Scotland is a stunner of a rustic to discover! It’s a kind of locations that you may go to and have completely totally different experiences, it doesn’t matter what kind of journey you like. This, on prime of the truth that there’s a heap of the most effective locations in Scotland which are dotted all throughout the nation make it a completely superb spot to discover.
Now, I may need a fairly large tender spot for Scotland, particularly after dwelling there for six years. And, though I can’t say I ever tried a fried Mars Bar, I actually did a lot of travelling. That is precisely why I wished to share a number 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 the most effective time! That’s even earlier than you even suppose to discover the islands of Scotland, too.
Anyway, sufficient rambling about why I really like Scotland a lot! Check out a number of the finest locations in Scotland to go to.
Simply be sure to convey me again some shortbread and Scottish pill. It’s scrumptious and I miss it a lot.
Have probably the most epic time exploring the most effective locations in Scotland.
1.) St Andrews
Nicely, I couldn’t point out the most effective locations in Scotland and never embody my outdated dwelling, St Andrews!
Perched inside the Kingdom of Fife, it’s one in every 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 loads of historical past on this small city, too.
As soon as right here, be sure to discover the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and take a wander across the citadel, too. You possibly can really go within the secret tunnel that was constructed a whole bunch 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 scholar 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 well among the finest locations in Scotland to go to; and never simply because it’s the capital.
As soon as right here, be sure to ramble your approach up Arthur’s Seat and see the views throughout the town and the Firth of Forth.
It’s a stunner round dawn or sundown. Alternatively, in case you don’t fancy a bit 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 outdated homes and streets that are actually underground.
Oh, and don’t neglect to pop over to Edinburgh Citadel (clearly) and cease off in Grassmarket for a day tipple, too. There’s a heap of bars in Edinburgh to go to.
Learn extra: Best locations in Edinburgh to go to
3.) Isle of Skye
The islands of Scotland are truthfully gorgeous. That being mentioned, with about 800 (in complete) to select from, it may be fairly tough to slim down some agency favourites.
That being mentioned, the Isle of Skye is well among the finest 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, be sure to go on among the finest Scottish hikes to the Storr. It’s comparatively simple in case you’re used to mountaineering and never too strenuous. That being mentioned, it’ll nonetheless take you a number of hours there and again so be sure to plan accordingly.
Afterwards, head throughout to the likes of; Dunvegan Citadel, the Fairy Pool and Armadale Citadel that we visited earlier than taking the ferry throughout to Mallaig.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the dramatic shoreline round Neist Level. It’s gorgeous.
Learn extra: Best islands in Scotland to go to
4.) Glasgow
Now, the easiest way I can suppose to explain Glasgow is that it’s like Edinburgh’s loopy, enjoyable-fuelled sister!
Glasgow is a completely vibrant metropolis and fairly unbelievable to go to for a protracted weekend. Plus, it solely takes a short while to go to on the prepare from Edinburgh, too.
As soon as right here, be sure 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: Best 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, approach again in 2006, I can’t say I favored it very a lot. Although, lately, we revisited and spend a number of days within the metropolis and completely liked it.
As soon as right here, be sure to discover the V&A Dundee (as talked about) and pop over to the McManus Artwork Gallery, too. Oh, and don’t neglect to go to Broughty Citadel 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 liked it.
Oh, yeah, and it’s very easy to go to St. Andrews in case you’re already in Dundee and have a automotive. It’s a couple of 25-30 minute drive and properly value it to go to my outdated stomping floor! It actually is among the finest locations in Scotland.
Learn extra: Exploring Dundee
6.) Glamis Citadel
Okay, so, Glamis Citadel is one other among the finest 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 value it in case you love Scottish Castles.
Constructed approach again within the 14th Century, Glamis Citadel has been saved 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 be taught extra about all of the little options this citadel has. It’s completely gorgeous and properly value a go to; particularly because it was the childhood dwelling of the Queen Mom.
Learn extra: Exploring Glamis Citadel
7.) Applecross
Now, Applecross would possibly solely be a tiny place however it’s simply among the finest 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 are dated again hundreds of years.
The entire drive round this space is completely unbelievable, even when the roads are slim, you’ll adore it.
Simply be sure 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 attraction all of its personal.
Now, it’s comparatively simple to go to in case you take the coastal street from St. Andrews and comply with the street 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 be sure to pop into a number of favorite spots. The Crail Harbour Gallery And Tearoom are completely pretty and have some attractive views.
Plus, pop into Reilly’s Shellfish in case you fancy a number of the tastiest recent seafood in Fife. It actually is among the finest locations in Scotland in case you love quaint little villages.
Learn extra: Best issues to do in Fife
9.) Glencoe
Perched inside the dramatic Glencoe Valley, Glencoe and the encompassing area is well among the finest 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 the most effective 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 are 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 all the time comply with native recommendation. In spite of everything, nobody likes a careless hiker.
Learn extra: Best hikes in Scotland
10.) Crathes Citadel
Now, I do know I maintain occurring about Scottish castles, however they’re truthfully a number of the finest locations in Scotland to expertise the nation’s historical past. And you recognize what, Crathes Citadel isn’t any exception there.
