Scotland is one of the most beautiful and historic countries in the world. It is a land known for its mountains, lochs, and glens, as well as its cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Scotland has many castles and cathedrals to visit as well as historic churches. The Old Town of Edinburgh is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns with buildings dating back to the 14th century! Take your time to explore all there is to see here; we’re sure you’ll be glad you did!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland. A visit to the castle will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. It houses the Scottish crown jewels and has a stunning view of Edinburgh from its battlements. You can also see some wonderful examples of military history at the castle’s Army Museum, which was built in 1905 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday.
The castle is open from April through October, with extended hours during peak season (July-September). If you have time for only one stop on your trip, this should be it!
Loch Ness and the Great Glen
Loch Ness is the largest body of water in Scotland, so it’s no wonder that it draws thousands of tourists every year. Loch Ness means “lake of the hills” in Gaelic and was named after a small hill on its southwestern shore. Loch Ness is located in the Highlands region, which makes it an ideal stop for those who want to take advantage of their time in the country to see some wildlife and get away from cities.
One of our favorite things about visiting the Great Glen area is all of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you during your trip there. If you love hiking or exploring, then this area is perfect for you—it has all kinds of trails that will let you explore diverse landscapes as well as historic sites like Urquhart Castle (which dates back to 600 AD!).
Islands of the Clyde
The islands of the Clyde are a popular tourist destination, and offer a wide variety of attractions for visitors. You can reach them by ferry or boat, and many people enjoy sailing around the islands on their own boats during the warmer months.
The islands provide an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the scenery, with many scenic locations such as castles and gardens to visit. You can also explore historical sites such as ruins from past wars or battles between Scotsman William Wallace and English King Edward I in 1297 AD
Historic Highland Towns and Villages
The Highlands are the most rugged and sparsely populated area of Scotland. The landscape is dramatic, with mountains and lochs that can be explored by car or on foot.
The towns and villages of the Highlands are historic and beautiful places to visit, but they’re also practical as a base for exploring this part of Scotland. You’ll find accommodations ranging from hotels to B&Bs in every price range—whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
There are many things to see and do in the Highland regions: castles, gardens, wildlife reserves…the list goes on!
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is the most mountainous part of Scotland and it’s also home to many castles. In fact, if you’re looking for a place to explore and experience some of the country’s finest scenery, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Highlands.
Iona and Staffa
- Iona is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, near Mull.
- Staffa is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, near Mull.
- Both islands are part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago and are connected via bridge to Mull.
- The Iona Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Andrews
- St Andrews is home to the oldest golf course in the world, dating back to 1552.
- The cathedral dates back to the 1300s and has a stunning Rose Window.
- The castle was built by King Edward I in 1270, who stayed there while he laid siege to St Andrews Castle which was held by his enemies.
- The botanic garden was established in 1760 and contains over 1,200 different plant species in its collection today.
- The museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts from around Scotland’s history including Roman coins and pottery as well as more modern items such as telephones made by Baird & Company (the Scottish company that developed mobile phones). It also houses a large display on golfing history including clubs used at St Andrews Links Golf Club since its founding in 1754.
- The aquarium features sealife from around Scotland’s coastline including sharks, rays and seahorses among others! There are also penguins which come out for feeding time every day at 1pm or 2pm depending on how long your visit lasts! You’ll want at least two hours here so you don’t miss anything – but if it’s not enough then just stay longer because there’s no rush (except maybe getting home safely if it gets dark).
Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Scotland. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so if you’re into that kind of thing, this is a must-see on your visit to Glasgow. The cathedral was built between 1127 and 1250 and was dedicated to St Mungo, who founded a monastery nearby in the sixth century CE.
The Necropolis is another major attraction in Glasgow—it’s actually Scotland’s only surviving Victorian cemetery! The cemetery opened in 1832 and contains over 40,000 graves. There are some very famous Glaswegians buried here: Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796), painter David Wilkie (1785-1841), architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928), writer Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), novelist James Hogg (‘The Ettrick Shepherd’), actor Sir Sean Connery (‘James Bond’.)
There are some amazing sights to see in Scotland.
There are some amazing sights to see in Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness and the Great Glen, Islands of the Clyde, Historic Highland Towns and Villages, Scottish Highlands, Iona and Staffa, St Andrews and Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis are some of them.
So, now that you’ve seen some of the best attractions in Scotland, it’s time to go out and explore. But remember: it’s not just about the sights! You can also enjoy our culture and hospitality at many events throughout the year.