Whenever I tell people where I live, they always tell me they loved visiting Scotland, or they have always wanted to visit Scotland. They often mention their family connections, or the landscapes they have seen in movies, such as Harry Potter and The Last King of Scotland.
Next up they talk about the whisky, Scotland’s famous export. There are so many whiskies – and distilleries –to choose from including favourites Macallan, Aberlour, Balvenie and Glenfiddich.
Visit a whisky distillery, such as Strathisla, in the Highlands, which is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland.
But there is more to Scotland than whisky and this article lists a few top attractions.
You might also like to know that Scotland is a very liberal country. The LGBT community is recognised in Scotland so you are free to come with your partner. In addition, gambling is regulated in the country hence you can enjoy your favourite NetBet Blackjack game while on your visit.
Top attractions in Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland. This magnificent castle sits on top of a gigantic black basalt rock. Apart from stunning views, Edinburgh Castle reveals a host of information about Scottish history. Entering the castle from the Esplanade route, you will see bronze statues of great Scottish kings and warriors including Robert the Bruce as well as William Wallace.
Nearby is The Royal Mile, a historic street that is now home to cafes, museums, tearooms, kilt makers, and some small shops where you can search for your souvenirs.
For other castles to visit in Scotland see 16 fairytale castles and Scotland’s Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is the largest area of freshwater in the UK and is located in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. It is an attraction that offers stunning views, all year round, especially with the back drop of many mountains, including Ben Lomond.
You could choose to sail the waters of the loch beautiful lake. See Cruise Loch Lomond. Take one of the boat trips to the island of Inchcailloch, where you’ll find a number of short walking trails and lots of wildlife to spot.
You could also enjoy a number of watersports, such as wakeboarding, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding or go for a walk or mountain bike ride on the West Highland Way, a path that travel the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.
To find out more about the West Highland Way see my beginners’ guide.
Other lochs to visit: Famous Loch Ness in the Highlands; pretty Loch an Eilean, near Aviemore in the Cairngorms; and for stunning scenery, visit Loch Coruisk on the Island of Skye.
Royal Yacht Britannia. Credit: Graham Hogg
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia is a popular attraction, also located in Edinburgh. Inside this stunning yacht, which for over 40 years was a reserve for the Royal Family, you can see the Royal bedrooms, engine room, crew quarters, state apartments and you can also go on an audio tour.
Other ships to visit: The Tall Ship at the Riverside in Glasgow and RRS Discovery in Dundee.
Free museums
Scotland allows entry to many museums for free, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, in Glasgow; The Riverside Museum of Transport, also Glasgow; the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
You are sure to discover a wealth of fascinating history about Scotland.
