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Scotland

Scotland Travel Guide

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A calm morning at Kilchurn Castle.

© Ibraheem5/Shutterstock

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Overview

Scotland has many treasures crammed into its compact territory: big skies, ancient architecture, spectacular wildlife, superb seafood and hospitable, down-to-earth people.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • UK, Scotland, Glasgow, ceiling in St Mungo cathedral

    Glasgow Cathedral

    Glasgow

    Glasgow Cathedral has a rare timelessness. The dark, imposing interior conjures up medieval might and can send a shiver down the spine. It's a shining…

  • ROSLIN, SCOTLAND - JULY 18, 2016: Rosslyn Chapel (Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew), found by by William Sinclair. It was mentioned in The Da Vinci Code book

    Rosslyn Chapel

    Scotland

    Many years may have passed since Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film came out, but floods of visitors still descend on Scotland's…

  • Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom – December 20, 2019: Stirling Castle is a fortified wall sitting atop Castle Hill and is part of the Stirling Sill, a quartz-dolerite formation millions of years old. Records date it back to the early 12th century and the inner grounds are home to replicas of the famous Unicorn Tapestries. The castle offers spectacular views of Stirling from the Outer Defences.

    Stirling Castle

    Stirling

    Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. You cannot help…

  • Viking settlement at Skara Brae, Orkney islands, Scotland, Uk

    Skara Brae

    Orkney

    Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, extraordinary Skara Brae is one of the world's most evocative prehistoric sites, and northern Europe’s best…

  • Bell on the Roal Yacht Britannia.

    Royal Yacht Britannia

    Leith

    Built on Clydeside, the former Royal Yacht Britannia was the British Royal Family's floating holiday home during their foreign travels from the time of…

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    Maeshowe

    Orkney

    Constructed about 5000 years ago, Maeshowe is an extraordinary place, a Stone Age tomb built from enormous sandstone blocks, some of which weighed many…

  • Detail of main facade of Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

    Edinburgh

    Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village…

  • Glasgow Riverside Museum, Zaha Hadid Architects, 2011, Exterior wide view of riverside facade

    Riverside Museum

    Glasgow

    This visually impressive modern museum at Glasgow Harbour owes its striking curved forms to late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. A transport museum…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

To explore Scotland away from the crowds, travel south to the Borders and start with these eight spectacular stops.

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Best Places to Visit

Fabulous cities, stunning landscapes, wildlife, waterside hikes and (yes) whisky: these 14 places represent the best of Scotland.

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Best Time to Visit

Every season in Scotland has its own attractions, from festival fever to cozy nights watching the northern lights. Here's everything you need to know.

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Things to Know

If you’re looking to get the lowdown before visiting Scotland, start with these insider local tips.

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Transportation

This breakdown of the different ways to get around Scotland – cars, trains, planes, bicycles and more – will help you get your dream planned in no time.

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Money and Costs

Maximize your budget while traveling around Scotland with these insider tips and travel hacks to make your money last that bit longer.

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Traveling with Kids

Here's what you need to know about traveling with children in Scotland, and the best things to do for the perfect family day out.

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Best Road Trips

Once you see the beauty of Scotland's wild landscapes up close, they'll stay in your heart forever. These are our 5 favorite road trips in Scotland.

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