If you’re planning a trip to the remarkable country of Scotland but have yet to find the perfect place to stay, we’ve done our research and have discovered ten top destinations in Scotland that will inspire you to make the journey.
There are so many impressive Scottish towns and villages ideal for a break and unforgettable sights in Scotland worth visiting, it can seem an impossible task to narrow it down to just one wonderful holiday getaway. In this blog, you’ll find what we consider to be a few of the best places to stay in Scotland and recommendations of things to do during your exciting trip to help you on your way.
1. Edinburgh – best for short breaks
The cobbled streets of this magnificent city come to life during the spring and summer, however, Edinburgh is far better known for being one of the best places to visit in Scotland in winter. With cosy cafes serving up foaming hot chocolates, wonderful indoor attractions to duck in to escape the chill, and the impressive Edinburgh Castle which looks even more magical after a light dusting of snow, enjoy a short break to beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland.
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city centre, a few of the best places to visit in Scotland near Edinburgh include the charming rural village of Roslin, the beloved riverside village of Culross, and the tranquil coastal town of Dunbar.
2. Loch Lomond – best for couples
From Scotland’s vibrant capital to one of the country’s renowned national parks, retreat to the tranquillity of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Scotland and spend time out and about in this scenic holiday destination.
Boating is one of the most popular activities in Scotland and at Loch Lomond you could hire a speedboat, rowboat, or paddleboat and explore the loch at your own pace, keeping an eye out for local wildlife as you navigate the area and get to know the best of Scotland. If you prefer to keep both feet on solid ground, enjoy a stroll around the perimeter of the loch, or venture into the wooded glens and braes of the Trossachs before heading out to dine in a restaurant overlooking the water.
3. Ullapool – best for explorers
A hidden gem set on the wild northern coast of the Scottish Highlands, in the region of Ross and Cromarty, Ullapool is a coastal town boasting just 1,500 inhabitants yet it can still claim to be the largest town for miles around.
Somewhat of a hub for this area, Ullapool is the perfect place to base yourself so you can strike out on adventures across the landscape, visiting impressive Munros and coastal inlets during your getaway. Ullapool has its own golf course, leisure centre, ferry terminal, and shorefront places to eat and shop so there are lots of activities to do in town if you don’t feel like venturing far. Make your escape with your partner to this remarkable country with our guide to the most romantic places in Scotland.
4. Aberdeen – best for night owls
The port city of Aberdeen is wonderful during the day, full of fun attractions perfect for families or big kids on an exciting break, but when night falls the city comes to life. With a choice of theatres, bars, and nightclubs to frequent, you can really make the most of your holiday. If you do decide on an evening out, make sure you visit The Tunnels music venue that sits beneath the city in two underground tunnels.
When daylight returns, there are many excellent museums, galleries, and a choice of beaches to discover across the city and along the surrounding coastline.
5. Dornoch – best for golfers
If you’re searching for serenity and relaxation during your holiday, head to Dornoch in Sutherland and Caithness. Renowned for its world-class Royal Dornoch Golf Course and as the birthplace of course designer Donald Ross, it’s the ideal place for a golfing getaway with places to eat and the spectacular Dornoch Beach to visit too.
After a morning on the course, pull on your walking boots as this wonderful landscape hides a variety of walking routes to ramble including the fourth and fifth sections of the coastal John O’Groats Trail which you could follow north to Tain or south towards Golspie, taking in breathtaking views along the way.
6. Inverness – best for history buffs
Inverness is an ancient coastal stronghold that is bursting with culture and heritage including the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the 18th-century Old High Church, and the Victorian Market that can all be found within the city’s beautiful Old Town. Meanwhile, in nearby Loch Ness – a must-see destination in the Scotland Highlands – you can search for the mysterious Nessie. Gardens, theatres, clubs, shops, and a wide range of other attractions ensure you’ll have a fun-filled holiday in Inverness.
If you’d rather stay in a cottage outside of the bustling city, a few of the best villages near Inverness are Nairn, Fortrose and Drumnadrochit, all offering delightful alternatives for a peaceful and quiet place to stay.
7. Cowal Peninsula – best for wildlife watching
The alluring Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute is surrounded by lochs making it popular with sailors, and the serene landscape makes this a must-see place on the West Coast of Scotland.
Dunoon is the main town on the edge of Loch Long, with many attractions and shops while, further afield, the serene Cowal landscape remains unchanged. The extensive Argyll Forest Park covers much of the north of Cowal, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way winds through the region, while otters and red deer can be spotted across the area and porpoises, seals, and basking sharks in the surrounding waters.
8. Rannoch Moor – best for walkers
The Great Moor of Rannoch is an awe-inspiring wilderness near Glencoe and has to be one of the most iconic and best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands. This vast terrain encompasses 50 square miles of blanket bog, rivers and rocky outcrops with an estimated 82% made up of water or bog – one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Britain.
You’ll not run out of places to uncover with a network of walks and paths crossing through this unique destination. Begin with a walk along this relatively short route before moving on to other longer trails as you conquer the wild landscape of Rannoch Moor, Scotland.
9. Isle of Lewis – best for surfers
There’s a whole host of wonderful places to go and sights to see on the Isle of Lewis but if you’re looking for something a bit different during your holiday, this is one of the most unusual and breathtaking places in the UK to go surfing, offering some of the best beaches in Scotland. Dalmore and Dalbeg are the top two surfing beaches on the Isle of Lewis while there are surf schools in Stornoway if you’re keen to learn.
Ancient historical landmarks, winding walking routes, and serene beaches provide more options if you’d prefer a quiet coastal holiday or an island adventure with family and friends in the far north of Scotland. Discover more stunning sandy beaches with impressive waves in our guide to the best places to go surfing in Scotland.
10. Isle of Skye – best for unforgettable views
A place full of natural wonders, the Isle of Skye is far and away one of the most beautiful places to stay in Scotland. Things not to miss include the impressive beauty spots like The Storrs and The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, which is easy to get to via the free bridge that connects this serene island with the mainland of Scotland.
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