A Guide to Scotland | Attractions & Must-See Places

Edinburgh Castle Scotland

Updated On: November 07, 2023 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

Edinburgh Castle Scotland
Edinburgh Castle Scotland (Image Source: Flickr – william pollard)

Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom, its capital is Edinburgh. It is surrounded with water from three directions, the Atlantic Ocean from the north and west, the North Sea to the south, and the North Channel to the southwest, it also shares borders with England. It has 790 islands. You will be impressed with what you’ll see there like natural landscapes, as well as hundreds of castles and its beautiful cities.

Why You Should Visit Scotland?

Spending a holiday in Scotland is really enjoyable, there are a lot of things to do and see, let’s see why you should visit this beautiful country.

Scottish Castles:

Scotland has many beautiful castles but the most famous one in the country is Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh:

It’s a historic fortress located in Edinburgh. The castle played an important role in Scottish history as a military stronghold. It was last involved during a war in 1745, and until 1920 it was the main base for the British army in Scotland. Until now, it’s the most popular paid attraction and castle in Scotland. There is an audio tour in the castle that explains everything about it, from its architecture to its military history in eight different languages.

Urquhart Castle:

The castle was one of the largest in Scotland before it was blown up in 1692, so it won’t be used as a stronghold again. The tower house is the only remaining building of this fortress. Its location is spectacular and I bet visitors will love it.

Inveraray Castle:

The castle took 43 years to be built before it was destroyed by a fire in 1877. It haswonderful gardens, and it was the home of the Dukes of Argyll of centuries. The castle only opens a few months every year from April till October.

Culzean Castle:

Another popular castle in Scotland is Culzean, but it is now transformed into a hotel. The castle now displays high-class furniture from the 18th century and a large collection of swords and pistols, all of that surrounded by a large park.

Glamis Castle:

It is considered a royal castle where Queen Elizabeth II grew up, the Queen mother and Princess Margaret were born in this castle as well. Before that, the Scottish king Malcolm was killed there. The castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, its surrounded with trees and vast lands. Visitors can take a walk in its wonderful gardens or see its great rooms.

Balmoral Castle:

It’s known as the place where the royal family spends their holidays. The place is open to visitors but some rooms are private for The Queen, but in the last few years it was open from April to July, it’s surrounded by superb landscapes which visitors will enjoy. It was considered a hunting place for King Robert II in the 14th century; it’s a great example of the Baronial architecture style.

Stirling Castle:

It’s a one hour drive from Edinburgh. Many kings and queens were crowned at this very castle. The castle had an important role in Scottish independence over many years.

Of course, there are many more castles in Scotland, but these are the most famous ones in the country and visitors should have them as priorities, if they vacation in this breathtaking country.

More Famous Attractions in Scotland

Skara Brae:

This place is older than the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. It was a thriving village; it’s located on the Bay of Skaill. In 1850, a great storm hit the place, ripping the grass, sand and soil to reveal 5,000-year-old stone houses. It was populated from 3100 BC – 2500 BC. Visitors are fascinated by the houses and how they were built with stone beds and seats. Then, you can go through the village path and see the old buildings and houses and imagine how life was for farmers and fishermen who used to live there. It’s really a stunning place where tourists will enjoy themselves.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum:

Located in Glasgow where it was built in 1901, it’s one of the great attractions in Scotland. The museum displays more than 8,000 artefacts. It includes natural history, armours and artworks from many historical periods. Among the museum’s most valuable artworks on display, is Salvador Dali’s “Christ of St John of the Cross”. You can spend several hours browsing the museum’s many collections with your family, and afterwards, you can relax at its café and gift shop.

Loch Ness:

The Loch Ness is one of the famous and largest lakes in Scotland and maybe in the world. Its depth is 240 meters and its length is about 37 km. The lake’s popularity comes from its famous occupant, the legendary Loch Ness Monster. In 1933, the first picture was taken of that monster in the lake, displaying a long neck and thick body. There were many rewards offered for whoever would capture this monster but until now no one can find it. I guess it’s just a legend, who knows.

Cairngorms National Park:

It’s the largest national park in the United Kingdom. It contains everything you can imagine from beautiful landscapes, castles to wildlife. It’s a really wonderful attraction for families; you can do many activities in one place.

Edinburgh Zoo:

It was opened in 1913, containing over 1,000 animals. It’s a top attraction for families in Scotland, and the best wildlife attraction too. I’m sure that visitors would like to spend a day in that wonderful zoo.

Add Scotland to your Travel Destinations

If we keep writing, I guess the article won’t end due to the many famous attractions and sites in Scotland. Scotland is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient and modern history or those who love browsing masterpieces from art history at different museums and galleries. I recommend that anyone who wants to travel abroad should go to Scotland and experience this magnificent country with its many attractions and activities for a great time with your family or friends.

Have you ever visited Scotland? Let us know what you think about this beautiful country and what your favourite place to visit was.

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