. Several small landslips have created a ridged pattern on a group of small conical hills. This otherworldly landscape looks like somewhere fairies would live, hence the name.

Fairy Pools are in a completely different part of the island, but the same logic applies. These shallow waterfalls and pools shimmer with different shades of green and blue in the sunlight. They look so magical that they clearly must be fairy pools!

4. Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven

Castles are some of the top places of interest in Scotland, and you have a lot to choose from! One of the most beautiful castles in Scotland is undoubtedly Dunnottar Castle on the east coast next to the North Sea.

This 14th-century castle has played host to William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots in its time. Today, sadly the castle has fallen to ruin but its sweeping views of the cliffs and coastline keep visitors coming back.

5. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Some of the nicest places in Scotland to visit are its two national parks, one of which is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Loch Lomond covers 720 square miles of Scottish countryside just north of Glasgow. It boasts some of the biggest lochs (including the lake of Loch Lomond), 21 mountains over 3,000 ft, and lots of opportunities for hiking, sailing, and other watersports.

Beginner hikers will adore the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill, a moderate 1,184 ft climb. Hikers looking for a challenge will be rewarded with views from the top of Ben More, the highest mountain in Loch Lomond National Park at 3,852 ft.

There’s a reason why there’s a popular Scottish folk song about the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. Explore Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for yourself to find out just how bonnie the banks are!

6. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye wouldn’t be one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Scotland if it didn’t have multiple entries on this list! One of the other natural wonders to visit on the island is Mealt Falls, a waterfall that flows over a seacliff called Kilt Rock.

The best time to visit Scotland to see waterfalls is in the spring when rainfall is at its highest. Water flows from Loch Mealt and over Mealt Falls, a 180 ft waterfall, into the sea. Kilt Rock is a sheer cliff that allows the water to cascade with no obstructions which is an incredible sight.

7. Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands

One of the best things about visiting Scotland amazing places is that there’s usually a fascinating, folkloric story attached. There’s no myth more interesting than Loch Ness and its legendary monster!

Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest lake by volume (Loch Lomond has the largest surface area) and you’ll find it in the Highlands near Inverness . Whisperings of the Loch Ness Monster, a mythical sea creature living in its waters, have continued for centuries with various sightings and hoaxes fueling the rumors.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Loch Ness aside from the slim chance of spotting Nessie, and one is the natural beauty. Take a boat cruise or drive around its 23-mile perimeter to see more of this serene lake surrounded by woodland and green, rolling hills.

8. Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis and Harris

While the Isle of Skye is a popular island for visitors, some of the best places in Scotland to visit are more remote. The Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides has so many beautiful spots that will reward you for making the extra effort to travel there!

Islands in the Outer Hebrides are known for their untouched white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. But the historical places in the Outer Hebrides offer a different kind of beauty.

The Calanais Standing Stones are a 5,000-year-old megalithic stone circle near Harris’s rugged western coastline. For Outlander fans, it’s the closest you’ll find to the fictional stones of Craigh na Dun! Visit at sunset for the most beautiful landscape don’t forget to stop by the visitor center.

9. Cairngorms National Park

Another national park and one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland is the Cairngorms National Park. It’s the largest national park in the UK covering a vast wilderness of 1,748 square miles in the northeast of the county.

This diverse landscape comprises rolling hills covered in pine trees and thick blankets of snow in the winter. Its unique ecosystem means it’s the only place in the British islands with an Arctic-Alpine environment and yes, you can even go skiing here!

During the summer, patches of heather cover the rocky outcrops and visitors flock to the charming mountain towns of Aviemore and Kingussie. Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite residence was Balmoral Castle in the Cairngorms National Park so you’ll probably love the Cairngorms too!

10. National Wallace Monument in Stirling

Of all the cool places Scotland has to offer, the National Wallace Monument is pretty cool. Not only is it a monument to one of Scotland’s most famous historic figures, but it’s located in a beautiful setting.

Sir William Wallace was one of the main leaders in the First Scottish War of Independence during the 12th century. In 1869, a 220 ft Gothic-Victorian sandstone tower was built on a hill just outside the city of Stirling.

There’s lots to love about this monument. First, the walk up the hill through woodland is beautiful. Second, the intricate stone carving and scale of the monument is impressive in itself. And third, the view across the city of Stirling, the meandering River Forth, and Stirling Castle is one you won’t forget.

11. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

One of the top places to visit in Scotland is the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and it just so happens to be one of the most beautiful spots in the city. This mile-long street runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It stretches from Edinburgh’s castle to Holyrood Palace, hence the nickname, lined with beautiful historic buildings and narrow, cobbled streets. One of the winding streets leading from the Royal Mile is Victoria Street which even inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

12. St Abbs in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and one of the prettiest places is St Abbs. It’s a quaint fishing village that stood in as New Asgaard in Avengers: Endgame but it’s worth visiting just for the scenery.

St Abbs has a small harbor with little boats anchored to the dock and only two or three rows of houses behind but it’s such a cute town. You can walk up the headland for views over St Abbs and the two beautiful bays on either side.

13. Rannoch Moor in Perthshire

There are so many pretty places in Scotland to see while driving on the A82, the main road from Glasgow through the Scottish Highlands. One spot worth pulling over for is the viewpoint overlooking Rannoch Moor.

Known as one of the last great untouched wildernesses in Europe, Rannoch Moor comprises 50 square miles of wet bogland. While it doesn’t sound very beautiful, small lochs are dotted around this landscape surrounded by hiking and mountain biking paths.

14. Tobermory on the Isle of Mull

Aside from Skye, the Isle of Mull is one of the most popular Scottish islands to visit and you can easily travel there via ferry from Oban. Tobermory is the capital of the Isle of Mull and one of the most beautiful towns on the island.

Tobermory has an Instagrammable harbor lined with multicolored houses that reflect perfectly in the water on a bright, calm day. Tobermory Lighthouse is also a picturesque spot and there are lots of other beautiful places on the rest of the island too.

15. Glenfinnan Viaduct near Fort William

One of the best activities in Scotland to do on a first-time trip also offers some of the best views of the Scottish Highlands. If you’ve watched the Harry Potter films, you’ll know that the Hogwarts Express steam train crosses a stunning 21-arch bridge on its journey from London to Scotland. This bridge is the Glenfinnan Viaduct and you can watch a steam train cross this bridge in real life!

While it’s not the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter, the similar Jacobite Steam Train runs from April to October and travels between Fort William to Mallaig. You can either book tickets to ride the steam train or drive to the viewpoint to watch it cross the bridge. Or both!

While in Glenfinnan, you can visit Loch Shiel and hopefully see the red deer drinking from the waters too.

16. Pitlochry in Big Tree Country

If there’s nothing more beautiful to you than miles and miles of woodland, you need to visit Pitlochry. It’s a pretty, chocolate-box mountain town with pubs and tea rooms surrounded by over 200,000 acres of forest and lakes.

Pitlochry rests on the banks of the River Tummel which is fed from the scenic Loch Tummel. Head to Queen’s View Visitor Centre for an epic panorama of the loch and nearby rugged mountains!

17. Scott’s View in the Tweed Valley

Sir Walter Scott is a famous Scottish author living at the turn of the 19th century. He lived in the Scottish Borders and, according to him, the most beautiful place in Scotland was the view over the Tweed Valley.

This viewpoint was lovingly dubbed Scott’s View and there’s a bench and plaque to mark the spot. With the purple-heathered hills and lush green farmland, you can see why he enjoyed this overlook so much!

18. Lagavulin Distillery on the Isle of Islay

The Isle of Islay is famous for its whisky distilleries so it’s the best place to visit in Scotland for whisky lovers. But don’t let that deter you if you’re not a whisky drinker because there is so much beauty on this island that it’s worth visiting anyway!

The Isle of Islay is just off the west coast of Scotland. Lagavulin Distillery dates back to 1742 and its clean white building with black windows and red chimney is very picturesque. As are the incredible views across the sea!

19. Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack in Orkney

Located off the north coast of Scotland in the North Sea, Orkney is an archipelago of 70 islands. These islands are some of the most rugged, beautiful places to see in Scotland but there’s one place in particular that you can’t miss.

The Yesnaby Castle Sea Stack is a 115 ft-tall rock formation just off the west coast of mainland Orkney. It’s part of the cliff that has worn away from the coastline to stand alone. With large gaps in its structure, it looks like it could fall like a Jenga tower at any moment!

20. White Beach on the Isle of Iona

Scotland might not have the warmest waters, but with 11,602 miles of coastline, it has some incredible beaches! One of the most picturesque beaches in the country is the simply named White Beach on the Isle of Iona, a small island off the west coast of Mull.

The Isle of Iona is known for its religious significance with many tourists visiting the Iona Abbey and Nunnery. But its soft, sandy beaches like White Beach are well worth visiting too.

21. Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle might sit atop an extinct volcano, but it’s not the only extinct volcano and hill in the city! Arthur’s Seat is one of the most scenic places in Scotland and it’s the tallest of Edinburgh’s seven hills standing 823 ft above sea level.

From the top of Arthur’s Seat, you can see breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth, across Leith harbor, above the entire city, and out towards the Pentland Hills. It’s a must-do on anyone’s first trip to the Scottish capital.

22. Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye

Yes, the Isle of Skye has so much breathtaking scenery that it must appear three times on this list! Scotland has so many dramatic mountain ranges, but one of the best views in Scotland is of the Cuillin Mountains.

The Cuillins are fairly rocky and difficult to hike, but rock climbers and advanced mountaineers love them. If you’re not ready to don a harness and summit one of these jagged hills, admire them from afar at Sligachan Old Bridge.

23. Bealach na Bà on the Wester Ross West Coast

Translating to ‘The Way of the Cattle’, Bealach na Bà is a winding mountain pass that is not suitable for RVs, trucks, or the nervous driver. But this drive traverses one of the most beautiful places on Scotland’s west coast.

It climbs through the mountains on the Applecross Peninsula and is a key road on the North Coast 500 road trip circuit. Passengers can enjoy the views over the mountains to the sea and the driver can enjoy concentrating on the many turns and climbs!

24. The East Neuk of Fife on the East Coast

Translating to ‘nook’ or ‘corner’, the East Neuk of Fife is one of the prettiest places in Scotland and one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Even better, it’s only an hour or so north of Edinburgh.

Fife is home to famous cities like St Andrews, but also cute fishing villages like Anstruther and St Monans. If you want to visit a beautiful, sleepy village on the coast and taste some of the best fish and chips you’ve ever eaten, East Neuk is the place to go!

25. Bow Fiddle Rock on the Moray Firth

Some of the most beautiful places in Scotland are on its stunning coastline. One of those places is Bow Fiddle Rock, a unique rock formation off the northeast shelf of the country along the Moray Firth.

It has that name because this rock looks like someone is pulling a bow across a fiddle (from certain angles). It’s a cool sight and a great place to spot nesting birds from spring to fall.

26. Eolaigearraidh Beach on the Isle of Barra

One of the most southerly islands in the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Barra is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and worth making the effort to travel there! Thanks to its location out in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s home to some pretty spectacular beaches.

Eolaigearraidh Beach is in the north of Barra and, if it weren’t for the brisk temperatures, you could mistake its white sands for a beach in the Balearics or Bahamas.

27. Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa

This dramatic sea cave on the Isle of Staffa, just off the west coast of Mull, is one of the best things to see in Scotland and will be the highlight of your trip.

You might know part of this island’s history if you’ve visited the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. As the myth goes, an Irish giant built a bridge across the sea to Fingal’s Cave due to a disagreement with a Scottish giant. While the bridge is no longer, the geometric basalt columns in both places remain.

Fingal’s Cave is known for its unbeatable acoustics and you’re even able to sail inside the cave! Visit in spring to see nesting puffins too.

28. Ben Nevis outside Fort William

For hikers, Ben Nevis is one of the top Scotland must-see sites. It’s the tallest mountain in Scotland and therefore the UK, measuring 4,413 ft above sea level. Ben Nevis is so tall that its summit is only visible from the ground for approximately 30 days of the year!

It’s an epic mountain to climb and it also marks the end point of the West Highland Way, a 95.6-mile trek through central Scotland.

29. Eilean Donan Castle in the Kyle of Lochalsh

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most picturesque places in Scotland and it’s the second most photographed castle in the country. Edinburgh’s castle is the only one that beats it!

It’s located on the west coast close to the Skye Bridge. Dating back to the 13th century, this castle sits on a large rock at the point where three lochs meet so it’s only accessible by bridge. It’s exactly what you expect when you think of historic sites in Scotland and looks like something out of a fairytale book.

30. Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Although the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful places in the country, it’s often overlooked due to its remote location. It marks the most southerly point in Scotland and is closer to Ireland than it is to England or any of the Scottish islands.

The daisy-colored Mull of Galloway Lighthouse looks much like the dozens of other lighthouses lining Scotland’s shores. But there’s something special about this lighthouse which sits on the edge of its own peninsula overlooking the Irish Sea.

Don’t Miss the Most Beautiful Places in Scotland on Your Trip

Scotland’s beauty spans mountains, glens, lochs, islands, beaches, castles, and more!

