Scotland Top 10 things to do and see

Lone Bagpiper in the Scottish Highlands

​Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture and friendly people. Scotland is a great family and couples vacation destination.

There are many amazing things to see and do in Scotland, from exploring its historic cities and castles to hiking in its stunning mountains and forests. Additionally, Scotland is famously known as the home of golf, bagpipes, whisky and Scotland's stunning scenery has been featured in many popular movies including the Harry Potter series.  

Scotland is a great summer destination to escape the summer heat and enjoy cooler moderate weather.  If you are one of the millions of Americans with Scottish descent, tracing your family's heritage and clan is also very popular. ​The best times to visit Scotland for weather are from May to September with August being the peak season for summer festivals. 

Here are my top 10 recommendations for things to see and do for your Scotland itinerary:

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Famous Edinburgh Castle

​1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of its most popular tourist destinations. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. 

In fact, Edinburgh is so full of significant historical buildings that the old and new city sections have been designated a UNESCO World heritage site. 

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Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness

2. Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a famous lake in the Scottish Highlands. It is said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster, a mythical creature that has been the subject of much speculation and scientific study. Whether you believe in the Loch Ness Monster or not, Loch Ness is a beautiful place to visit. You can take a boat tour on the lake, go hiking in the surrounding mountains, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

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Scottish Highlands Lake

3. The Highlands

The Highlands are a region in northern Scotland that is known for its ​rugged mountains, rolling hills, and deep lochs. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities in the Highlands, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. You can also visit historical sites, such as Culloden Battlefield, where the Battle of Culloden was fought in 1746.

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Stirling Castle

4. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is a medieval castle in Stirling, Scotland. It is one of the most important castles in Scottish history, and has been the site of many important events, such as the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The castle is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

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Saint Andrews - Home of Golf

5. St Andrews

St Andrews is a town in Fife, Scotland. It is known as the "Home of Golf" because the first golf course in the world was built there in the 15th century. St Andrews is also home to the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in Scotland. The town is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

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Isle of Skye

6. The Isle of Skye
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The Isle of Skye is a large island off the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its dramatic scenery, including mountains, lochs, and sea cliffs. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities on the Isle of Skye, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. You can also visit historical sites, such as Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

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Glencoe, Scotland

7. Glencoe
Glencoe is a valley in the Scottish Highlands. It is known for its stunning scenery, including mountains, waterfalls, and forests.

Glencoe village is located between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Lochaber area, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
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Glencoe is also the site of the Glencoe Massacre, which took place in 1692. The massacre was a dark chapter in Scottish history, but it is now a popular tourist destination.

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Scotch Whisky

8. Whisky Distillery Tour

Scotland is known for its whisky, and there are many whisky distilleries in the country that offer tours. On a whisky distillery tour, you will learn about the history of whisky making, see how whisky is made, and taste different types of whisky. Whisky distillery tours are a great way to learn about Scottish culture and enjoy some delicious whisky.

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Harry Potter Train, AKA The Jacobite Steam Train

​9. The “Jacobite” Steam Train
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Made famous by the Harry Potter movies, this historic and award-winning steam train connects Fort William and Mallaig and has been described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.  The train route crosses breathtaking scenery on Scotland’s rugged west coast the famous21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct. 

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Royal Military Tattoo Festival in Edinburgh Castle

10. Festivals
Every August, Edinburgh plays host some of the top festivals in Europe including:
- The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Massed gathering and performance of bagpipes bands and Scottish dancing that takes place in Edinburgh Castle
- Edinburgh Festival - 
- Edinburgh Fringe Fest - Discover the best artists from opera, music, theatre & dance on the world’s greatest stage

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Bonus things to see and do: 

The Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in Scotland. It is the world's first and only rotating boat lift, and it was opened in 2002. The Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, and it allows boats to travel between the two canals without having to go through locks. The Falkirk Wheel is a popular tourist attraction, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

See the Northern Lights
Scotland is considered one of the best locations in the world to see the Northern Lights from December to February when the nights are shorter and there are many good viewing spots. 

I hope you can visit Scotland soon.  We have some incredible itineraries that highlight these attractions and much more. Reach out for assistance.