Scotland is absolutely stunning. If the weather were more reliable it would be absolutely jammed with tourists. The beauty of Scotland is that the weather changes at a pace so even at its worst often blue skies can be literally just moments away.
This is not an exhaustive list of beautiful places in Scotland – there are so so many. I have been to Scotland at least 7 times covering Edinburgh and Glasgow, the less-visited south west coast regions of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Highlands and Inverness and the centre of Scotland.
Here are the 18 most beautiful places that I have visited in Scotland.
22 Beautiful Places In Scotland
1. Culzean Castle – Ayrshire
Culzean Castle is big. The size of the grounds of this castle is quite staggering. It will take several minutes to drive through from the entrance to the parking area.
Once out of the parking area there is a large complex with the Home Farm Restaurant. There are 40 buildings across the Culzean Castle estate.
There are then a couple of paths you can follow to Culzean castle itself. There are castle tours – don’t miss the knife collection.
A great Instagram opportunity is the little boat launch. There are also several other walks etc throughout the grounds of Culzean Castle.
2. Brig o Doon – Ayr
The Brig O Doon is the most photogenic of the many Robert Burns activities in Ayr. Ayr was home to Scotland’s most famous poet Robert Burns. The town sports a museum, his birth home, a grave, a walk but prettiest of all is the lovely Brig O Doon bridge, thought to have been built in the 15th century.
When you walk down to the bridge on the Alloway side of the water you will walk past a lovely pub called the Brig o’ Doon House Hotel. The pub has a lovely garden with amazing trimmed trees that are also worth a look and a photograph.
Read more about Ayrshire in my post on the 12 Top Things to do in Ayrshire.
3. Knockinaam Lodge – Dumfries & Galloway
I fell in love with Knockinaam Lodge. It is located very near the most southwestern tip of Scotland and has a very magical, hidden away feel. This Scotland luxury hotel is tucked away behind a cliff next to the sea.
The small cove and beach at Knockinaam Lodge Scotland are absolutely gorgeous. And then there are the 30 acres of gorgeous gardens – and a walking path to super cute Portpatrick.
Knockinaam Lodge is steeped in history. Sir Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower met here during the Second World War. John Buchan visited Knockinaam Lodge and based some of his famous novel The 39 Steps around the area.
This Scottish hotel is a well-known spot for artists and writers to be able to escape and explore their creativity. I can completely see why. There is something very peaceful yet magical about this special area on the West Coast Scotland.
4. Visit the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse – Dumfries & Galloway
The Mull of Galloway is the most southerly point of Scotland’s mainland and one of the best things to do in Dumfries and Galloway. The Mull of Galloway Scotland Lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson in 1830 and stands 99 meters above sea level.
It is possible to climb to the top of this Scotttish lighthouse and see the view from the balcony. There is also an exhibition on the ground floor of the Mull of Galloway.
It is possible to do a nice almost circular walk around this Scotland lighthouse from the parking area. Don’t miss the view from the Lagvag viewpoint – this was my favourite.
There is also a cute coffee house Gallie Craig which sits right on the cliff and provides stunning views. The easiest way to get to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is by car along the A716 – follow the brown tourist signs from Drummore.
If you are taking the train the closest station is Stranraer which is 35km away. The nearest bus stop is at Drummore which is 8km away. A car is definitely the best option.
5. Portpatrick – Dumfries & Galloway
Portpatrick Scotland is a picture-perfect town set on a small bay on the west coast of Scotland. Pastel coloured houses and buildings line the bay. Once a port, Portpatrick is now a seaside resort.
There are some great options when it comes to Portpatrick restaurant choices. I chose to have a delicious seafood lunch at Campbells Portpatrick and can highly recommend their seafood tempura.
The Crown Hotel and the Port Pantry in Portpatrick also come with good reviews. Don’t miss visiting this lovely little town in Scotland – it is extremely photogenic.
6. Logan Botanic Gardens – Dumfries & Galloway
The wonderful microclimate of the southwest of Scotland means that plants can be grown here that would not thrive in other areas of Scotland. Logan Botanic Garden is known as Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden and is one of the key attractions in Dumfries and Galloway.
