Scotland is a stunner of a rustic to discover! It’s a type of locations which you could go to and have completely totally different experiences, it doesn’t matter what sort of journey you like. This, on prime of the truth that there’s a heap of one of the best locations in Scotland which might be dotted all throughout the nation make it a very superb spot to discover.
Now, I might need a reasonably large delicate spot for Scotland, particularly after dwelling there for six years. And, though I can’t say I ever tried a fried Mars Bar, I definitely did a lot of travelling. That is precisely why I wished to share a few of the finest locations in Scotland it is best to consider visiting in your subsequent journey.
Whether or not it’s a visit across the Kingdom of Fife, a jaunt within the Highlands or a metropolis break in Edinburgh or Glasgow; I’m virtually guaranteeing you that you simply’ll have one of the best time! That’s even earlier than you even assume to discover the islands of Scotland, too.
Anyway, sufficient rambling about why I like Scotland a lot! Check out a few of the finest locations in Scotland to go to.
Simply make sure that to convey me again some shortbread and Scottish pill. It’s scrumptious and I miss it a lot.
Have essentially the most epic time exploring one of the best locations in Scotland.
1.) St Andrews
Properly, I couldn’t point out one of the best locations in Scotland and never embody my previous residence, St Andrews!
Perched inside the Kingdom of Fife, it’s considered one of my favorite locations in Scotland and is a lot greater than only a well-known golf course. Sure, it has that and it’s unbelievable to go {golfing} however there’s additionally lots of historical past on this small city, too.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and take a wander across the citadel, too. You’ll be able to really go within the secret tunnel that was constructed lots of of years in the past.
Afterwards, take a wander across the College Grounds and see the Hawthorn tree that Mary Queen of Scots planted at Quadrangle at St Mary’s.
Oh, and ensure to not stroll over Saint Salvator’s PH that’s cobbled into the bottom. This can be a spot the place a heretic was burned on the stake within the 1500s and apparently unleashed a martyrs curse. To this present day, no pupil of St. Andrews (me included) would ever stroll over the PH signal. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
2.) Edinburgh
If it’s a metropolis break you’re after, then Edinburgh is definitely the most effective locations in Scotland to go to; and never simply because it’s the capital.
As soon as right here, make sure that to ramble your means up Arthur’s Seat and see the views throughout town and the Firth of Forth.
It’s a stunner round dawn or sundown. Alternatively, for those who don’t fancy somewhat hike, pop over to Mary Queens Shut on the Royal Mile. It’s a part of the Royal Mile that’s now underground and is completely eerie to see. You get to see all of the previous homes and streets that are actually underground.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop over to Edinburgh Fortress (clearly) and cease off in Grassmarket for a day tipple, too. There’s a heap of bars in Edinburgh to go to.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Edinburgh to go to
3.) Isle of Skye
The islands of Scotland are truthfully beautiful. That being mentioned, with about 800 (in whole) to select from, it may be fairly tough to slim down some agency favourites.
That being mentioned, the Isle of Skye is definitely the most effective locations in Scotland to go to on a visit across the Highlands. Not solely because it’s completely simple to get to (by automotive, through the bridge) but in addition as there’s a lot to do.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go on the most effective Scottish hikes to the Storr. It’s comparatively simple for those who’re used to mountaineering and never too strenuous. That being mentioned, it’ll nonetheless take you a couple of hours there and again so make sure that to plan accordingly.
Afterwards, head throughout to the likes of; Dunvegan Fortress, the Fairy Pool and Armadale Fortress that we visited earlier than taking the ferry throughout to Mallaig.
Oh, and don’t overlook to go to the dramatic shoreline round Neist Level. It’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Greatest islands in Scotland to go to
4.) Glasgow
Now, the easiest way I can assume to explain Glasgow is that it’s like Edinburgh’s loopy, fun-fuelled sister!
