More

    Tourist Attractions in Scotland

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Scotland. Photos and a brief description.

    About Scotland

    Scotland is rightfully considered 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 a warm sea, 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 preserved its historical appearance, in which modern shopping malls and high-rise buildings fit quite harmoniously. On the street you will definitely see numerous pipers, many souvenir shops 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!

    Top Tourist Attractions in Scotland

    Edinburgh Castle

    This fortress was not called the "key to Scotland" for nothing. For many centuries, powerful walls erected on top of the 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.

    Edinburgh Castle
    Broch of Moussa

    Broch of Moussa

    This round fortification is located on Mouse Island and is a striking example of defensive buildings of the Iron Age. The Broch of Mausa is perfectly preserved for its years, 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.

    Isle of Skye
    The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

    The 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 get around the Royal Mile, and how to get past 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 the UK. There are a lot of islands and islets, between which numerous boats, canoes and kayaks ply. Loch Lomond is a traditional holiday destination for locals. Excellent conditions for water sports are created here, and there is an elite golf club on the south-western shore.

    Loch Lomond
    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

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

    Luskentyre Beach (Luskentyre)

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

    Luskentyre Beach (Luskentyre)
    Eilean-Donan Castle

    Eilean-Donan Castle

    This castle was built in the 13th century and is located on the shores of Loch Duich. In the 19th century, during the Spanish occupation, the 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 here, where a rich collection of exhibits telling about the history of the Scottish clans is presented.

    Loch Ness

    This very deep and one of the largest lakes in Scotland is famous not only for the numerous castles built on its shores, but also for its local monster — Nessie. The fact that there is a huge animal 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 murky water of the lake.

    Loch Ness
    National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)

    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 Dolly sheep, an outlandish clock, a chess set from the Isle of Lewis, carved from walrus bone. There is a restaurant on the roof of the National Museum, which is 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, as well as its rich history. The powerful walls and round towers of the structure are perfectly preserved, despite the fact that they have survived many sieges and bloody battles. Mary Stuart was crowned here, the ghost of whose maid, according to legend, still haunts the castle.

    Stirling Castle
    Cairngorms National Park

    Cairngorms National Park

    This park is located in the north-east of Scotland, is the largest in the UK. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its historical attractions — Glenlivet Distillery, the picturesque Glenshee Valley, as well as herds of Scottish ponies. Hiking and cycling can be done in the park to observe rare animals.

    Ben Nevis

    The height of Mount Ben Nevis is 1,344 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 ski and snowboard here. It is most convenient to get to Mount Ben Nevis from Glasgow. Every year about 150 thousand tourists climb to this peak, although the entire ascent can take about eight hours.

    Ben Nevis
    Urquhart Castle

    Urquhart Castle

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

    Isle of Arran

    The island of Arran attracts tourists not only with its resorts located on the coast, but also with its history. At one time, both Romans, Varangians, and 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.

    Isle of Arran
    Kalzin Castle

    Kalzin Castle

    Kalzin Castle stands on the 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 there is a public zone organized here, a naturalists' club and a deer reserve. Part of the castle's rooms are still used for living.

    Melrose Abbey

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

    Melrose Abbey
    Skara-Bray

    Skara-Bray

    This unique historical monument dates back to the Neolithic era and is located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands. Skara-Bray 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 Bray 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 this has never stopped tourists who sail here to see the castle of the clan Maclean, as well as admire the amazingly beautiful panorama. On the island is the town of Tobermory, famous for its colorful houses.

    Isle of Mull
    Dunvegan Castle

    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 privately owned. 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 festival of pipers, which gathers spectators from all over the planet.