Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Scotland on your next holiday

Nov 10

If you’ve never been to Scotland, I can only say one thing: get there as soon as possible. This country is magical; epic landscapes, ancient history, and that mysterious vibe that makes you feel like you’ve walked straight into a legend.

As a tour company, we’ve travelled the full length and breadth of Scotland, here are 10 spots that absolutely have to be on your must-visit list.

Trust me, you’re going to want to check these out.

Loch Lomond – Find Your Zen

First up: Loch Lomond. It’s massive, calm, and has the kind of beauty that makes you just want to sit down and stare at it for a while. The entire Trossachs National Park is vast and very beautiful. If you’re looking for your nature fix not far from the cities, Loch Lomond is the place to go!
You can rent a kayak, hit some of the scenic trails, or even take a leisurely boat ride to soak it all in. The villages along the shore are charming too (Luss, Drymen etc.) —perfect for grabbing a coffee and wandering around. It’s an incredibly peaceful place and a frequent stop on our day + multi-day tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Glencoe – Where the Drama Never Ends

If you’re looking for that jaw-dropping Scottish scenery, Glencoe is where you’ll find it - it also happens to be my favourite place in Scotland! The whole area is like a living postcard with towering mountains and deep valleys that go on forever.
It’s breathtakingly beautiful but also has this eerie, haunting atmosphere—especially when you learn about the history of the Glencoe Massacre. For hikers, this place is paradise, but even if you’re just driving through, you’ll want to pull over constantly to take in the views. We spend an entire day here on our Glencoe tour from Glasgow!

Glenfinnan Viaduct – For Your Inner Harry Potter Fan

You’ve seen this one before, even if you don’t know it. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is that famous railway bridge from the Harry Potter movies, and seeing the Jacobite Steam Train puff across it is something else!
Beyond its film fame, the surrounding landscape is stunning, with views of Loch Shiel and the towering mountains around you. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re in a movie, even if the train’s not passing by. It’s also a stop on the way to the our 3-day Isle of Skye tour - you’ll never see more incredible views in your life!

Old Man of Storr – Legends and Landscapes on the Isle of Skye

Like I said, The Isle of Skye is packed with surreal landscapes, BUT the Old Man of Storr stands out. It’s a towering rock formation that you can see from miles away, and hiking up to it is one of those "wow" experiences you’ll talk about for years.
The hike itself is pretty doable, and once you get to the top, you’re rewarded with insane views over the sea and the islands beyond. Local legend says the rock is actually a giant’s finger poking out of the earth—just one of the many reasons this place feels otherworldly.

Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland’s Fairytale Castle

Let’s be honest, Scotland is known for its castles, and Eilean Donan might be the most photogenic of the bunch. Sitting on its own little island where three sea lochs meet, this castle looks like it was plucked straight from a medieval fantasy.
It’s got that rugged charm on the outside, but inside you’ll find centuries of history tied to Highland clans. Get here early to beat the crowds and snap some epic shots before crossing the bridge to check it out.

Dunvegan Castle – Home of the Clan MacLeod

Another gem on the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle is a bit more off the beaten path, but totally worth the visit. This place has been the home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Inside, it’s full of clan history and artifacts, but for me, the gardens and views over Loch Dunvegan are the real showstoppers.
Oh, and if you’re into wildlife, don’t miss the boat tour to see the local seal colony. It’s a peaceful, unique experience that feels a world away from everything else.

Skara Brae – Scotland’s Stone Age Time Capsule

Now, if you’re into history (like, ancient history), Skara Brae on the Orkney Islands is a must-see. This Neolithic village is over 5,000 years old and was hidden under sand until a storm uncovered it in 1850. Walking through the stone dwellings, you’ll see how people lived way back then, with furniture and even cooking equipment still intact.
It’s a rare glimpse into prehistoric life and honestly makes you rethink what you thought you knew about ancient civilisations. Incredible stuff. Also, probably my favourite tour that we do goes here, our 5-day Orkney Tour!

The Hermitage at Dunkeld – A Woodland Escape

Need a break from all the dramatic landscapes? Head to the Hermitage in Dunkeld for another peaceful spot on our list.
This woodland walk takes you through a forest of towering Douglas firs, with the River Braan rushing alongside. The highlight is Ossian’s Hall, a cool little hidden spot where you can look down at the Black Linn Falls.
It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, and it’s perfect for getting lost in nature for a while. Bonus: it’s a great place to just sit and clear your head.

The Callanish Standing Stones – Scotland’s Stonehenge

If you think Stonehenge is impressive, wait till you see the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.
These massive stones have stood here for over 5,000 years, and their exact purpose is still a mystery. Were they used for religious ceremonies? A giant calendar? No one knows for sure, but standing among them, you can feel the weight of history and the deep spiritual vibe of the place. It’s one of those spots where the past feels very, very present. Check them out on a 5-day Lewis & Harris tour!

Sinclair Castle – Ruins on the Edge of the World

Last but not least, Sinclair Castle in Caithness is a moody, windswept ruin that feels like it’s perched on the edge of the world. Also known as Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, this castle is mostly in ruins now, but the setting on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea is spectacular.
There’s something so wild and untamed about this place—it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel connected to Scotland’s raw, rugged beauty. It’s a stop while heading up the North Coast 500 to get the ferry to Orkney, definitely worth checking out - especially on a cloudy day.

There’s no shortage of incredible places to explore in Scotland, but these 10 are truly something special. From ancient stone circles to picturesque lochs, dramatic castles to peaceful woodland walks, Scotland is a country that keeps surprising you at every turn.

So if you’re planning a trip, make sure these places are on your list.

You won’t regret it.

And, why not join us on your Scotland adventure? Our tour guides are story-telling experts, history buffs and all-round great folk who will love to show you around Scotland!

Check out our day tours from Glasgow or Edinburgh. OR go for a longer multi-day trip to one of the islands!