Scotland The Part Of UK

Located in the north part of the United Kingdom, Scotland represents a piece of land with many natural beauties to explore.

Starting from mountain wilderness like the Northwest Highlands and the Cairngorms, to lochs, to glacial glens, to magical castles.

If you decide to visit, don’t forget to stop by the capital, Edinburgh and observe the legendary hilltop castle.

Or visit Glasgow, best known for the vibrant atmosphere and cultural scene.

However, that’s not all Scotland, has to offer.

It’s also home to many museums and galleries displaying the nation’s history, Scottish art, and archaeology.

Have you heard of the ‘monster’ on Loch Ness?

If yes, you will have the opportunity to visit the legendary place where allegedly, a gigantic monster was spotted.

Most visitors visit Scotland between June to October.

And if you want to visit in winter, the popular time to visit is in December.

Let’s take a look at the best places to visit on your stay.

Edinburgh – The Capital Of Scotland

On your visit to Scotland, you cannot miss the hilly, compact capital, Edinburgh.

On your stay to Edinburgh, you will be able to see the ancient Old Town and the prominent New Town with neoclassical buildings and heavenly gardens.

Don’t forget to stop by and see the landmark of the city, the Edinburgh Castle, rising above it. It’s home to the Stone of Destiny and crown jewels of Scottish rulers.

Visit Holyrood Park to see Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the impressive views of Calton Hill filled with memorials and monuments.

You can also visit Royal Mile surrounded by gift shops, whiskey and clan tartans. If you like art, set afoot at the Scottish National Galleries.

 

You can observe both European and Scottish literature, including portraits of different favorite Scots.

And if you want to buy yourself some cool stuff, you can do it on Princes Street.

It’s the main shopping center of the city. When you’re feeling hungry, grab a meal at some of the excellent restaurants in Leith where both traditional and expensive local seafood is served.

Most travelers visit Edinburgh between May and August while the weather is still warm. However, they also come in December.

If you want to catch the Jazz and Blues Festival, visit in July. And if you’re going to be a part of the Burns Night, visit on January 25.

If you’re going to attend the International Festival featuring music, street performance, theatre, and art, come in August. No matter when you visit, you will leave with an unforgettable experience.

Skye

Best known for the picturesque fishing villages, beautiful landscapes, and medieval castles, the Isle of Skye is definitely worth your attention.

It’s the largest island in the Inner Hebrides chain. If you visit, you will probably enter the town of Portree. It’s a base for touring the island with many boutiques and harbourside pubs you can visit.

On your stay, you will see the Dunvegan Castle with formal gardens and the Clan Donald Skye building. It’s home to the remains of Armadale Castle and the History Museum of the Isles.

If you’re into climbing, challenge yourself to reach the Black Cullen’s mountaintops. And if you’re into hiking, there’s a 128-km trail.

However, keep in mind that it will take you days to complete it. So, if you plan to stay for a couple of days and relax, walk this trail and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.

If you visit in summer, you will be able to see seals, otters, and dolphins in the nearby sea. Most tourist visit between May and September to attend the big festivals that take place on the island.

 

If you want to be a part of the Skye Festival featuring Gaelic dance/music, visit between July and August.

Oban

Located in western Scotland, Oban represents a gateway to the Hebridean islands. If you visit, you can see the Colosseum overlooking Oban Bay.

If you’re a seafood lover and you want to grab a meal, eateries are offering such food by the harbor. Outside Oban hides the Dunollie Castle left in ruins. Nearby is the House Museum dating back to 1745.

It displays local and clan history. Don’t miss it. On Loch Creran, a Sea Life Sanctuary is consisting of a rescue center and an aquarium you can check out.

If you plan to visit, know that the best time to do it is between May and September because of the weather.

If you want to attend Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival, visit between April and May.

And if you’re going to be a part of the Victorian market and reindeer parade, both highlights of the Oban Winter Festival, visit in November.

Glencoe

If you want to see what a village looks like in Scotland, visit Glencoe. It’s located in western Scotland, lying in the Glencoe valley.

Glencoe is best known for the beautiful waterfalls and trails. If you like hiking and climbing, don’t miss climbing the Bidean Nam Bian and Buachaille Etive Mor.

If you want to learn more about the history of the place, visit the Glencoe Folk Museum displaying local heritage and information about the 1692 massacre that occurred in the village.

If you’re an animal lover who’s excited to see new animals, know that Glencoe is home to golden eagles and red deer.

