The Best Places to Visit in Scotland
We’re not being biased, but when it comes to places to visit in Scotland, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you want a to enjoy short city break, explore castles, hop aboard the Jacobite steam train (also known as the 'Hogwarts Express') hike a Munro (a Scottish mountain over 3000 ft) or escape to an island. We have the holiday for you!
Glasgow
A year-round travel destination and Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow is a lure for creatives and culture seekers. Described perfectly by Lonely Planet “Disarmingly blending sophistication and earthiness”. Known for its pub culture, live music, friendly faces and Charles Rennie Macintosh architecture.
Recommendations:
- Enjoy a ‘cuppa’ (cup of tea) in the Willow Tea Rooms, inspired by the works of Charles Rennie Macintosh, This popular afternoon tea spot has become an attraction on its own. Feast your eyes on its walnut paneling, magnificent ceilings and grant sweeping staircase, reserve a window-seat and watch the world go by while enjoying a tasty scone.
- Take a wander in the West End near Glasgow University, and visit the architecturally splendid Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and its surrounding leafy park.
- Overnight in Glasgow before walking the West Highland Way. The perfect base to relax, and soak up city-life before you beginning Scotland's most well-known long-distance trek, and it takes just 25 minutes (by train) to reach Milngavie, the start point of the West Highland Way.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a cultural playground with limitless possibilities. It’s a city of literature, festivals, art, history – and the list goes on. With so much to explore from the history-soaked medieval Old Town to the Georgian elegance of the so called New Town, Edinburgh lives up to its reputation of being of the world's most beautiful cities.
Recommendations:
- Foodies will love our Gourmet Highlands trip, which begins in Edinburgh. It’s no secret that Edinburgh has some of the best food in the world a ranging from traditional Scottish dishes to contemporary Scottish cuisine. This trip combines walking with fine dining, staying at luxurious boutique hotels.
- If theatre and comedy are your thing then you could plan your trip around the annual Fringe Festival, everyone should experience this at least once in their life. Throughout August a myriad actors, performers, musicians, artists and creatives of all skill sets take the city by storm. Come rain or shine, the city is buzzing!
Isle of Skye
The isle of Skye is a magical place, home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Perfect for adventure-seekers with its mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines and intriguing history. With plenty of itineraries on Skye you can choose between a purists journey on foot covering the length of the island, a Drive & Hike tour for a more flexible and leisurely experience, along with short breaks and a great cycle tour. Discover Skye's most majestic geological features, such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Cuillin Ridge.
Recommendations:
- Make the most of your time in Scotland and take it all in on our Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike trip. Experience the Scottish Highlands by train and on foot, taking in some of the best scenic rail journeys in the world. Begin in Edinburgh and travel deep into Perthshire and the western Highlands then and across to the Isle of Skye.
- If traveling in style is more your thing we recommend our Best of Skye In Style short break or our Luxury Highlands & Isle of Skye Rail & Hike - stay in beautiful country lodges with menus to please any foodie.
Outer Hebrides
Scotland has never been the most obvious choice for a beach holiday.However, the 15 inhabited islands that make up the Outer Hebrides have some of Europe's most stunning stretches of white-sand – often photographed and mistaken for somewhere in the Caribbean. Arriving on this incredible island you will feel like you have escaped it all.
Recommendations:
- For exploring the entire length of the Hebridean archipelago we recommend our Outer Hebrides Island Hopscotch adventure. Explore the stunning and remote 130-mile chain of Island that stretch along the North Western Coast of Scotland on a drive and hike adventure. Follow the route by car and ferry with daily walks through a mosaic of differing landscapes.
- For the adventurous hiker combining Skye & The Outer Hebrides could be the ideal escape for you? Hike the highlights of the Skye Trail then hop across to Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and walk a section of the remote Harris Walkway.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran is known as 'Scotland in miniature'. It’s a place where you can find a little bit of everything you’d ever want from a Scottish island. Easily accessible from Glasgow by train and ferry, and yet it feels a million miles away. Immerse yourself in island life as you are surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, an ever-changing coastline, sheltered beaches and great cultural festivals.
Recommendations:
- Explore Arran on foot on our Arran Coastal Way trip, a wonderfully varied walk where you can relax on beautiful beaches, explore the Kings cave, and hike Goat Fell, the island's highest peak, for incredible views to the mainland.
- For an island hopping adventure from the saddle why not check out our Scottish Island Hopscotch cycling trip? Pedal the east coast of Arran, discover the whisky isles of Islay & Jura and the rolling Kinytre peninsula.