Top 5 Places to visit in Scotland

July 21, 2023

Introduction

Are you looking for the top 5 places to visit in Scotland? Then you have come to the right place! From breathtaking castles, stunning landscapes and isolated islands, Scotland has a lot to offer its visitors. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an exciting adventure, this article will provide you with the best places to explore in Scotland.

When talking about Scotland’s culture, one cannot overlook Edinburgh Castle. Located in the old town of Edinburgh, this castle stands out as a symbol of Scottish history and culture. Not only can you take a tour of the castle’s grounds and admire its impressive architecture, but there are also several activities and attractions within its walls such as daily cannon fire salutes and the Royal Guard Ceremony.

The second stop on our list is none other than Loch Ness. This expansive lake is known for its mysterious creature sightings that have spawned countless stories and folklore. A boat tour around Loch Ness offers visitors breathtaking views of its surroundings while providing plenty of photo opportunities with their cameras.

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Next up we have Glasgow Cathedral which is another fantastic landmark packed full of history and culture. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century making it one of Scotland’s oldest landmarks still standing today. Inside you will find various chapels as well as stained glass windows depicting scenes from Biblical scripture that make airy atmosphere even more special.

No list would be complete without mentioning The Mull of Kintyre which is a rocky headland located in Southwest Scotland offering outstanding views of both Islay Island and Northern Ireland from its peak height point at 463 meters (1519 feet).

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle - this historic landmark is one of the most iconic buildings in the country. This royal palace has been home to many kings and queens and today is open to visitors from around the world. The oldest part of this majestic castle is St. Margaret’s Chapel, which was built in memory of Queen Margaret of Scotland in 1093.

The castle also honours Scotland’s heroes with its war memorials, dedicated to those who have served their country honourably. Visitors will be captivated by the array of cannons lining the walls and the stunning views over the city and beyond. From here, you can admire attractions such as Princes Street Gardens, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill that make up some of Edinburgh’s magic.

Explore this amazing castle and enjoy a great day out that draws visitors from all over the world every year. If you are looking for top places to visit while in Scotland then add Edinburgh Castle to your list!

The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a stunningly beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland and home to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring nature and wildlife. Named after the Norse god of the sea, it offers travellers a chance to experience nature in its true form with breathtaking views, rolling hills, and deep blue waters. From magnificent mountains to mysterious lochs, there are so many wonders to explore in this enchanting place.

When it comes to attractions on the Isle of Skye, one stands out from all the rest: The Fairy Pools. Located near Glen Brittle on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Ridge, these crystalline pools filled with turquoise-coloured water are said to be home to an array of fairies. Whether you believe in fairies or not, there’s no denying that this magical place is one of a kind. There are numerous waterfalls cascading through these pools, as well as hiking trails and spectacular views that will delight nature lovers and photographers alike.

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The Isle of Skye is high up on any traveller’s list for exploring top 5 places to visit in Scotland. Packed full of natural beauty, incredible attractions such as Fairy Pools and an abundance of wildlife – it’s easy to see why it deserves a spot in your itinerary!

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness & Urquhart - One of the most popular tourist destinations is Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, located along the lake’s banks.

This ancient body of water has been steeped in fascinating legend and myths for centuries, drawing visitors from around the world. The natural beauty of this region has been lovingly preserved over the centuries, providing tourists with stunning views of both land and water. Most people know about Scotland's beloved beast Nessie, but few are aware that it was here in Loch Ness where she first made her mysterious appearance!

In addition to its reputation as a mecca for monster hunting, Urquhart Castle also serves as an important historic destination for visitors. It offers both spectacular views of the lake from atop its ruins and the opportunity to explore them firsthand by climbing the parts that are still intact. In addition to learning about some interesting local history, it’s also a great opportunity to spot local wildlife like otters, hares, deer, and ospreys from atop this impressive castle ruin.

Exploring Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle will give you a unique perspective on Scotland's past and present culture. Whether you're interested in spotting Nessie or admiring incredible natural beauty or immersing yourself in rich history and legends there are plenty of reasons why these two locations should be top on your list when visiting Scotland!

St. Andrews Old Golf Course

When it comes to golf, few places compare to the historic St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland. The oldest and most iconic of all the golf courses, St. Andrews has been home to some of the greatest golfers of all time including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy. It is an ideal destination for those looking to experience a piece of golfing history and a beautiful course surrounded by stunning views.

The Old Course at St. Andrews is an essential location for any golfer visiting Scotland. This 700yearold course holds significant historical value as the founding place of golf and is a true testament to the sport’s legacy. While playing a round here you will be able to experience some of the greatest challenges that golf can offer with its beautiful array of rolling hills, bunkers, greens, and fairways that are sure to test your skillset both mentally and physically.

In addition to its fantastic links-style course, St. Andrews also hosts several major championships every year. From The Open Championship which takes place every five years to other prestigious events like The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship or The Amateur Championships, there are plenty of opportunities for spectators or even players wanting to compete against some of Golf’s elite athletes on this iconic course.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland then be sure not to miss out on this historic landmark when visiting its many beautiful cities and towns. Whether you want to experience the nostalgic environment while playing on its world-renowned links-course or simply watch from afar as professional golfers compete in championship tournaments, St Andrews Old Course should definitely be included in your top 5 places list.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park in Scotland has been named as one of the top 5 places to visit in the country. Located in eastern Scotland, it’s the largest national park and is renowned for its vast mountain range, ranging from rugged peaks to gentle rolling hills. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but it also offers bountiful wildlife watching opportunities with an abundance of flora and fauna throughout its landscape.

For those great outdoorsy types, there are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy. You can explore the variety of landscapes and habitats on foot or bike, go skiing or snowboarding during the winter months, or try fishing on one of the many lochs within the park. If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, you can have a picnic by one of the picturesque lochs – you won’t be disappointed!

The area has some historical monuments and sites that have existed since prehistoric times. This includes Iron Age fortresses like The Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor as well as standing stones located throughout Cairngorms National Park. There is also an array of charming villages scattered around such as Aviemore and Tomintoul which allow visitors to immerse themselves in local culture. From quaint stone buildings to quaint cafes, you can soak up every bit of unique heritage these places have to offer!

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the top 5 places to visit in Scotland. This ancient church, built in the Gothic architectural style, is a testament to the rich Christian history of Glasgow. The cathedral boasts a plethora of intricately carved stone carvings—from Celtic crosses to crests to intricate floral motifs—dating back centuries. These carvings not only speak to the city's religious heritage but also add a unique aesthetic value that highlights the cathedral's grandeur.

The cathedral itself is steeped in history and has been used as both a place of worship and as an important political and cultural centre for various communities over its lifespan. Additionally, as a tourist attraction, it has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually, making it one of the most popular sites in Scotland.

Visitors can explore various aspects of this incredible site by visiting the visitor centre where they can learn more about its long history and significance through various exhibits and tours. In addition, visitors can explore the crypts and tombs beneath the main structure, which are believed to have been constructed sometime during or after the 1200s. Visitors can also view some startling artifacts from this time period while exploring these crypts.

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Overall, Glasgow Cathedral serves as an important reminder of Glasgow’s strong Christian roots and its role in Scottish culture throughout history. If you are looking for an experience that highlights Scotland’s fascinating past and culture then this should definitely be one of your top 5 places to visit!

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