If you want a nice, refreshing vacation and a relaxing retreat in a beautiful, quiet and above all clean landscape, go to Scotland, because the above description really captures the essence of the country. Castles, fortresses, beaches, landscapes and monuments are probably on every to-do list of a Scotland vacationer but you can visit this untouched, unpolluted country with extraordinarily beautiful natural landscapes and a long, rich and complex history.
To help you plan your trip, here are our top must-see place to visit in Scotland:
Best Place to visit in Scotland
#1 Glen Finnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a real gem under the bridges. It consists of 21 pillars that are up to 30 meters high. At 380 meters, the railway bridge , which was built in the 1890s, winds through the beautiful Scottish landscape. It is the first structure in Britain to be built with mass concrete. But what made the building particularly famous is the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Glenfinnan attracts thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the stunning scenery but also the special atmosphere.
Glenfinnan is the ultimate pit stop for photographers on a Scottish road trip. You can ride The Jacobite steam train also through spectacular scenery, along the West Coast of Scotland.
#2 Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle is on the edge of the famous Loch Ness and is undoubtedly one of the best located and historically largest castles in Scotland. Now largely in ruins, a visit to Urquhart Castle means being exposed to the weather. In rain or shine, however, the highland weather only adds to the atmospheric experience of this spectacular place. Spend some time to see the fully functional Trebuchet on the castle grounds, or try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster.
#3 Eilean Donan Castle
The Eilean Donan castle located on an island, meet at the three lakes and is surrounded by a majestic landscape high. It is perhaps the unique location that it is considered to be one of Scotland's most famous castles, and one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands.
#4 Faskally Woods
Faskally Wood is an extensive woodland area within Tay Forest Park on the banks of Loch Dunmore, approximately one mile north west of Pitlochry. Come inside the 'foresters' classroom' and discover a wide range of tree species, some more than 200 years old. It is popular about radiant colors during the autumn. The layout of the woodland is largely man-made, having been created in the 19th century in the grounds of Faskally House, which was used as a Forestry Commission school.
#5 Cairngorms National Park
Scotland is particularly known for its green landscapes as far as the eye can see, full of beauty and wild life. In the heart of the Highlands, the Cairngorms are famous for hosting some of the most prestigious distilleries in Scotland that stretch along the River Spey. There are many charming destinations around Cairngorms National Park to enjoy your vacation or just a weekend.
#6 Loch Ness
Impossible to go to Scotland without visiting one of its most famous places! Loch Ness crosses the entire country and is the second largest loch in the country, after Loch Lemond. Loch is renowned for its ancient Urquhart Castle, open to visitors and offering a magnificent view of Loch Ness.
#7 Inverness
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and the city itself offers many experiences for tourists and travelers - you can visit Inverness Castle, St Andrew's Cathedral or walk the along the banks and on the suspension bridge to enjoy the view and the calm.
#8 Luskentyre Beach
Luskentyre Beach is the Rolls-Royce of Scottish beaches, to the point that it regularly appears at the top of the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Perfect in every sense. Bright sun on the white beach, breezy wind blowing, waves crashing. There are many things to experience. A car park with toilets is located at the end of the single track road north of Luskentyre.
#9 Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker is located approximately 2.5 kilometers northeast of Port Appin. The island castle can be reached by boat, even on foot at low tide. It is considered one of the best preserved medieval residential towers in the west of Scotland
#10 Highland Cows
The famous Scottish Highlands, from which these popular cows come, cows are often known as the gentle giants of Scotland. Among the breathtaking landscapes of this region, you will be spoiled for choice! The meeting often being made around a path, these peaceful cows with the red hair of surfer are extremely photogenic.
#11 Culloden Battlefield
For history lovers, then continue your road to the famous battlefield of Culloden! Located just a few kilometers from Inverness, this field and its interactive museum bear witness to one of the bloodiest episodes in Scottish history.
#12 Glen Etive
One of the most beautiful roads in the country, the valley of Glen Etive Scotland is surrounded by magnificent and runs along the river Etive to Loch Etive, a rather wild lake. Do not be afraid to embark on this single lane road, it is a place not to be missed!
#13 Glen Coe
It is the best known and most famous valley in the country used many times for film sets, as in Braveheart, James Bond or even Harry Potter. One thing is certain, you will only be able to be transported when the time comes to slide on the road which winds along the mountains of Glen Coe.
#14 Kilchurn Castle
The ruins of Kilchurn castle located on the edge of Loch Awe . I loved the aesthetics of these ruins! There is no denying, Kilchurn Castle has always been a great source of photographic also.
#15 Isle Of Skye
It is a literally magical place of striking beauty. Rare animals have taken up residence there, such as the golden eagle, the deer, etc. The Isle of Skye seems to be a place where time has stood still.
#16 Buchanan Castle
it’s yet another ruined castle but this one is a little bit different. Buchanan Castle is near the village of Drymen, in Stirlingshire. The Buchanan family owned the estate from around 1231, hence the name, but sadly in 1682 the last of the family line died out, so a chap called James Graham bought the land.
#17 Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in the UK. It is almost 39 km long and has 38 islands (small or large). Its geographical and geological position is important. It is in the middle of the lake that the border between the Highlands (Lowlands) and the Lowlands (Lowlands) of Scotland passes.
#18 The Ring of Brodgar
Brodgar's Ring at Orkney is a Neolithic stone circle located on a small strip of land between Loch Sternness and Loch Harray. It is part of a central area designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the Standing Stones of Stenness.
It is definitely one of the best things to do in Orkney in Scotland.
#19 Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle
Fairy Pools is a valley at the foot of the Cullin Hills in Scotland. The numerous beautiful waterfalls that plunge into the valley are of particular interest to photographers.
Do you know another secret place in Scotland that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments!.
If you’re looking for beaches to experience around the world, then check out our most beautiful place to visit in World, or plan your trip the right way with our travel guide.