things to do in Scotland

Things to do in Scotland

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Discover the best attractions and things to do in Scotland

Home to some of the top tourist destinations in the UK, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Scotland all year round!

A wealth of activities and attractions await, whether that’s exploring the rugged Isle of Skye or wandering the picturesque streets of Edinburgh. However you choose to spend your time, there’s something for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland Attractions

Immerse yourself in the country’s history at some of the most popular heritage attractions in Scotland. Visit the castles of Stirling, Inveraray or Glamis, the Neolithic ruins of Skara Brae, or the Culloden Battlefield near Inverness. Take a boat tour of Loch Ness to spot the famed sea monster, whilst glens, mountains and jagged coastlines are must-see Scotland attractions.

Ramble through the spectacular Glen Coe Valley, or travel to Fort William and climb the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Scotland is a haven for wildlife lovers. Here, you can find puffins, dolphins and highland cows as you venture along rugged coasts or luscious valleys.

Scotland Activities

Outdoor adventures will be spoilt for choice with climbing, hiking, sailing and angling opportunities in Scotland. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a popular choice covering mountains, forests and the largest freshwater lake in Britain, all scattered with walking trails. Are you looking for family-friendly activities? Admire tropical fish at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry and walk through the UK’s largest underwater tunnel.

Almond Valley Museum, Farm and Discovery Centre in West Lothian also offer a wide range of activities. For unforgettable trips covering more ground, drive the open roads of the North Coast 500 route or catch magical glimpses on the Jacobite Steam Railway, recognisable from the Harry Potter film series.

Keep reading to discover even more things to do in Scotland…

  • Cowal Festival

    Cowal Walking Festival

    A three-day walking festival around the Cowal Peninsula. Guided, friendly, Dunoon based walks offered for all levels. Wonderful scenery and wildlife.

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  • Craggon Outdoor

    Craggan Outdoors

    Craggan Golf Course
    Grantown-on-Spey
    PH26 3NT

    01479 873283

    Award-winning outdoor activity centre, offering one of the widest ranges of activities available across the Highlands, from a beautiful Speyside location at Grantown-on-Spey

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  • Craigievar Castle

    Craigievar Castle

    Craigievar
    Alford
    AB33 8JF

    01339 883635

    A Scottish castle in a setting straight out of a dream, jam-packed with art, armour, and history.      

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  • Craigmillar Castle ruins in Edinburgh

    Craigmillar Castle

    Craigmillar Castle Rd
    Edinburgh
    United Kingdom
    EH16 4SY

    0131 661 4445

    Known as Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’, Craigmillar Castle’s ruins and park rest on the outskirts of the city. Far-reaching views, medieval architecture, and trails make this a great excursion for history lovers of all ages!

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  • cramond beach

    Cramond Beach

    Cramond
    Edinburgh
    EH4 6NU

    Come and find this pretty set of sands in Edinburgh’s outer suburb of Cramond. Resting about five miles from the city centre, Cramond Beach is relatively easy to find and well-equipped for family outings with its vast sands, causeway and coffee shop.

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  • Memorial Cairn at Culloden Battlefield

    Culloden Battlefield

    Culloden Moor
    Inverness
    IV2 5EU

    01463 796090

    Situated on the dramatic Culloden Moor the site of the infamous final stand of the Jacobites against Loyalist troops in 1746, Culloden Battlefield is now home to a visitors centre educating the public on the fateful events, as well as a mass grave for the many that fell there.

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  • Dean Village river

    Dean Village

    Dean Path
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh & The Lothians
    Eh4 3AY

    Dean Village is a scenic sanctuary tucked away in the middle of Edinburgh. With the winding Water of Leith running through its centre, this part of the city is an idyllic outing!

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  • Mother and Son at aquarium

    Deep Sea World

    Battery Quay
    Forthside Terrace
    North Queensferry
    KY11 1JR

    01383 411880

    This aquarium is an educational yet captivating day out for all the family. Offering accessible facilities, exciting experiences and 12 exhibits; visiting Deep Sea World is a must.

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  • Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire

    Drumlanrig Castle

    Thornhill
    Dumfries & Galloway
    DG3 4AQ

    01848 331555

    As well as being a majestic, 17th-century castle brimming with culture and history, Drumlanrig Castle also offers plenty to keep you occupied from salmon fishing to Landrover tours around beautiful Nithsdale.

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  • Dunbarton Castle

    Dumbarton Castle

    Castle Rd
    Dumbarton
    G82 1JJ

    01389 732167

    Dumbarton Castle perches itself on a volcanic rock and is one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings, boasting a recorded history of over 1,500 years. Climb the 500 steps and admire the most breath-taking views of the River Clyde below.

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