Scotland is considered to be the most romantic and beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Despite the fact that this country is located in the north and cannot offer tourists either golden beaches or warm sea, the number of travelers wishing to visit Scotland is growing every year. So why don't you join the admirers of her rugged beauty and special charm!
Usually travel across Scotland starts from its main city - Edinburgh. The Scottish capital has retained its historical appearance, into which both modern shopping centers and high-rise buildings fit harmoniously. On the street you will definitely see numerous bagpipers, many souvenir shops and beautiful historical buildings. However, you shouldn't stay in Edinburgh for a long time, because there are still so many interesting things to do in Scotland!
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What to see in Scotland?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Edinburgh castle
This fortress was called "the key to Scotland" for a reason. For many centuries, powerful walls erected on the top of the Castle Rock, among other things, an extinct volcano, protected both Edinburgh and the entire country. The castle is perfectly preserved and still inspires awe with its majestic walls and ancient history.
Broch-of-Mousse
This circular fortress is located on Mose Island and is a striking example of defensive structures from the Iron Age. Broch-of-Moes is well preserved for its age, is a candidate for UNESCO listing, is located in a picturesque area, and is also one of the most interesting sites during a tour of this area of Scotland.
Isle of Skye
This island is considered one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. People come here to walk along the coast, climb the highest point of the Isle of Skye - Mount Coolin, see Dunvegan Castle, which still belongs to the McCloud clan. You can get to the island not only by ferry, but also by the bridge of the same name.
Royal Mile in Edinburgh
This is not one, but several streets in the center of Edinburgh, in its historical part. There is no way to get around the Royal Mile, and how to get past its beautiful architecture, numerous shops, street musicians and artists! It is on the Royal Mile that the main attractions of the city are located.
Loch Lomond
This is the largest lake in area, not only in Scotland itself, but also in Great Britain. There are many islands and islets with numerous boats, canoes and kayaks running between them. Loch Lomond is a traditional holiday destination for locals. There are excellent conditions for water sports, and there is an elite golf club on the southwest coast.
Holyroodhouse Palace
It is the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland. Needless to say, the castle really looks like a king, it is also located on the Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle. Elizabeth II visits Holyroodhouse Castle every summer for a month, and the rest of the time, crowds of tourists come here.
Luskentyre beach
This Scottish beach is often compared to the best spots on the Caribbean coast. The blue-green waters under the sun's rays look no worse than in the Bahamas, and the unusually fine sand looks more like talcum powder. At low tide, the beach, nestled in a cozy bay, looks especially beautiful and picturesque.
Eilen Donan Castle
This castle was built in the 13th century and is located on the shores of Lake Loch Duikh. In the 19th century, during the Spanish occupation, Eilean Donan Castle was badly damaged, but then it was carefully restored and today it still looks powerful and beautiful. Today, there is a museum here, where a rich collection of exhibits telling about the history of the Scottish clans is presented.
Loch Ness
This very deep and one of the largest lakes in Scotland is famous not only for the numerous castles built on its shores, but also for its local monster - Nessie. The Romans wrote that there is a huge animal in Loch Ness, and today there are more and more eyewitness accounts and evidence. However, scientists are skeptical about the legend of Nessie, which does not prevent tourists from trying to see something in the muddy water of the lake.
National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)
The main museum of Scotland, which will be interesting for both children and adults. Among the most popular exhibits are a stuffed Dolly the sheep, an outlandish clock, chess from the Isle of Lewis carved from walrus bone. There is a restaurant on the roof of the National Museum that is truly secular, luxurious and, of course, quite expensive.
Sterling Castle
This is the largest and most famous Scottish castle, the family estate of the Stuarts. Stirling Castle is notable for its architecture and rich history. The strong walls and round towers of the structure have been perfectly preserved, despite the fact that they have survived many sieges and bloody battles. Here Mary Stuart was crowned, the ghost of whose maid, according to legend, wanders the castle to this day.
Cairngorms National Park
This park is located in the north-east of Scotland, and is the largest in the UK. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its historical sites - the Glenlivet distillery, the picturesque Glenshee Valley, as well as herds of Scottish ponies. You can go hiking and cycling in the park to observe rare animals.
Ben nevis
The height of Mount Ben Nevis is 1344 meters, this is the highest point of all the British Isles. At any time of the year, there are many tourists, mountaineering and rock climbing lovers on the mountain. In winter they go skiing and snowboarding. The most convenient way to get to Mount Ben Nevis is from Glasgow. Annually, about 150 thousand tourists climb to this peak, although the entire climb can take about eight hours.
Urquhart Castle
One of the oldest Scottish castles located on the shores of Loch Ness. Urquhart has experienced many attacks and battles during its long history, so that only its ruins have survived to our time, however, quite interesting. During the tour, you will be told about the unique history of the castle and guided through the well-preserved dungeon.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran attracts tourists not only with its coastal resorts, but also with its history. At one time, the Romans, the Varangians, and the Britons lived here, monuments of the history of the Neolithic period have been preserved. Tourists usually travel around Arran by bike - an excellent road leads along the entire coast of the island.
Culzin Castle
Culzin Castle stands on top of a high hill, making it look even more majestic and powerful. The spectacular architecture and well-preserved premises, including the brewery, attract many tourists. Now there is a public zone, a naturalist club and a deer reserve. Some of the rooms in the castle are still used for living.
Melrose Abbey
This is the first Cistercian monastery in Scotland. Built in the 12th century, Melrose has survived attacks, fires and destruction. However, believers and wealthy patrons have never spared money on the restoration of the abbey, and today it looks no less amazing than before. The heart of King Robert the Bruce is buried in Melrose Abbey.
Skara Bray
This unique historical monument dates back to the Neolithic era and is located on the west coast of the Orkney Islands. Skara Bray is a small settlement, on the territory of which there are dilapidated dwellings of that era. Archaeologists still find unique items here that tell the story of Scotland's history. Skara Bray is considered the best preserved monument of the Neolithic history.
Isle of Mull
Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, can only be reached by ferry. But this has never stopped tourists who float here to see the castle of the Maclean clan, as well as admire the amazingly beautiful panorama. On the island is the town of Tobermory, famous for its colorful houses.
Dunvegan Castle
This castle is located on the Isle of Skye and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this corner of Scotland. Built in the 12th century, the castle is still inhabited and is a private property. There are many legends about Dunvegan Castle, in which the fairy queen, magic bagpipes and real historical facts are intertwined. Every year, the castle hosts a bagpiper festival that attracts spectators from all over the planet.