Glasgow is a very vibrant metropolis and fairly unbelievable to go to for a protracted weekend. Plus, it solely takes a short while to go to on the practice from Edinburgh, too.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery, wander round George Sq. and see the Hunterian Artwork Gallery. It’s the oldest museum in all of Scotland.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Glasgow
5.) Dundee
So, Dundee has had one thing of a revival within the final ten years, or so. It’s turn out to be one thing of a cultural hub, particularly with the opening of locations just like the V&A Dundee on the brand new waterfront space.
I’ve to be trustworthy, the primary time I visited Dundee, means again in 2006, I can’t say I preferred it very a lot. Although, just lately, we revisited and spend a couple of days within the metropolis and completely cherished it.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the V&A Dundee (as talked about) and pop over to the McManus Artwork Gallery, too. Oh, and don’t overlook to go to Broughty Fortress that’s about midway between Dundee and Carnoustie.
For a lightweight lunch, pop into the Flame Tree Café that serve up some tasty avocado on toast. Oh, and for dinner, head to the Gidi Grill that serves up some tasty West African and Caribbean favourites. We cherished it.
Oh, yeah, and it’s very easy to go to St. Andrews for those who’re already in Dundee and have a automotive. It’s a couple of 25-30 minute drive and properly price it to go to my previous stomping floor! It actually is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland.
Learn extra: Exploring Dundee
6.) Glamis Fortress
Okay, so, Glamis Fortress is one other the most effective locations in Scotland to go to that’s inside simple attain of Dundee. You see, it’s solely a 20-minute drive (north) and properly price it for those who love Scottish Castles.
Constructed means again within the 14th Century, Glamis Fortress has been stored inside the Lyon household for generations.
As soon as right here, take a tour contained in the citadel, discover the rooms and secret areas and study extra about all of the little options this citadel has. It’s completely beautiful and properly price a go to; particularly because it was the childhood residence of the Queen Mom.
Learn extra: Exploring Glamis Fortress
7.) Applecross
Now, Applecross would possibly solely be a tiny place however it’s simply the most effective locations in Scotland to discover on the Wester Ross Coastal Path. Not solely does it have some unbelievable white sandy seashores however it additionally has some prehistoric mounds which might be dated again 1000’s of years.
The entire drive round this space is completely unbelievable, even when the roads are slim, you’ll find it irresistible.
Simply make sure that to maintain your eyes peeled for some Highland Coos, too.
8.) Crail
Nestled down the Fife Shoreline, Crail is a tiny fishing village that has a allure all of its personal.
Now, it’s comparatively simple to go to for those who take the coastal highway from St. Andrews and observe the highway to Crail itself. It’ll take lower than 20-minutes and is an ideal little cease earlier than heading additional down the coast to Anstruther, too.
Now, it’s probably you’ll solely spend an hour, or so, right here (it’s tiny) however make sure that to pop into a couple of favorite spots. The Crail Harbour Gallery And Tearoom are completely pretty and have some attractive views.
Plus, pop into Reilly’s Shellfish for those who fancy a few of the tastiest recent seafood in Fife. It actually is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland for those who love quaint little villages.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Fife
9.) Glencoe
Perched inside the dramatic Glencoe Valley, Glencoe and the encompassing area is definitely the most effective locations in Scotland to go to for its dramatic pure magnificence.
After exploring the shores of Loch Leven, cease off for lunch on the Lochleven Seafood Cafe (in Onich) that has one of the best seafood platter round.
If it’s a Scottish hike you’re after, head on a shorter 3-km hike across the Glencoe Lochan trails which might be comparatively simple for a lazy afternoon.
That being mentioned, in order for you extra of a problem, pop on the Buachaille Etive Beag hike that’s round Eight km. Whichever you select, hike safely and at all times observe native recommendation. In spite of everything, nobody likes a careless hiker.
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Scotland
10.) Crathes Fortress
Now, I do know I hold happening about Scottish castles, however they’re truthfully a few of the finest locations in Scotland to expertise the nation’s historical past. And what, Crathes Fortress isn’t any exception there.