You’ll find the most beautiful places in Scotland on the tourist trail (there’s a reason why they’re popular) or by chance. Like the ever-changing weather, Scotland will often surprise you with awe-inspiring views on your vacation when you least expect it.

Wanderlust Crew

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12 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For those looking for a memorable vacation or weekend break full of historical attractions, countless great cultural experiences, and other fun things to do, Scotland should rank highly on your list of great places to visit in the UK . Part of the appeal is the fact that, as a relatively small country with a population of just 5.5 million, you're never too far away from fantastic sightseeing opportunities and interesting places to go whatever season you visit Scotland.

Those seeking world-class cultural events should head to Edinburgh , the country's capital. Here, you'll enjoy major festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe, one of the world's leading art festivals. Best of all, much of the fun takes place around the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. Visit Edinburgh in winter and it's a whole other world, with numerous festive light displays and events to keep you busy.

Glasgow , too, is a must-visit and offers some of the country's top museums and art galleries to explore. Smaller Scottish cities like Aberdeen and Inverness in the north are not without their charms and make great bases from which to explore the majestic Scottish Highlands and lovely natural attractions such as Loch Ness and Loch Lomond .

To help you decide where to go, be sure to use our list of the best places to visit in Scotland.

1. Edinburgh

3. scottish highlands, 4. st. andrews, 5. loch ness, 6. inverness, 7. aberdeen, 8. loch lomond, 9. stirling, 10. isle of arran, 11. isle of skye, 12. fort william.

If you're only able to visit one city in Scotland, make it Edinburgh. The country's capital is home to well-preserved architecture from a number of different periods of history, including numerous examples from medieval times. Of these, the most famous is, of course, the spectacular Edinburgh Castle , a picturesque, must-visit landmark that dominates the city skyline.

From the castle, you should take a stroll down the incredible shop-lined Royal Mile. One of the top free things to do in Edinburgh , this famous cobbled street connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is home to numerous historic landmarks, many dating to medieval times.

Among the most interesting are the tall old townhomes known as "lands" that can be found as you explore the many narrow laneways known as "winds" that sprout off from the Royal Mile.

You'll also want to explore the more recent New Town area, much of which was built in the 18th century. A highlight of this newer part of the ancient city is simply wandering among the many elegant Georgian townhomes, taking in the Grassmarket . This attractive pedestrian-friendly public square is popular for its shops, galleries, and cafés. Some of Edinburgh's best parks are located here, too, including Inverleith Park.

Edinburgh is also an important cultural destination, hosting numerous popular events and festivals throughout the year. One of the largest arts festivals in the world, the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival draws huge crowds, as do the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo , the latter held on the grounds of the castle.

Other fun things to do include visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia . Once the Queen's personal yacht, it's now a fascinating museum that allows visitors to tour the State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms. For a true British treat, book a table in the Royal Deck Tea Room for a proper high tea experience.

Top it all off with an overnight stay on the Fingal , an opulent floating hotel berthed near the former Royal yacht, and you'll have plenty to brag about back home.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Edinburgh

Situated on the River Clyde on Scotland's west coast, the city of Glasgow has, in the last few decades, reimagined itself as a major European cultural center. These days, its many excellent museums, art galleries, and festivals attract tourists year-round. It's a great city to explore on foot thanks to its many lovely parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially if you also take in Glasgow cathedral and the famous Glasgow School of Art.

After exploring the city center, head down to the waterfront and the Riverside Museum . One of the top tourist attractions in Scotland , this superb modern facility focuses on the history of transportation in the city through its large collections of vintage steam engines, trams, buses, carriages, cars, and seafaring vessels. There's even an authentic reproduction of 1930s shops and homes.

Glasgow has also earned a reputation for other cultural activities, too. Highlights for theatergoers include a chance to take in a play at the King's Theatre, partake in a little opera at the home of the Scottish Opera in the Theatre Royal, or a classical concert at the Royal Scottish Orchestra at the Concert Hall.

Other must-see arts-related attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , notable for its displays of local art; and the wonderful Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery with its diverse collection that includes works by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Glasgow
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Glasgow

Few travel destinations have captured the imagination to the extent of the magnificent Scottish Highlands. Stretching from the attractive garden city of Inverness on the country's rugged east coast all the way to John O'Groats in the north, this area of outstanding natural beauty is where you'll find some of the most romantic scenery anywhere.

It's so stunning, in fact, that it can frequently be spotted serving as the backdrop to hit movies and TV shows, including the hugely popular Outlander series.

Begin your exploration of the Scottish Highlands in Inverness, then head to nearby Loch Ness. Popular for its mythical monster and the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, Scotland's most famous lake is part of Glen More, a natural fault line that's marked by the Caledonian Canal . One of the country's most amazing feats of engineering, you can easily spend a few hours (or days) sightseeing by boat along the canal.

A few popular places to visit in Scotland as you tour the Highlands include the quaint coastal town of Dornoch. One of the prettiest small towns in Scotland , Dornoch is a great place to stop for its old castle ruins and cathedral, and Aviemore, popular as a ski destination in winter .

In warmer weather, the region is popular for the hiking and biking adventures available in the Cairngorms National Park . This sparsely populated area is also great for other outdoor experiences, including sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, and fishing.

While there are numerous tours available in the Highlands, a great option for those planning on driving is to travel along the North Coast 500 . This great tourist route takes in the best of the Highlands and other great places in Scotland.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands

St. Andrews is well-known as one of the world's top golf destinations . Golfers from around the globe make the pilgrimage to St. Andrews' seven classic links courses, drawn by the prestige of playing the world's oldest golf course, the par-72 Old Course, and the chance to play where so many golf greats have teed off before them.

It's also one of the most dramatic courses, its spectacular scenery including a stretch of rugged coastline and the attractive old Clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Founded in 1754, it's the world's oldest golf club, and its popularity as a golf mecca means you should try to reserve your tee time at least six months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Be sure to also visit the nearby R&A World Golf Museum . This modern facility is something of a shrine to the greats who've played the St. Andrews' courses, as well as detailing the history of the sport over the centuries.

Fortunately for the rest of us, there are plenty of other fun things to do in St. Andrews, too. St. Andrews is also famous as a university town, so be sure to spend time exploring the many fine old buildings associated with the University of St. Andrews.

One of the top free things to do in St. Andrews is to simply wander the university grounds, admiring the well-preserved medieval architecture. If time permits, be sure to check out on-site attractions such as its natural history museum and art galleries. The ruins of St. Andrews Castle and the town's old cathedral are also worth exploring.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Andrews

Shrouded in myth and legend, Scotland's beautiful Loch Ness remains one of the country's top places to visit. Despite there being no definitive evidence that Nessie, the world's most famous sea monster , actually exists, that first glimpse of the water doesn't stop excited tourists from scanning the horizon excitedly... just in case.

But even without a monster sighting, you won't be disappointed. Thanks to its starring role in movies and on TV, most recently in the hit series, Outlander , places like Urquhart Castle are enough to make the journey to this Highland attraction worthwhile. Built in the 1100s, the castle now lies in ruins after being devastated by fire some 500 years ago, but not before featuring in some of Scotland's most important historical events.

Expect to spend at least a day exploring the old castle and other Loch Ness attractions . Other fun things to do include a boat cruise along the loch and, if there's time, the Caledonian Canal, which connects Scotland's east and west coasts.

Other points of interest include the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in the village of Drumnadrochit, with its displays relating to the loch's history and, of course, its monster. You'll also want to visit Fort Augustus with its old fortifications and Benedictine abbey and its viewing spots over the Caledonian Canal, where it joins the south end of the loch.

Read More: Best Castles in Scotland

It's actually difficult to visit Loch Ness without seeing at least a little of Inverness. Whether you're traveling from Glasgow to Loch Ness or from Edinburgh to Loch Ness , this stunningly attractive city in the Scottish Highlands is situated at the east end of the country's most famous lake and is a favorite jumping-off point for tours and independent travelers alike. It's also the perfect place from which to explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Those "in the know" will definitely dedicate at least a little time to exploring the "Capital of the Highlands," whether for a few hours or a few days. If you do, you'll find no end of fun things to do in Inverness. This moderately sized city is first and foremost very walkable.

Start your exploration on the grounds of Inverness Castle , spending time admiring the views over the River Ness. You can then follow the river south to the picturesque Ness Islands. Connected to the shore by footbridges, this delightful park area is a perfect spot to kick back and relax.

There are plenty of great Inverness attractions to enjoy on both sides of the river. Must-sees on the west bank include the attractive St. Andrew's Cathedral , which you won't miss as it stands directly opposite the castle; and, nearer the old city center, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery . The museum is a must-visit for its displays relating not just to Inverness, but the whole Highlands region.

Other highlights include the historic 16th-century Abertarff House , and the Botanic Gardens, finishing up at Victorian Market for a spot of shopping.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland

Another of the best city destinations in Scotland , the attractive North Sea port city of Aberdeen is well worth including on your Scotland travel itinerary. Like so many of the country's top city destinations, Aberdeen is a delightful place to explore on foot. Lacing up the walking shoes will not only allow you to explore its many fine examples of old, well-preserved architecture, but also to spend time in its many pleasant parks and gardens.

A highlight of a self-guided walking tour is St. Machar's Cathedral. Built in the 1300s, it's one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture construction in Scotland. You'll also see many fine examples of old homes and merchant buildings made from the unique local granite that seems to sparkle in sunlight, giving the town its affectionate Silver City nickname.

Aberdeen has a second, equally complimentary nickname: "The Flower of Scotland." And it's certainly well-deserved thanks to the presence of the city's many lovely green spaces, most notably the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park.

Here, you can wander one of the biggest indoor gardens in all of Europe, home to numerous species of domestic and exotic plants. Set on some 44 acres, it's a wonderful place to explore, and in the warmer months makes a great picnic spot, especially during the park's concert season.

Other places for a good walk include Aberdeen's two miles of beaches, which are ranked some of the best beaches in Scotland; around one of the many nearby golf courses; or simply up and down the Old High Street. Dating from the late 1400s, it's popular for its shopping and dining experiences.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Aberdeen

An easy day trip from Glasgow , and also pretty easy to get to from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is a convenient place to visit in Scotland for those seeking a glimpse of some of the country's most iconic and romantic scenery. The largest body of fresh water in the UK, it's so picturesque that one of the country's leading writers, Walter Scott, famously labeled this magnificent stretch of water the "Queen of Scottish Lakes."

Gentle activities and pursuits include boat tours and cruises and visiting attractions such as the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre . You can even get in some shopping at the modern Loch Lomond Shores entertainment complex with its family-friendly SEA LIFE Aquarium .

As popular a spot as it is for sightseers, Loch Lomond also appeals to those seeking fun outdoor activities. For adventurous sorts, the big attraction is the spectacular Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park . This vast tract of unspoiled wilderness covers an area of 1,864 square kilometers with the loch and Ben Lomond at its center. The top things to do for adventurers include fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as hiking and biking along its extensive trail network.

The trail network includes part of the Western Highland Way , which goes all the way north to Fort William. A good place to start your hike is at the National Park Centre in Balmaha, where you can seek expert advice in the planning and execution of your particular choice of adventure.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions around Loch Lomond

The historic town of Stirling is one of the best places in Scotland to serve as a base from which to explore the country. Situated almost half-way between Glasgow and Edinburgh, it makes for a great day trip and boasts plenty of rewarding things to see and do.

Topping the list is stunning Stirling Castle . This finely preserved old fortress is famous for once having been a royal palace, as Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood here. It's also famous for its role in the centuries-long struggle between Scotland and England. A visit to this mini-Edinburgh Castle includes a chance to explore the well-preserved medieval structure's grand halls and rooms, either on your own or as part of a guided tour.

On the outskirts of town is the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre , which offers a fascinating retelling of the famous battle that took place here. It was on this spot that Scottish king Robert the Bruce sent the English army packing, and the site commemorates this historic victory with excellent displays and interactive exhibits.

If you can squeeze a little more into your Stirling itinerary, include a visit to the neighboring village of Bridge of Allan, home to the Wallace Monument . This amazing tower dominates the skyline here, offering a little history about the legendary William Wallace, as well as amazing views over Stirling and the surrounding countryside.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Stirling

The attractive Isle of Arran has made a name for itself as one of the top places to visit in Scotland, as it's something of a microcosm of everything that's great about the country.

Located just off the mainland from Glasgow and reached via a scenic one-hour ferry ride, this 429-square-kilometer island is therefore perfect either for a day trip from Glasgow , a weekend break, or an extended vacation.

As you tour the island by bike, car, or the regular bus service that circles it, you'll find attractive areas that resemble some of the most beautiful aspects of Scotland. In fact, you'll see everything from moors to tall mountains just waiting to be hiked across, long stretches of sandy beach, quaint fishing villages, great little golf courses, and historic castles.

If you can spare a few hours and are fit enough, be sure to allot the time needed to tackle the 873-meter Goat Fell Mountain. You'll need to set aside a few hours to do so, but you'll be rewarded for your efforts with magnificent views over Arran and the Firth of Clyde toward Glasgow, as well as northward toward Mull of Kintyre.

Also, spend time exploring Brodick Castle. This popular tourist attraction includes displays of period furniture and artworks. You'll also want to explore the castle grounds, which house an authentic iron age dwelling.

