SCOTLAND'S HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST TIME VISITOR

Highlands and Islands | Eastern Scotland | Culture | UNESCO Sites | Cheapest Flights | Where to stay

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland travel and home min

Lanark

  • New Lanark.   Address: New Lanark Rd, Lanark ML11 9DB, United Kingdom

Highlands and Islands

  • St. Kilda is home to almost one million seabirds. You don’t need to travel to Iceland to see Atlantic Puffins. The island is also home to the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffins.
  • The Heart of Neolithic Orkney refers to a group of Neolithic monuments found on the Mainland of the Orkney Islands.

Eastern Scotland

Discover Scotland Map regions Highlands and Islands Eastern Scotland South Western Scotland North Eastern Scotland min
where in the world find atlantic puffins St Kilda island Scotland United Kingdom UK travel and home min
Atlantic Puffins
Scottish Highlands The best of Scotland to see for first time visitors

THE BEST OF THE SCOTTISH

Highlands and Islands

Scotland’s beauty is unparalleled.

Never have I walked in such breathtaking scenery that looks almost ethereal.

No wonder J.K. Rowling said Scotland is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world.

There’s no place on earth with more of the old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands.

Best Prices on Flights to Edinburgh

What airport do you fly to for Scotland?

There are two airports to choose from.

The international airport of Edinburgh is the biggest,

while just 77 km (48 miles) away from Edinburgh,

Glasgow Airport (GLA) is the second-biggest airport.

I flew into Edinburgh Airport.

The cheapest flight tickets are in the off-season:

November 1 to December 12 and December 26 to March 14.

‘Vintage is the New Chic in Travel’.

The Jacobite Steam Train is one of Britain’s greatest train experiences.

More about the Jacobite Express >>

EXPLORE

Eastern Scotland

Falkirk

The Kelpies must see in Scotland near Edinburgh Glasgow

Directions:

You’ll find them between Falkirk and Grangemouth, next to the Forth and Clyde Canal, and near River Carron.

The Kelpies are off the M9 in Falkirk, 30 km (19 miles) from Edinburgh and 56 km (35 miles) from Glasgow.

The number one attraction in Scotland

Edinburgh Scotland Castle Fountain
Edinburgh Castle

Self-guided audio tour with tickets. Get all the interesting stories and history while exploring Edinburgh Castle in your own time, at your own pace.

Top things you must do when you're in Edinburgh

Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing in Edinburgh

Top 5 tours in Edinburgh

Stirling

Must see Stirling Castle in Scotland things to do in Scotland

Stirling Castle

5/5

The castle is in a good defensive position because it is perched atop Castle Hill and is bordered by cliffs on three sides.

  • The majority of the main structures are from the 15th and 16th centuries. There are a few 14th-century buildings still standing.
  • Early in the 18th century, the town’s outer defenses were constructed.
  • It was formerly one of the most popular royal palaces in Scotland, serving as both a castle and a palace.
  • In 1542, Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in Stirling.
  • At least eight sieges of Stirling Castle have taken place.

Top 5 tours in Stirling

The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the shoulder of the Abbey Craig a hilltop overlooking Stirling in Scotland

The National Wallace Monument is a tower standing on the shoulder of Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling in Scotland.  It is open to the public to visit for an admission fee.

Address: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Rd, Stirling FK9 5LF, United Kingdom

Currency:

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Scottish Culture

Burns Night

Known in medieval Celtic culture as a storyteller, verse maker and composer, the word ‘Bard’ has become synonymous with the world’s greatest poets. However, few are as celebrated as Scotland’s own ‘National Bard’, Robert Burns, who we pay tribute to on 25 January each year.

A different light. Be an adventurer.

If your life is boring, it lacks adventure. 

Follow the Northern Lights in Scotland >>
Castle Hotel 5 Scotland Dalhousie Castle

Best Places to Stay in Scotland

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Aqueous Spa is a fine example of a luxury stay in the stylish country, boutique, and mansion house hotel.

This fabulous 13th-century stronghold is situated on acres of forested parkland by the River Esk in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian (12 km / 8 miles southeast of Edinburgh city center).

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.