Constructed again within the 16th Century, Crathes Fortress is a couple of 30-minute drive from Aberdeen and properly price a gander when heading west.
On the tour, you get to study extra concerning the citadel, ti’s grounds and fascinating little details about why the steps are all totally different ranges. Apparently, this wasn’t from lazy builders however to disorientate an attacker that might try to enter the citadel.
Learn extra: Exploring Crathes Fortress
11.) St. Kilda
In all probability one of the distant islands in Scotland to go to, St Kilda is an distinctive place to go to.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and a nationwide protect, St Kilda has 1000’s of years of historical past to discover.
Now, it’s not going to be your common day journey to go to St. Kilda, however you may guide a tour with Go To St. Kilda that function from the Isle of Skye. Count on a protracted day (because it’s round 40-km away) and a price ticket of round £250-300 per particular person.
That being mentioned, it’s properly price it as you’ll get to spend round 3-Four hours on the island and see Hirta’s sea cliffs which might be the very best in all of the UK.
Learn extra: Greatest islands in Scotland to go to
12.) Dunnottar Fortress
Mentioned to have been occupied because the center ages, Dunnottar Fortress is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland to see a few of the nation’s historical past.
Perched round 25-minutes, down the coast, from Aberdeen. It’s a fantastic little spot to go to for those who’re searching for a day journey.
As soon as right here, spend a while exploring the citadel grounds and study extra about considered one of its well-known residents. An precise lion!
Learn extra: Exploring Dunnottar Fortress
13.) Anstruther
Okay, Anstruther holds a particular place for me! It was my go-to place on a weekend journey while dwelling in St. Andrews. You see, not solely is Anstruther completely quaint (and really small), it’s a beautiful space for a sunny afternoon stroll.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop into the Anstruther Fish Bar that’s been awarded as being the most effective fish and chip spots in the entire UK. Even royalty have visited for his or her fish and chips!
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Fife
14.) The Shetland Islands
So, the archipelago of the Shetland Islands is one fairly distant space of the UK to go to. That being mentioned, it’s additionally properly linked because it has a longtime inhabitants that lives on the island. This all makes it simple to go to for those who’re fancying a special sort of island journey.
When you can, try to coincide your go to with the biggest Viking hearth competition in Europe, Up Helly Aa. Throughout this competition, you’ll see hearth professions, the burning of Viking vessels and a heap of celebrations that occur. In spite of everything, it’s the most effective locations in Scotland to see this.
Learn extra: How one can expertise Up Helly Aa
15.) Plockton
Typically nicknamed the jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland to go to on a highway journey itinerary throughout the Highlands.
As soon as right here, take a stroll across the historic pier and fishing space and pop on considered one of Calum’s Seal Journeys that we cherished. You get to go across the space by boat and also you’ll virtually be assured to see the seals. You’ll additionally see Duncraig Fortress from the shore, too.
Afterwards, pop over to Plockton Inn to relaxation up. We stayed right here for an evening and grabbed some lobster and haggis of their restaurant. Completely cherished the meals.
Learn extra: Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
16.) Torridon
Simply shy of Applecross, you may simply go to Torridon earlier than (or after) visiting Applecross in your drive via this area of the Highlands. Now, for those who love a little bit of an journey, that is simply the most effective locations in Scotland to go to.
Not least as a result of you may go kayaking within the loch and it’s so stunning. Simply make sure that there’s no wind; it’s a lot more durable on a blustery day.
Afterwards, pop over to Decrease Diabaig, too. It takes round 15-minutes within the automotive ( from Torridon) however it’s completely price it for the attractive landscapes and historic little hamlet by the loch.
Oh, and pop into Gille Brighde Restaurant that’s overlooking Loch Torridon, too. It’s a family-run foodie spot that serves up a few of the tastiest lunches within the space. We cherished it.