There are also plenty of great restaurants on the island, as well as a number of good hotels and resorts. Our favorites include the 4-star Auchrannie Resort , with its excellent dining and spa services; and The Douglas Hotel , set in a historic manor house with stunning bay views.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran

Another Scottish island you'll want to explore is the lovely Isle of Skye. Like Arran, Skye boasts a little something of everything that is Scotland but with the advantage that it's connected to the mainland via a road bridge.

Part of the Hebrides in the northwest section of the Highlands, this large island is some 80 kilometers in length and is a nature-lover's paradise, home to colonies of seabirds, seals, and other native wildlife. It also boasts mile after mile of rugged coastline and spectacular hill views.

Hikers and hillwalkers in particular are well-catered-to here, thanks to the island's extensive trail networks. Many of these head across romantic moors and valleys and up mountains. These include the Cuillin Hills, which boast some of the best views in Scotland.

Man-made attractions include the attractive Armadale Castle . Located near the ferry port of Mallaig, this early 19th-century edifice is set in the heart of a huge country estate and features excellent displays and artifacts related to one of the most powerful of Scotland's historic clans, the Donalds. Expect to easily spend a few hours exploring the large grounds and gardens with their walking trails, as well as the Museum of the Isles.

Also worth a visit is Dunvegan Castle. Once the seat of the MacLeod clan, it's located in the village of the same name and is a great place to embark on a boat tour or fishing excursion.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Hebrides and Isle of Skye

The attractive west coast resort town of Fort William makes an excellent starting point for excursions into the unspoiled Highlands, including Ben Nevis. Located at the south end of the Caledonian Canal, Fort William, named after fortifications built here in the 17th century, offers visitors plenty of points of interest to explore.

One of the best is the West Highland Museum in Cameron Square. Notable for its collections of furniture, paintings, weapons, and Highland costumes, it also houses an impressive collection of artifacts and documents relating to the opening of the West Highland Railway in 1894. Other highlights include exhibits relating to the celebrated conquests of Ben Nevis, notably that by Henry Alexander, who in 1911 drove a Ford Model T to the summit.

While in Fort William, why not book a stay in what's widely regarded as one of the best castle hotels in Scotland? Famously described by Queen Victoria as one of the most romantic castles she'd ever visited, Inverlochy Castle Hotel is just 10 minutes' drive from downtown Fort William and can now be enjoyed by the rest of us when the urge to splurge on a fine 5-star luxury getaway strikes.

A great excursion from Fort William is to Glenfinnan Viaduct . You'll recognize this amazing landmark from its appearances in numerous Harry Potter movies, among other films, where it served as the route the Hogwarts Express took when whisking young wizards to school.

Fun steam excursions can be enjoyed aboard the lovely Jacobite steam train along this stretch of the West Highland Line, taking in the viaduct and some of the most scenic vistas found anywhere in Scotland.

From Fort William, you can also easily get to other popular Scotland destinations. These include Glencoe, a spectacular valley famed for its breathtaking scenery, winter sports, hiking, and mountain climbing.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Fort William

More on Scotland

22 Beautiful Places in Scotland You’re Going to Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

Scotland is absolutely stunning. If the weather were more reliable it would be absolutely jammed with tourists. The beauty of Scotland is that the weather changes at a pace so even at its worst often blue skies can be literally just moments away.

This is not an exhaustive list of beautiful places in Scotland – there are so so many. I have been to Scotland at least 7 times covering Edinburgh and Glasgow , the less-visited south west coast regions of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire , Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Highlands and Inverness and the centre of Scotland.

Here are the 18 most beautiful places that I have visited in Scotland.

22 Beautiful Places In Scotland

1. culzean castle – ayrshire.

Culzean Castle  is big. The size of the grounds of this castle is quite staggering. It will take several minutes to drive through from the entrance to the parking area.

Once out of the parking area there is a large complex with the Home Farm Restaurant. There are 40 buildings across the Culzean Castle estate.

There are then a couple of paths you can follow to Culzean castle itself. There are castle tours – don’t miss the knife collection.

A great Instagram opportunity is the little boat launch. There are also several other walks etc throughout the grounds of Culzean Castle.

2. Brig o Doon – Ayr

The  Brig O Doon  is the most photogenic of the many Robert Burns activities in Ayr. Ayr was home to Scotland’s most famous poet Robert Burns. The town sports a museum, his birth home, a grave, a walk but prettiest of all is the lovely Brig O Doon bridge, thought to have been built in the 15th century.

When you walk down to the bridge on the Alloway side of the water you will walk past a lovely pub called the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel. The pub has a lovely garden with amazing trimmed trees that are also worth a look and a photograph.

Read more about Ayrshire in my post on the 12 Top Things to do in Ayrshire.

3. Knockinaam Lodge – Dumfries & Galloway

I fell in love with  Knockinaam Lodge . It is located very near the most southwestern tip of  Scotland  and has a very magical, hidden away feel. This Scotland luxury hotel is tucked away behind a cliff next to the sea.

The small cove and beach at Knockinaam Lodge Scotland are absolutely gorgeous. And then there are the 30 acres of gorgeous gardens – and a walking path to super cute Portpatrick.

Knockinaam Lodge  is steeped in history. Sir Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower met here during the Second World War. John Buchan visited Knockinaam Lodge and based some of his famous novel The 39 Steps around the area.

This Scottish hotel is a well-known spot for artists and writers to be able to escape and explore their creativity. I can completely see why. There is something very peaceful yet magical about this special area on the West Coast Scotland.

4. Visit the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse – Dumfries & Galloway

The  Mull of Galloway  is the most southerly point of Scotland’s mainland and one of the best things to do in Dumfries and Galloway. The Mull of Galloway Scotland Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson in 1830 and stands 99 meters above sea level.

It is possible to climb to the top of this Scotttish lighthouse and see the view from the balcony. There is also an exhibition on the ground floor of the Mull of Galloway.

It is possible to do a nice almost circular walk around this Scotland lighthouse from the parking area. Don’t miss the view from the Lagvag viewpoint – this was my favourite.

There is also a cute coffee house Gallie Craig which sits right on the cliff and provides stunning views. The easiest way to get to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is by car along the A716 – follow the brown tourist signs from Drummore.

If you are taking the train the closest station is Stranraer which is 35km away. The nearest bus stop is at Drummore which is 8km away. A car is definitely the best option.

5. Portpatrick – Dumfries & Galloway

Portpatrick Scotland is a picture-perfect town set on a small bay on the west coast of Scotland. Pastel coloured houses and buildings line the bay. Once a port, Portpatrick is now a seaside resort.

There are some great options when it comes to Portpatrick restaurant choices. I chose to have a delicious seafood lunch at  Campbells Portpatrick  and can highly recommend their seafood tempura.

The Crown Hotel and the Port Pantry in Portpatrick also come with good reviews. Don’t miss visiting this lovely little town in Scotland – it is extremely photogenic.

6. Logan Botanic Gardens – Dumfries & Galloway

The wonderful microclimate of the southwest of Scotland means that plants can be grown here that would not thrive in other areas of Scotland.  Logan Botanic Garden  is known as Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden and is one of the key attractions in Dumfries and Galloway.

Logan Botanic Garden features plants from South and Central America, Southern  africa  and Australasia that are rarely seen in the United Kingdom.

There are some lovely walks, a Walled Garden, fish pond and the award-winning Potting Shed Bistro for some lunch. If you’re heading to Logan Botanic Gardens in west Scotland in May have a look at this post about  Visiting the Garden of Cosmic Speculation  – it is only open one day of the year.

You might enjoy reading my article on interesting facts about Scotland.

7. Take the Southwest Coastal Drive 300 route

Any stories about driving around Scotland normally focus on the justifiably wonderful  North Coast 500  road which runs through the jaw-droppingly beautiful  Scottish Highlands

The Southwest Coast Drive 300 Scotland route is considerably less well known – but in many ways just as beautiful.

The route is just over 300 miles and is circular so you can start it in many different spots. A good place to start the South West Coast Drive 300 is Lockerbie.

The South West Scotland 300 can then be followed to Dumfries and then all along the coast to the Mull of Galloway and back up through Girvan.

Read more about Scotland’s least visited region in my post on 11 Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway.

8. House for An Art Lover – Glasgow

House for an Art Lover Glasgow  is just outside the centre of Glasgow. The house is an art gallery, exhibition space, a lovely restaurant, studio and visitor attraction.

It was designed by Glasgow’s most famous architect, Rennie Scott Mackintosh, as a country retreat. The house sits within the 169 acre ground of Bellahouston, one of Glasgow’s oldest and loveliest parks.

I so loved my visit to House for an Art Lover. I went to see a couple of exhibitions, including a recreation of some of Rennie Scott Mackintosh’s lovely work, had a great lunch and very much enjoyed wandering the grounds.

Read more about Glasgow in my post on the top Glasgow tours and day trips.

9. Edinburgh Castle

There can be few castles in the world as magnificent as Edinburgh castle! It perches literally on the top of Edinburgh. Don’t leave Edinburgh without visiting  Edinburgh castle.  

10. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat  is home to one of the best views over Edinburgh. It takes about 30 minutes to walk up to the top. Do be careful with the weather as boy is it windy on a windy day.

11. Glen Coe

When you leave Glasgow head north on the A82 main road. This drive takes you through the stunning  Glen Coe . It is frequently commented on in travel books for good reason – it is absolutely beautiful.

But it is always about the light and the weather when it comes to photography – and you have to be quick in Scotland.

12. Eilean Donan Castle – The Isle of Skye

The stunning  Eilean Donan Castle  is literally on the A87 road not far before it heads over to the Isle of Skye. The castle is on a small tidal island that is located where three different lochs meet and it is extremely photogenic.

Capture it both from a distance and up close. Plus, you will pass Eilean Donan Castle again on your way out of the Isle of Skye.

13. Drive the A87 and B roads around the top east side of The Isle of Skye

This was one of my favorite activities when visiting Scotland – thanks to Mitchell from Skye Ghillie. The scenery in this area of the Isle of Skye was absolutely majestic – although of course, it was constantly changing with the weather.

Depending on the weather your first stop can be  Quiraing   – a very scenic rock formation. There is a walk to the prison but the weather was not on my side so we didn’t risk it.

The  Old Man of Storr  is also great for photos and is perhaps the most famous walk on the Isle of Skye as well as its icon. The Isle of Skye is one of the highlights of this Scotland Itinerary 7 Days.

Driving along the coast and you’ll then hit the stunning and windy  Kilt Rock  – so named as it does resemble a tartan print. Then head inland to the picturesque  Fairy Glen.

Movies have been filmed here and it does have a genuinely magical feel – and a lot of sheep.

14. Ben Nevis

Sure Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. But it’s up and back in the day. And I’ve done Kilimanjaro. I’d climbed Snowdon the year before and whilst it was a big day it was manageable.

I really didn’t think climbing Ben Nevis would be that big a deal. I was very wrong.

Fort William  is the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom. There is rock climbing, ice climbing in the winter, trekking, canoeing, kayaking – you name it and Fort William probably offers it.

The reason that Fort William has become the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom is that it is home to Britain’s tallest mountain,  Ben Nevis .

I have written a separate blog post on  climbing Ben Nevis  which I highly recommend you read if you’re interested in taking on the mountain.

The key things to remember are that the weather can change unbelievably fast, it is quite a challenging climb and I highly recommend you go with a guide or in a group.

15. Boat Trip Ullapool

The highlight of my trip to Ullapool was heading out on the loch on a boat trip. I went at Easter time and it was quite cold – I think this may have been one of the first boat trips of the season.

However, we did see lots of birdlife and quite a few seals and get some stunning views of the loch and general area.  Shearwater Cruises  and  Seascape Expeditions  both run boat trips from Ullapool harbour.

It’s a small seaside town – really just one street of shops, bars and a petrol station. We used this as a base for two nights and then drove south and explored.

16. Durness Beach

I discovered the beach at Durness when I took a stroll from our B&B. It is literally called  Durness Beach  which makes it easy. There is a very picturesque dilapidated church just before you hit the beach.

And then just walk and walk along the beach and into the dunes. I went at sunset and this was a fantastic time for photos.

The cute  Smoo Cave  is also worth a visit. Smoo Cave is one mile east of Durness so this is a perfect stop on your way out of Durness.

⇒ Heading to London? Check out my posts on 13 Unusual Experiences in London , the best London Food Tours , my virtual London Travel Blog , some great Earlsfield restaurants , 14 Things to do in Notting Hill , restaurants near Clapham Junction and Victoria Station restaurants , 16 Famous Landmarks in Europe , a mad hatter afternoon tea party and a day trip to Brighton , 67 Fascinating Facts about London , 18 Landmarks of London from a local, 15 Places to see Sunsets in London , 9 Places to watch the Sunrise in London , 10 Bridges in London Not to Miss and Cotswolds tour from London options.

Thurso is the most northwesterly town in the UK and sits on the ocean on a beautiful spot called  Thurso Bay  which is lovely for a walk. Nearby attractions include the  Castle and Gardens of Mey  and  Castle Sinclair Girnigoe .

