One of Scotland’s two national parks, Cairngorms National Park sits within the country’s northeast region. Visit the magnificent castles or the picturesque locations that are meant to give you chills, literally. Best for: Remote getaway. An iconic feature of the island, the reason for its existence still remains a mystery. Scotland's night skies are some of the best places in the UK to see not only the stars, but also one of the world's most beautiful events.. Best places to stay in Scotland for couples Isle of Skye. Glenturret Distillery in Crieff, a popular tourism hub set among picturesque Perthshire scenery, is Scotland’s oldest distillery, offering a range of whisky tastings, warehouse tours and blending experiences. An alternative to all the “Must Do Scotland” and “Top 10 Scotland” articles is to take you to Ten of the most beautiful coastal areas in Scotland, not just the beaches, but stretches of coastline with quaint little towns, yes lovely beaches too and a beautiful hinterland where you can get a real sense of Scotland. Walkers and climbers are drawn from all corners of the globe to tackle its many mountaineering routes, including eight Munros, while wildlife lovers come to catch a glimpse of red deer, golden eagles and pine martens. 10 Recommended Areas To Explore in Scotland 1 – Dundee. Nestled on the island’s remote west coast on the shores of Loch Harport, not only does it have a strikingly picturesque location, but the sea air imparts conspicuous elements to its whiskey, known for its peaty element. Head to Tangasdale Beach and enjoy jaw-dropping sunsets along with powdery sand and deep azure waters framed by low emerald headlands and jet black rocks. Its striking landscape is filled with soaring emerald covered mountains, dramatic sea cliffs that touch down to seashell-strewn stretches of sand, unique rock formations and waterfalls almost everywhere you look, some of which plunge into the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. The other most expensive seaside towns in Scotland were Newtonhill in third place (£233,855), followed by Stonehaven (£226,687), both in Aberdeenshire, and Dunbar in East Lothian (£211,392). Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. If you’re in the city, a visit is a must. In contrast to the giant megaliths that make up the Standing Stones of Stenness, these stones are much smaller, varying in height from just seven feet to 15 feet, 3 inches. Things to Do in Scotland, United Kingdom: See Tripadvisor's 1,262,907 traveller reviews and photos of Scotland tourist attractions. An unspoiled paradise and one of Britain’s best-kept secrets, the Mull of Galloway offers gorgeous countryside combined with miles of sandy beaches, lovely views and cliff top walks. Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! The historic town of Stirling is one of the best places in Scotland to serve as a base from which to explore the country: it's situated almost half way between Glasgow and Edinburgh, so it makes for a great day trip and boasts plenty of great things to see and do. Places of note include Cromarty Courthouse, which holds a small community-run museum that provides an intriguing glimpse into the working of an 18 th century courtroom. Boasting one of the largest gay scenes in Scotland, Edinburgh is a vibrant city rich in history, culture and attractions not to be missed. New Lanark is a village on the River Clyde and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most jaw-dropping places on the planet, its striking white sands sit at the edge of turquoise waters as if it belonged in the Caribbean. A must-do here is to climb the 115 steps to the top of the pretty whitewashed Robert Stevenson-designed lighthouse and enjoy the amazing panoramic views. The views from the castle alone are worth the trip. As it sits in the middle of the water, the best way to see this bubbling cauldron up close is to take a boat tour. We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details. Whether you ask locals, new arrivals, or tourists, Dundee will always feature high on the list of best places to live in Scotland. Around just about every corner or more awe-inspiring views, including vistas that overlook the Firth of Clyde towards the Kyles of Bute and the mountain range with Goatfell in the foreground that can be enjoyed while sailing into Brodick Bay. Many visitors head to Scotland’s most famous loch to try to catch a glimpse of its famous Loch Ness monster, but that’s not the only reason you should visit. In the heart of the park is Loch Lomond, “The Queen of Scottish Lakes,” according to author Walter Scott, the largest lake in Britain. Visiting Barra, the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides, is a unique experience – especially the landing if you arrive by air. A country famed for things like Nessie (Loch Ness monster), haggis and men in kilts, but there’s a lot more to it than just those things. Reportedly, famed composer Felix Mendelssohn was so enamored by the splendor of the cave, that he sent the opening phrase of an overture on a postcard to his sister with the note: “In order to make you understand how extraordinarily the Hebrides affected me, I send you the following, which came into my head there.” The Hebrides Overture, also known as Fingal’s Cave, premiered on May 14, 1832 in London. Scotland is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Stand at the top of Glas Maol and it feels like you’re on the edge of a vast wilderness. Whiskey has been around almost as long as Scotland itself, with the Scots producing and drinking fermented beverages here for thousands of years. Traigh Mhor is a one-mile stretch of sand that serves as the world’s only beach airport. Artist J. M. W. Turner painted “Staffa, Fingal’s Cave” that same year, which together launched the cave from a little known wonder into a must-see Romantic-Victorian tourist site. Glasgow is a dynamic city with an array of fascinating popular attractions. See & Do 10 Must-Visit Markets in Scotland. It’s heaven for gourmets and golfers, too. If you’re looking to have a fun time, good food and cool cocktails, the city’s best LGBTQ friendly bars, restaurants and clubs can be found in an area of central Edinburgh, known as the Pink Triangle. Located in the north east of Scotland, this region is fondly referred to as 'the oil capital of Europe'. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Scotland’s most southerly point. See & Do The Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland. Close by is Hugh Miller’s House, National Trust for Scotland-operated buildings that show a glimpse into the life of the 19 th century geologist and contentious church reformer. Just a few of the creatures you might spot include reindeer, wildcat, pine marten, golden eagle, deer and badger. This spectacular capital is enveloped by seven hills, with its famous Royal Mile framed by Edinburgh Castle and the magnificent Holyrood Palace. Edinburgh is often named among the world’s most beautiful cities, and you’ll find a long list of popular attractions to explore, offering a rich history with a medieval Old Town and Georgian grace-filled New Town, it’s not hard to understand why. You can also head to the Isle of Islay for awe-inspiring scenery and fine whiskey. We have reviews of the best places to see in Scotland. This beautiful island is a magical place that you have to see to believe. Other highlights in Edinburgh include the National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden and taking the trek up Calton Hill, especially if you’re a fan of writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who called it his favorite spot. Orkney’s most famous landmark, the Old Man of Hoy, is an imposing 450-foot sea stack on the island of Hoy carved from layer upon layer of Old Red Sandstone. See & Do The 12 Most Beautiful Scottish Road Trips. Here's a detailed guide to Scotland's 15 regions, covering everything from education and lifestyle to work and accommodation. He notes its impressive architecture with “a wealth of extravagant Victorian buildings in red and blond sandstone… Italianate palazzo facades, Art Nouveau reminiscent of Gaudi, and classical Greek and Roman motifs,” adding, it’s also a “sociable city that has always known how to party.”, Bell isn’t the only one to rave about Glasgow, National Geographic Traveler named it one of their top 20 ‘Best of the World’ destinations for its “world-class architecture, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking scenery and outstanding shopping.”.