Best Places to Visit in Scotland

Best Places to Visit in Scotland

If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out on the best places to visit in Scotland. You may not be able to fit everything in one trip, therefore you may have to prioritize. Each location has its own charm. It just depends on your preferences. Scotland is a dream travel destination with it’s scenery and culture. Without further ado, check out these seven stunning destinations in Scotland!

Best Places to Visit in Scotland

7 Stunning Destinations in Scotland

• Isle of Skye
• Glencoe
• Loch Lomond
• Cairngorms National Park
• Edinburgh
• St. Andrews
• Isle of Arran

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is famous for its jaw-dropping scenery. The island is located off of the Northwest Coast of Scotland. It’s a truly magnificent destination perfect for hiking, photography, and elopements. During your visit you can’t miss the following gorgeous spots: The Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Fairy Pools. There are options to book a tour of Skye or you can do it on your own with a self-navigated tour. Isle of Skye is accessible via a bridge. So you can drive from Scotland’s mainland. Note: if you decide to rent a car, just keep in mind that Scotland drives on the left side of the road.

Glencoe

Glencoe is located in the Scottish highlands. It’s a great stop if you’re road-tripping to the Isle of Skye. However, its rugged landscape is worthy of its own trip. Glencoe is easy to access by car and loved by locals and travelers alike. There are several hiking trails with different difficulty levels. For example, Glencoe Lochan is an easy hike, and the Pap of Glencoe is moderately difficult. This Scotland destination is highly recommended if you’re on the hunt for cool views!

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is another gorgeous option to add to your travel itinerary. You could easily spend 2-3 days here. Popular things to do in Loch Lomond include hiking, camping, kayaking, and cycling. You can stop at the visitor center for advice on which hikes to do. There are outdoor activity rentals available at this national park as well. Loch Lomond is a beauty, and you won’t get bored on your visit.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is great for mountain lovers. This national park has some serious peaks to brag about. Here you can ski, rock-climb, hike, and even husky race. You might also spot reindeer on your visit. The Cairngorms are located in the Northeast of Scotland. It’s a great option if you’re traveling around Scotland and looking for some adventure in the highlands.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It’s incredibly charming, and you get the perks of a city with easy access to nature. Holyrood Park is the perfect escape from city life, just a short walk outside of Old Town, Edinburgh. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat for an incredible view of the city. Edinburgh has a castle and a palace along a road called the Royal Mile. You’ll find plenty of shopping and restaurants in Edinburgh. You can easily sign up for one of the many whisky tours offered Scotland’s capital. If you want more in-depth recommendations for Scotland, check out the end of this post for an Edinburgh City Guide.

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is another city in Scotland worth visiting. There’s a beautiful cathedral you’ll stumble across, and it’s on the East Coast so you can enjoy the beach. St. Andrews is home to one of the most well-known golf courses worldwide. There’s also a cute little gelato shop called Jannettas. It’s a very popular desert stop. As a result, there can be a line out the door. So make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Overall, St. Andrews has a more relaxed pace. Slow things down in this unique town and enjoy all it has to offer.

Isle of Arran

If you’re looking for a slightly-less touristy option than Isle of Skye, then head to Isle of Arron. The island is also located on the West Coast of Scotland. In Isle of Arron you can walk the Arron Coastal Way for views breathtaking views. Whether or not you’re a fan of the television series called Outlander, you’ll appreciate the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. These enchanting stones are rich with history. While you’re in Arran, check out a Whisky distillery. Additionally, there are other outdoor adventures available here such as hiking Goat Fell, the highest point of the island.

Top Places to Visit in Scotland

In summary, here are the best places to visit in Scotland:

1. Isle of Skye
2. Glencoe
3. Loch Lomond
4. Cairngorms National Park
5. Edinburgh
6. St. Andrews
7. Isle of Arran

Content Creator Behind: Best Places to Visit in Scotland

My name is Emily, and I’m a destination elopement photographer. My passion is exploring the world + connecting with the people in it. In addition, I love helping couples create an adventurous wedding experience that is uniquely theirs.

My couples are the daring ones who aren’t afraid to go after what they want + live in the moment. If this resonates with you, contact me for more info about travel couple sessions and destination elopements. Let’s create something extraordinary!