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…

  • Dunrobin Castle

    Dunrobin Castle
    Golspie
    Sutherland
    KW10 6SF

    01408 633177

    Dunrobin Castle is Scotland’s northernmost great house and the Northern Highlands’ biggest with 189 rooms. The Earls and Dukes of Sutherland lived in Dunrobin Castle, one of Britain’s oldest continuously occupied residences, since the early 1300s.    

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  • Dunvegan Castle

    Dunvegan Castle

    MacLeod Estate
    Dunvegan House
    Isle of Skye
    IV55 8WF

    01470 521206

    The oldest continuously habituated castle in Scotland, home to the Chiefs of Clan Macleod for over 800 years. This striking castle, with its tremendously beautiful gardens, makes for an unforgettable visit.

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  • Dynamic Earth Edinburgh
    Image Credits: John Mason - CC BY 2.0

    Dynamic Earth

    Holyrood Road
    Edinburgh
    EH8 8AS

    0131557800

    Dynamic Earth is a non-profit science hub and attraction sitting on the outskirts of Holyrood Park. This intriguing place is Scotland’s biggest interactive attraction, making for a great family day out!

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  • Edinburgh Castle

    Edinburgh Castle

    Castlehill
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2NG

    0131 225 9846

    Sat atop of Castle Rock, overlooking the skyline of the historic city of Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic Scottish attraction, the site of which dates back to at least the Iron Age.

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  • Bartender serving gin

    Edinburgh Gin Distillery

    1A Rutland St
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2AD

    0131 656 2810

    This unique attraction can be found along Princes Street, in the middle of Edinburgh. Ideal for groups of adults with an interest in all things gin, the gin distillery in Edinburgh is home to intriguing tours, gin-making and tasting!

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  • Penguins in Edinburgh Zoo

    Edinburgh Zoo

    Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
    134 Corstorphine Rd
    Corstorphine
    Edinburgh
    EH12 6TS

    01313 349171

    One for the animal lovers, Edinburgh Zoo comprises an 82-acre area packed with animals and experiences. During your visit, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to view a variety of animals, from penguins to koalas.

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  • Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

    Eilean Donan Castle

    Kyle of Lochalsh
    IV40 8DX

    01599 555202

    This majestic, 13th-century castle sits idyllically at the meeting point of three beautiful lochs: Duich, Alsh and Long. With its captivating history and astonishing location, there is no wonder that Eilean Donan is widely regarded as the most beautiful castle in Scotland.

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  • Elcho Castle

    Elcho Castle

    Castle Wynd
    Rhynd
    Perth
    PH2 8QQ

    01738 639998

    Dating back to 1590, Elcho Castle is a beautifully fortified mansion resting attractively on the banks of the River Tay. Step inside and uncover its intriguing history.

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  • Falls of Dochart, Killin, Scotland

    Falls of Dochart

    FK21 8SL

    Found along the picturesque River Dochart, these gorgeous waterfalls can be best viewed from the 18th-century Bridge of Dochart in the village of Killin. Visit the nearby Falls of Dochart Inn for some delicious lunch afterwards.

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  • Fort George church

    Fort George

    Ardersier
    Inverness
    IV2 7TD

    A grand artillery fortification overlooking the stunning Rosemarkie Bay, visit Fort George to discover its captivating history, reaching back to the 1740s.

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