Learn extra: Exploring Torridon, Highlands of Scotland
17.) Fortress Tioram
Perched on a tiny island in the midst of Loch Moidart, Fortress Tioram is a shocking citadel destroy that’s completely attractive.
Now, you gained’t be capable to entry the ruins themselves (as they’re unsafe structurally) however you may see it from the shore. It’s a very beautiful space to discover and the right place to observe the sundown within the Highlands, too.
We stayed close to Dalnabreac and it’s fairly simple to overlook the tiny turnoff to search out Fortress Tioram (Google Maps location here), particularly because it’s in dense woodland.
That being mentioned, after about 20-minutes of gradual driving, you’ll get to somewhat automotive parking spot with some epic views over the loch.
Simply make sure to put on long-sleeved tops. We visited in September and received bitten so many occasions by little nats.
Learn extra: Discovering Fortress Tioram In Scotland
18.) Eilean Donan
Perched within the western Highlands of Scotland, Eilean Donan is likely one of the most iconic castles in Scotland. Plus, It’s fairly simple to go to Eilean Donan after (or earlier than) visiting Plockton because it’s not too distant.
Established again within the 13th Century, there’s a lot historical past to see at Eilean Donan. Simply make sure that to go away sufficient time to discover the citadel itself.
Now, it could possibly get somewhat busy right here (on weekends) however you may definitely miss the crowds by arriving within the morning or legislation afternoon (like we did).
Learn extra: Greatest castles in Scotland
19.) Inverness
Inverness was our very first cease within the Highlands of Scotland and our entry level (through the Caledonian Specific in a single day practice from London) to discover the realm.
Now, being one of many smaller cities in Scotland, Inverness is a superb springboard spot to go to locations just like the Cairngorms and even heading west or north in direction of locations like Wick, too.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover Inverness Fortress and head out on Moray Firth to identify some dolphins, too. We had been unfortunate, we didn’t see any because it received actually foggy however it’s properly price a strive.
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Scotland
20.) Drive the NC500 Path
Driving the NC500 might be the most effective highway journey routes in Scotland to observe for a style of the Highlands.
Beginning in Inverness, it’s going to take you all the way in which as much as John o’ Groats, earlier than heading down the north-west coast to locations like Applecross and the beautiful Bealach na Ba Street.
Now, the journey in itself will take no less than every week to finish (extra in order for you a very chilled time) however it’s properly price it. For me, it’s one of many unspoilt areas of the UK that’s so stunning to discover. It’s simply the most effective locations in Scotland to discover.
Learn extra: The driving route for the NC500
21.) Loch Ness
Okay, so Loch Ness might be essentially the most well-known loch in the entire world and one of the best locations in Scotland to try to spot Nessie! , the Loch Ness Monster.
Beleive the legend (or not), I nonetheless spend a great deal of time watching the Loch waters to identify Nessie! Now, for me, Loch Ness isn’t essentially the most dramatic of all of the lochs in Scotland however it’s a spot it is best to positively go to for a couple of hours; particularly when on the route (north) again to Inverness.
Learn extra: Distinctive locations in Scotland to go to
22.) Cairngorms
Perched within the jap Highlands, the Cairngorms is an unspoilt area of Scotland’s Cairngorms Nationwide Park.
Now, the Cairngorms is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland to go to for those who love the outside. You see, you’ve received all the things from quad safaris, hikes and even bike routes via the mountains that we cherished.
We cherished exploring the Cairngorms.
Learn extra: What we did exploring the Cairngorms
23.) Loch Lomond
A part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park, Loch Lomond is likely one of the finest locations in Scotland to go to when in Southern Scotland.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the banks of Loch Lomond itself, go to the Chook of Prey Centre and hike the Beinn Dubh path, too.
Afterwards, head over to Fruin Farm that serves up a few of the tastiest dinners within the space.
Learn extra: Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
Your Important Scottish Highlands Journey Itinerary
