Scotland is known to have some of the best vacation destinations in the world. From heritage-filled cities to isles with beautiful sandy beaches, there’s an unending list of awesome places to explore. Medieval castles, stunning architecture and mouthwatering traditional cuisine await you in the Scottish world. Join Viewcation as we explore the best places to visit in Scotland.
GLASGOW
Scotland’s largest city is the best place for music, shopping, and cultural enthusiasts. It’s a city that’s always evolving, with plenty to do for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. One of the best things about Glasgow is the city’s vibrant music scene. The legendary Hydro, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, and the Barrowlands are just a few of the places you can catch melodic vibes in Glasgow. And if you don’t dig the vibe, you can always visit the Kelvingrove Museum and explore the incredible exhibits they have. Also, visits to the museum are free, so add that to your itinerary anyway. Shopping enthusiasts will definitely love Glasgow. Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyll, the city’s three main shopping streets, offer shoppers a plethora of options. If you’re an art lover, you can’t afford to miss the amazing street art along the Mural Trail.
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, as well as its most historic town. It features well-preserved architecture from a wide range of time periods, from the Middle Ages all the way to the 18th century. The most notable ones include Edinburgh Castle and the incredible shop-lined Royal Mile. For a glimpse of the Scottish aura, be sure to visit Grassmarket. The town has many beautiful Georgian townhouses in this more modern section of the historic capital. Its assortment of eateries, retail outlets, and art galleries makes it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Edinburgh is also a major cultural hub because of the abundance of annual events and festivals it hosts. Popular events in Edinburgh include the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Queen’s former yacht, the Royal Yacht Britannia, is now a fascinating museum where guests can tour the State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms. Book a table at the Royal Deck Tea Room for a traditional British high tea.
EAST LOTHIAN
If you want to see a little bit of everything, including the city, the coast, and the countryside, then a vacation in the Lothians is the way to go. With trains frequenting Edinburgh from East Lothian, you can easily combine your visit to East Lothian with a tour of its capital city. Don’t miss out on the stunning view of Edinburgh Castle from the rooftop bar at the brand-new Johnnie Walker on Princes Street. There is also the John Muir Way hiking trail. The trail passes by many scenic points along the East Lothian coast, making it a wonderful destination for those interested in coastal exploration. Whether you’re a kite surfer or a traditional surfer, you’ll find your niche at Longniddry Beach or Belhaven Bay. Don’t leave town without stopping at the Drift, a cafe that offers breathtaking cliffside views. It’s also a great place to dine before or after a hike.
THE ISLAND OF RAASAY, HIGHLANDS OF THE NORTHWEST
You’ve probably never heard of it, but there’s a tiny island off the coast of Skye’s eastern edge that you’re going to love. Having been named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “Best Islands to Visit,” Raasay has become the location of everyone’s vacation fantasies. After a fun-filled ferry ride from Sconser, you’ll arrive at one of the most stunning Scottish isles. When the weather is clear, the top of Skye’s Cuillin mountain range offers a breathtaking panorama that extends to the distant Hebrides. While there, you can put your taste buds to the test at the distillery or hike up Dun Caan, the highest point on the island. The Raasay House Hotel provides one of the best dining experiences ever.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The magnificent Scottish Highlands are one of the rare travel destinations that has truly captured the imagination of so many. Some of the most sentimental scenery in the world can be found in this region. The Highlands stretch from the charming garden city of Inverness on the country’s rugged east coast to John O’Groats in the north. This area has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the wildly successful Outlander series. To best appreciate the Highlands of Scotland, you should begin your tour in Inverness and continue to Scotland’s most famous lake, Loch Ness. Dornoch, a small coastal town, is well worth a detour for its castle ruins and cathedral. Cairngorms National Park is a very popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and whitewater rafting are among some of the exciting activities to enjoy while in the Scottish Highlands.
