When you think of Scotland, tartan-kilted Highlanders, the Loch Ness Monster, breathtaking landscapes, golf, Highland cattle, lonely castles, and skirling bagpipes might come to your mind. All of this has been a part of the mystery of this one-of-a-kind land for centuries and previews what traveling to this country looks like. Scotland is a beautiful nation with lots of interesting stories, complicated history, and some of the world’s most beautiful terrains. All of this appeals to the adventurous nature of a traveler and lures them to plan a trip to Scotland.
The country is graced with a plethora of outstanding attractions that one can never go out of things to do on vacation. To assist you in organizing your Scottish getaway with a fantastic experience, we have listed top attractions that should not be missed on your trip to Scotland. Read this article and pack your itinerary with the best of Scotland.
Trip Attractions At Glance:
1. Edinburgh Castle
2. Luskentyre Beach
3. Stirling Castle
4. Cairngorms National Park
5. Loch Lomond
6. Rosslyn Chapel
7. The Falkirk Wheel
8. The Royal Yacht Britannia
9. Skara Brae
Ticking these places off your bucket list will definitely make your trip to Scotland worthwhile. Read on to have a better insight into each of these attractions.
Starting off our list with a true icon of Scotland - Edinburgh Castle, which has been dominating the skyline of the capital for centuries now. It is a crown jewel of the country that depicts the architecture, ideology, militant importance, and political tact. The castle is perched on top of a hill because of which its presence is visible for miles in all directions. It is a true symbol of perseverance and struggle for independence and takes the title of most-visited paid-for attraction on a trip to Scotland.
Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: 10 Traditional Scottish Dishes For Your Trip To Scotland
It is definitely one of the best places for relaxing on a trip to Scotland. No vacation to the country is complete without spending time and enjoying the beach. While there is no dearth of beautiful lengths of beaches to relax and dive in, Luskentyre Beach on Harris Island is definitely the best one of the lot. It is a magnificent color-washed coastal area that offers eye-pleasing views of blue-green seas shimmering with creamy sands and the vibrant green hillside.
Address: Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Must Checkout: Why Scotland Should Be Your Dream Holiday Destination
Castles are one of the most important parts of a country’s history; hence, there are a lot of them that you can visit on your trip to Scotland. However, Stirling Castle tops the list. This spectacular castle is not only about the finest architecture or well-preserved Renaissance buildings, but it has also been the most favored residence for many kings and queens of Scotland. Visiting this makes people experience the art and culture of the country from the 16th century and scenic views from atop the hill. This castle is the best place to spend time for all the history seekers.
Website: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/
Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: Visit the Scottish highlights in this 7-days Scotland Vacation
It’s rightly said, Scotland has something for everyone. If you are a wildlife enthusiast or someone who finds peace in nature, Cairngorms National Park is a must add to your itinerary. It is among the most famous places in the country and is regarded as the largest national park in the U.K. The national park is famed for its everlasting beauty that not just includes wildlife hotspots, forest paths, or lakes but also for its outstanding range of distilleries, rivers, villages, mountains, etc. Without a doubt, this is a must-visit attraction on a trip to Scotland.
Website: https://cairngorms.co.uk/
Address: Grantown on Spey PH26 3HG, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: Find Home of Golf in this 6-days Scotland Vacation Package
Known as the Mother Of Lakes, Loch Lomond is the next one of the best additions to our list. It is a picturesque area of Scotland that is ideal for a day trip in the country. This place is highly preferred by hikers because of the open space, natural beauty, and water sports. On a visit to this place, a traveler can sit idle and enjoy breezy winds by the lakeside or indulge in different adventurous activities. With so much to offer, leaving out this place on a trip to Scotland is never a good idea.
Address: West Dunbartonshire/Argyll and Bute/Stirling, Scotland
Must Checkout: Experience The Real Beauty Of Scotland With This 6-Days Scotland Vacation
Among all the attractions in the country, Rosslyn Chapel is the most magical and mysterious place to visit on a trip to Scotland. This place has a divine essence that attracts people from all over the world. The chapel’s history dates back to the 15th century, which is as enthralling as the building. This entire chapel was built with mysterious stone carvings, and hence, it is shrouded with ancient stories. For all the keen travelers who want an off-the-beaten path on their vacation, the Rosslyn Chapel is the best bet.
Website: https://www.rosslynchapel.com/
Address: Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: The Best Places to Visit in Scotland - An 8 Days Itinerary
The Falkirk Wheel can be perfectly described as “A Feat Of Engineering.” It is the world’s only rotating boatlift of its sort that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in central Scotland. The wheel has an elaborate locking system and can elevate boats to a height of 24 meters. A result of the UK’s largest canal restoration project, the Falkirk Wheel is a masterpiece of engineering and stunning design. Regardless of your preferences, this wheel is a must-add attraction on a trip to Scotland.
Website: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/
Address: Lime Rd, Falkirk FK1 4RS, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: Best Way to Travel Europe: Get The Best of Scotland With This 10-Days Tour Itinerary
It’s been over 40 years since The Royal Yacht Britannia has been a floating royal residence. This yacht gives an exclusive look into royal life, families, guests, and crew. It has five main decks with state apartments, audio tour, bridge, and royal bedrooms. Boarding this yacht will also let the travelers see the Rolls-Royce Phantom V used for traveling onboard. Although it is a new addition to the list of best attractions to visit on a trip to Scotland, the cruise experience it offers is worth enjoying.
Website: https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/
Address: Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom
Must Checkout: Two-Weeks Europe Tour Package of Scotland and Ireland
Last but not least, we are going to talk about the famous Skara Brae. It is an unmissable Scottish attraction that is a pristinely preserved Neolithic settlement. This place was covered for hundreds of years by sand dunes, but in 1850, a great storm exposed the site and offered the world a place to learn about the history of Scotland. The Skara Brae is a reminder of a bygone past, and some say it is even older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. Because of its excellent preservation, it has been regarded as the “Scottish Pompeii.”
Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae
Address: Sandwick, Stromness KW16 3LR, United Kingdom
Conclusion
We hope you have shortlisted all the places you want to add to your itinerary. Uncovering these places on a trip to Scotland will transport you back to the time to showcase the true side of this powerful nation. Try to add the majority of them to your vacation package, as they are definitely worth checking out. Also, while planning your vacation, ensure you get yourself the best tour package that can make your experience more memorable and pocket-friendly.
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.