You don’t have to be a Braveheart aficionado to know Scotland is a nation full of fighters who stand up for what they believe in, feel passionately, and express their thoughts and emotions in beautiful, poetic form.
If you’re lucky enough to travel north of England and greet the residents of this colorful country, you’ll never want to leave. Filled with rugged hills, peaceful lochs, eclectic cities, and a whisky distillery or two, you’ll leave here a changed person – all for the better.
Royal Botanic Garden | Edinburgh
It’s always a welcome escape when expansive gardens exist in the midst of bustling cities. And the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is no exception.
It was founded in 1670 and is considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world. If you need a brief reprieve from the sights and sounds of the city, you’ll have 72 perfectly manicured acres to explore. Best of all? Admission is free!
The Writers’ Museum | Edinburgh
Even if you’re a moderately avid reader, you’ll enjoy the Writers’ Museum. It’s hard to argue with the tapestry that the famous writers of Scotland were able to weave with a pen. The museum focuses on three of the most impactful writers in Scottish history: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Inside, you’ll find portraits, rare books, and personal objects like Burns’ writing desk and the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley Novels were first produced. With first-edition books on display, manuscripts, and an array of opportunities to study their written words, the Writers’ Museum is a nice place to pause and reflect on this form of artistry.
The National Museum of Scotland | Edinburgh
Edinburgh seems to have one of the finest gardens in the world – and one of the finest museums! Here, you’ll explore a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including the centuries-old chess pieces that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Wizard Chess.
With multiple year-round exhibitions, as well as temporary exhibitions, it’s worth taking a look at the website before you go to see what you might like to enjoy. Surprisingly, admission is free and, anytime you want to visit, you won’t be disappointed – no matter what’s on display.
Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh
You know this is a significant site when you consider Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified structures in Europe. It’s steeped in history, having served a multitude of purposes from the royal residence, to a military garrison, to a prison. As you climb the steep Castle Hill, you’ll walk in the footsteps of former soldiers, kings, queens, and pirates.
Inside, you’ll be amazed by The Great Hall, as well as St. Margaret’s Chapel. Outside, as you stand by the canons, you’ll have the most magnificent view over the city. Indeed, Edinburgh Castle isn’t just some hyped-up tourist attraction. It’s one of the best ways to touch the spirit of this mighty nation.
The Royal Mile | Edinburgh
The Royal Mile is the place to be if you’re enthralled by Edinburgh’s Old Town. It connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is as colorful, delightful, and steeped in history as each of these landmarks.
Along the way, you can dip into beautiful shops, pick up a trinket or two, and even indulge in a virtual distillery tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience when you need a little refreshment.
When everything about this city lures you in, if you’d like to extend your stay, here’s an additional list of 20 things to do in Edinburgh.
Palace of Holyroodhouse | Edinburgh
Built in 1671, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is, even to this day, the King’s official residence when he’s in Scotland. Still, the Royal Family opens up its doors for fascinating tours of ancient state apartments, the throne room, and an abbey that’s even older than the palace itself.
With a wonderful gallery of art on display, you can get lost amidst the palace’s many corridors. Be sure to tour the gardens, as well, and then enjoy a spot of tea as the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Harry Potter fans will know right away what this is. Why, it’s Hogwarts Express, of course! Imagine boarding a train at platform 9¾ and pretending you’re off to a world of wizarding?
Even on its own right, this is a gorgeous and scenic ride that takes you from Fort William to Mallaig. Along the way, you’ll sail across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is immediately recognizable.
If you’d like to design an itinerary with a greater focus on Harry Potter, be sure to check out this magical guide to the city that inspired the series.
Culloden Battlefield
While Edinburgh is one of the most notable – and stunning – cities in the land, there’s plenty more to explore. Let’s head to the Highlands.
If you’re a fan of the book and television series Outlander, you’ll instantly know why this is a worthwhile visit. If you’re not, this was the site of the 1745 Jacobite Rising when the Highlanders were seeking their freedom from the English.
In only 40 minutes, the Scottish were brutally defeated by the English because they were outnumbered and outgunned. As a result, the English tried to ban certain Highland traditions and squash out such a disruptive nation. Of course, that didn’t last long, but the damage was eternal.
Glencoe
Also, in the Highlands, you have the beautiful little village of Glencoe. Be sure to visit the Glencoe Folk Museum nestled inside an 18th-century thatched roof cottage.
While the village itself is delightful and would make for a magnificent stopping point for a day or two, it’s really the deep valleys, towering mountains, and bright blue waters of Glencoe that draw people to the area.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is kind of like the line in the sand between the Highlands and the Lowlands. It’s a freshwater loch that crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. More than that, it’s the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain and home to 22 islands.
You can take a cruise on the loch to admire the mountains and islands. Or, you can walk along the southern shoreline to take in the sprawling glens, rocky peaks, and a sky that seems to go on forever.
The Fife Arms
With thousands of luxury castle hotels, Airbnbs, and B&Bs, can there truly be a number one pick in the whole of the country? Quite possibly – and its name is The Fife Arms.
As a former hunting lodge, it’s now a five-star hotel in Braemar. This, too, will open you up to the Highlands and the Cairngorms – a statuesque mountain range.
Never again have you seen such luxurious and lush accommodations. Each room is packed full with its own dose of history related to historical figures in Scottish history. The onsite restaurant is top shelf, as is their magnificent whisky bar. When you’re ready, you can hop in your car for a day’s worth of exploration. But, truly, you could just luxuriate within these walls and feel perfectly at ease.
Eilean Donan Castle
In a land strewn with ancient castles and former fortresses, Eilean Donan is often one of the most photographed. Built in the 12th century, it still stands tall and proud, guarding a small island deep in the Highlands. It’s also at an intersection of three tidal lochs, in case you’re hoping to gaze out over a few more of them.
Not only can you tour the castle, which is a must-see, but you can also stay on the castle grounds in a little cottage or apartment. If ever you’ve been wanting to fully check out of ordinary life for a day or two, Eilean Donan will help you achieve it.
Oban
On the west coast, there are a series of islands that are a picturesque ferry ride away – and Oban is the gateway to many of those islands. Known as the seafood capital of Scotland, you’ll know what to order when you’re in Oban.
It’s a beautifully walkable town, so be sure to stretch your legs while you’re here. You can explore Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, McCaig’s Tower, and, of course, the Oban Distillery to see how their magic is made.
Isle of Mull
You’ll love the colorful facades spread along the shorelines of the Isle of Mull, especially in the island’s harbor town of Tobermory. In truth, all the villages are filled with friendly locals looking to give you a warm welcome.
One of the things you can ask for directions to is Duart Castle, a clifftop fortress that you can still tour today. From former dungeons to current tea rooms, it offers quite an immersive experience.
Islay
While the Isle of Mull may be the prettiest jewel in this crown of islands, Islay has a lot to offer, as well. From the mainland, you’ll want to catch the ferry at Kennacraig heading to Port Ellen.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be glad you did. With its pretty little village, a whisky distillery, and beautiful beaches, you’ll never want to say goodbye to the winds that embrace you – almost as kindly as the locals.
Let the Scottish Winds Sweep You Away
Whether you’re on board a ferry to the islands or on solid ground in Edinburgh, Scotland will not disappoint – it’ll captivate your mind, body, and spirit. See if you can get into the Harry Potter or Outlander series before you go, just for the fun of it.
As you tour around Scotland, if you choose to extend your European stay, we have a destination guide to help you plan your travels perfectly. Here’s hoping we meet you along the Royal Mile someday!