TAY COUNTRY
Located on Scotland’s eastern seaboard, the areas of Fife, Perthshire, Dundee, and Angus make up what is known as Tay Country. There is a great deal of history to learn about in the area, and there are many fascinating places to visit. Take some time to learn about the castle’s history and also try out new delicacies. The Arbroath Smokie, a smoke-cured haddock, is a delightful food to sample when you visit the town of Angus. You can learn about the region’s mysterious past and see firsthand the relics of a long-lost civilization along the Cateran Trail’s 103-kilometre circular route. The trail begins and ends in Perthshire, and it travels through the beautiful Glenshee to the idyllic communities of Kirkmichael and Glenisla. The area is characterized by vast landscapes shaped by glaciation and offers a blissful view. The Cateran Eco Museum is another wonderful place to visit. It’s an open-air museum dedicated to thousands of years of human achievement.
HEBRIDES
The Scottish archipelago of Hebrides lies to the west of the Scottish mainland. Some of the finest beaches on earth can be found in the Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles. Luskentyre Beach is very well-liked by the locals. The beach is beautiful, with golden sands and blue water and picturesque mountains in the distance. It’s great for swimming, surfing, lounging in the sun, and any other beach activity you can think of. Also, the beach is frequented by wild horses, so be on the lookout for them. The Isle of Lewis has many historical sites, including the Black Houses and the Callanish standing stones, that you should visit. Try some of the regional speciality, Charles MacLeod Black Pudding, while you’re there. If you want an unforgettable experience, rent a bike and ride the Hebridean Way from Lewis to Harris.
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ABERDEEN
one of Scotland’s most picturesque cities is also one of the best places to learn about the country’s fascinating past. The area is fantastic for strolling around and learning about. Other places for a pleasant stroll include Aberdeen’s two-mile-long beaches, one of the numerous nearby golf courses, or the Old High Street. Built in the 1300s, St. Machar’s Cathedral is an excellent example of Scotland’s architectural and artistic past. You can also visit the David Welch Winter Gardens, which is one of the biggest indoor gardens in all of Europe. It is home to a variety of domestic and exotic plant species and is a popular picnic spot, especially during the warmer months.
THE ISLE OF ARRAN
The beautiful Isle of Arran is one of the best places to visit in Scotland as it encapsulates many of the best aspects of the country. It is the seventh-largest island in Scotland and can be found off the west coast. The island, which covers 429 square kilometres, can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. The island is home to beautiful white sands, ancient castles, challenging golf courses, and charming fishing towns. The island is also full of mountains which makes for awesome hiking trails. Reaching the top of Goat Fell Mountain, at an elevation of 873 meters, will provide you with a breathtaking panorama of the island of Arran. The Brodick Castle is another must-see landmark that showcases reconstructed iron-age architecture. Along with excellent lodging options, such as hotels and resorts, the island is also home to a wide variety of fantastic dining establishments.
STIRLING
As one of Scotland’s most significant historical centres, Stirling is not to be missed. Being halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow makes it a prime location for discovery. Among the first places to visit in the area is the medieval Stirling Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was raised. One can go on a guided tour or just wander around on their own. Another interesting location is the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. The centre provides an interesting and informative look at the Battle of Bannockburn through its high-quality displays and engaging exhibits.
DUNDEE
The city of Dundee has made great strides in recent years thanks to massive investment in urban renewal. The city has a wealth of attractions, including the first V&A museum to be established outside of London. Built on the water’s edge and drawing inspiration from its location, the V&A is the city’s most eye-catching structure. Other stunning buildings in Dundee include the McManus Galleries, The Courier building, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of Dundee’s best features is that its many attractions are conveniently located close to one another. One more beautiful and peaceful place to visit in the city is Dundee Law, an extinct volcano. Its peak provides a panoramic vista of Dundee and the surrounding area.
CLACKMANNANSHIRE
Despite being Scotland’s smallest region, this quaint haven is situated in close proximity to several of the country’s most significant historical landmarks. Surprising attractions and stunning natural scenery abound in the area as well. The Ochil Hills are a tranquil oasis with panoramic vistas, and the Alva and Dollar Glens are perfect for forest hikes with numerous cascading waterfalls. The picturesque loch at Gartmorn Dam is also a lovely place to wander and explore. The area’s rich history can be experienced at sites like Alloa Tower and Castle Campbell.
And there you have it. It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below which of the places to visit above piqued your interest the most. And, for those who have visited Scotland, which places did you find memorable? Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one.