So, you may run on these fellows on your stay. If you plan to visit, do it in February so that you can be a part of the Fort William Mountain Festival.

It features biking, climbing and hiking events. If you want to attend the Traditional Highland Gales, visit between May and September.

Dundee

If you want to visit a coastal city, visit Dundee. It’s located in eastern Scotland on the Firth of Tay estuary.

If you visit, you can visit 2 maritime museums.

One is displaying a 19th-century warship, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn, while the other, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum features archeology and art.

There’s also a Science Centre in the heart of the city organizing live shows and hands-on exhibits.

Nearby is the Contemporary Arts and the Dundee Rep Theatre with cinema and galleries.

You can also visit the Caird Hall Victorian concert hall or the Mills Observatory to enjoy stargazing and planetarium shows.

Don’t miss the University of Dundee Botanic Garden and Camperdown Wildlife Centre.

If you plan to visit Dundee, do it between June and August.

To attend the Dundee Jazz Festival, visit in November.

Aviemore

In the Cairngorms National Park hides Aviemore. It’s a town in the Scottish Highlands best known for the ancient forest, mountain trails, hidden lochs and the ski runs of the nearby parkland. If you visit, search for accommodation in CairnGorm Mountain resort.

It offers panoramic sights of the Cairngorms mountain range. Southwest, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to capercaillie birds and Scottish wildcats.

If you plan to come to Aviemore, know that the best time to do it is between June and August. But if you’re a fan of skiing, visit between December and April and enjoy the Cairngorms runs.

If you want to attend the Christmas Eve Parade that occurs every year, visit on December 24.

Harris

Located in the southern part of Lewis and Harris, the Hebridean isle, Harris remains famous for the sandy beaches like Scarista and Luskentyre on the west and the rocky mountains on the north.

On the east, there’s an area of inlets known as the Bays. If you visit, don’t forget to visit the St. Clement’s Church in the Rodel village.

You can observe the beautifully carved tombs.

Maybe you didn’t know, but Harris also represents home to the fancy handwoven cloth, Harris Tweed.

If you’re interested in visiting, the best time to do it is between June and September so that you can enjoy boat trips and hiking.

Perth

Perth is one of the more famous cities in central Scotland, lying beside the River Tay. It’s a home to the Fergusson Gallery portraying paintings of John Duncan Fergusson, a Scottish Colourist of the 20th century.

It also features artwork by Margaret Morris, his wife.

If you visit Perth, don’t forget to set foot in the Black Watch Museum, at the regiment’s ancestral home of the same name in Balhousie Castle.

It displays paintings, weapons, medals, and uniforms. Nearby, you can find the Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

It features art pieces by John Everett Millais and natural history displays. You can also visit the St. John’s Kirk located not so far from the museum.

If you like to explore the place by foot, visit Kinnoull Hill, Woodland Park. It has walking trails and sights over the nearby countryside.

North of Perth, you can find the Scone Palace. It was the place where Scottish kings like Robert the Bruce and Macbeth were crowned back in time. Today, the palace displays artifacts, antiques, and paintings of that time.

If you want to visit Perth, the best time to do it is between July and October.

If you’re going to be a part of the Festival of the Arts, featuring live jazz and opera performances, visit in May.

If you’re going to attend the Winter Festival, visit between October and February.

Glasgow

Another famous city that you will love is in Glasgow. It’s a port city located in western Lowlands on the River Clyde.

Glasgow is best known for the art nouveau and Victorian architecture. It’s also a national cultural center and remains home to museums and renowned buildings such as the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Opera, and Ballet.

If you’re an art enthusiast, check out the Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum featuring a Victorian castle made of red-sandstone.

Or admire the art nouveau buildings. If you like to go shopping, visit the Pedestrianised Buchanan Street. It’s best known for the upscale boutiques.

If you plan to visit Glasgow, understand that the best time to do it is between May and December.

If you want to attend the Burns Night, it’s in January. And if you’re going to be a part of the Celtic Connections Fest, visit in March.

Loch Lomond

Last but not least on our list of best places to visit in this beautiful country is the Loch Lomond with mesmerizing highlands, quaint villages, and adventure attractions.

You can also visit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park located in Loch Lomond. It’s a beautiful park with easily climbable hills, offering stunning views.

You can explore it by boat and find out more about the history of the place. It’s nice. It’s relaxing. And it’s definitely worth your visit.

If you plan to visit, the best time to do it is between May and September so that you can enjoy the walking trails, golf courses, and water sports.

If you want to be a part of the Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival, visit in September.