Top 20 Attractions in Scotland

Scotland is considered to be the most romantic and beautiful part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Despite the fact that this country is located in the north and cannot offer tourists either golden beaches or warm seas, the number of travelers wishing to visit Scotland is growing every year. So why don't you join the fans of her harsh beauty and special charm!

Usually a trip to Scotland begins with its main city - Edinburgh. The Scottish capital has retained its historical appearance, in which both modern shopping centers and skyscrapers fit in quite harmoniously. On the street you will definitely see numerous bagpipers, many shops with souvenirs and beautiful historical buildings. However, it’s still not worth staying in Edinburgh for a long time, because there are still so many interesting things in Scotland!

What to see in Scotland?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Edinburgh castle

This fortress is not for nothing called the "key to Scotland". For many centuries, powerful walls erected on top of Castle Rock, by the way, an extinct volcano, protected both Edinburgh and the whole country. The castle is perfectly preserved and still inspires awe with its majestic walls and ancient history.

Broch of Mouse

This round fortification is located on Mouse Island and is a striking example of defensive buildings from the Iron Age. Broch of Mousa is perfectly preserved for its age, is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO list, is located in a picturesque area, and is also one of the most interesting objects during a tour of this area of ​​Scotland.

Isle of Skye

This island is considered one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland. People come here to walk along the coast, climb the highest point of the Isle of Skye - Mount Coolin, see Dunvegan Castle, which still belongs to the McCloud clan. You can get to the island not only by ferry, but also by the bridge of the same name.

Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This is not one, but several streets in the center of Edinburgh, in its historical part. There is no way to bypass the Royal Mile, and how can you pass by its beautiful architecture, numerous shops, street musicians and artists! It is on the Royal Mile that the main attractions of the city are located.

Loch Lomond

This is the largest lake in terms of area not only in Scotland itself, but also in Great Britain. There are a lot of islands and islets, between which numerous boats, canoes and kayaks ply. Loch Lomond is a traditional holiday destination for the locals. There are excellent conditions for water sports, and an elite golf club is located on the southwestern shore.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This is the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland. Needless to say, the castle really looks like a king, it is also located on the Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle. Elizabeth II visits Holyroodhouse Castle every summer, for a month, and the rest of the time, crowds of tourists come here.

Luskentyre beach

This Scottish beach is often compared to the best parts of the Caribbean coast. Blue-green waters in the sun look no worse than in the Bahamas, and unusually fine sand is more like talcum powder. At low tide, the beach, nestled in a cozy bay, looks especially beautiful and picturesque.

Eilean Donan Castle

This castle was built in the 13th century and is located on the shores of Loch Duyh. In the 19th century, during the Spanish occupation, Eilean Donan Castle was badly damaged, but then it was carefully restored and today it still looks powerful and beautiful. Today there is a museum with a rich collection of exhibits telling about the history of the Scottish clans.

Loch Ness lake

This very deep and one of the largest lakes in Scotland is famous not only for the numerous castles built on its banks, but also for its local monster - Nessie. The fact that a huge animal is found in Loch Ness was written by the Romans, and today there are more and more eyewitness accounts and evidence. However, scientists are skeptical about the legend of Nessie, which does not prevent tourists from trying to see something in the muddy water of the lake.

National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)

The main museum of Scotland, where it will be interesting for both children and adults. Among the most popular exhibits are a stuffed sheep Dolly, an outlandish clock, chess from the Isle of Lewis, carved from walrus bone. There is a restaurant on the roof of the National Museum, a truly secular, luxurious and, of course, quite expensive.

Stirling Castle

This is the largest and most famous Scottish castle, the family estate of the Stuarts. Stirling Castle is notable for its architecture and rich history. The powerful walls and round towers of the structure are perfectly preserved, despite the fact that they survived many sieges and bloody battles. Mary Stuart was crowned here, the ghost of whose servant, according to legend, roams the castle to this day.

Cairngorms National Park

This park is located in the north-east of Scotland, is the largest in the UK. The Cairngorms National Park is famous for its historical sights - the Glenlivet distillery, the picturesque Glenshee Valley, as well as herds of Scottish ponies. You can walk and bike in the park to watch rare animals.

Ben Nevis

The height of Mount Ben Nevis is 1344 meters, it is the highest point of all the British Isles. At any time of the year, there are many tourists on the mountain, lovers of mountaineering and rock climbing. In winter, people go skiing and snowboarding here. The most convenient way to get to Ben Nevis is from Glasgow. About 150 thousand tourists climb this peak every year, although the entire ascent can take about eight hours.

Urquhart Castle

One of the oldest Scottish castles is located on the shores of Loch Ness. Urquhart has survived many attacks and battles in its long history, so only its ruins have survived to our time, however, they are quite interesting. During the tour, you will be told about the unique history of the castle and guided through the well-preserved keep.

Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran attracts tourists not only for its resorts located on the coast, but also for its history. At one time, the Romans, the Varangians, and the Britons lived here, historical monuments of the Neolithic period have been preserved. Tourists usually go on a trip to Arran by bike - an excellent road leads along the entire coast of the island.

Kalzeen Castle

Calzean Castle stands on top of a high hill, which makes it look even more majestic and powerful. Spectacular architecture and well-preserved premises, including a brewery, attract many tourists. Now a public zone is organized here, a club of naturalists and a deer reserve operate. Part of the rooms of the castle is still used for living.

Melrose Abbey

This is the first Cistercian monastery in Scotland. Built back in the 12th century, Melrose survived attacks, fires, and destruction. However, believers and wealthy patrons have never spared funds to restore the abbey, and today it looks no less amazing than before. The heart of King Robert the Bruce is buried in Melrose Abbey.

Skara Brae

This unique historical monument dates back to the Neolithic era and is located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands. Skara Brae is a small settlement, on the territory of which there are dilapidated dwellings of that era. Archaeologists still find unique things here that tell about the history of Scotland. Skara Brae is considered the best-preserved monument of Neolithic history.

Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, can only be reached by ferry. But that has never stopped tourists who sail here to see the MacLean castle and take in the amazingly beautiful panorama. On the island is the town of Tobermory, famous for its colorful houses.

Dunvegan Castle

This castle is located on the Isle of Skye and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this corner of Scotland. Built in the 12th century, the castle is still inhabited and is a private property. There are many legends about Dunvegan Castle, in which the fairy queen, magic bagpipes and real historical facts are intertwined. Every year the castle hosts a piper festival that gathers spectators from all over the world.