18. Dunnet Head and John O’Groats

So I thought that the top of the UK was  John O’Groats  – it turns out it depends on how you define top. The most northerly part of mainland Britain (very specific) is actually  Dunnet Head .

So obviously that needed to be visited. However, to be complete we also felt we needed to head to John O’Groats as well. They’re conveniently close together but there is a lot more going on at John O’Groats.

John O’Groats has the signposts for photos, coastal walks, and boat trips – including those that can take you to the nearby Orkney Islands. Dunnet Head is a raw and wild nature reserve. It has some stunning cliffs and masses of birdlife.

Dying to visit Scotland? Don’t miss my posts on the perfect Scotland 7 Day Itinerary with the Isle of Skye and my 10 Day Scotland Itinerary which includes the Scottish Highlands.

19. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Beautiful Loch Ness is of course home to the Loch Ness monster as well as the beautiful 1000 year old Urguhart Castle, said to be the greatest castle in the Scottish highlands.

Today it is possible to visit the castle and to climb Grant Tower in the ruins. In addition to seeing a gloomy old prison cell there are some fantastic views over Loch Ness. For a great view of the castle head to the comfortable cafe.

20. Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle was once the favourite residence of the Steward kings and queens who enjoyed elaborate celebrations at the castle. Today Stirling Castle is open to visitors and features costumed characters in the various roles that would have been in place in the castle in the 16th century.

The castle also has many fantastic sculptures and beautiful gardens. The restaurant at Stirling Castle, the Unicorn Cafe, has some fantastic views and there are three gift stores for some serious souvenir shopping.

21. The Kelpies

These amazing equine sculptures are located in the Helix, a parkland area located between Falkirk and Grangemouth 23 miles from Edinburgh. These works of art were designed by artist Andy Scott and represent Clydesdale horses.

Each horse weighs more than 300 tonnes and is 100 feet tall. It is free to visit the Kelpies. And it is even possible to go inside the Kelpies on a tour to get a real understanding of their engineering.

22. Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across 1,000 feet at a height of 100 feet from the ground. The viaduct is at the head of Loch Shiel and makes for an amazing vista. In the summer months, steam trains from here from Fort William to Mallaig – regular trains run along the viaduct through the year.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct reached new levels of fame when it appeared in the movies for both the second and the third Harry Potter Books.

This beautiful places in Scotland post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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The 20 most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland

By Kimberly Grant

Scattered off the coast of mainland Scotland are hundreds of diverse islands with remote stretches of white sands, towering mountains, charming blackhouse villages and incredible wildlife. Kimberley Grant, co-author of Wild Guide Scotland, uncovers some of the most beautiful places in Scotland .

The most southerly inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides, Vatersay is a small peaceful island linked to Barra by a causeway. It is an unusual shape, deeply indented by the sea on both sides with only a slender strip of land keeping the island together, and boasts a series of amazing beaches, backed by undulating dunes and colourful machair grasses and flowers. Vatersay Bay in particular is a great spot for picnicking and wild swimming on calm days.

Pictured: Vatersay Bay, Vatersay

The most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides is one of the windiest yet sunniest places in Scotland, due to the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream. Tiree is known for its pristine beaches, popular with windsurfers, and its fertile machair land with many crofts. The island’s architecture includes traditional blackhouses and white houses, many retaining their charming thatched roofs, as well as unique ‘pudding houses’ where white mortar contrasts with dark stone.

This sub-arctic archipelago is so far north that during summer it is bathed in near-perpetual sunlight, a phenomenon that blankets the islands in a silver sheen at midnight - the ‘simmer dim’. The islands’ long, snaking coastlines have towering sea cliffs, unspoilt beaches and an abundance of wildlife including puffins, otters and orcas. Their vast, barren landscapes and narrow voes (sea lochs) make it ideal for long walks, sailing and fishing. Read more about visiting Shetland.

Pictured: Muckle Roe, Shetland

The isle’s rugged coastline is characterised by dramatic cliffs, natural arches and sandy bays facing scattered rocky outcrops and small islands. Most visitors sail into the colourful harbour village of Tobermory to sample fresh seafood and visit local shops before heading north to Glengorm Castle or one of the island’s beaches. Inland, Mull’s highest peak Ben More overlooks sea lochs where white-tailed sea eagles can be seen. The south-east holds more white beaches, famous for their pink granite skerries and stunning sunsets, that are also perfect for kayaking.

Pictured: Fionnphort quarry, Mull

A scattered archipelago of around 70 islands, Orkney encompasses both ancient wonders and natural beauty. On the main island, lovers of archaeology can visit the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ – a group of 5,000-year-old sites that include the preserved village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. Another of the island’s unique spots is Hoy, with its scattered woodland, steep valleys, high cliffs and the famous Old Man, a withered red sandstone sea stack.

Pictured: Rackwick Bay, Orkney

The second-largest island in the Small Isles has a thriving green community that generates almost 95 per cent of its electricity from renewables. There are lots of sites to explore, from the Singing Sands beach that looks out to Rùm to the dark Cathedral and Massacre caves, the abandoned village of Grulin or the island’s most distinctive sight, the near vertically-sided volcanic plug of An Sgurr that looms high above the southern end of the island.

Eilean Shona

This tranquil, private tidal island in the calm waters of Loch Moidart is thought to be where JM Barrie wrote the screenplay for a film adaptation of Peter Pan. There are a number of holiday cottages to rent, including the Old Schoolhouse and Sawmill cottage. The island has plenty of varied walking paths that lead through tranquil woodlands, up hills and to secluded beaches for picnics and swimming.

Pictured: Eilean Shona

This is a delightful little island with its own castle and beach airport where you can watch planes take off and land on the sand between tides. Inland, it is barren and mountainous – on the highest hill is a statue of the Madonna and child, known locally as ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea’. Additionally, there are high cliffs in the east and lovely beaches and bays in the west for swimming and surfing.

Pictured: Barra Airport, Barra

Kimberly Grant

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

This is one of Scotland’s most recognisable islands, with sun, cloud and mist shrouding its magnificent mountains and extraordinary landslips, The Quiraing and The Storr. With its pretty pastel-coloured houses, glittering ‘Fairy Pools’ and miles of coastline, the island is a photographer’s dream. To glimpse Scotland at its most atmospheric, visit the headlands with lonely lighthouses such as Neist Point, or the majestic Loch Coruisk which sits at the foot of the towering Black Cuillin mountains. Read about the best things to do on Skye .

Pictured: The Quiraing, Skye

This small, isolated archipelago of Hebridean islands, now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, rises dramatically from the storm-tossed North Atlantic. Its largest island Hirta was permanently inhabited until 1930 and the ghostly remains of the old village can still be seen down by the bay. Hirta also has the highest sea cliffs in the UK which, along with the other magnificent jagged sea stacks, are home to one of the world’s largest colonies of gannets.

Pictured: Sea Stacks, St Kilda

Mainly a National Nature Reserve with a mountainous landscape, Rùm is perfect for ramblers and animal lovers. Visitors arrive by passenger ferry at the small community-run hamlet of Kinloch and its eccentric castle before making their way out into the wilderness. There is a wide variety of habitats to explore — the volcanic peaks of the Cuillin, grasslands and lochans peppered with rare plants, sea cliffs and hidden bays with bothies from which stags and otters can be spotted.

Pictured: Bloodstone Hill, Rum

Long and thin, Jura has only one main road that runs from the ferry port to the main settlement of Craighouse, then continues along the east of the island. The rest of the island is largely untouched, except by deer which greatly outnumber people, and the distinctive Paps of Jura rise above miles of blanket bog and freshwater lochans. Along the coast, you can visit remote bays and bothies or join a skipper on a boat trip to the Corryvreckan whirlpool.

Pictured: Paps of Jura, Jura

Lewis and Harris

The largest of the Outer Hebrides , Lewis and Harris are two parts of the same island. Lewis’s peaty lands in the north have a rich history with interesting sites including old blackhouse villages, brochs and standing stones. To the south, Harris is more mountainous, rugged and almost lunar-like. Some of the most spectacular machair plains and the best beaches in the UK can be found here, among them the pristine Luskentyre sands which stretch out for miles.

Pictured: Luskentyre, Harris

This uninhabited island is best known for its unique geological features and birdlife. The most magical spot on the island is Fingal’s Cave, a large sea cave flanked by hundreds of hexagonal basalt columns. The eerie sounds created by the waves under the arched roof earned it the Gaelic name Uamh-Binn, the ‘cave of melody’. Elsewhere on the island, the cliffs and grassy slopes provide nesting sites for puffins, razorbills and guillemots during spring and early summer.

Pictured: Fingals Cave, Staffa

Widely referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, Arran is rugged in the north, with a softer landscape to the south. Inland there are dramatic peaks, sweeping glens and verdant forests to explore, where you might spot red squirrels or golden eagles. The island’s northernmost village Lochranza is backed by hills and set on the shore of a small sea loch. There’s a ruined castle and golf course, often populated by red deer, and along the coastline are cliffs, caves and beaches where otters and seals can be seen.

Pictured: Glen Sannox, Arran

With its high hills, peat bogs, beaches and vast numbers of fresh and saltwater lochs, North Uist is a place of contrasts. From Eaval, the highest hill on the island, there are views over the maze of lochans which dominate the landscape and the other islands in the ‘Long Chain’. On the west coast are stunning crescents of white sands, high dunes and machair plains that burst with flowers in summer.

Ulva and Gometra

Separated from Mull by a narrow inlet, Ulva’s varied landscape takes in peaceful woodlands, open moors, coastal cliffs and cleared villages. Ulva is home to the Boathouse seafood restaurant, which specialises in local shellfish, and the restored thatched Sheila’s Cottage. From here, visitors can pick up several waymarked walking trails, one of which leads to the remote island of Gometra. Linked by a small bridge, and in low tide by a beach, it has spectacular scenery with views across to the Treshnish Isles.

Pictured: Ulva

With its famous abbey and peaceful atmosphere, this small but beautiful island is a popular place for spiritual retreats, attracting people from all over the world. The many different habitats, including sandy beaches, cliffs, rocks, fields and bogs, mean there is a wealth of flora and fauna. The island is rich in wildflowers and birds such as the rare corncrake and puffins. Off the coast, an abundance of sea life including three different species of dolphin can be viewed from one of the many accessible inlets.

The smallest of the four inhabited Small Isles, Muck has a low-lying, fertile landscape. Much of the island is used for livestock and creative locals use wool and other materials for traditional crafts, to make rugs and clothing. Along the coastline, there are incredible white-sand beaches for watching the sunset, visiting the small Muck ponies or keeping an eye out for whales and porpoises.

This is one of the most charming islands in the Slate Islands group lying off the west coast of mainland Scotland. It is the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Inner Hebrides and to get there, visitors need to request the short ferry by pressing a switch that sounds a klaxon at day or turns a light on after dark. Easdale is home to traditional white-washed cottages, a small pub and disused slate quarries, now full of clear blue water and perfect for wild swimming.

Pictured: Slate Quarries, Easdale

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The 25 Prettiest Villages in Scotland You Must Visit + Map

From Isle of Harris and Lewis to Dumfries and Galloway, Perthshire to Isle of Skye , Scotland has a variety of scenic villages dotted all around the country.

Although Scotland is probably best known for its dramatic  castles , serene lochs, rugged mountains and whisky, there are also some insanely charming villages in Scotland to visit. 

These villages are perfect for escaping the urban chaos and embracing a slower pace of life, where locals gather in traditional pubs and cosy cafes. 

Small villages are always a great choice if you want to get a real taste of a country and experience it more like a local.

Each of them is unique on its own.  St Abbs   in Scottish Borders draws film crews from Hollywood, while  Braemar   in Aberdeenshire has royal connections. 

Many of the villages are in the most beautiful parts of Scotland . So there will be plenty of things to do in the local area. They also make a perfect base for exploring the Scottish countryside. 

A few of the villages mentioned in this article are easily accessible on a day trip from  Edinburgh  and  Glasgow .

We’ve rounded up the 25 prettiest villages in Scotland with dreamy views. This article talks about what’s unique about them, things to see and do, how to reach there by public transport and driving distance and time.

📖 Read More: 25 Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland You Must Visit

Best Fishing Villages in Scotland

1. plockton, wester ross.

Close your eyes and picture the perfect Scottish village in your mind. Chances are it will most likely look like Plockton .

Tucked away on the pristine coastline of Loch Carron in North West Scotland, Plockton is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind .

Known as The Jewel of the Highlands, this small village is famous for its awe-inspiring landscapes, milder climate and appearance in the Scottish drama series – Hamish Macbeth.

📖 Read More: One Day in Plockton, 16 Amazing Things to Do

Also, Plockton is just a few miles away from the famous Isle of Skye , one of the most visited places in Scotland.  

In its heydays, in the era of ‘The Herring Boom’, Plockton was a major haven for sourcing herring, which made it rise to its prosperity.

The main village street is lined with traditional whitewashed houses and the prettiest gardens against the spectacular backdrop of the loch and the mountains from the Applecross peninsula.

You can take a wildlife boat tour to spot seals, otters, dolphins, porpoises and numerous sea birds. There are a few pubs and restaurants along the promenade.

How to Reach : 🚂 Plockton train station sits on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh railway line.

