The 11 Best Things To Do And See In Scotland

Scotland plays to the desires of those overcome with wanderlust and a yearning for adventure. From the iconic to the hypnotic, here are some of the best things to see and do.

1. The Fairy Pools

Praised as one of the most magical parts of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is graced with beauty, riddled with history and set amidst spellbinding scenery. One of the many jewels in Skye’s resplendent crown is the Fairy Pools, a crystal clear natural waterfall in Glen Brittle famed for a memorable potion of green and blue hues. This enchanting kingdom attracts both fairies and wild swimmers alike.

Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle Of Skye, Scotland

The Fairy Pools, Isle Of Skye | © john mcsporran/Flickr

Edinburgh Castle

Perched proudly atop the remnants of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle has nobly watched over Scotland’s capital for centuries. Although multiple vantage points inundate the place, this enchanting fortress is actually one of the most attacked places in the world. Home to Edinburgh’s oldest standing building, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the famous canon from 1457, Mons Meg, this beauty has a history worth discovering.

3. The Quiraing

The Quiraing is an awe-inspiring landslip at the tip of Trotternish on beautiful Skye. Whatever the weather, the views are as epic as the accompanying surge of adrenaline. Emerging out of the ground like flawless jagged blades, witnessing these mind-blowing rock formations is like discovering a new planet.

The Quiraing, Isle Of Skye, Scotland

The Quiraing, Skye | © john mcsporran/Flickr

4. Callanish Stones

Archaeological site, Ruins

Callanish Stones | © Chris Combe / Flickr

The Callanish Stones are one of the many wonders of the Outer Hebrides. This alluring stone formation features a remarkable assortment of 13 standing stones laid out in ring with a cruciform shape around a tomb. Made from Lewisian gneiss, these stones have stood tall since the late Neolithic era.

5. Skara Brae

Archaeological site, Ruins

Skara Brae | © grassrootsgroundswell / Flickr

Skara Brae, Scotland’s own time capsule to a bygone past, is the most complete Neolithic settlement in Europe. Found on the Mainland of Orkney, the wonderfully preserved nature of this ancient stone village dubbed it ‘the Scottish Pompeii’. The houses, which outlive the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge, were most likely inhabited around 3180 BC to 2500 BC.

6. Jupiter Artland

Cells Of Life At Jupiter Artland | © Rosa Menkman / Flickr

Jupiter Artland is best described as a real-life version of the illustrations from Dr Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go!. Trippy yet ingenious, this magnificent sculpture park and art gallery is based within the stunning sprawling grounds of the 19th century Bonnington House in West Lothian. An innovative creative land perfect for when you need inspiration!

Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, Scotland

‘Cells Of Life’ At Jupiter Artland | © Rosa Menkman / Flickr

7. Rosslyn Chapel

Church

Tucked away unassumingly in the village of Roslin, Rosslyn Chapel is somewhat of an enigma. Thanks to The Da Vinci Code, this 15enious, this magnificent sculpture park and art gallery is based within the stunning sprawling grounds of the 19th century Scottish holy place is subject to swarms of annual visitors each adamant to crack the code or unearth the Holy Grail. Speculations aside, the atmosphere and gothic architecture are truly mesmerizing. The wondrous showcase of carvings is divine, while the history behind the Apprentice Pillar is as astonishing as the Crypt.

8. Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum

Art Gallery, Building, Museum

Glasgow’s maze of trailblazing street art and galaxy of never-ending galleries render it an art lover’s paradise. Not to be missed, Kelvingrove offers that magical museum experience with one of the greatest collections of European artworks out there. Highlights include Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross, an enormous natural history section, the distinguished arms and armour collection, and towers of decorative arts gifted from Anne Hull Grundy.

9. Munro-Bagging

Arduous yet rewarding, reaching the summit of Scotland’s mystical Munros or ‘Munro-bagging’ is quite the accomplishment. Bagging each and every one however, takes prowess, supernatural stamina, time and a certain kind of soul, thanks to the temperamental elements and untamed terrain. They do say the best mountaineers are the ones with the worst memory! Do you have what it takes to be a Munroist?

Ben Nevis, Fort William, Scotland

Munro Bagging In Scotland | © Andrew / Flickr

10. The West Highland Line

The West Highland Line, Scotland’s equivalent to the Trans-Siberian line, connects the Scottish Highlands to central Scotland. Experiencing this renowned journey is like venturing into an alternate universe with unrivalled scenery and supernatural views. The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in the Harry Potter films) appears in the portion between Fort William and Mallaig. Understandably, this legendary line is regarded as one of the most scenic in the world.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, A830 Rd, Glenfinnan, Scotland

Jacobite Steam Train | © 96tommy / Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.