Places to Visit in Scotland

1. Aberdeen

The region of Aberdeenshire boasts 165 miles of beautiful coastline, including a sandy beach right in the city center. Many of the buildings here are made out of silvery-grey granite that sparkles in the sunshine, which has led to nicknames such as the "Silver City with the Golden Sands."

The 300 castles found in Aberdeenshire are a major attraction as well, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the 55 golf courses and five ski resorts found in the area. Map

2. Aviemore

Sitting at the northwest corner of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is one of Scotland's most popular holiday destinations. The town is most popular as a base for people looking to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, which have plenty to do all throughout the year.

Skiing and snowboarding are the biggest draw in the winter; the town is located not far from CairnGorm Mountain, the best-known ski hill in the country. During the summer months, most visitors come to hike in the park, partake in exciting activities like quad biking, and visit the animals at the Cairngorm Reindeer Center.

3. Ayr

Only 37 miles away from Glasgow, Ayr is a charming seaside resort town with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist amenities. The highlight of the town is its long sandy beach, which is perfect for lounging in the sun, building sand castles, or taking a leisurely stroll. A children's playground makes the beach a great destination for families, and there is no shortage of parking on the road that runs along the esplanade. When you've had your fill of sun and surf, you can head to the Ayr racetrack, which dates back to the 1500s and holds plenty of meetings all year round.

4. Barra

Part of the Outer Hebrides, Barra is one of the southernmost inhabited islands in Scotland. Despite being only 23 square miles in size, the island offers a wide variety of natural beauty that includes beaches, rolling hills, grassy plains, and moorland. Many visitors enjoy simply walking or cycling around the island to enjoy the scenery, but you can also go for a kayaking trip, play a round of golf, or visit the medieval Kisimul Castle. The island can be accessed either by ferry or by plane, although it's worth flying in to see the unusual airport, whose runway is only visible at low tide.

5. Cairngorms National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the whole of the United Kingdom. There's no shortage of exploring to be done here; the park offers beautiful waterfalls, peaceful old-growth forests, and five of the six highest mountains in the UK. Visitors can partake in everything they'd expect to do in a national park, such as hiking, skiing, and camping, but other possible ways to spend your time here include windsurfing on Loch Morlich, sampling whisky at the Glenlivet Distillery, and visiting the only free-grazing herd of reindeer in the UK. Map

6. Dumfries

Nicknamed the "Queen of the South," Dumfries is a market town with a fascinating history. The town is dotted with historic pieces of architecture, including a Gothic bridge built in the 12th century, the triangular Caerlaverock Castle, and the beautiful Greyfriars Church, where Robert the Bruce committed his infamous murder. Anyone interested in the darker side of the town's history can take one of the many guided ghost tours on offer. Dumfries has also been home to a number of famous individuals over the years, but the most notable is Robert Burns, whose home has been turned into an interesting museum.

7. Dundee

Surrounded by lush green countryside, Dundee offers an enticing blend of ancient history and modern culture. Ancient abbeys and castles sit alongside modern museums and art galleries, while the beautiful city waterfront provides a pleasant place to relax. Thanks to the city's many contributions to fields ranging from textiles to medical research, it was named the first UNESCO City of Design in the United Kingdom. The city also has an excellent selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes, but it's easy to get out of town if you want to visit the coast or explore the surrounding hills and glens. Map

8. Edinburgh

As the capital of Scotland since the 15th century, Edinburgh has no shortage of things for visitors to see and do. Perched on top of a series of extinct volcanoes overlooking the sea, the beautiful city allows visitors to feel like they have truly stepped back in time to Old Scotland. Charming cobblestone streets wind their way through the medieval Old Town, while the 18th-century New Town boasts beautiful Georgian architecture and an excellent collection of shops. The city is also very well connected to the rest of the country, making it the perfect place to begin your Scottish adventure.

9. Falkirk

Conveniently situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Falkirk is home to a wealth of wonderful attractions. The impressive Antonine Wall dates back to the 2nd century and allows visitors to stroll along what was formerly the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire, while the 14th-century Callendar House contains a number of displays that detail the history of the area between the 11th and 19th centuries. There are plenty of modern marvels in the city as well, including a rotating boat lift known as the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies, a set of huge and dramatic horse-head sculptures. Map

10. Ft. William

Many visitors come to Ft. William to climb nearby Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, but the town is well worth a visit even if you aren't a mountaineer. Popular activities include admiring the scenery of the Lochaber Geopark, visiting the West Highland Museum, and relaxing in one of the town's traditional pubs, but the beauty of the area has also made it a popular location with filmmakers. Visitors might recognize some of the settings from their favorite movies, and they will also have the chance to hop aboard the train that whisked Harry Potter off to Hogwarts.