Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Scotland has alluring landscapes, lively cities, adventure-filled locales and a rich cultural heritage. It is no surprise that it has been included in the National Geographic’s Best of World 2024 and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Destinations for 2024 lists!
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Table of Contents
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a large water body in Scotland surrounded by green rolling hills. Around this water body are many attractions such as Urquhard Castle from where you get the best views of the water body and a chance to see the mythical Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
Exciting activities are packed around Loc Ness such as…
- Short walks to the historic Inverfarigaig Pier and amazing waterfalls such as Plodda Falls, Divach Falls and the Falls of Foyer
- Great Glen Canoe Trail
- fishing
- Exploring Farigaig Forest and Abriachan Forest
- Highland music in different bars and eateries nearby
Edinburgh
It is the capital of Scotland and its landscape changes amazingly with the changing seasons. In summer the sandstone buildings glimmer orange and in spring the whole place is covered with yellow daffodils. Winter brings fog and a white landscape prevails intermitted by the welcoming lights of various pubs.
Some highlights of this historic place include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Grassmarket Square.
If this attractions are not enough the city has regular festivals that you can take part and be entertained.
Glasgow
Glasgow a happening city and hence your Itinerary will be chockfull of places to visit non-stop.
Take the City Centre Mural trail to watch the colourful mural work of talented street artists. Visit the iconic Kelvingrove Park art gallery cum museum and Riverside Museum to check out the amazing exhibits. Victorian architecture is resplendent in the City Chambers, Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis.
Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music, what with live performances in reputed spots such as The Barrowlands and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. The music plays unceasingly in festivals and late-night venues a must-see option in the city.
Whisky is the national drink of Scotland and a visit to the Clydeside Distillery, with 100 years of experience, is the best place to see its production.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is the granite capital of the world. It has been employed in ancient times to build gothic grand buildings such as Music Hall and Marshal College.
Visit old Aberdeen to admire Chanonry, Ducan Rice Library and Brig o’ Balgownie.
Arts lovers should visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery for viewing the works of Joan Eardley, Racheal Mc. Lean, Barbara Hepworth, Samuel Peploe and Claude Monet.
Museum buffs can visit Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Gordon Highlanders Museum, for some excitement.
Aberdeen and Golf are synonymous and the best places to be are Royal Aberdeen, Trump International, Cruden Bay or Murcar Links.
Glencoe Valley
One for nature, Glencoe is famous for its breathtaking landscapes. It is located within the highlands of Lochaber Geopark. Some fun-filled activities which you can enjoy are cruising and Fishing near Loch Leven, Horse riding, Skiing and snowboarding, Lost Valley Trekking and Para gliding.
Stirling
Once a seat of power of Renaissance kings and queens, the royal bearings remain intact in the charming streets and architecture of Stirling.
Stirling castle built in 1100, stands tall inviting you to listen to the tales of the Scottish rebellion. Other places you can visit are the Chapel Royal, the Great Hall, National Wallace Monument and the Royal Palace.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
The largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond is a breathtaking blue lake surrounded by lush greenery. Amongst the dense greenery are Balloch, Drymen and Arrochar, three alluring towns that you can visit.
Loch Lomond is the entrance point to the Trossachs National Park. In the park, you can indulge in activities such as camping, viewpoints, walking, cycling, swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing.
Orkney Islands
Orkney is a northern archipelago of 70 islands in Scotland. Of these, 20 are inhabited. These islands are accessible by ferries. The beaches are amazing and are compared to Caribbean beaches.
The lovely coastlines and clear waters are inviting. You can also indulge in water sports such as surfing and paddle boarding here.
An amazing fact is that this region has well-preserved Neolithic sites. Other well-preserved structures include the Ring of Brodgar, the Stennes standing stones and unchambered Cairns.
Inverness
Like other Scottish cities, this one is also steeped in history. In the old town, you will find Old High Church, Inverness Cathedral and the Victorian market whose architecture dates back to the 1700s. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery have many exhibits worth seeing.
This city has amazing trails for nature lovers to hike or cycle along the canals, forests and lakes.
The 19th-century Victorian market has 40-odd shops selling everything from jewellery to spices to souvenirs
Cairngorms National Park
Covering 4500 square kilometres, Cairngorms National Park is the largest national Park in the UK. It has 12 golf courses, a sledge dog centre and bridge-based bungee jumping. There are several walking and cycling routes for you to explore.
There are facilities for water sports and snow sports as well. Some of the best hikes in this region are Falls of Bruar, Seven Bridges Trail and Morrone.
When to go
The best time to go to Scotland is between May to September when the climate is conducive for vacationing.
How to Reach
While there are no direct flights from India to Scotland, there is a flight from Mumbai to Edinburgh which stops at 2 places on the way.
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