🚗 From Portree, 1 hour / 40 miles.

2. Cullen, Moray Firth

Once a bustling fishing port, Cullen is renowned as the birthplace of the famous traditional Scottish dish, Cullen Skink – a delicious thick soup made of smoked haddock, potato and milk.  

Nestled on a sheltered bay on the coast of Moray Firth, this idyllic village has a dramatic coastline, stunning sandy beach, an imposing victorian railway viaduct and a cosy small harbour.  

You could easily visit Cullen on a day trip from Inverness and Aberdeen.

📖 Read More: 17 Incredible Things to Do in Cullen, Moray Firth

The lovely Cullen Beach attracts a lot of visitors during the summer months. Moray Firth is famous for the bottle-nosed dolphins. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the dolphins jumping and playing in the sea.  

The bustling main street has a few antique shops, a busy ice cream shop, cafes and restaurants. Taste a bowl of delicious Cullen Skink at Rockpool Café and the Cullen Bay Hotel.

You can hike to the neighbouring village Portknockie to see the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock – one of the most dramatic rock formations in Northeast Scotland.

How to Reach : 🚌 Ride Stagecoach bus service 35 from Aberdeen and Elgin.

🚗 From Aberdeen, 1 hour 25 minutes / 55 miles.

From Inverness, 1 hour 30 minutes / 59 miles

3. St Abbs, Scottish Borders

Recently featured in the superhero movie Avengers: Endgame, as the fictional place of New Asgard, this sleepy village is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

St Abbs is a picturesque small fishing village on the Berwickshire Coast in East Scotland.

It is well-known for its rugged coastline and rich wildlife and is one of Scotland’s best scuba diving places.

📖 Read More: 12 Best Things to Do in St Abbs, Scottish Borders

The walking trail to the St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve is quite popular with hikers. Around 60,000 birds nest in the high cliffs here.  

The volcanic clifftops, scenic sea stacks, abundance of wildflowers and butterflies, a photogenic lighthouse and the uninterrupted view over to the North Sea will completely blow your mind away.

One of the main highlights of this village is the small harbour. You would see local fishing and tour boats carrying tourists and divers. The nearby rocky shores are great for rock pooling. Devour some delicious crab sandwiches from the cafe on the harbour.

How to Reach : 🚂 Ride a train to Berwick upon Tweed from Edinburgh and then catch a bus 235 from there.  

🚗 From Edinburgh, 1 hour / 47 miles.

4. Crail, Fife

Nestled in East Neuk of Fife, Crail is one of the loveliest fishing villages in Scotland, with an eye-catching harbour and charming houses with pantile roofs. 

Crail falls on the famous Fife Coastal Path, a long-distance walking route of 116 miles that runs from Kincardine on the River Forth Estuary to Newburgh on the River Tay Estuary along the coast of Fife.

From the centre of the village, take a ramble down the cobbled streets to reach the harbour. You will find many creel boats moored there. If you fancy feasting on freshly caught lobsters and dressed crabs, pop by at Lobster Hut on the harbour. They are usually open every day in summer.

Also, stop by Crail Harbour Gallery & Tea Room and enjoy beautiful paintings by a local artist. You will also get a stunning view out to the Firth of Forth. They serve hot beverages and light bites.

At the centre of the village, step inside the family-run Crail Pottery. You will find a wide variety of beautifully decorated handmade earthenware to buy.

How to Reach: Catch Stagecoach bus services 95 from Leven to St Andrews.

🚗 From Edinburgh, 1 hour 30 min / 54 miles.

5. Crovie, Aberdeenshire

With a neatly arranged single row of houses on the North Sea coast underneath an imposing cliff, Crovie has one of the most dramatic settings among the villages in Scotland .

The history of this tiny well-preserved fishing hamlet dates back to the 18th century.

Very frequently, the sea sprays lash against the narrow ledge in front of the whitewashed houses. Some of those cottages offer holiday accommodation if you fancy a stay.

This village is only accessible via steep steps that descend the cliff to the seafront. So, if you are coming by car, you cannot simply drive through the village. You will have to leave your vehicle at the clifftop car park and walk down the wooden stairs.

Ony 10 minutes’ walk from Crovie is Gardenstown, another picturesque fishing settlement. Also, Troup Head in the east is a popular place for birdwatching. It has the largest gannet colony on mainland Scotland.

How to reach : Catch bus service 273 from Banff.

🚗 From Aberdeen, 1 hour 5 minutes/ 45 miles.

6. St Monans, East Neuk

St Monans is a stunning traditional fishing village in East Neuk of Fife and a jewel on the jagged coastline of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. This pretty harbour-front village is the smallest of the series of fishing ports dotted along the coast of East Neuk.

Around the cosy harbour huddle a charming blend of whitewashed and colourful houses with crow-stepped gables – possibly a Dutch influence.  

It gets very photogenic at high tide with the wild churning waves pounding on the breakwater – super atmospheric!  

Don’t miss a visit to the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church. The church is one of the oldest medieval churches in Scotland.

Being on the Fife coastal path, this former fishing and boat-building village is very popular with walkers. Along the coast, you would find the ruins of Newark Castle, a beehive dovecot, a seaside church, salt pans – a reminder of its salt-producing past, and a windmill spinning its arms in an idyllic setting.

How to Reach : 🚌 You can catch a Stagecoach bus from Edinburgh, St Andrews and Leven.

🚗 From Edinburgh, 1 hour 15 min / 48 miles.  

From St Andrews, 20 min / 13 miles.

Best Coastal and Lochside Villages in Scotland

7. luss, loch lomond.

Perfectly positioned on the western shore of bonnie Loch Lomond , Luss is often regarded as one of the prettiest Scottish villages.

Just 45 minutes drive from Glasgow , this place is an ideal day-trip destination from there.

There are plenty of incredible things to do in Luss to make you fall in love with this village.

📖 Read More: 10 Epic Things to Do in Luss, Loch Lomond

Admire the row of quaint stone cottages lined with beautiful small gardens and floral displays. They look gorgeous in full bloom during the summer months.

The small beach near the pier is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming in summer.

Take a stroll along the wooden pier to get a stunning view of the loch and the towering Ben Lomond on the other side of the loch.

You can take a relaxing boat tour to get a chance to see the numerous tiny islands on the Loch Lomond closely. Also, you can visit other villages on the banks of Loch Lomond – Balloch, Balmaha, Tarbet and Rowerdennan.

How to Reach : Hop on a Citylink bus service from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station.

🚗 From Glasgow, 45 minutes / 26 miles.

8. Elgol, Isle of Skye

With only a few clusters of whitewashed cottages on the shore of Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye , Elgol is a remote Scottish village offering one of the best views of the magnificent Cuillin ranges.

A hidden gem on Skye, Elgol has some great walking opportunities, including the coastal walk to Loch Coruisk. Also, you can explore Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Cave, where he hid after the defeat of the Jacobites in the mid-18th century.  

📖 Read More: How to Spend a Day in Elgol and Loch Coruisk

The boat services to Loch Coruisk and the wildlife trips depart from the village harbour.

Lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin, Loch Coruisk is a breathtaking freshwater loch on the Isle of Skye. The loch is also accessible by a long and strenuous walk from Sligachan and Elgol.  

Legend has it that it was once the home to the Kelpies – mythical water horses in Scottish folklore.

The famous Scottish folk song ‘The Skye Boat Song’ originated in Loch Coruisk, getting inspired by a Gaelic version sung by the local rowers.

📖 Read More: 25 Top Things to Do on the Isle of Skye: Detailed Guide+ Map

How to Reach : 🚎 Stagecoach runs bus service 55 from Broadford to Elgol a few times a day on weekdays and Schooldays.

🚗 From Broadford, 30 min/ 14 miles.

9. Fort Augustus, Scottish Highlands

Just an hour’s drive from the Scottish city of Inverness, you will find the tiny hamlet of Fort Augustus on the impressive Caledonian Canal.

Halfway between two large settlements of Scotland – Fort William and Inverness, this village lies at the southern end of Loch Ness, the largest freshwater lake by volume in the UK and home to the celebrity monster, Nessie.  

📖 Read More: Epic Things to do in Fort William

This small village has many beautiful things to do and explore for all. You can pop inside the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre and learn local history, cruise into Loch Ness, walk or cycle around the area and enjoy the breathtaking view of Loch Ness.

The magnificent Urquhart Castle is not too far from here. It is one of the largest ruined castles in Scotland and holds thousands of years of history.

If you are a serious hiker, you might be interested in the Great Glen Way, a long-distance walking trail between Fort William and Inverness, which runs through this Scottish village.

How to Reach : 🚎 Citylink bus from Inverness to Fort William stops here.

🚗 From Inverness, 55 min / 34 miles.

From Four William, 45 min / 32 miles.

10. Applecross, Wester Ross

Applecross is an incredibly stunning small village in a peninsula with the same name in the Wester Ross part of Scotland . It is a must-visit place on the North Coast 500 route, one of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes.

Take a walk to the Applecross Bay near Applecross Heritage Centre. You will get a stunning view over to the Isle of Raasay, Rona and the Isle of Skye . You might spot a herd of red deer strolling on the beach.

Also, step inside the heritage centre and discover the local history.

Applecross Inn on the village seafront is an excellent place to tuck into locally sourced delicious seafood. If you are in a hurry, grab some food from the takeaway truck opposite the inn.

If you came to Applecross via the road that runs along the shore of Loch Torridon, then make sure you head back through Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) – one of the highest and most picturesque mountain-passes in the whole of Britain.

How to Reach: From Inverness, 2 hours / 80 miles.

11. Lochranza, Isle of Arran

Lochranza sits in the northernmost part of the beautiful Isle of Arran. The village is named after a sea loch called Loch Ranza.

This cute village has a ruined lochside castle, a distillery, and a field centre for the Geology enthusiasts.

The incredible scenic beauty of Lochranza has inspired one of Scotland’s renowned novelists Sir Walter Scott in the poem The Lord of the Isles.

You might spot a herd of red deers roaming freely around the village. It is a perfect blissful spot to commune with nature. There are a few hiking trails nearby.  

Also, pop inside The Sandwich Station near the ferry terminal for some delicious freshly baked artisan sourdough bread sandwiches and cakes.

Another thing we really like about Lochranza is that it is less touristy than other areas in Arran.  

How to Reach : 🚎 The Stagecoach bus service 324 from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot stops here.

🚗 From Brodick, 30 min / 14 miles.

12. Shieldaig, Wester Ross

Shieldaig is a hidden gem tucked away on the shore of Loch Torridon in Northwest Scottish Highlands. Mostly whitewashed cottages along the shore of the loch make this coastal village very photogenic. 

You will find a rocky outcrop just about a quarter-mile off the coast. That’s Shielding Island with a dense population of Scots Pine.

Shieldaig was established in 1800 to train local people ready for battle in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. Later it turned into a fishing hamlet. 

In Gaelic, Shieldaig means ‘Herring Bay’. Now, this village largely relies on tourism. It has a small population of about 100 permanent residents.

Shieldaig is one of those places where you don’t have much to do apart from soaking up the breathtaking view. There are a couple of hotels, pubs and restaurants here.

Also, explore the nearby Torridon at the foothill of Torridon Hills. It’s just 15 minutes drive from Shieldaig.

How to Reach:   From Inverness, 1 hour 30 min / 68 miles.

13. Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway

Located on the Irish Sea coast of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland, the village of Portpatrick was once the main port for bringing goods to Ireland, which is only 21 miles from here.

Once compared with Gretna Green, many young couples from Northern Ireland would come here to get hitched.

There are quite a few restaurants, shops and pubs along the seafront. Take a ramble around the village. Take a look inside the historic ruins of the old parish church.

Follow the coastal path to visit the nearby picturesque ruins of Dunskey Castle. The hike offers a gorgeous view of the sea, beaches and clifftops. You can also walk to the north to see the Killantringan Lighthouse.

If you are in this part of Scotland, don’t miss a visit to the Mull of Galloway, the southernmost point of Scotland.

Also, the long-distance walking trail Southern Upland Way starts from here.

How to Reach : 🚎 Catch bus services 367 and 411 from Stranraer.

🚗 From Dumfries, 1 hour 40 min / 76 miles.

14. Dornie, Kintail

Located within a short walking distance from Eilean Donan Castle – one of the most famous castles in Scotland, Dornie is often overlooked by tourists visiting the castle. The village is only a few minutes by car from Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the Isle of Skye . 

Nestled in the meeting point of Loch Long, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh, the village has a natural scenic setting.

Aside from exploring the castle, this former fishing village is a great place to roam around. You will find a row of houses, whitewashed and some with colours creating a nice contrast. 

Don’t miss the viewpoint near the Dornie Community Hall on the other side of the road bridge over Loch Long. You will have a fabulous view of the castle with the impressive mountains of Kintail in the backdrop.

How to Reach:  🚎 The Scottish Citylink bus from Portree to Glasgow or Inverness stops near Dornie.

🚗 From Kyle of Lochalsh, 15 min / 9 miles.

Best Villages in Scotland for Mountains and Hikes

15. braemar, aberdeenshire.

Located deep in the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is truly a beautiful village in Scotland, where you can immerse in the wilderness, escaping the hustle-bustle of city life.

Surrounded by the Grampian Mountains and the River Dee, Braemar is one of the coldest places in Scotland and sits at an elevation of 339 metres above sea level.

It hosts the famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games every year, which is attended frequently by Her Majesty the Queen and the other members of the British Royal Family.

📖 Read More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Braemar, Cairngorms National Park

The rustic charm of this scenic Scottish village has attracted visitors over the centuries.  

There are plenty of walking, hiking and fishing opportunities around this area.

Aside from the majestic scenery, it has an abundance of wildlife, especially red deer and red squirrels. Just keep your eyes peeled out.

Constructed in the 17th century by the Earl of Mar as a hunting lodge, Braemar Castle has a turbulent highland history of over 400 years.

Balmoral Castle, the Royal Residence in the Scottish countryside, lies about 9 miles east of Braemar.  

How to Reach : 🚎 Stagecoach Bus service 201 runs daily between Aberdeen and Braemar.

🚗 From Aberdeen, 1 hour 25 minutes/ 56 miles.

From Dundee, 1 hour 25 minutes / 52 miles.

16. Glencoe, Lochaber

With a population of just around four hundred people, Glencoe is a little village on the shore of Loch Leven in the Scottish Highlands. It is only 25 minutes drive from Fort William .

Visit the Massacre of Glencoe Monument – a memorial erected to the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. It took place on the night of 12th February in 1692.  

Almost 40 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were murdered by the government forces under the command of Archibald Campbell, 10th Earl and 1st Duke of Argyll, for failing to meet the deadline of swearing allegiance to King William III.

Take a look inside the thatched roof Glencoe Folk Museum. This village has rich wildlife as well. Watch out for red deer and golden eagles. They are seen here frequently.

Glencoe Lochan, an idyllic place for a family-friendly walk, lies within a short walk from this village.

Keen hikers can climb the Pap of Glencoe, which looms large over this village. This 742-metre high mountain has a strikingly conical shape.

How to Reach : 🚎 Citylink and local Shield Buses N44 give a stop in Glencoe.

🚗 From Fort William, 25 min / 16 miles.

17. Killin, Perthshire

Located at the western end of Loch Tay, Killin is a stunningly attractive Scottish village in Perthshire. This charming settlement at the foothill of Breadalbane mountains is one of the best villages in Scotland for outdoor enthusiasts. 

It offers plenty of scenic walking opportunities. Wander around the magnificent Falls of Dochart and visit the burial place of Clan Macnab. 

One of the most scenic walks around Killin is Sròn a’Chlachain. It is a steep hill walk of about 2 miles with an ascent of around 400 metres. From the summit, the view is absolutely breathtaking. You can admire the stunning panoramic views of Loch Tay and the surrounding mountains.

Loch Tay is famous for salmon fishing. You can hire a fishing boat or take a guided fishing adventure tour from Loch Tay Fish ‘n’ Trips. 

If you are a fan of water sports, you will enjoy high-speed rib boat tours over the lake. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Finlarig Castle nearby. It was once a stronghold of Clan Campbell.

This village has quite a few nice cafes and restaurants. Falls of Dochart Inn is a lovely dog-friendly place to eat and drink with a beautiful view.

How to Reach:  From Callander, catch the C60 bus.

🚗 From Glasgow, 1 hour 20 min/ 62 miles.

18. Comrie, Perthshire

Winner of the Britain in Bloom Award in previous years, Comrie lies in the West Strathearn part of Perthshire. Comrie offers fabulous walking opportunities, having an abundance of big trees and woodlands in and around.

The Deil’s Cauldron and the Melville Monument Trail is a quite popular nature trail that starts at the centre of this Scottish village. This circular walk takes about 2 – 3 hours. We did this in autumn, and it was stunningly beautiful with a dazzling display of colours. The water of Ruchill and Cultybraggan is another scenic walk in Comrie.

If you are into geology, you would be interested to know that Comrie has more earth tremors than anywhere else in the UK due to its location on the Highland Boundary Fault. Actually, one of the first seismometers in the world was installed in Comrie around the mid-19th century.

This picturesque village of Scotland hosts a few cosy events like Comrie Fortnight in Summer and Flambeaux – torchlight parade during the Hogmanay celebration on New Year’s Eve.

Lastly, don’t miss Drummond Castle, famous for its enchanting garden. You can reach here just in 20 minutes by car from Comrie. The castle garden is usually open to visitors from June to October. 

How to Reach:  Ride Stagecoach bus number 15 from Perth.

🚗 From Perth 50 min / 25 miles.

Best Historical and Cultural Villages in Scotland

19. culross, fife.

Have you ever been to a place where you feel like you have stepped back in time? Nestled on the coast of the Firth of Forth, the Royal Burgh of Culross is one of those places.  

Founded in the 6th century by Saint Serf, it is one of the best-preserved historic villages in Scotland.

Wander around the cobbled streets lined with the 16th and 17th century whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs. Take a tour of the brightly yellow-orange coloured Culross Palace.  

Established in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant, the house has painted ceilings and passageways connecting the small rooms.

You will get a lovely panoramic view from the top of the palace garden. Also, explore the nearby ruins of Culross Abbey.

In recent years, the popular TV series, Outlander has brought this village on the tourist map. You can easily visit Culross on a day trip from Glasgow and Edinburgh .

How to Reach : From Edinburgh, catch a bus or train to Dunfermline. Next, jump onto the Stagecoach bus 8, 8A to Culross.

🚗 From Edinburgh 40 minutes/ 24 miles.

20. Wanlockhead, Dumfries and Galloway

The former mining village of Wanlockhead sits high in the Lowther Hills at an elevation of around 1,531 ft. It is the highest village in Scotland.  

The main tourist attraction of Wanlockhead is The Museum of Lead Mining. Take a guided tour to learn about this area’s industrial past. Also, you can go down to take a look inside a former working mine.  

Meander around the village to admire the stunning scenery of the cottages and the surrounding mountains. You will find several pieces of machinery used in mining scattered around Wanlock Water.

You can also go panning for gold at Mennock Water, a little stream near Wanlockhead. Gold panning has been quite popular in this area for centuries.

The gorgeous Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens is only 25 minutes from here by car.

If you are travelling with kids, you can hop on board a heritage diesel train between Leadhills and Wanlockhead. It runs only on weekends during the summer months.

Scotland’s long-distance coast-to-coast walking trail, The Southern Upland Way, goes through this village.  

How to Reach : Catch a local bus service operated by Stuarts of Carluke from Lanark Bus Station.

🚗 From Dumfries, 50 min / 32 miles.

21. Falkland, Fife

A former royal burgh of Stuart Kings and Queens of Fife, Falkland is a living time capsule of the past. It is the first conservation village in Scotland.

With the Lomond Hills looming over, Falkland is home to honeycomb houses, pretty cobbled lanes, Falkland Palace and Gardens, and Bruce Fountain.

The 16th-century royal residence boasts of having the oldest tennis court in the World. It was once a country residence for Scottish Kings. Mary, Queen of Scots, frequently visited this palace and enjoyed falconry and hunting.

Not only that, Falkland has a few local boutique shops, cosy cafes, tearooms, and restaurants. It is also one of the filming locations for the famous time-travelling historic TV Series, Outlander.

For nature lovers, there are some great walks around the village. The nearby Maspie Den walk is popular with walkers. Fit hikers would love to explore the full East Lomond Circuit.

How to Reach : Hop on board a train to Ladybank and catch a local bus from there.

🚗 From Edinburgh 1 hour/ 39 miles

22. New Lanark, Lanarkshire

New Lanark is one of the six  UNESCO World Heritage Sites  in Scotland. This charming historical small village was founded in 1786 by David Dale, who built cotton mills and housing by the River Clyde. 

Later under the pioneering industrialist and philanthropist Robert Owen, the mills flourished. He implemented many revolutionary ideas that were way ahead of his time. 

Today visitors can explore and learn about the history of these 200-year-old restored mills and houses. You can see recreated school rooms, village stores and mill workers’ homes.

While here, take a short woodland walk to see the nearby Falls of Clyde.

How to Reach : Catch a bus or train from Glasgow to Lanark. 

🚗 From Glasgow, 50 min / 28 miles.

23. Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis

The remotest place on our list, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village is a former crofting village on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It’s a must-see attraction on the island because of its unique cluster of thatched stone cottages.  

You can get a really nice insight into the Hebridean life of the past centuries, like how they used to weave the world-renowned Harris Tweed and survived in the wild North Atlantic weather. There is a cafe and a small shop selling local souvenirs.

You can either day-trip to Gearrannan or spend the night at their holiday accommodations in the thatched cottages. There are walking, cycling and fishing opportunities here. 

Also, the renowned Calanais Standing Stones and the Iron Age Broch are close to this place. You can easily combine them in a single visit.

How to Reach:   From Stornoway, 33 min / 18 miles.

24. Dysart, Fife

Dysart has turned into a photogenic village, with picturesque old buildings and narrow alleys leading to the seafront. It sits on the Fife Coastal Path and is a hidden gem.

Once a prosperous bustling industrial town, Dysart today is a suburb in the northeast of Kirkcaldy.  

Crow-stepped gabbles on the historic building are stark reminders of its trading past with Holland. On the High street, a tolbooth stands tall with a clocktower as a prominent landmark of this former fishing village.

The lovely little Dysart Harbour is one of the Outlander filming locations in Scotland. There is an excellent view of the harbour with St Serf’s old Parish Church from the Sailor’s walk, which continues to the Ravenscraig Park.  

How to Reach : Hop on a Stagecoach bus from Edinburgh or Dunfermline.  

🚗 From Edinburgh, 1 hour / 30 miles.

25. East Linton, East Lothian

East Linton lies about 20 miles east of the capital city of Edinburgh . Locals consider this village a gem of the East Lothian county in Scotland.  

In past centuries, this farming settlement on the River Tyne had a number of working watermills dotted on its bank. However, the only remaining one now is the picturesque Preston Mill, which has a unique shape with its conical roof.

After Preston Mill’s feature in the TV Series, Outlander, this village started gaining popularity in the last few years. They have guided tours to tell interesting stories about the mill’s grinding past.  

Another must-see attraction in East Linton is Phantassie Doocot, a 16th-century beehive-shaped dovecot.  

You would also love to explore Preston Kirk and the village square that has a small fountain. Also, walk to the nearby Linton Linn, a lovely waterfall on the River Tyne.

How to Reach : Get the X7 East Coast Buses from Edinburgh.

🚗 From Edinburgh 40 min/ 24 miles.

Map of the Villages in Scotland

Here is a map of all the villages mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google map on your phone. You can also use it offline.

We hope this guide to the most striking villages in Scotland has inspired you!  

After visiting these places over the years, we have had many fond memories of them.  

Sometimes overlooked by tourists, they are perfect for a tranquil holiday in nature. So, definitely add a few of them to your Scotland travel itinerary.

Let us know whether you have any favourites among the Scottish villages.

To fuel your travel inspiration further, check out some of our other Scotland travel guides .

Love, Moumita & Sankha

8 thoughts on “The 25 Prettiest Villages in Scotland You Must Visit + Map”

Thankyou for inviting me to your travels of Scotland. These photos have brought back hundreds of happy memories of holidays my late husband Geoff and I shared. We both loved Scotland and rain never stopped us from enjoying our visits. Yes we had rain and sunshine in equal measure and enjoyed every minute. Thankyou.

I would Dervaig village as a village hardly changed with pencil tower on church. It is on Isle of Mull

Bob Scott, Due to my age also a full time carera to my wife, not knowing at the time looking into my ancestery that I have Scottish history going way – way back in and around the areras you have covered. So when people like your good selves post your reports of your time spent in these wonderfull places, it brings to life of where my ancestors live. So thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Gratefully Sharde. Bob Scott.

considering a move to Scotland, so just starting research

Aberlady in East Lothian is absolutely gorgeous.. 2 great pubs of excellent standards and the people are like family .. we have the walks of gosford house and also the beaches of Longniddry and Aberlady along to Gullen which holds a gorgeous golf course and another white sandy beaches.. never lived in such a Bonnie Bonnie Villiage . Thankyou

I enjoyed your exploration of the Isle of Skye here! I visited there in 2017, staying in Sligachan, and did some hiking of the Cuillens. Nice picture of Eilean Donan Castle, near the entrance to Skye. I took a similar shot and it’s a favorite. I stumbled across your site because I’m going back to Skye next month, and will stay 3 nights at the Uig Hotel, Uig. I had also read about Elgol and will do some hiking there also while on Skye. I’m a retired police Lt., and still an avid hiker at 73 (did Ben Nevis last trip to Scotland). Your photos were excellent! Thanks, Terry (Wisconsin, USA)

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20 best places to visit in scotland [2024 travel guide].

Scotland is packed with beautiful places to visit.

You could honestly spend months and months exploring everything this wonderful country has to offer.

Which is exactly what we have done!

We have returned for five extensive trips since we converted our camper back in 2020.

And have spent more than 9 months combined, living and traveling through this absolutely breathtaking country.

Below I want to help you save time planning your own trip to Scotland, by taking you through what we believe to be the absolute best places to visit there this year.

ALL based on where we have personally visited.

Let's get straight into it ...

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Scotland is the sort of place that offers something all year round, but different seasons have their perks. 

For example, if you visit in summer, you’ll have a higher chance of great sunshine, but you’ll be surrounded by midges.

If you don’t know what midges are, they’re the most annoying little mite/fly ever.

We first encountered them at the famous Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, and have feared them ever since!

We get them in Ireland in the summer too and they love blood, so they lovvvee to bite, and honestly, despite attempts at creams and sprays, they still bite! 

Scotland travel stats show that summer is, of course, the busiest season to visit. So it’ll be busy at most of the attractions, despite the highest chance of warm weather.

We have visited a few times in the autumn months (September to November) and I can honestly say it was perfect. 

Some days you will get lucky with the weather and on our first Autumn visit, we only experienced around a week's worth of rain in the six weeks we were there. 

It was cold but bearable, and I absolutely love being surrounded by autumn colours.

Plus there are two more benefits of visiting in Autumn: no midges AND a lot fewer tourists!

Getting around Scotland: What’s the best option?

• Drive : We 100% recommend driving around Scotland if you get the chance. It was easy for us because we toured Scotland in our self-converted campervan, but it’s super easy to rent a campervan / motorhome in Scotland . There are also plenty of car rentals available if campers aren't your kind of thing. When you drive you gain the ability to explore much more, discover unknown places and even experience wild camping in Scotland .
• ‍ Train : Scotland has a pretty decent train network and you can make it all the major sights in Scotland via train, plus the views on the trains are going to be spectacular. So if you don’t have a driving license, or simply don’t want to drive, then this is a good option. 

20 Best Places to Visit in Scotland 

1. glen coe (my favourite place in scotland).

If you asked me where my favourite place to visit in all of Scotland is….I would say, Glen Coe .

The whole area of Glen Coe constantly had my face in shock due to the beauty that I was witnessing.

I swear it felt like I was transported to another country .

It’s just a stream of dramatic mountains, lakes, rugged beauty and more. It was honestly such a magical place to visit and if you only have time to visit one place make it Glen Coe, it’s truly one of the most magical places in Scotland. 

Things to do in Glen Coe 

• Visit the Famous James Bond picture point (Co-ordinates here) 
• Check out the Glencoe mountain resort (if it’s in season, then ski or snowboard!) 
• Check out Rannoch Moor viewpoint 

2. Fort William

Fort William is probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Scotland.

It’s one of the first big towns in the Scottish Highlands and a popular tourist destination thanks to being home to the UK’s tallest mountain: Ben Nevis.

It’s also home to a ski centre so is a popular place for families to visit! 

We really liked Fort William and if the season was right we would have attempted to climb Ben Nevis, but even if you’re not there for the mountain itself, there are still lots of beautiful walks and views in this area to experience. 

Fort William is also the starting point for one of the world's most famous train rides: The Jacobite .

Harry Potter fans will recognise it as the Hogwarts Express, and this train ride will take you through the beautiful countryside, crossing some iconic Harry Potter filming locations such as the Dumbledore's Grave and the Glenfinnan Viaduct!

Things to do in Fort William 

• Climb Ben Nevis 
• Visit the Ben Nevis Ski Centre (go up the cable car to the mountain restaurant!) 
• Ride the Jacobite steam train 

Where to stay in Fort William

There are lots of great hotels in Fort William, but the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club has a heated indoor pool, perfect after hiking Ben Nevis!

For more ideas, check out my guide on the best Airbnbs Fort William has to offer.

3. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs national park

Loch Lomond has so much to offer every type of traveller visiting Scotland.

We loved spending time in this park, and when we visited in October, the season had finished for camping permits so we were able to wild camp in some beautiful spots! 

Loch Lomond is packed with amazing views, wonderful waterfalls, gorgeous hikes and abandoned castles.

There is something for everyone.

We loved the Three Lochs Forest drive located within the Trossachs National Park.

It was amazing and we got to wild camp in an amazing spot with no one else around! 

The Ben Lomond peak is the highest in the area, so it’s worth a hike! Bradley did this and found it really enjoyable! 

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Scotland for families! 

Things to do in Loch Lomond 

• Climb Ben Lomond
• Take a boat cruise across Loch Lomond 
• Take the Three Lochs Forest Drive

Where to stay in Loch Lomond

Balloch is a great central town to stay in and the Queen on the Loch offers stylish rooms. For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best places to stay in Loch Lomond .

4. Cairngorms National park

We visited the Cairngorms National Park in December so some of the mountains were beginning to showcase snow, which was super exciting.

This is the largest national park in the UK so it’s another popular place to visit in Scotland and it’s no surprise why.

It’s absolutely beautiful and there’s so much happening at the Cairngorms National Park!

From skiing or meeting local reindeers, you’ll not go bored and you’ll be surrounded by beauty the entire time. 

There are lots of cute towns in this area too, but Aviemore is a good hot spot to visit stock up on snacks, petrol, and rent ski gear, or hiking gear if you need it! 

But my all-time favourite place to visit within the Cairngorms National Park area is the quaint town of Braemar. 

This is everything I wanted from a Scottish town, it’s adorable and oozes charm.

Go to the coffee shop called “The Wee Bothy” for amazing coffee, shortbread and lovely staff! 

I could live there! 

Braemar is also home to Braemar Castle which is super cool!

Visit at night time when it’s lit up for a unique experience. 

Things to do in Cairngorms National Park 

• Visit the Cairngorm Mountain for skiing (or get the funicular to the top for epic views!)-- It's due to reopen in late 2022, which means it's been closed for like 4 years. It was closed when we visited too, but the locals working there said the views are great!)
• Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre (this area has the highest proportion of reindeer in Scotland) 
• Check out the Queen's Scottish residence at Balmoral Castle

5. Isle of Skye

We’ve only visited one island off Scotland so far, and that’s the Isle of Skye, but it lived up to our expectations and more!

The Isle of Skye is connected via the “Skye Bridge”, so it’s super convenient to get too. 

This island feels totally different from other parts of Scotland and is truly rugged and ready!

We spent almost a week on the Isle of Skye visiting all the hot spots including the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Glen and so much more.

We even got to stay on a private island with its very own lighthouse, which was one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited and one of the most romantic places stay in Scotland (especially if you’re celebrating something!)

Read more in our Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage review .

Simply put, the Isle of Skye should be top of your Scotland itinerary! 

When you visit via the Skye bridge, you should definitely make a stop at the Eilean Donan Castle- it’s seriously cool and was free to walk around when we went.

Things to do on the Isle of Skye

• Stay on your own private island 
• Hike the Old Man of Storr 
• Discover Kilt Falls and dinosaur prints

Read More: 3 Day Isle of Skye itinerary

Where to stay on the Isle Of Skye

Check out my in-depth guide on the best places to stay on Skye .

6. The North Coast 

If you’ve decided to road trip the iconic NC500 , which is Scotland’s answer to route 66, then you’ll find yourself passing the North Coast of Scotland! 

We loved the North Coast because again, it offers something unique to other parts of Scotland.

There are lots of great towns along the way, and we can recommend a stop at BettyHill for cute coffee shops and friendly locals. 

When you visit the North Coast you’ll have to stop at John O Groats since it’s the furthest point on mainland UK.

Visit the colourful houses, grab a coffee and then go searching for dolphins, sharks and seals! (We saw seals) 

Things to do on the North Coast of Scotland 

• Visit Smoo Cave (a free, but REALLY cool cave - one of the more unique attractions in Scotland!)
• Visit Duncansby head and stacks (be prepared for wind!)
• Visit the John O Groats beer distillery 

Read More: The Best Road Trips in Scotland

We’ve visited Glasgow twice now, and it will always make my list of the best places to visit in Scotland!

I may struggle with the accent, but the people, the sights, the atmosphere is all worth it. 

Glasgow is an awesome place to have a city break.

The university grounds are beautiful in Autumn, the Kelvin grove Art Gallery & Museum is amazing and there are so many great pubs and bars for buzzing nightlife. 

Things to do in Glasgow

• Check out the Riverside Museum 
• Relax at St George's Square 
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum 

Where to stay in Glasgow

There are so many amazing hotels in Glasgow, you can search for them all right here .

8. Galloways (SW Coastal route)

If you want to visit an area of Scotland that’s not overly touristy, then a road trip to the South West Coast should be top of your list.

The Scottish tourism board actually created a road trip called the Southwest Coastal 300 , which you can probably guess is a 300-mile road trip of the south west Coast!

Bradley and I did it and we loved this area of Scotland.

The hub of the area is the Galloways National Park (where you can actually go searching for stars at night), but this area of Scotland is breathtaking but didn’t feel overly busy to me.

There are so many castles and tea rooms here- I LOVED it!

I’d say this is one of the more unique places to visit in Scotland in comparison to everywhere else we visited. 

Things to do on the Southwest Coastal route

• Visit the Galloway Lighthouse (It’s the most south-westerly point in Scotland and you can see 3 other countries from here!) 
• Visit the beautiful Culzean Castle (one of my favourite castles in Scotland)
• Visit Caerlaverock Castle (awh-mazing!)

Where to stay near Galloways National Park

Check out my guide on the best hotels on the west coast of Scotland .

9. Inverness 

Inverness is probably my favourite city in Scotland (that I’ve been too so far). 

I love that it’s a city, but it’s small.

It’s basically the capital of the Scottish Highlands but it’s charming and quaint .

You could easily see all the best sights in Inverness in a day if you’re short for time, but what’s nice about this city is that you can just wander around and explore without the worry of getting lost. 

I also love that Inverness isn’t overpriced, so if you’re looking for one of the more cheap places to visit in Scotland, then Inverness won’t break the bank!

Things to do in Inverness 

• Check out Inverness Castle at sunset 
• Visit the largest second-hand bookstore in Scotland (really cool attraction in Inverness!) 
• Shop at the Victorian Market 

Where to stay in Inverness

There are some great hotel deals in Inverness that you can book right here .

10. Loch Ness

You can’t go to Scotland and NOT go in search of Nessie!

Before we visited Scotland this was definitely one of my bucket list places to visit.

Just because I’ve heard so much about it.

I really wanted to do a Loch Ness cruise and learn more about the myth of Nessie , but we visited during Covid times and they weren’t running due to low visitors! 

But it’s still a cool place to visit in Scotland and we even got to wild camp right on the Loch Ness lake, which was pretty cool.

Since this is only a short drive from Inverness, it’s often a popular day trip for visitors. 

Things to do in Loch Ness

• Take a loch cruise and search for Nessie ( Book your tour right here! )
• Check out Urquhart Castle
• Walk around the loch (there are various small walking trails) 

Where to stay in Loch Ness

Lots of great Airbnbs available, and this Luxury Croft overlooks Loch Ness on it's own private deck, amazing! Book it here .

11. Stirling 

Stirling is a really cool city in Scotland since it’s sort of created around this awesome castle.

It’s a charming city full of character, and I’m pretty sure I counted like 16 coffee shops on my visit.

We wandered the old town, grabbed some lunch and just took in the sights.

We also did a walk just outside the city centre and got epic views from Sterling from above.

I think this is a beautiful place to visit in Scotland if you’re looking for a romantic city break! 

Things to do in Stirling

• Visit Stirling Castle (it’s not cheap though!)
• Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town
• Visit the National Wallace Monument 

Where to stay in Stirling

Stirling has a wide range of hotels available that you can book here.

Bradley and I sort of stumbled across Oban because we needed to get a replacement on our van tyre, but it was definitely worth the drive.

Known as the seafood capital of Scotland, this town is a tourist hot spot in the summer months.

It’s small but mighty! 

We wandered around the town, checking out the shops and views of Ballimore and the Isle of Mull.

We also checked out the McCaig's Tower which was really unique and felt like I’d been transported to Rome! 

Things to do in Oban 

• Catch an awesome view at the McCaig's Tower
• Eat seafood at one of the seat front restaurants
• Visit the Oban Distillery 

You may also like: Best dog friendly hotels in Scotland

Where to stay in Oban

Since it's a popular tourist town, there are lots of hotels to choose from.

‍ Check them out here.

13. Glenfinnan 

Glenfinnan is 100% one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Not only can you go to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and catch a view of the Harry Potter train coming across the tracks, but there are so many beautiful walks and sights in this area.

Just across the road from the Viaduct, you’ve got the Glenfinnan Monument with simply amazing views across Loch Shiel and if you drive a little further down the area you’ll come to Loch Eilt which was used a lot in the Harry Potter movies. 

Things to do in Glenfinnan

• Catch a view of the Jacobite Express crossing the viaduct 
• Visit the Glenfinnan Station Museum 
• Taking a cruise on Loch Shiel 

Where to stay in Glenfinnan

Cabin Camas Tana is the ultimate place to stay in Glenfinnan; pure Scottish vibes!

‍ Book it here.

14. Mallaig 

Mallaig is a port town in the Scottish Highlands that is significant due to the workings of the town.

You can either drive there or visit as part of a ride on the Jacobite Express , but it’s worth visiting this small area.

It's a one way in, one way out sort of road, but you can get ferries to other islands in Scotland from here, including the Isle of Skye.

This small town is now home to tourism, but once was thriving fishing, working village.

Now you can visit one of the coffee shops, grab a bite to eat, take a walk around the harbour and pick up some souvenirs! 

Things to do in Mallaig

• Visit the Mallaigh Visitor centre 
• Take a walk around the Pier 
• Grab some fish & chips 

Where to stay in Mallaig

Glenwood glamping pods are a great choice!

Book your stay here.

15. Applecross 

Applecross is one of the towns made famous by the NC500 , but what’s really unique about this pace is that it’s literally in the middle of nowhere.

You drive across an epic mountain pass and eventually, you’ll come to the very small town of Applecross.

It’s raw, it’s beautiful and randomly, it’s home to a hotel, Michelin guide restaurant and lots of deer.

This is one of the best places to visit in Scotland by car and you can’t get there via public transport. 

Things to do in Applecross

• Drive the epic mountain pass known as Bealach na Bà
• Dine at the Applecross inn
• Take one of the many walking trails on offer 

Where to stay in Applecross

The Applecross Inn of course! Book your stay here.

If that's sold out, Fearnmore House not far from Applecross. Book this Airbnb here.

16. Edinburgh

Last but not least on our Scotland travel guide is to visit the capital city of Edinburgh.

We visited over my birthday and it was fantastic.

Edinburgh was everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

Cute cobblestone streets, a ridiculous amount of cute coffee shops, amazing vibes and much more.

I'd say it's one of the best places to visit in Scotland and makes for a perfect Scottish city break. Better yet, you can always hire a car in Edinburgh and then head out to explore the surrounding area.

Things to do in Edinburgh

• Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle
• Shop at the historical Victoria Street
• Check out the National Museum of Scotland

Where to stay in Edinburgh

It's a capital city so there is lots of choice for accommodation. Including some lovely hotels with pools !

17. Falkirk

Wedged between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Falkirk was an unexpected place to visit, but left a lasting impression!

This is a really cool place to visit in Scotland and is home to some super unique sights. 

Firstly, you’ve got the Falkirk Wheel, which is truly random as it’s the ONLY rotating boat lift in the world. 

This is run by the Scottish Canals and a visit here will allow you to not only take a boat cruise but there is so much to see and do on-site, including, crazy golf, waterpark for kids, segway safari, canoeing, and so much more! 

It’s a perfect place to visit in Scotland if you’ve got children, but both Brad and I enjoyed it as adults! 

Falkirk is also home to “The Kelpies” which are truly epic.

They are 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies and based on legend.

They are a sight to behold and you should 100% visit at nightfall when they light up. It was a fantastic sight to see, very unusual and one of my favourite things to do in Scotland!

Also, if you’re visiting a campervan or motorhome, you can stay at the Helix Carpark (which is where the Kelpies are” for £5 a night which is perfect if you want to see them lit up in the evening! 

Things to do in Falkirk 

• Ride the Falkirk Wheel 
• Admire the Kelpies at night 
• Check out the Torwood Blue Pool

Where to stay in Falkirk 

If you’re not wild camping, then there are a range of hotels in Falkirk to suit you, and you can even rent out boats on the Scottish canals! 

18. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a coastal city in Scotland located on the east coast.

It’s a typical port city and offers ample opportunities for shopping.

But when visiting here, I suggest you head to the beach, park up, take a stroll along the promenade, and perhaps grab a bite to eat at one of the many on-beach restaurants and cafes.

Then, you should visit Codona's amusement park, which again is perfect for kids, or just big kids like Brad and I. 

We had a wander and played some crazy golf, but there’s also really cool go-kart racing, roller coasters, general amusement games, and much more! 

Things to do in Aberdeen 

• Go on a shopping spree
• Have fun at Codona’s amusement park
• Take a day trip to Craigievar Castle (the pink castle of Scotland!)

Where to stay in Aberdeen 

Being a very popular coastal city, there's lots of choice for accommodation that you can check out here.

19. St Andrews 

Golf enthusiasts will want to visit St Andrews for the fact that it’s home to one of the world’s most famous and oldest golf courses!

‍ That’s partly why Bradley wanted to visit, and we managed to visit on a day where the sun was shining, so we strolled alongside the golf courses and the beautiful beach. 

But, even if you’re not interested in golf, St Andrews should still be on your list of places to visit in Scotland because it’s a super cute and beautiful town!

Lots of sweet shops, cafes, and much more.

We situated ourselves in the British Golf Museums restaurants because they offered amazing views of the beach and golf courses and a range of great food- so we can recommend there! 

Things to do in St Andrews 

• Walk beside the golf courses of St Andrews 
• Stroll along the beach and if you’re brave, try surfing 
• Check out St Andrews cathedral and St Andrews Castle 

Where to stay in St Andrews 

Find all the best accommodation in St Andrews right here.

20. Portknockie

This is a cute little village on the Northeast coast of Scotland and if you’re driving the North East 250 Scotland road trip , then you’ll come across it.

I signify this as a point of interest because it’s got a couple of good sites around it.

Firstly, you’ll have to visit Bow Fiddle Rock which is truly an amazing natural rock formation, and worth visiting, and secondly, there is also Findlater Castle not far down the road. 

Things to do in Portknockie (The North East of Scotland) 

• Grab fish and chips in the village town 
• Take photos of the epic Bow Fiddle Rock 
• Check out the remains of Findlater Castle 

Where to stay in the North East of Scotland

There are lots of places to choose from when it comes to hotels in the North East of Scotland, and Portknockie is home to selection too.

Over to you

‍ So there you have it, my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful or inspirational in planning your next Scottish adventure.

Which one are you most excited to visit?

Drop me a comment below.

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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The 30 Most Beautiful Places People Must Visit

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

There’s no way you could ever come up with a definitive list of the world’s most beautiful places. However, if you ask around, some places come up a lot more frequently than others do.

Not in any particular order, the following are some of those places that people mention over and over again.

The Scottish Highlands

Rugged mountains and crags, deep and dark lakes, and ancient castles dominate the spectacular Highlands of Scotland. To some eyes, it’s a barren, windswept landscape, but to many more, it’s a realm of unparalleled beauty.

The U.S. Pacific Coast

From the Canadian border well into Southern California, the Pacific Coast is a nearly unbroken stretch of rocky shorelines where waves ceaselessly pound cliffs and offshore formations called sea stacks. Some of the highlights include Rialto Beach in Washington, Cannon Beach in Oregon, and California’s Big Sur.

Nova Scotia

Latin for “New Scotland,” Canada’s Nova Scotia is a province with a landscape similar to Scotland’s yet with a character of its own. It has 5,400 lakes, rugged highlands, and some of the shores of the world-famous Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tidal range in the world.

Long a remote home for the hardiest of Vikings, Iceland has become one of the most prized tourist destinations in the world. True to its name, it has huge glaciers, but it also has mountains, lakes, seacoast, and one of the world’s largest concentrations of geysers and other geothermal features.

Banff National Park

The Canadian Rockies are stunning throughout their entire range, and Banff in Alberta is the heart of it all. Admire the incredible colors of glacier-fed alpine lakes, gape at the towering, glacier-draped peaks, walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier, go on scenic hikes, and more.

The Swiss Alps

The Alps cover great expanses of Europe and are beautiful wherever they are, but the Swiss Alps seem to epitomize the range. They’re a year-round destination for hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone is a U.S. National Park in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, but it’s also a region with a sprawling, interconnected ecosystem. The park itself has the world’s largest concentration of geothermal features, and it’s also known as the American Serengeti for its abundance of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

The colors of the mountains and lakes in this park are otherworldly, especially at sunrise and sunset. Wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep delight visitors. Although there are glaciers here, the park’s name refers to the fact that the geology here is the result of glaciation.

In addition to having some of the best standards of living in the world, Norway has some of its most beautiful scenery. The fjords are perhaps the most famous, but there are also spectacular mountains and glaciers, and it’s one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

Active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, coral reefs, gigantic tropical wildflowers, and gorgeous waterfalls are among the many sights that make Hawaii unique and one of the world’s most beautiful places. It’s also great for whale watching and seeing sea turtles.

Yosemite Valley

All of California’s Yosemite National Park is scenic, but John Muir’s “Incomparable Valley” is the highlight. Ancient glaciers carved out this U-shaped valley, and now it’s dominated by sheer rock faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, and by some of the tallest waterfalls in America.

Zion National Park

The entirety of Southern Utah is like nowhere else on Earth, and Zion is one of its crown jewels. In the Yosemite Valley of Utah, Zion Canyon is a narrow cut through towering red, yellow, and white sandstone cliffs. It’s also a prime destination for people who enjoy exploring slot canyons, extremely narrow canyons shaped by floods.

The Serengeti

Mostly in Tanzania, the Serengeti is an African expanse famous for its huge herds of wildlife, including predators such as lions and cheetahs. Dominating it all is Mount Glacier-clad Kilimanjaro, the highest point on the continent.

Down at the southern tip of South America, Patagonia has some of the world’s worst weather, but it also has some of its best scenery. The granite peaks here aren’t nearly as high as they are in other parts of the Andes, but their jaggedness awes all who see them.

Most entries on this list are natural places, but Paris is one of the few human-built exceptions. The City of Lights is renowned for some of the world’s most famous architecture and, as the nickname suggests, is most beautiful at night.

If any European city can rival Paris in cultural, architectural, and historical significance, it’s Rome. Although it’s very touristy now, the Colosseum still inspires admiration and humility as you walk through the centuries of history there.

Also called the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is a valley in the desert of southern Jordan. Fantastic granite and sandstone rock formations, along with narrow canyons, typify the area. It’s been a setting for numerous movies, maybe most notably Lawrence of Arabia.

New Zealand

Remote and uncrowded, New Zealand is often cited as the most beautiful country in the world. Were you awed by those snow-capped mountains and other wild landscapes in the Lord of the Rings films? That was New Zealand, not CGI.

The Last Frontier is so huge that it could easily be its nation, and it contains a vast array of impressive scenery. Among the most famous are Denali, North America’s highest mountain; Glacier Bay National Park; and Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where in summer massive brown bears catch leaping salmon in their jaws.

Many Japanese cities are notable for their architectural beauty. Kyoto is often credited as being the most beautiful of them all.

The Dolomites

A subrange of the Alps, the Italian Dolomites are among the world’s most impressive mountains. Their craggy peaks have been seen in countless films, and they attract mountain climbers from all over the world.

Arches National Park

Utah’s other desert crown jewel is this park found just outside the town of Moab. Arches features towering sandstone cliffs and spires as well as petrified dunes, but it’s best known for its namesake features. There are more natural arches here than at any other location in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef

You’ll have to go beneath the surface to experience this natural wonder, but you won’t regret it. One of the planet’s hotspots of biodiversity, this gigantic reef is visible from outer space and is home to countless species of marine life.

The Cordillera Blanca

Part of the Andes and located in Peru, the name of these mountains means “White Range” in Spanish. Beyond being beautiful, this range has more ice than any other mountain range in the tropics does.

The Himalayas

If high mountains and gigantic glaciers call to you, then this range that’s home to Mt. Everest, the highest point on the planet, maybe your Heaven on Earth. Although the Himalayas stretch across 5 countries, most visitation is in Nepal and China.

British Columbia

High mountains and proximity to the Pacific Ocean have turned British Columbia into a showcase of both alpine splendor and coastal rainforests. Just about the entire Canadian province is the stuff of postcards, but make sure you check out highlights such as Squamish, the Bugaboos, and Whistler, one of the world’s best ski areas.

When you think of Siberia, you might think of a vast, frozen wasteland where the Soviets liked to run prison camps. That did happen, but in reality, Siberia is a massive, mostly undeveloped wilderness of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.

There’s no quick or inexpensive way to get to this frozen continent, but the relative few who make the journey return home amazed forever. More than just a giant sheet of ice, Antarctica has mountains, starkly beautiful barren beaches, and thriving wildlife all along its edges.

Baffin Island

Most of this island off the northeastern coast of Canada is above the Arctic Circle. On the island, you’ll find stark beauty highlighted by imposing granite peaks. The iconic peak is Mount Thor, which features the world’s greatest vertical drop at 4,100’.

Your Own Front Porch

Sometimes, simple is best. Just enjoy the view outside your front door or put back or anywhere else on your property that makes you relax and smile.

The 20 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in the U.S.

Waterfalls are among the top outdoor attractions people like to visit. Their effects range from soothing to inspiring to awe-inducing, and although they’re most common in mountainous areas, there are waterfalls in every U.S. state.

With more than 17,000 documented waterfalls in the country, any list of the best is going to be subjective, but you won’t be disappointed by the ones here.

20 U.S. National Parks Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Our National Park System is one of the country’s greatest treasures, and it’s often been called “America’s Best Idea.” Currently, there are 63 national parks from the Pacific (American Samoa) to the ocean south of Florida (Dry Tortugas) and from the Arctic to the tropics.

Most people won’t get a chance to visit them all, so if you could only visit 20 and just one time each, which ones should they be? Here are our recommendations:

The 15 Most-Visited Countries in the World

The world is big, and there are countless places to explore. Some countries attract many more visitors than others. Countries that are popular with tourists often have a lot to see and do, as well as friendly people and great food.

According to Insider Monkey , these countries have the most visitors every year.

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