things to do in Scotland

Things to do in Scotland

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Discover the best attractions and things to do in Scotland

Home to some of the top tourist destinations in the UK, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Scotland all year round!

A wealth of activities and attractions await, whether that’s exploring the rugged Isle of Skye or wandering the picturesque streets of Edinburgh. However you choose to spend your time, there’s something for everyone in Scotland.

Scotland Attractions

Immerse yourself in the country’s history at some of the most popular heritage attractions in Scotland. Visit the castles of Stirling, Inveraray or Glamis, the Neolithic ruins of Skara Brae, or the Culloden Battlefield near Inverness. Take a boat tour of Loch Ness to spot the famed sea monster, whilst glens, mountains and jagged coastlines are must-see Scotland attractions.

Ramble through the spectacular Glen Coe Valley, or travel to Fort William and climb the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Scotland is a haven for wildlife lovers. Here, you can find puffins, dolphins and highland cows as you venture along rugged coasts or luscious valleys.

Scotland Activities

Outdoor adventures will be spoilt for choice with climbing, hiking, sailing and angling opportunities in Scotland. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a popular choice covering mountains, forests and the largest freshwater lake in Britain, all scattered with walking trails. Are you looking for family-friendly activities? Admire tropical fish at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry and walk through the UK’s largest underwater tunnel.

Almond Valley Museum, Farm and Discovery Centre in West Lothian also offer a wide range of activities. For unforgettable trips covering more ground, drive the open roads of the North Coast 500 route or catch magical glimpses on the Jacobite Steam Railway, recognisable from the Harry Potter film series.

Keep reading to discover even more things to do in Scotland…

  • Spooky underground passage
    Image Credits: Vincent Eisfeld - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mercat Tours

    28 Blair St
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1QR

    0131 225 5445

    These spooky tours are ideal for anyone with intrigue about the ghostly past of Edinburgh. Mercat Tours are suitable for anyone over 5 years old, making them a great way to have spooky fun with friends and family!

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  • Museum on the Mound Exterior Front
    Image Credits: Gary Campbell-Hall - CC BY 2.0

    Museum on the Mound

    The Mound
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1YZ

    0131 243 5464

    Learn the ins and out of money, technology and security on a visit to the Museum on the Mound! A fantastic museum for all ages, you can tour the exhibits six days per week for free.

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  • Nae Limits

    Nae Limits

    1 General Wade's Military Road
    Ballinluig
    Logierait
    Pitlochry
    PH9 0LG

    01796 482600

    One of Europe’s leading adventure activity centres situated in Perthshire Scotland boasts land and water experiences.

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  • National War Museum exterior

    National War Museum

    Castle
    Castlehill
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2NG

    0300 123 6789

    Enhance your visit to Edinburgh Castle by touring its adjoining, free-entry National War Museum! Be amazed by the free exhibits depicting over 400 years of Scottish warfare.

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  • Neist point lighthouse

    Neist Point Lighthouse

    Isle of Skye
    IV55 8WU

    Perched on the most westerly point of the Isle of Skye, this picturesque, listed lighthouse was first lit back in 1909 and sits amidst stunning coastline and clifftops, making it a photographer’s paradise.

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  • Neptunes Staircase

    Neptune’s Staircase

    Fort William
    PH33 7NG

    0141 332 6936

    A strikingly beautiful staircase lock lying across the idyllic Caledonian Canal, Neptune’s Staircase is the longest staircase lock in Britain.

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  • North Coast 500

    North Coast 500

    01463 229 849

    A road-tripper’s paradise – starting and finishing at the magnificent Inverness Castle – the North Coast 500 is an awe-inspiring route showcasing supreme coastline, countryside, architecture and heritage across 516 miles.

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  • The Palace of Holyroodhouse Exterior
    Image Credits: Saffron Blaze - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Canongate
    Edinburgh
    EH8 8DX

    0303 123 7306

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a 16th-century palace resting on the edge of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park. Officially Her Royal Highness’ Scottish residence, the palace is perfect for history lovers; offering tours of its gallery, reception rooms, and abbey.

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  • Perth Concert Hall

    Perth Concert Hall

    Mill Street
    Perth
    PH1 5HZ

    01738 621031

    An exquisitely modern concert hall famous for its acoustics, visit Perth Concert Hall for a variety of high-quality performances.

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  • Plusgarten

    Pluscarden Abbey

    Pluscarden
    Elgin
    IV30 8UA

    01343 890257

    Established in the 13th-century and still inhabited by monks, the picturesque Pluscarden Abbey is the only British monastery remaining that is still used for its original purpose.

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