Constructed again within the 16th Century, Crathes Citadel is a couple of 30-minute drive from Aberdeen and properly value a gander when heading west.
On the tour, you get to be taught extra in regards to the citadel, ti’s grounds and fascinating little information about why the steps are all totally different ranges. Apparently, this wasn’t from lazy builders however to disorientate an attacker that may try to enter the citadel.
Learn extra: Exploring Crathes Citadel
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 hundreds 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 individual.
That being mentioned, it’s properly value it as you’ll get to spend round 3-Four hours on the island and see Hirta’s sea cliffs which are the best in all of the UK.
Learn extra: Best islands in Scotland to go to
12.) Dunnottar Citadel
Stated to have been occupied because the center ages, Dunnottar Citadel is among the finest locations in Scotland to see a number of the nation’s historical past.
Perched round 25-minutes, down the coast, from Aberdeen. It’s a fantastic little spot to go to in case you’re in search of a day journey.
As soon as right here, spend a while exploring the citadel grounds and be taught extra about one in every of its well-known residents. An precise lion!
Learn extra: Exploring Dunnottar Citadel
13.) Anstruther
Okay, Anstruther holds a particular place for me! It was my go-to position 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 neglect to pop into the Anstruther Fish Bar that’s been awarded as being among the finest fish and chip spots in the entire UK. Even royalty have visited for his or her fish and chips!
Learn extra: Best 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 in case you’re fancying a special form of island journey.
Should you can, try to coincide your go to with the most important Viking fireplace competition in Europe, Up Helly Aa. Throughout this competition, you’ll see fireplace professions, the burning of Viking vessels and a heap of celebrations that occur. In spite of everything, it’s among the finest locations in Scotland to see this.
Learn extra: Tips on how to expertise Up Helly Aa
15.) Plockton
Usually nicknamed the jewel of the Highlands, Plockton is among the finest locations in Scotland to go to on a street journey itinerary throughout the Highlands.
As soon as right here, take a stroll across the historic pier and fishing space and pop on one in every of Calum’s Seal Journeys that we liked. 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 Citadel 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 liked 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 by means of this area of the Highlands. Now, in case you love a little bit of an journey, that is simply among the finest 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 be sure there’s no wind; it’s a lot tougher 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 value 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 household-run foodie spot that serves up a number of the tastiest lunches within the space. We liked it.
Learn extra: Exploring Torridon, Highlands of Scotland
17.) Citadel Tioram
Perched on a tiny island in the midst of Loch Moidart, Citadel Tioram is a surprising citadel destroy that’s completely attractive.
Now, you received’t be capable to entry the ruins themselves (as they’re unsafe structurally) however you may see it from the shore. It’s a completely gorgeous space to discover and the proper place to look at the sundown within the Highlands, too.
We stayed close to Dalnabreac and it’s fairly simple to overlook the tiny turnoff to seek out Citadel Tioram (Google Maps location right here), particularly because it’s in dense woodland.
That being mentioned, after about 20-minutes of sluggish driving, you’ll get to a bit automotive parking spot with some epic views over the loch.
Simply remember to put on lengthy-sleeved tops. We visited in September and acquired bitten so many occasions by little nats.
Learn extra: Discovering Citadel Tioram In Scotland
18.) Eilean Donan
Perched within the western Highlands of Scotland, Eilean Donan is among 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 be sure to go away sufficient time to discover the citadel itself.
Now, it may get a bit busy right here (on weekends) however you may actually miss the crowds by arriving within the morning or legislation afternoon (like we did).
Learn extra: Best 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 prepare from London) to discover the world.
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, be sure to discover Inverness Citadel and head out on Moray Firth to identify some dolphins, too. We had been unfortunate, we didn’t see any because it acquired actually foggy however it’s properly value a strive.
Learn extra: Best hikes in Scotland
20.) Drive the NC500 Path
Driving the NC500 might be among the finest street journey routes in Scotland to comply with 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 gorgeous Bealach na Ba Street.
Now, the journey in itself will take at the least every week to finish (extra in order for you a extremely chilled time) however it’s properly value it. For me, it’s one of many unspoilt areas of the UK that’s so stunning to discover. It’s simply among the finest locations in Scotland to discover.
Learn extra: The driving route for the NC500
21.) Loch Ness
Okay, so Loch Ness might be probably the most well-known loch in the entire world and the most effective locations in Scotland to try to spot Nessie! You realize, 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 probably the most dramatic of all of the lochs in Scotland however it’s a spot it is best to positively go to for a number 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 among the finest locations in Scotland to go to in case you love the outside. You see, you’ve acquired all the pieces from quad safaris, hikes and even bike routes by means of the mountains that we liked.
We liked 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 among the finest locations in Scotland to go to when in Southern Scotland.
As soon as right here, be sure to discover the banks of Loch Lomond itself, go to the Chicken of Prey Centre and hike the Beinn Dubh path, too.
Afterwards, head over to Fruin Farm that serves up a number of the tastiest dinners within the space.
Learn extra: Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
Your Important Scottish Highlands Journey Itinerary