Scotland attractions

Get a peek behind the bars of a mid-19th-century jailhouse and courtroom at Inveraray Jail, one of the best-preserved prisons of its kind in the world. Inveraray Jail opens the door to Scotland’s grim and grisly past with costumed actors, interactive exhibitions, and real-life stories from former convicts.

Rosslyn Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history and architectural grandeur, nestled above the picturesque banks of the River Esk in the shadow of the Pentland Hills. Built in the 14th century, the ruined residence takes visitors on a captivating journey through time, providing a glimpse into Scotland's storied past.

On the banks of the River Tay, Discovery Point is home to the RRS Discovery, a former Antarctic research vessel. Learn the Discovery’s story, from the ship’s construction to its many voyages, including the Discovery Expedition of 1901–04, when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton first journeyed to the Antarctic.

Peek behind the keyhole of the home of Miss Agnes Toward, a Glaswegian shorthand typist who lived in this tenement house flat between 1911 and 1965. The frozen-in-time interiors include a coal-fired stove, functioning gaslights, and Miss Agnes’ personal effects including clothes, photographs, letters, and recipes.

Get a peek at the weird and wonderful aquatic species of Scotland’s lochs at SEA LIFE® Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s top aquariums. In addition to local underwater highlights, visit seven themed zones featuring sharks, rays, otters, seahorses, a touch pool, an ocean tunnel, and more. The aquarium is a short drive from Glasgow.

St. Andrews has long been known as the home of golf, so it makes sense that the city is also home to a fabulous golf museum showcasing the sport's evolution. Here, you'll find a massive collection of everything from trophies to golf clubs, plus a massive archive of golf-related films.

Benromach is a small distillery producing big results in the Speyside area of the Scottish Highlands. Housed in a Victorian structure, this distillery offers visitors the chance to learn about and taste fine single-malt whiskies through various immersive tours, including tastings.

A Glasgow gem, the Burrell Collection is a treasure trove of 9,000 objects collected by Sir William Burrell, a shipping merchant, and his wife, Constance Burrell, who gifted their collection to the city in 1944. A visit to this eclectic collection reveals the depth of the Burrells’ passion for collecting.

Located in the Northwest Highlands, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve was established in 1951, making it the oldest such preserve in the UK. Comprising a range of habitats—from lakes and woodlands to rugged mountains—the nature reserve’s highlights include Loch Maree, ancient Caledonian pine forests, and the Beinn Eighe ridge.

The A380 road from Fort William to Mallaig, better known as the Road to the Isles, is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. The 46-mile (74-kilometer) route runs alongside the shores of Loch Eil and Loch Eilt, through small villages including Glenfinnan, Arisaig, and Morar, and a series of glens (valleys) affording spectacular views all the way.

Perched dramatically on the Firth of Clyde coast in Scotland, the ruins of Dunure Castle appear to tumble into the Atlantic Sea. The castle’s gruesome history—the last abbot of Crossraguel was notoriously roasted on a spit here—attracts history buffs and ghost hunters alike, while its rural location promises no crowds and natural panoramas.

Opened by Prince Edward in 1993, the Inverness Botanic Gardens—previously known as Floral Hall—are a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city center. In addition to outdoor gardens with seasonal floral displays, fish ponds, and the Scottish Highlands’ largest succulent display, the grounds house a café, visitor center, and two greenhouses.

Set within Glasgow University, The Hunterian (Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery) showcases the once private collection of former student and 18th-century anatomist and physician, Dr. William Hunter. Among the eclectic assortment of objects and art are pickled organs, Roman artifacts from the Antonine Wall, and a collection of works by James McNeill Whistler.

Located in Aberdeen’s West End, the Gordon Highlanders Museum is dedicated to what Sir Winston Churchill once described as “the finest regiment in the world.” The Gordon Highlanders were active from 1794 to 1994, and the independently run military museum is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the historic infantry unit.

Before they featured in the hit TV show Outlander, the 18th-century Preston Mill and neighboring Phantassie Doocot were two of Edinburgh and the Lothians’ lesser-known historic sites. Since then, the landmarks have enjoyed a well-deserved boost in popularity and are now considered some of the area’s most picturesque destinations. Both dating back to the 16th century, the mill and former pigeon house are worth visiting for their quirky architecture and stunning surroundings.