Logan Botanic Garden features plants from South and Central America, Southern africa and Australasia that are rarely seen in the United Kingdom.
There are some lovely walks, a Walled Garden, fish pond and the award-winning Potting Shed Bistro for some lunch. If you’re heading to Logan Botanic Gardens in west Scotland in May have a look at this post about Visiting the Garden of Cosmic Speculation – it is only open one day of the year.
You might enjoy reading my article on interesting facts about Scotland.
7. Take the Southwest Coastal Drive 300 route
Any stories about driving around Scotland normally focus on the justifiably wonderful North Coast 500 road which runs through the jaw-droppingly beautiful Scottish Highlands
The Southwest Coast Drive 300 Scotland route is considerably less well known – but in many ways just as beautiful.
The route is just over 300 miles and is circular so you can start it in many different spots. A good place to start the South West Coast Drive 300 is Lockerbie.
The South West Scotland 300 can then be followed to Dumfries and then all along the coast to the Mull of Galloway and back up through Girvan.
Read more about Scotland’s least visited region in my post on 11 Things to do in Dumfries and Galloway.
8. House for An Art Lover – Glasgow
House for an Art Lover Glasgow is just outside the centre of Glasgow. The house is an art gallery, exhibition space, a lovely restaurant, studio and visitor attraction.
It was designed by Glasgow’s most famous architect, Rennie Scott Mackintosh, as a country retreat. The house sits within the 169 acre ground of Bellahouston, one of Glasgow’s oldest and loveliest parks.
I so loved my visit to House for an Art Lover. I went to see a couple of exhibitions, including a recreation of some of Rennie Scott Mackintosh’s lovely work, had a great lunch and very much enjoyed wandering the grounds.
Read more about Glasgow in my post on the top Glasgow tours and day trips.
9. Edinburgh Castle
There can be few castles in the world as magnificent as Edinburgh castle! It perches literally on the top of Edinburgh. Don’t leave Edinburgh without visiting Edinburgh castle.
10. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat is home to one of the best views over Edinburgh. It takes about 30 minutes to walk up to the top. Do be careful with the weather as boy is it windy on a windy day.
11. Glen Coe
When you leave Glasgow head north on the A82 main road. This drive takes you through the stunning Glen Coe. It is frequently commented on in travel books for good reason – it is absolutely beautiful.
But it is always about the light and the weather when it comes to photography – and you have to be quick in Scotland.
12. Eilean Donan Castle – The Isle of Skye
The stunning Eilean Donan Castle is literally on the A87 road not far before it heads over to the Isle of Skye. The castle is on a small tidal island that is located where three different lochs meet and it is extremely photogenic.
Capture it both from a distance and up close. Plus, you will pass Eilean Donan Castle again on your way out of the Isle of Skye.
13. Drive the A87 and B roads around the top east side of The Isle of Skye
This was one of my favorite activities when visiting Scotland – thanks to Mitchell from Skye Ghillie. The scenery in this area of the Isle of Skye was absolutely majestic – although of course, it was constantly changing with the weather.
Depending on the weather your first stop can be Quiraing – a very scenic rock formation. There is a walk to the prison but the weather was not on my side so we didn’t risk it.
The Old Man of Storr is also great for photos and is perhaps the most famous walk on the Isle of Skye as well as its icon. The Isle of Skye is one of the highlights of this Scotland Itinerary 7 Days.
Driving along the coast and you’ll then hit the stunning and windy Kilt Rock – so named as it does resemble a tartan print. Then head inland to the picturesque Fairy Glen.
Movies have been filmed here and it does have a genuinely magical feel – and a lot of sheep.
14. Ben Nevis
Sure Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. But it’s up and back in the day. And I’ve done Kilimanjaro. I’d climbed Snowdon the year before and whilst it was a big day it was manageable.
I really didn’t think climbing Ben Nevis would be that big a deal. I was very wrong.
Fort William is the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom. There is rock climbing, ice climbing in the winter, trekking, canoeing, kayaking – you name it and Fort William probably offers it.
The reason that Fort William has become the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom is that it is home to Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis.
I have written a separate blog post on climbing Ben Nevis which I highly recommend you read if you’re interested in taking on the mountain.
