Ah, Scotland! If you haven’t experienced the Scottish charm, you’re truly missing out. Scotland is a land where every glen, loch, castle, and alley tells a tale, and everyone loves a story, especially one that come with the romance and mystery of Scotland. Best told over a wee dram of Scottish whisky, the legends and legacies of this intriguing destination have captivated travellers for centuries.
You can create your very own Scottish stories by visiting some of the country’s finest places, from the buzzing cities to the wild Highlands.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is more than just a city. It’s a living museum, which helps to make it one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland. First up on your itinerary should be Edinburgh Castle with its sweeping panoramic views and long and fascinating history. Did you know the castle houses Scotland’s crown jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny?
You can then see what’s known as the Royal Mile, passing historic sites, charming shops, and inviting pubs along the way. And trust us, the pubs are inviting. If you time it right, you could also visit the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival when the streets come alive with eclectic and entertaining acts. Just make sure you book your hotel well ahead.
The West End of Edinburgh is a hub of contemporary fashion, innovative dining, and lively bars that are always popular. If you want adventure beyond the city, you can easily find Edinburgh motorhome hire to explore the Scottish countryside where mountains and coasts await.
Glasgow
Glasgow has a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern vibrancy. It’s a different experience from Edinburgh, where the tourists arrive in their droves during the summer months. Glasgow’s architectural grandeur is evident, and in many ways you could say that it’s quite similar to Edinburgh. The Victorian buildings and modern masterpieces in Glasgow like the Riverside Museum are worth a visit. Art enthusiasts will find their haven at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Glasgow’s culinary scene is also one of the best – it easily rivals Edinburgh. The city’s music scene is also legendary and venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut are worth a visit.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is called the ‘Silver City’ where the distinctive granite architecture is unique. There’s a lot of history to Aberdeen – well, there is for all of Scotland, but particularly in Aberdeen.
The city’s maritime heritage is on full display at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. It provides insights into why the city is tied to the sea (apart from the fact it’s right by it). Aberdeen’s beach offers a refreshing escape, with golden sands and opportunities for dolphin spotting.
Aberdeen also has a nice culinary scene, with seafood being very popular. Footdee, an old fishing village, is now incorporated into the city. It’s a quaint and picturesque setting to enjoy fresh local fare – one of the top recommendations.
The Highlands
You can’t go to Scotland without seeing The Highlands. Every article will talk about them, and for good reason. Landscapes range from serene lochs to majestic mountains – the nature parks and dedicated hiking routes are some of the best in the country. Just make sure you’re hiking during the spring or summer – Scotland’s winters in the Highlands aren’t for the weak.
And it’s not just walks and natural beauty that draws the visitors – the region is steeped in folklore and history too. It has endless castles and battlefields to explore. And, of course, there’s the iconic Loch Ness. Do you think Nessie is in there?
If you want a bit of Highland culture, visit the whisky distilleries. You can get tours and tastings showing the craft behind Scotland’s most famous export. Or you can forget all of that and just enjoy sampling a few tipples.
Inverness
Inverness is smaller, but still worth a visit. It blends the old and the new of Scotland perfectly. You’ve got historical sites like Inverness Castle and the Old High Church as well as the contemporary shops and restaurants. It’s also not as expensive as some other locations in Scotland. The River Ness is perfect for tranquil walks, with the Ness Islands being a peaceful retreat from the city buzz.
Inverness also makes the perfect jumping-off point the Scottish Highlands and you also have landmarks like Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city’s cultural scene is vibrant too, with venues like Eden Court Theatre offering a range of performances and films. Whether you’re exploring the city’s history, enjoying its natural beauty, or using it to get to the wider Highlands, Inverness is just the best.
Scotland is incredible. We guarantee you’ll love it. There’s so much to see and do there – it’s impossible to go and not find something you love about it. We hope we’ve inspired you to see some of the best parts of Scotland. In our opinion, we’re heading towards the best time of year to travel to Scotland.
