Top 14 Places to Visit in Scotland to Discover its Historic Past

It is a fact undeterred that Scotland offers a wide diversity of landmass, beaches food and whatnot, which makes it quite popular among the travelers. If you are planning a long vacation or a weekend getaway soon, expecting a journey full of picturesque beauty and adventurous jaunts, then you must consider Scotland for its rich culture and history. The country is brimming with mesmerizing countryside, icy mountains, serene rustic villages, lively city roads and dramatic landscape, resulting in a perfect touristy destination. There are many places to visit in Scotland that ensure an excellent outing with friends and family.

Best Tourist Destinations In Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom, that includes amazing destinations for long vacations. People have been dreaming to travel the country since ever. Check out the list of the few most visited places in UK. It has almost everything to satiate the travelling souls who are seeking tranquility and adventures together.

Scottish Highlands
St Andrews
Aberdeen
Loch Lomond
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Isle of Arran
Inverness
Hebrides
Stirling
Dundee
Melrose
Isle of Skye
Fort William

1. Scottish Highlands

Few travel destinations have been an epitome of paradisiac beauty that is yet to be explored. Scottish Highland is one such destination that begins stretching from the attractive gardens of Inverness and reaches to the North touching the JohnO’Groats. One should definitely head towards this place if they are in quest of natural scenic beauty. The natural images and romantic sceneries of the highlands can be seen in the background of many hit Shows and cinemas.

There are plenty of tourist spots in Scotland, and Highland includes many of them. Visitors can explore the museum, cathedrals, castles, beaches and the most popular destination Aviemore for an ice skiing experience in winter. In summer, when days are a little warmer, visitors can enjoy adventure sports such as biking and hiking along with sea kayaking, rafting and fishing.

Attractions: City of Inverness, Loch Ness, Urqhuart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre, Cawdor Castle and Gardens, Historic Fort George

Hotels: The Torridon, Wester Ross, Doune Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scourie Hotel, Sutherland, Fortingall Hotel, Perthshire

Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport, Dundee Airport

Best time to visit: June to August

2. St Andrews

Popularly renowned as the worlds topmost golf destination, St. Andrews entices Golfers across the globe to experience seven classic link courses of St Andrews, which are approximately 72 years old. During your visit, make sure to explore the British Golf Museum situated in proximity. The museum includes names and portraits of the legends who have played at the St. Andrews' courses. Besides, the place also homes the details and background story of sports that are played here over the centuries. Apart from a lot of fun activities to do in Scotland, there are plenty of places to explore. The town is famous for its old buildings, medieval architecture, historical museum and art galleries. Do not forget to visit st. Andrews Castle and the town's old cathedral.

Attractions:Cathedral of St. Andrew, St. Andrews University's Museums, St. Andrews Castle, St. Andrews Aquarium, St. Andrews Botanic Garden, Craigtoun Country Park

Hotels: Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, Albany Hotel, Ardgowan Hotel, Best Western Scores Hotel, Premier Inn St. Andrews Hotel

Nearest Airport: Dundee Airport (DND / EGPN)

Best time to visit: June to September & December to February

3. Aberdeen

Aberdeen city, located in North East of Scotland is the third most populous city in the entire country. Traveler or not, you must have heard the name of this city, since it is included in the country’s most admired destinations. The uniqueness of the city charts it among the must-visit places in Scotland. The best thing that not many knows is that it must be explored on foot and you would love every moment spent here. It is always recommended to stroll through the city and relish the architectural beauties. Rushing to these places would simply steal away the soothing charm. Do not forget to visit the old homes and merchant buildings made from unique local granite that shine while the sun bathes them in its direct rays and emits glittery reflection. It is this glazing reflection because of which country has been named ‘Silver city’ out of affection.

Attractions: St. Machar's Cathedral, Brig o'Balgownie, The Tolbooth Museum, The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Provost Skene's House, Crathes Castle, Balmoral Castle, Duthie Park and David Welch Winter Gardens

Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport, Moxy Aberdeen Airport,Residence Inn Aberdeen, Aberdeen Marriott Hotel, Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport

Nearest Airports: Aberdeen Airport

Best time to visit: March to May & July to August

4. Loch Lomond

If you are someone who is enticed by adventurous trips, then this place is a must-visit for you. Loch Lomond is a lake that is consist of approximately 40 islands and was later combined with Trossachs national park in 2002. Since then, the place has been a visual treat for all the sightseers. There are plenty of adventure activities in Scotland such as fishing, golf, camping, bicycling, climbing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Hiking and biking along with its extensive trail is yet another interesting thing to enjoy in Scotland. Don't wait too long and plan to visit Inchcailloch in Loch Lomond to see ancient church ruins and burial ground. The vast track offers an unrevealed wilderness covering approximately 1864 sqm.