Glasgow Cruise Port (Greenock Ocean Terminal) is the gateway to the west coast of Scotland. Multiple different cruise lines call into port here, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Azamara, Saga, and more, making it easy to head out on such excursions as whisky-tasting or exploring Scotland’s biggest city.

Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), this sprawling hillside zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals, from Sumatran tigers and lions to pygmy hippopotamus and giant anteaters. The star attractions, however, are the penguins—known for the daily strolls they take outside their enclosure—and the UK’s only giant pandas: Tian Tian and Yang Guang.

Established on Blackford Hill in 1896, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh is an astronomy tower that houses the largest telescope in Scotland. The cylindrical tower, which is also host to the University of Edinburgh’s Astronomy Department, offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills from the observatory grounds.

One of the largest tower houses in Scotland, Castle Fraser—located within easy day-trip distance of Aberdeen—dates as far back as 1450. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand halls, ascend to its towers for top-notch views, explore its generous parklands, admire its portrait collection, and otherwise soak up its regal intrigue.

With rugged mountains in the north and gentle rolling hills in the south, the Isle of Arran encapsulates the diverse beauty of the Scottish landscape. Visitors will find an array of attractions, including Neolithic standing stones, pretty fishing villages, castles, whisky distilleries, and beaches, as well as numerous hiking trails.

Located in Cromarty in the Black Isles, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum comprises two buildings. There's the cottage where the esteemed geologist and writer was born, and museum in the Georgian townhouse next door, which houses a collection of Miller’s life, including fossils, manuscripts, and tools, and related gardens.

The Edinburgh Cruise Port at Leith—the largest enclosed deepwater port in Scotland—welcomes large cruise ships just northwest of Edinburgh on the River Forth. Conveniently situated just minutes from Edinburgh proper, this port is a popular jumping-off point for trips to the city's Old Town, medieval castle, and other historic attractions.

Brodick Castle, a Victorian estate on the Isle of Arran, likely rests upon the site of a former Viking fortress, and some parts of the building are thought to date back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore grand interiors and discover rare artifacts such as porcelain, paintings, period furniture, and landscaped gardens.

Strung along the Beauly Firth at the northern edge of Inverness, Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is a back-to-nature haven. Trails follow the shoreline, passing by tidal pools, marshes, grassland, and woodland. Spot roe deer, otters, herons, and oystercatchers, and look for dolphins and otters sliding through the adjacent firth.

The historic mill village of New Lanark was once a beacon of social conscience in the Industrial Revolution—today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The refurbished factory, warehouses, houses, and school are home to a wealth of attractions, from educational rides to a roof garden.

Located in Edinburgh’s trendy Leith neighborhood, Ocean Terminal is a shopping and leisure center with more than 70 stores; a handful of cafés, bars, and restaurants; and sweeping views of the Firth of Forth. Permanently berthed alongside the terminal is the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia.

Established in the 19th century by Osgood Mackenzie in the northwest Highlands, Inverewe Garden & Estate improbably features plants from around the world, including subtropical and exotic species, earning it a nickname of “Impossible Garden.” Inverewe also features an interactive museum, art gallery, visitor center, café, and gift shop.

Explore the history of Dundee’s jute industry at Verdant Works, an interactive museum situated in a refurbished 19th century mill. Learn about the city’s industrial textile past and about tenement life and mill workers through immersive, interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, and see historic equipment at work.

Just outside Edinburgh, Portobello Beach provides a sandy retreat with stunning views of the Firth of Forth. This charming seaside destination has a wide promenade perfect for strolls, as well as cozy cafés and independent shops. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics, it’s a beloved spot for locals and visitors looking for a relaxing day by the sea.

The Scottish Highlands is known for whisky production, and you can see the process up close at Tomatin Distillery. Located in the village of Tomatin—where it was first established in 1897—here you can join a variety of distillery tours to discover the history of Scottish whisky, plus enjoy tastings at the source.