Your Ultimate Destination Guide to Scotland’s Most Captivating Cities and Enchanting Treasures
Beautiful Scotland appeals to the masses with its rich history, stunning architecture, and rolling landscapes stretching for miles. Scotland has many beautiful cities and small towns to visit, each with its charm that will make you fall in love with it. The food feels warm and has so much flavor that it pops against the cooler rainy climate.
Many of the cities feel like something out of a fairytale, and there is plenty of lore associated with them. From the Loch Ness monster to whispers of fairies, the wildlife has an unmatched mythical quality that many places lack.
Many farm animals also live in Scotland, and if you’re a lover of sheep, orange cows, or “Scottish coos,” then you should not miss out on going! When you plan your trip to Scotland, consider visiting the following places.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I do not say that lightly. The architecture is highly well-preserved, and staying there feels like you have truly stepped back in time.
I went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2023, and while I went during peak tourist season, I think the festival made me love it all the more. The streets were packed with performers at all hours, trying to invite you to their show or showing off their craft through a street performance. Something was going on at all times, and I loved it.
Besides the Fringe, Edinburgh has plenty of other activities to do. I am a massive fan of Harry Potter, so I went on the free Harry Potter walking tour, or “The Potter Trail.” I loved this tour because it took me to many Edinburgh hotspots that double as Harry Potter hotspots, including Victoria Street, a colorful, narrow road with quaint shops that inspired Diagon Alley.
The tour guides also introduce customers to The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote several books, the graveyard that provided J.K. Rowling with several character names, and the school with four “houses” that influenced the Hogwarts Houses.
If you’re not into Harry Potter, you still have many things to do here. Holyrood Park is a beautiful place for a hike or picnic, and you can’t miss the striking hill in the middle, known as “Arthur’s Seat.”
Many know this hill as one of the rumored Camelot locations. Its spined ridge resembling a dragon makes many feel like it could be!
In addition to the hill, visit the Scott Monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott or the many free museums Edinburgh offers. If you have time, stop by Edinburgh Castle to see one of the most well-preserved castles in Britain and the Scottish Royal Jewels.
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is one of the most exquisite National Parks in the United Kingdom, and you should not miss them on a trip to Scotland. Many people drive through them along the Highland Tourist Route, which stretches from Aberdeen to Inverness. This route hosts several stunning castles to visit along this highway, and you can take some satisfying hikes, especially in the spring and summer. Just make sure not to get caught in the rain during your hike!
The highlands look the most magnificent in the summer when some of the hills turn purple from the flowers growing. You can stop at some distilleries in these mountains or at one of the museums—many feature local photography or craftsmanship, such as wool spinning and weaving. Of course, there are also many beautiful paintings to discover.
Glencoe
No one should forget about Glencoe on a trip to Scotland. Many say that it’s one of the most dazzling places to travel in the Scottish Highlands. James Bond fans will feel excited to seek out popular filming locations here, but Glencoe has more to do than that.
As a cozy mountain village near two large bodies of water, Glencoe Lochan and Loch Leven, you can partake in plenty of watersports, including kayaking and river rafting. In the winter, you can go skiing at Glencoe Mountain Resort and down the United Kingdom’s steepest slopes (if you dare). You can also explore the Lochaber Geopark, climb the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom, take a tour, and look at some remarkable rocks!
Skye
Skye has blown up on social media as a top Scotland destination. The pictures online make Skye look wild and free, and it has beautiful natural scenes to take in that take magical to a new level. The gorgeous waterfalls there, the “Fairy Pools” and the Fairy Glen, both evoke a magical feel. Plenty of local folklore surrounds these two places, so explore at your own imaginative risk and learn all about the mythical creatures dwelling there.
Beyond the mythical spots, you should stop by the Old Man of Storr Hill. People know this hill for its odd-shaped stone formations and striking scenery. Wonderful rolling hills, ocean views, and great hiking routes surround Skye, so you should visit if you love to climb hills!
Inverness
If you love myths and are interested in the Loch Ness monster, you must visit Inverness. You can hunt for Nessie while you’re there and do many activities. Of course, you can visit tourist villages such as Fort George. If you book one, many tour buses will take you there, but you should also try to hit Urquhart Castle if you have time.
Inverness sits thirty minutes from the Loch, and you can see the historic Fort George and Inverness Cathedral while you’re there for a quick social studies lesson. You can also take in the fascinating botanic gardens and stop by Hootananny!
Best Times to Go
March to May is a great time to visit Scotland because the weather gets warmer, and fewer crowds make their way there. September to November has temperate weather, and the hotels offer lower prices.
Many recommend against going in the summer, but I liked it when I went then. Despite the crowds, the weather felt temperate, and I enjoyed visiting Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival. The weather stays similar throughout the year, so you cannot find a bad time to visit there.
Remember to Try the Following Foods!
Do not leave Scotland without trying whiskey or beer. The pub culture in Scotland is just as fun as in England, and you should sample the local delights. If you’re feeling brave, try some haggis at a pub. (Though don’t look up what Haggis is made of beforehand).
You should also try a traditional Scottish breakfast, which includes delicious black-and-white pies and sausages. Scotland also has fantastic seafood, and you should taste Cullen Skink soup, though it has a silly name.
Other Things You Should See and Do
Loch Lomond paints a pretty backdrop for a picnic or stroll and is a nice stop if you take a road trip up to the highlands. Several castles surround Loch Lomond, making it the perfect mix of culture and pretty landscapes.
You should also visit Balmoral Castle if you’re curious about where Queen Elizabeth II lived out her final days. And, of course, you should always see one of the Scottish coos in Scotland!
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