Attractions: Loch Lomond Shores, Loch Lomond Aquarium, Island of Inchmurrin, Maid of the Loch, West Highland Way, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Inveraray Castle, Auchindrain Township, Rob Roy Visitor Centre

Hotels: Knockderry House Hote, Monachyle Mhor, The Lake of Menteith Hotel, Oak Tree Inn, Queen of the Loch, Premier Inn Glasgow (Milngavie) Hotel

Nearest Airports: Glasgow Airport

Best time to visit: March to October

5. Edinburgh

If you are allowed to visit only one city in Scotland, then it must be Edinburgh. The city has preserved ancient architecture from various periods of history. It has oodles of things that travelers can enjoy on their excursion to Scotland. You can hop in and enjoy the local festivals of Scotland, explore the world’s largest international art galleries and stroll through the scenic beauty of the town. The city boasts cultural festivities and hosts innumerable events. The Edinburgh fringe is said to be the largest art festival that entices crowds across the globe. Visit and enjoy the numerous popular events and festivals throughout the year that are hosted by the city.

Attractions: Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags, Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Hotels: Old Town Chambers, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Premier Inn Edinburgh, The Rutland Hotel, Travelodge Edinburgh Central Princes Street, Hotel Ceilidh-Donia, Cairn Hotel Edinburgh

Airports: Edinburgh Airport

Best time to visit: May

6. Glasgow

The city of Glasgow is nestled on the River Clyde, west coast of Scotland is nothing but a true European cultural centre. With the first steps, you would instantly feel the serenity of the town. Excursionists who are searching for things to do in Europe will get oodles of options. Many excellent museums, galleries, parks, cathedrals and markets make it a beautiful tourists attraction in Scotland. Glasgow has a very popular school of art that is open for all, visitors can explore and quench their thirst for brilliant art. Riverside Museum is one of the few best places to explore in Glasgow. The Museum has vintage steam engines, and other means of transportation that were used in an earlier time thus, it is quite evident that the modern building incorporates a history of transportation. It is also observed that that the museum has also reproduced the shops and homes from the 1930s.

Attractions: Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow School of Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, George Square and the Merchant District, Necropolis, Riverside Museum and Tall Ship, Glasgow Science Centre, Pollok House and Pollok Country Park

Hotels: Ibis budget Glasgow, Apex City of Glasgow Hotel, ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square, voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG hotel, Fraser Suites Glasgow, ibis Styles Glasgow Central

Airports: Glasgow Airport

Best time to visit: March to August

7. Isle of Arran

A trip to Scotland is incomplete if you have not visited the place as it is the microcosm of things that are great about the country. It is located on the offbeat of Glasgow’s mainland and hardly takes a ferry ride of approximately 1 hour to reach the picture-perfect island. With a total area of more than 400 square kilometers, the Isle of Arran is a perfect island for a day trip or a short weekend getaway or maybe an extended vacation in solitude. Planning an excursion to Scotland in summers, this is a perfect place to visit in June till august.

No matter if you are travelling by car, bus or bike, there are plenty of beautiful spots to explore such as hiking stretches, sandy beaches, fishing villages and historic castles. Do not forget to spend few hours in Brodick castle popular tourists spot among travelers. There are amazing hotels and restaurants around the places where travelers can relax and enjoy relishing delicacies.

Attractions: Beaches, fishing villages and castles

Hotels: Best Western Kinloch Hotel, The Douglas Hotel ,The Corrie Hotel, Ormidale Hotel

Airports: Glasgow Airport

Best time to visit: June to August

8. Inverness

Inverness is located in the east of the country’s most beautiful lake. There is a part of the Inverness that is visible while you are travelling between Loch Ness, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The beautiful place instantly catches eyes and convinces visitors to spend at least a day or two in here. Those who end up spending time here fall in love with this place. There are a plethora of fun things to do in Inverness, the jaunt begins with exploring the island on foot admiring the beauty of the Ness River. The river stream follows the connected island, which is further linked to the shore with footbridges. The tranquillity of the picturesque island would make you fall in love granting few days of break from the chaotic city life. The interlinked park area is a delight for tired travellers to kick back and relax.

