15 Things To Do In Scotland Beyond Castles

Scotland is where landscape meets legend, and every corner feels like a verse from a poem. Perhaps it’s the way the mist hangs low over a glen at sunrise, like the land itself is still dreaming. 

It’s also the crash of waves against rugged cliffs, the mournful cry of a distant bagpipe, and the way a stranger in a pub becomes a friend even before you’ve finished your pint. There’s poetry in Scotland’s landscape, rebellion in its history, and soul in every story shared.

While Scotland has more than its fair share of castles (which are well worth seeing), there’s more woven into the fabric of this wild and majestic land. From the windswept isles to the cobbled streets of its cities, from thought-provoking art to age-old whiskey traditions, Scotland wants us to go even deeper.

So, let’s do just that. Here are 15 unforgettable things to do in Scotland that don’t involve castle towers or drawbridges, but will stay with you long after you’ve left.

Walk the Battlefield of Culloden

If you’ve watched Outlander, this place will hit you right in the gut. Culloden Battlefield, just outside Inverness, was the site of the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. It’s eerie and emotional, especially when the mist rolls in over the moor. The visitor center does a great job of explaining the history but, honestly, just walking the field is what will stick with you. It’s haunting, powerful, and well worth the slight detour.

Hike the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is Highland magic at its finest, and the Quiraing might be the most otherworldly hike you’ll ever complete. Picture jagged cliffs, wild rock formations, and views that make you forget how tired your legs are. While it’s a popular hike, it still feels very wild. Be sure to wear good boots and bring snacks because we can guarantee you’ll want to linger. Here’s more on how to explore the Scottish Highlands’ rugged beauty. 

Take a Scenic Drive Through Glencoe

If you’re a fan of road trips, we can promise the drive through Glencoe will stay with you forever. The landscape is dramatic, moody, and straight out of a fantasy film (they actually shot scenes from Harry Potter and Skyfall here). Plan to stop often, breathe in the fresh air, and take way too many pictures. No one will blame you, and you’ll be so happy to have them when you return home.

Wander the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is massive and free, two things we love in a museum. It covers everything from dinosaurs, to fashion, to Scottish history – all inside a stunning building right in the heart of Edinburgh. 

There’s even a rooftop terrace with some lovely views of the city. Whenever you find yourself in this glorious city, be sure to give yourself a few hours, at minimum. And, to help you build out your itinerary, here are 20 things you should do while in Edinburgh.