The key things to remember are that the weather can change unbelievably fast, it is quite a challenging climb and I highly recommend you go with a guide or in a group.
15. Boat Trip Ullapool
The highlight of my trip to Ullapool was heading out on the loch on a boat trip. I went at Easter time and it was quite cold – I think this may have been one of the first boat trips of the season.
However, we did see lots of birdlife and quite a few seals and get some stunning views of the loch and general area. Shearwater Cruises and Seascape Expeditions both run boat trips from Ullapool harbour.
It’s a small seaside town – really just one street of shops, bars and a petrol station. We used this as a base for two nights and then drove south and explored.
16. Durness Beach
I discovered the beach at Durness when I took a stroll from our B&B. It is literally called Durness Beach which makes it easy. There is a very picturesque dilapidated church just before you hit the beach.
And then just walk and walk along the beach and into the dunes. I went at sunset and this was a fantastic time for photos.
The cute Smoo Cave is also worth a visit. Smoo Cave is one mile east of Durness so this is a perfect stop on your way out of Durness.
⇒ Heading to London? Check out my posts on 13 Unusual Experiences in London, the best London Food Tours, my virtual London Travel Blog, some great Earlsfield restaurants, 14 Things to do in Notting Hill, restaurants near Clapham Junction and Victoria Station restaurants, 16 Famous Landmarks in Europe, a mad hatter afternoon tea party and a day trip to Brighton, 67 Fascinating Facts about London, 18 Landmarks of London from a local, 15 Places to see Sunsets in London, 9 Places to watch the Sunrise in London, 10 Bridges in London Not to Miss and Cotswolds tour from London options.
17. Thurso
Thurso is the most northwesterly town in the UK and sits on the ocean on a beautiful spot called Thurso Bay which is lovely for a walk. Nearby attractions include the Castle and Gardens of Mey and Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.
18. Dunnet Head and John O’Groats
So I thought that the top of the UK was John O’Groats – it turns out it depends on how you define top. The most northerly part of mainland Britain (very specific) is actually Dunnet Head.
So obviously that needed to be visited. However, to be complete we also felt we needed to head to John O’Groats as well. They’re conveniently close together but there is a lot more going on at John O’Groats.
John O’Groats has the signposts for photos, coastal walks, and boat trips – including those that can take you to the nearby Orkney Islands. Dunnet Head is a raw and wild nature reserve. It has some stunning cliffs and masses of birdlife.
Dying to visit Scotland? Don’t miss my posts on the perfect Scotland 7 Day Itinerary with the Isle of Skye and my 10 Day Scotland Itinerary which includes the Scottish Highlands.
19. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Beautiful Loch Ness is of course home to the Loch Ness monster as well as the beautiful 1000 year old Urguhart Castle, said to be the greatest castle in the Scottish highlands.
Today it is possible to visit the castle and to climb Grant Tower in the ruins. In addition to seeing a gloomy old prison cell there are some fantastic views over Loch Ness. For a great view of the castle head to the comfortable cafe.
20. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle was once the favourite residence of the Steward kings and queens who enjoyed elaborate celebrations at the castle. Today Stirling Castle is open to visitors and features costumed characters in the various roles that would have been in place in the castle in the 16th century.
The castle also has many fantastic sculptures and beautiful gardens. The restaurant at Stirling Castle, the Unicorn Cafe, has some fantastic views and there are three gift stores for some serious souvenir shopping.
21. The Kelpies
These amazing equine sculptures are located in the Helix, a parkland area located between Falkirk and Grangemouth 23 miles from Edinburgh. These works of art were designed by artist Andy Scott and represent Clydesdale horses.
Each horse weighs more than 300 tonnes and is 100 feet tall. It is free to visit the Kelpies. And it is even possible to go inside the Kelpies on a tour to get a real understanding of their engineering.
22. Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct carries the railway to Glenfinnan Station across 1,000 feet at a height of 100 feet from the ground. The viaduct is at the head of Loch Shiel and makes for an amazing vista. In the summer months, steam trains from here from Fort William to Mallaig – regular trains run along the viaduct through the year.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct reached new levels of fame when it appeared in the movies for both the second and the third Harry Potter Books.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.