Attractions: St. Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Abertarff House, Titanic Inverness Maritime Museum, Botanic Gardens and Victorian Market

Hotels: Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, Ardentorrie Guesthouse, Courtyard Inverness Airport, Highland Apartments by Mansley, Bunchrew House Hotel

Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport

Best time to visit: April to August

9. Hebrides

All those literature buffs who have a keen interest in music must come, and visit Hebrides at least once in their lifetime. All those who have a passion for art can channelize it here. It is an archipelago situated on the west coast of Scotland, famed for its cultural expansion. 50+Islands with the inclusion of Isle of Skye combines to create the inner as well as the outer areas of Hebrides. The island has been a muse for many authors who have enjoyed the serenity and used the soothing repose for their writing inspiration. Being a hub of beaches there are many sea birds and seals that can be spotted here. If a calm vacation gets a bit boring for you, try adventure and watersports for a little recreation.

Attractions: Portree, Quiraing, The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Fairy Pools, Sligachan, Dunvegan Castle

Hotels: The Cuillin Hills Hotel, Hotel Eilean Iarmain, The Duisdale House Hotel

Nearest Airport: Barra Airport

Best time to visit: June to August

10. Stirling

If there is someone who has travelled to Scotland and has not visited Stirling, that person has missed a great deal. Stirling is claimed to be a historical town of Scotland and serves as one of the best places to visit in Europe. The city is nestled in the route between Glasgow and Edinburgh. No special efforts are required to visit the place, you can take out few hours to check out the place while travelling between two major cities of Scotland and enjoy plenty of things to see in the city. There is a lot to see that will leave you mesmerized, the most visited place, counting the highest number of footfalls is the 'Stirling Castle'. It is a royal palace, preserving medieval architecture, designs and art. The tour around the palace can be self-executed or explored with the help of a tour guide. Tourists also love Bannockburn heritage center that gives a pretty clear glimpse of the fascinating battle of Bannockburn. The battle is a victorious expression of brave Scottish king Robert the Bruce.

Attractions: Wallace Monument, Village of Bridge of Allan

Hotels: Victoria Square, Stirling Court Hotel, Premier Inn Stirling City Centre hotel, King Robert Hotel, Premier Inn Stirling South (M9, J9) Hotel

Nearest Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) Airport

Best time to visit: May to September

11. Dundee

Known as the "City of Discovery," Dundee is a bustling and historic city on Scotland's east coast that is perched along the banks of the river Tay. With a history spanning more than eight centuries, Dundee has been vital to the cultural and economic advancement of Scotland. The thriving port and waterfront portion of the city, which has a promenade, panoramic views of the river, and attractions like the RRS Discovery, the ship that Captain Scott utilized on his Antarctic expedition etc., are testaments to the city's cultural heritage. With a flourishing artistic community, a plethora of artistic galleries, theaters, and music venues, Dundee has an impressive cultural environment and is one of the best places to visit in Europe. All year, the city celebrates everything from cuisine and drink to literature and music with many festivals and events.

Attractions: Dundee Law, Mcmanus Art Gallery & Museum, Broughty Castle Museum & Beach, V & A Dundee, Camperdown Country Park, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Dundee Statues, Mills Observatory

Hotels: Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Center, Sleeperz Hotel Dundee, Hotel Indigo Dundee, Best Western Dundee Woodlands Hotel, Staybridge Suites Dundee, Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort Lodges

Nearest Airport: Dundee Airport

Best time to visit: July to September

12. Melrose

Melrose, which is near the Scottish borders and the banks of the Tweed, captivates tourists with its unique combination of historic sites, undulating landscapes, and lively local culture and is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. One of Scotland's most famous medieval monastery structures, Melrose Abbey, is situated at the center of the town. The abbey was founded in the twelfth century and is a must-visit location for those who enjoy both history and architecture because of its elaborately carved stone details and interesting past. Never forget to visit the nearby attraction Eildon Hills to carry out a plethora of activities such as hiking, cycling, and animal viewing, along with witnessing the beautiful scenery that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

Attractions: Melrose Abbey, Priorwood & Harmony Gardens, Abbotsford, Eildon Hills, Scott’s Hilltop, Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre, Tweed Valley Forest Park, Galashiels, Peebles

Hotels: Bowden House Boutique B&B, Burt’s Hotel, The Townhouse Hotel, Waverley Castle Hotel, Station Hotel, The Ghillie Bed & Breakfast, George & Abbordsford Hotel, Broomfields Country House

Nearest Airport: Edinburgh Airport

Best time to visit: June to August

13. Isle of Skye

Famous for its breathtaking lochs, dramatic cliffs, and mist-covered peaks, Isle of Skye is a photographer's dream come true for those who love the great outdoors and ethereal natural beauty. Skye, one of the biggest and most famous islands in Scotland, is the home to a wide variety of sceneries, from the ethereal Quiraing and Old Man of Storr rock formations to the charming Fairy Pools and the towering Cuillin Mountains. One of the best things to do in Scotland is to undertake a cultural voyage as Skye is a haven for foodies, with a burgeoning culinary scene that showcases the best of Scottish cuisine. Skye also offers a range of water sports for those looking for an aquatic experience to explore the island's shoreline.

Attractions: Point of Sleat, Armadale, Dunvegan Castle, The Oyster Shed, Staffin Beach, Skye to St Kilda, Portree Boat trip

Hotels: Duisdale House Hotel, Marmalade Hotel, Cuillin Hills Hotel, Skeabost House Hotel, The Skye Inn, Uig Hotel, The Flodigarry Hotel, Rosedale Hotel & Restaurant

Nearest Airport: Benbecula Airport

Best time to visit: May & June

14. Fort William

Perched on the Western Highlands of Lochaber, Fort William is a renowned bustling city that boasts of its historical and cultural landmarks that revolve around the fascinating chronicles. With a plethora of scenic cycling routes, you can undertake a cycle ride and marvel at the intricate geological formations along with the breathtaking natural landscapes. Never miss out on visiting the High Street, which is a hotspot of the region, brimmed with an array of upscale restaurants, quirky cafes, and exclusive stores. Plan a visit during winter, enjoy skiing at Nevis Range and traverse the snowscapes, which is a lifetime experience to be remembered forever. Also, you can carry out hiking, camping, and boat tours at Fort William, one of the best places to visit in Scotland.

Attractions: Ben Nevis, Lochaber Geopark, Jacobite Steam Train, The West Highland Museum, Nevis Range Snowsports, Boat trips, Golfing, Mountain Biking

Hotels: The Garrison Hotel, Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Cruachan Hotel, Guisachan Guest House, Premier Inn Fort William Hotel, Caledonian Hotel, The Moorings Hotel

Nearest Airport: Glasglow Airport

Best time to visit: May to September

Now that you know about the best places to visit in Scotland, plan a trip soon to Europe. Moreover, if you are a newly married couple, the country has many dramatic honeymoon destinations in Europe. No matter what you are looking for, be it serene spots, romantic sites, authentic Scottish taste, adventure trips or shopping places... Scotland has it all. If there is any other place that you feel, should be included in the list then do let us know in the comment section below.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Scotland?

To experience the liveliness, the best time to visit Scotland is July to August as the country is jam-packed during these months.

Q2. What is the famous attraction of Stirling town?

Sterlin is known as the historical town of Scotland. Wallace Monument, and Village of Bridge of Allan, are few places that should be explored by everyone while they are on the trip to Scotland.

Q3. Which is the best hotel in Edinburgh?

Being one of the few major cities of Scotland, Edinburgh has many luxe hotels. Here is a list of few hotels that are Old Town Chambers, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Premier Inn Edinburgh and The Rutland Hotel

Q4. What is the best time to visit Inverness?

The best time to visit Inverness is between April to August. Although to avoid the excessive crowd and access cheaper deals, visit between September and October to enjoy the average monthly temperature.

Q5. What is the thing to do on Scottish Island?

Scottish Island is a very vast and picturesque destination. The weather is very pleasant, and offers many adventure activities to do such as biking and hiking can be enjoyed along with sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, and fishing.

Q6. Is there any Airport in Aberdeen?

Yes, there is Aberdeen Airport in the city , which is further connected with a good network of roads and conveyance.

Q7. How is the nightlife of Scotland?

The nightlife of Scotland is very happening. There are many clubs and casinos in Scotland that ensure a lit night in the country. A few of them are The Last Drop, The Garage and Holyrood 9a

Q8. What is the most popular food in Scotland?

Haggis and porridge are two of the best dishes, that are relished by the tourists in Scotland.

Q9. How many days are required for Scotland?

You should spend at least 9 to 10 days in Scotland to delve into its historic past by visiting its significant cultural landmarks including the culinary tours. You can even extend your trip in Scotland based on your preferences.

Q10. What are the best places to visit in Scotland?

Scotland is best known for its significant cultural landmarks and vibrant natural splendors which will let you soak in the unparallel beauty of the majestic landscapes. The best places to visit in Scotland are: