Choose from 155 Fun Things to Do in Scotland
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 155 listings.
Falkland Palace
Once the favored countryside retreat of the Stuart kings and queens, the magnificent Falkland Palace has seen a long list of famous royals pass through its grand gateway. First built as a hunting lodge in the 12th century, the residence was transformed into a French Renaissance-style palace in the 16th century by King James IV and King James V, complete with 3 hectares of parks, orchards and flower gardens.
Now a National Trust property, Falkland Palace is a popular tourist attraction and an easy day trip from Edinburgh, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the lavish lives of the Scottish royals. As well as exploring the beautifully restored Royal Apartments and drawing room, visitors can take a peek at the Royal Chapel, admire the fine artworks on display in the Tapestry Gallery and Edwardian Library, visit the Gatehouse and walk around the vast grounds. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Tennis Court, allegedly frequented by Mary, Queen of Scots and now Britain’s oldest tennis court still in use.
Practical Info
Falkland Palace is located in Fife, approximately 40 km north of Edinburgh and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission costs £12.50.
Address: East Port, Falkland, Cupar, Fife, United Kingdom KY15 7DA, Scotland
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm
Admission: Adult £12.50
From $ 48
Kilchurn Castle
On a tiny peninsula at the northern tip of Loch Awe surrounded by glens, Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland. The castle of 1,000 calendar covers, Kilchurn has had many lives: it served as the powerhouse of the Campbell clan from the year 1440 and was even later used as barracks able to house up to 200 troops during the Jacobite Risings. In the 1750s, however, a huge fire caused by lightning ran right through the castle, and its ruins have been abandoned ever since.
Kilchurn is for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a ruined Scottish castle all to themselves, with no tourist trinket shops around. There isn’t even an attendant at the door of this picturesque ruin, but despite being unmanned, there are plenty of information boards throughout the castle. Climb to the top of its four-story tower for views of the loch and surrounding hills, and remember to say hi to the sheep on your way out!
Practical Info
Kilchurn Castle is at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, 2.5 miles west of Dalmally village off the A85. If coming by public transport, trains from Glasgow Queen Street station can take you to the Dalmally. If coming by car, it’s a half-mile walk from the castle car park just off the A85 road. Entrance is free, and the castle is open from April to September, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Address: Lochawe, Dalmally, Argyll and Bute PA33 1AF, Glasgow, Scotland
Hours: Open from April to September, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
From $ 51
Holy Island
Holy Island is located in Lamlash Bay off the Isle of Arran on Scotland's western coast. The island has a spiritual heritage dating back to the 6th century. Today there is the Centre for World Peace and Health on the north end of the island which has ongoing retreat programs and courses. The center welcomes overnight guests. There is also a closed Buddhist retreat on the south end of the island. There is also a hermit cave from a 6th-century monk and evidence of a 13th-century Christian monastery.
Some visitors come to Holy Island to learn about meditation, yoga, tai chi, cooking, gardening, and other forms of relaxation. Others come here to enjoy the unspoiled natural scenery as an escape from their every day lives. Parts of the island are divided into natural reserves. Some areas are for birds and animals, while others are set aside for a native tree planting program. Visitors are asked to stay on the pathways.
Practical Info
The closest airport to Holy Island is Glasgow. From there you can take a train to Ardrossan Harbor, the ferry to Arran, a bus to Lamlash, and then the ferry to Holy Island.
Address: Scotland
From $ 51
Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a sea cliff on the north end of Trotternish in northern Scotland. It was named Kilt Rock for its resemblance to a kilt. The vertical cliff is composed of both igneous and sedimentary rock which come together in vertical bands and look like the pleats of a kilt. The cliff is 200 feet high and one of many impressive cliffs along this coast.
Kilt Rock is close to a waterfall that tumbles into the pebbled shore of the Sound of Raasay below. This waterfall is called Mealt Waterfall, and sometimes the wind here is so strong the water doesn't even reach the bottom before being blown away. There is a popular viewing spot that overlooks the dramatic sea cliffs where visitors can see both Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall. It is a fenced area and allows visitors to get their postcard pictures of both of these natural beauties in one frame.
Practical Info
The viewpoint for Kilt Rock is located about 15 miles north of the town of Portree.
Address: Portree, Scotland
From $ 64
People's Palace and Winter Gardens
Set within the city’s oldest park, historic Glasgow Green, the fascinating People’s Palace documents the social history of Glasgow, recounting tales of city life from 1750 through to the 20th century. Adjoining the red sandstone Victorian museum building is the Winter Gardens, a Victorian-era greenhouse packed with tropical plants.
The Basics
The People’s Palace is one of the best places to get a real sense of life in Scotland’s biggest city and to find out what makes its people tick. Objects, photographs, films, and prints document everything from tenement life to wartime living. The People’s Palace and Glasgow Green are often included on private tours of the city. Glasgow hop-on hop-off tour buses typically stop near the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are a must for history buffs and plant lovers.
- A café is located within the greenhouse and free Wi-Fi is available.
- The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users, with ramps providing access to the entrance and elevators providing access between the floors.
How to Get There
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are set within Glasgow Green, a large riverside public park. Take the subway to Enoch station and walk along Argyle Street. Alternatively, make the 15-minute walk from Argyle Street, Bellgrove, or High Street train station.
When to Get There
The museum and greenhouse are popular among families, and therefore are busiest on weekends and during school vacations, with summer proving to be a particularly busy time. Go early to get in ahead of the crowds.
What to See at the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
Among the highlights of the history museum exhibits are Scottish comedian Billy Connolly’s banana boots and a mural by Scottish artist Ken Currie depicting the life of Glasgow’s working classes. Also worth checking out is the grand Doulton Fountain, an elaborate terra-cotta fountain honoring the British Empire located outside the entrance, and the glasshouse, where exotic palms, cacti, and orchids thrive in the hot environment.
Address: Glasgow Green, Glasgow G401, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Set amid splendid gardens at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British royals, who first decamped here from nearby Edinburgh Castle back in the 15th century. The complex grew from a 12th-century abbey, whose ruins can still be seen on the grounds, into a full-fledged Baroque palace complete with elaborate plasterwork, sumptuous furnishings, and a number of tapestries. The palace is perhaps most famous for having hosted to the rather unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, whose beloved secretary was slaughtered here by her jealous second husband.
The Basics
For anyone hoping to get a taste of the royal experience in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is an essential stop. Visitors often glimpse the palace during walking tours of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, as well as on hop-on, hop-off bus tours. Some city tours include admission to the palace so travelers can explore the state apartments and Mary's Bedchamber with the aid of an audio guide. Palace ticket holders can join guided tours of the Holyrood Abbey ruins, which take place several times daily, or buy combination tickets to the palace and the onsite Queen’s Gallery, which hosts temporary art exhibits from the royal collection.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Audio tours are included with palace admission and are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Mandarin, and Portuguese.
- Parts of the palace are wheelchair accessible. Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers, however, are not, and can only be accessed via a steep, spiral staircase.
- While there is a cafe onsite, food and drink are not allowed elsewhere in the palace.
How to Get There
To get to the palace, walk for 15 minutes from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. Bus routes 35 and 6 also stop near the palace.
When to Get There
Although the palace is generally open year-round (November through March from 9:30am to 4:30pm and April through October from 9:30am to 6pm), it does close to the public during royal visits. Check ahead to find out when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is due in town. She usually stays here for Holyrood Week, or Royal Week as it’s known in Scotland, in late June and early July.
Learn About the Troubled Life of Mary, Queen of Scots
Of all the royals who have lived at Holyrood Palace—among them Queen Victoria and King George V—none are as closely associated with the palace as Mary, the 17th-century Queen of Scots. Many of the most shocking episodes from her tumultuous reign took place here, including the murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her second husband, Lord Darnley. Holyrood is also where Mary married her third husband, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, a suspect in the murder of her second husband.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults: £14
From $ 17
Merchant City
Glasgow’s Merchant City buzzes with cool bars, hip restaurants, boutique hotels and designer stores. Stretching from Merchant Square to Royal Exchange Square, the whole area is perfect for a stroll and popular for its high-end shopping centered on Ingram Street and the Italian Centre, the home of the UK’s first Versace. With its piazzas, arches and pavement cafes, the city center district has a decidedly continental feel - a surprise in the heart of Scotland’s biggest city.
Remember to look up at all of the Victorian facades and lovingly restored 18th-century warehouses. From Glasgow Cathedral in all its Gothic glory to the looming necropolis known as the Victorian City of the Dead, there is plenty to interest architecture aficionados. Make sure to look out for Provand’s Lordship, too; it’s the only medieval house in the city.
Every year, tens of thousands descend on Merchant City for the multi-arts Merchant City Festival. The Public Arts Trail also runs right through the district, and the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) sits in Royal Exchange Square.
Merchant City is compact, with all of its attractions within walking distance of one another. Queen Street Station and Argyle Street Station are the closest train stops, while Buchanan Street is the closest subway and bus station. Entrance is free, and Buchanan Street is open all year-round.
Address: Merchant City, Glasgow, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 19
Orkney Islands
Separated from the northern tip of mainland Scotland by the choppy waters of the Pentland Firth strait, the Orkney Islands are an archaeological wonderland. Comprised of about 20 inhabited islands and many more uninhabited ones, the archipelago is littered with prehistoric ruins and Viking remnants. The islands’ interiors, a patchwork of heather-clad moors and fertile grasslands, are encircled by superb sandy beaches and sheer coastal cliffs.
The Basics
The Orkney Islands showcase a side of Scotland few visitors ever get to see. Travelers can visit on guided day trips from John O’Groats, which typically include boat travel to Burwick and transport via the Churchill Barriers, a network of causeways that link the Orkney Mainland (the biggest island in the archipelago) to four other smaller islands to the south. Travelers can also see the islands as part of multi-day tours from Edinburgh that cover highlights of the Scottish Highlands too. Most guided Orkney tours will include a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skara Brae, a prehistoric stone settlement that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids, and the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel, which was constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided day tours from John O’Groats generally last upwards of 10 hours.
- Bring layers that provide protection from the archipelago’s near-constant wind.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Keep an eye out for the island’s incredible fauna and flora, including the delicate and rare Scottish primrose.
How to Get There
Direct flights to Kirkwall run from the Scottish mainland cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. NorthLink Ferries operate services from Scrabster to Stromness on Mainland Orkney (90 minutes), and from Aberdeen to Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney (six hours). Pentland Ferries run a route from Gills Bay to St. Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay (one hour). From May to September, John O’Groats Ferries carry passengers between John O’Groats and Burwick on South Ronaldsay (40 minutes).
When to Get There
No matter what time of the year, solitude and serenity can be found on the Orkneys. Because of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, the islands are rarely subject to extreme weather, though the biting wind can make it feel colder than it is. Summer is the best time to go, as longer daylight hours facilitate exploration.
Sightseeing on the Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are jam-packed with attractions. In addition to the Stone Age temple complex known as the Ness of Brodgar and the Viking-era graffiti in the Neolithic Maeshowe tomb, visitors can survey sunken warships while scuba diving around the Scapa Flow, admire the 1,136-foot-tall (346-meter) cliffs on the island of Hoy, and stroll the boulder-strewn Rackwick Beach.
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 78
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Housed inside a striking sandstone Victorian edifice, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland’s most-visited cultural attractions. Works by Dali, Botticelli, and Monet are counted among its collection, alongside more eclectic items such as a taxidermy elephant, a Spitfire airplane, and a magnificent Lewis pipe organ.
The Basics
Glasgow has a reputation as being a cultural powerhouse, with vibrant art, design, and music scenes. For visitors hoping to tap into the cultural side of the the city, a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must. Music fans will enjoy the daily organ recitals, which are followed by a short tour led by the museum’s music director.
You can visit the museum independently or as part of private tours, during which a dedicated guide leads you to the highlights of the museum’s 22 galleries, which cover themes ranging from natural history to French impressionism, Dutch and Flemish Old Masters to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The museum also runs free hour-long guided tours twice a day, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kelvingrove is a must-see for culture-seeking visitors to Glasgow.
- Families will enjoy the interactive, child-focused exhibitions.
- The on-site KG Café serves refreshments.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout parts of the museum.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is situated on Argyle Street, near the River Klein in Kelvingrove Park. Take the subway to Kelvinhall station and walk five minutes to the museum. Alternatively, First Bus lines 2, 3, and 77 all stop outside the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is busiest on weekends. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, get there early to avoid the crowds. Organ recitals are held on the premises at 1pm Monday through Saturday, and at 3pm on Sundays.
Highlights of the Collection
Among the standout exhibits on show at the museum are the Spitfire LA198, which is suspended from the ceiling, and the Milan-made 15th-century Avant Armour, one of the oldest near-complete sets of armor in the world. The jewel in the museum’s art collection is surrealist Spanish painter Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross, a controversial work depicting a bow-headed Christ on the cross above a boat-dotted body of water. In 1961, the painting was vandalized by a visitor to the gallery, though it has since been restored.
Address: Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG, Scotland
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 123
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House is widely known as one of the best examples of 18th century architecture in Britain. Located just outside of Edinburgh on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Hopetoun dates largely to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The original part of the home provides great examples of Scottish wainscoting, carving and ceiling painting, while a newer addition boasts a grand façade, colonnades and state apartments that were the center of the family’s social life in the 18th century. The furniture, paintings, tapestries and other items on display in the house remain mostly unchanged from that era. Two libraries contain books that the family has collected since 1650. Visitors can also climb 92 steps up to a rooftop viewing platform that offers magnificent views around the estate and the River Forth.
The grounds surrounding Hopetoun House feature two walking trails, an orienteering course and a garden, and can be visited on their own or in conjunction with a tour of the house.
Practical Info
Tours of the house are offered daily at 2:00 p.m. and are included in the price of admission. The ticket office is to the southeast of the house, near the car park. It is best reached by car through the streets of Queensferry and then heading west along the bank of the River Forth off Society Road. Hopetoun House is also a stop on many “Outlander” themed tours, highlighting locations used in the television series.
Address: South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland
Hours: Open daily from Easter to the end of September, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last admission at 4:00 p.m.
Admission: 9.85 pounds for the house and grounds; 4.55 grounds only
From $ 52
Princes Street
Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations.
The Basics
With its shops, park, prominent position, historic monuments, and views out over the Old Town, Princes Street is undeniably an important lane—second in importance only to perhaps the Royal Mile. Walking tours of Edinburgh’s New Town typically follow a route down Princes Street, allowing visitors to see and, in some instances, even climb the Gothic-style Scott Monument dedicated to the famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. It’s also a stop on hop-on hop-off bus routes and is even included on some Harry Potter-themed city tours, which typically pass by the lavish Balmoral Hotel, where J.K. Rowling composed the final chapters in the series.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Princes Street is a great place to people-watch and observe everyday life in the Scottish capital.
- The weather in Edinburgh can change quickly and without warning. Wear layers and bring an umbrella or raincoat.
- Both Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Princes Street is located in Edinburgh’s city center and is extremely well-connected. Edinburgh Waverley railway station and Princes Street tram station both provide direct access. Edinburgh Waverley offers connections to destinations all across the United Kingdom, including London.
When to Get There
Shoppers swarm Princes Street on weekends and during the lead-up to Christmas. Beat the rush of the crowds by coming early in the day. During the Christmas period, festive lights and a holiday market add to the atmosphere, while Hogmanay parties and performances are staged here over New Year’s. Princes Street Garden is at its prettiest in spring, when daffodils sprout.
The Floral Clock
Stroll along Princes Street, specifically at West Princes Street Gardens near where it meets the Mound, between July and October to encounter the 1903 floral clock. Gardeners plant and tend the clock—which changes every year—using thousands of small, colorful blooms to create a clockface around which the electric-powered hands move.
Address: Edinburgh, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Jedburgh Abbey
The most complete of the four great medieval abbeys in the Scottish Borders, Jedburgh was founded in the mid-12th century by Augustinian canons; the town that grew up around it played an important role in the historic border struggles between England and Scotland. Repeatedly attacked by invading armies, the abbey was destroyed several times down the centuries before loosing its status during the Protestant Reformation in 1560.
Today the abbey sits in the middle of the town of Jedburgh and is surrounded by herb gardens, a gently dilapidated graveyard, a picnic area and tranquil views over the Jed Water. The nave and bell tower of the abbey church are still standing, built in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles; visitors can climb the spiral staircase at the west end of the nave for impressive views over its arched avenue of arcades. A visitor center displays artifacts discovered during various restorations; the most important of these are the ivory Jedburgh Comb, dating from the early 12th century, medieval biblical carvings and an eighth-century shrine, thought to be from the Anglo-Saxon monastery on the island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland.
Today the Borders abbeys (the others are at Dryburgh, Melrose and Kelso) are all connected by a 64.5-mile (103-km) walk that takes in the towns of Hawick and Selkirk. Jedburgh is also within easy reach of Hadrian’s Wall and the museums of Roman Britain.
Practical Info
Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh. Open daily Apr–Sept 9.30am-5.30pm; Oct–Mar 9.30am–4pm. Admission adults £5.50, seniors & students £4.40, children younger than 18 £3.30. Best accessed by car, Jedburgh is 50 miles (80.5 km) south of Edinburgh on the A68 and 10 miles (16 km) north of the border with England.
Address: Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Borders TD8 6JQ, Scotland
Hours: daily Apr–Sept 9.30am–5.30pm; Oct–Mar 9.30am–4pm
Admission: adults £5.50, seniors & students £4.40, children younger than 18 £3.30
From $ 40
National Gallery of Scotland
Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.
The Basics
Because of its central location on the Mound between Edinburgh Old Town and New Town, the exterior of the Scottish National Gallery building is often seen during guided walking tours of Edinburgh. Of course, to explore the gallery’s collections, it’s necessary to venture inside. Visitors can browse permanent and special exhibitions independently or join free drop-in tours, talks, and workshops, which take place on select dates.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Gallery of Scotland is a must for art enthusiasts.
- Don’t miss The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, also known as The Skating Minister, one of Scotland’s most famous artworks.
- A restaurant, café, and shop are located at the National Gallery.
- The National Gallery of Scotland is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Gallery of Scotland sits on the Mound, an artificial hill connecting Edinburgh Old Town to the New Town. From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it is just a 5-minute walk to the gallery. Take the Waverley Bridge exit and stroll through Princes Street Gardens.
When to Get There
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and until 7pm on Thursdays. Afternoons tend to be busier, especially on summer weekends, so get there first thing to avoid the rush.
Gallery-Hopping at the Scottish National Galleries
The National Gallery of Scotland is one of three institutions—together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery—that make up the National Galleries of Scotland. Visitors who want to gallery-hop between the three locations can use the wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus that travels between them.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH22EL, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a hiking trail on the Isle of Skye in northern Scotland. The trail is a loop covering a distance of about 4.2 miles. It passes through spectacular Scottish landscapes and is part of the Trotternish Ridge. This ridge was formed by a massive landslip, which created cliffs, plateaus, and rock pinnacles. If you enjoy taking pictures, bring your camera to capture the scenery you'll see along the way. You'll be able to see the water as well as the many strange and beautiful land formations in the area.
The path starts through steep grassy slopes, and crosses rock gorges and streams. Parts of the trail are covered in loose gravel. Along the way, you will pass large rock formations, climb over rock walls, and walk near the edges of cliffs. It is a fairly difficult trail, and it is not recommended in bad weather due to visibility and trail conditions.
Practical Info
Quiraing is located 21 miles from Portree and can be accessed from either of the villages of Staffin or Uig.
Address: Isle of Skye, The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
From $ 64
John Knox House Museum
The medieval John Knox House is one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Knox, a prominent Reformation leader, is thought to have lived here in the 16th century, and the building now hosts tours chronicling the life of Knox and the houses’ other famous resident, James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Basics
Many visitors catch a glimpse of the exterior of the 15th-century house during sightseeing tours, walking tours, and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Edinburgh. For those who want to take a closer look at the historic property, both self-guided tours and guided tours of the house are available. Opt for an audio guide or join one of the guide-led tours, which are run by the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Guided tours focus on historical topics, such as the Scottish Reformation and the former inhabitants of the house.
Things to Know Before You Go
- John Knox House Museum is a must for history enthusiasts.
- A café can be found at the adjoining Scottish Storytelling Centre.
- The house features a spiral staircase, making it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
John Knox House Museum is located in Edinburgh Old Town on the Royal Mile, an historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From Edinburgh Waverley railway station, it is just a 5-minute walk away via North Bridge and the Royal Mile.
When to Get There
The house is open from Monday through Saturday year-round, and daily during July and August. July and August are the busiest time; to avoid the crowds that wander in off the Royal Mile, go in early morning or late afternoon.
The Famous Residents of John Knox House
Though the house is replete with period features, including the painted ceilings and wood paneling of the Oak Room, it’s the history of the famous inhabitants that truly makes the attraction so intriguing. Guides recount facts about former resident James Mossman, the goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was ultimately arrested and executed after the Marian civil war.
John Knox, the founder of Scotland’s Presbyterian Church and a leading figure in the Reformation is also associated with the property, though no concrete historical evidence is available to confirm this claim.
Address: 43-45 High St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Killiecrankie
Killiecrankie is a small village near Pitlochry in Perthshire, sitting close to a wooded gorge formed by the River Gary in a region of spectacular Highland scenery. Close by is the National Trust for Scotland’s Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, nestled in the scenic Killiecrankie Pass and marking the site of an historic battle that took place on 27 July, 1689, during the first Jacobite Rebellion. As well as information on the flora and fauna of the area, the Visitor Centre has plenty of gory detail about the battle and several of the way-marked walks from there lead to Soldier’s Leap, where legend holds that a Jacobite soldier leapt across the river gorge to escape English troops. Other outdoor activities include the Highland Fling bungee jump descending 40 m (130 ft) into the gorge, kayaking, cycling, and wildlife spotting; deer and elusive red squirrels are seen in the dense woods in fall, wrens and dippers in winter, and carpets of wild flowers in spring. Summer brings flycatchers and warblers – and bats in the evening – as well as hosts of butterflies and bees. A five-km (three-mile) section of the Killiecrankie Walk leaves Pitlochry next to the fish ladder and heads via viaducts, forest walks and tunnels to the dramatic viewing point at Soldier’s Leap.
Practical Info
Visitor Centre, Killiecrankie, Pitlochry PH16 5LG. Open Apr–Nov daily 10am–5pm; admission free (donations appreciated). Parking £2. By car, take the A9 for 6.5 km (four miles) north from Pitlochry.
Address: Killiecrankie, Scotland
From $ 54
Ring of Brodgar
Among the tall green grass and purple heather between Loch Harray and Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar standing stones thrust from the earth like rusting giants’ swords.
At 340 feet (104 meters) in diameter, 27 of the original 60 stones survive, making this the third-biggest stone circle in Britain. Thought to have been built around 2000-2500 BC, this was one of the last of such monuments to be built in neolithic Orkney. Excavations of the site have revealed lots of pottery and animal bones, so it seems like cooking and eating around the still visible hearth was the order of the day here 5,000 years ago.
Famous for its perfectly circular shape, the beauty of the Ring of Brodgar is that, unlike Stonehenge, you can get right up to the stones. As you wander, look out for Viking graffiti on some of the stones: 12th-century runic carvings from the Norse invaders can be seen on quite a few. Just a few hundred meters away, you can also visit the neolithic Barnhouse settlement, discovered in 1984.
Practical Info
A five-mile drive northeast of Stromness on the B9055, entrance and parking is free, and you can visit 24 hours a day. In summer, there are Stagecoach buses from Kirkwall and Stromness to the standing stones. In summer, look out for free guided tours of Brodgar.
Address: Stromness, Orkney, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 91
Provand's Lordship
Built in 1471 as the home to a hospital chaplain, this grey-stone house is one of just a few surviving medieval buildings—and the only surviving medieval residence—in all of Glasgow. Provand’s Lordship now serves as a museum, with period-accurate rooms filled with antique furnishings and displays relating to the history of the house.
The Basics
Some choose to visit Provand’s Lordship—a rare example of medieval Glaswegian architecture and Glasgow’s oldest house—as part of private guided day tours, while others opt to explore the recreated rooms independently. Adjacent to the property is the tranquil St. Nicholas Garden, a herb garden where medicinal plants that would have been used in the 15th-century Scotland grow. The museum is also a stop on some hop-on hop-off tour-bus routes of Glasgow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Provand’s Lordship is a must-see for history buffs.
- Although the house itself doesn’t have a café, you’ll find one at the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, just across the street.
- The ground floor of Provand’s Lordship is wheelchair accessible. The upper floors—accessible only via a steep, uneven set of stairs—are not.
How to Get There
Provand’s Lordship is situated on Castle Street, just a short walk from Glasgow’s Buchanan and Argyle streets. The nearest train station is High Street, which is a 5-minute walk away. First Bus routes 19, 19A, 38, 57, and 57A all stop near Provand’s Lordship.
When to Get There
Provand’s Lordship is open Tuesday through Sunday, year-round. Peak visiting hours are between noon and 2pm, so arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter, less-crowded experience.
Glasgow’s Other Medieval Gems
Glasgow Cathedral, another of Glasgow’s remaining medieval structures, is just a short stroll from Provand’s Lordship; the Gothic-style building was the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation. The National Trust–owned Provan Hall, a fortified country estate that dates back as far as the 15th century, is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Provand’s Lordship; meanwhile, Crookston Castle, Glasgow’s only surviving medieval castle, is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away.
Address: 3 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0RB, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Kellie Castle and Garden
The Kellie Castle and Garden is located in Fife, about three miles northwest of Pittenween in eastern Scotland. Built in the 14th century, the castle was home to the Oliphant family for 250 years and is pretty much the same today as it was when the family departed in 1613. The library ceiling is one of the oldest ornamental ceilings in Scotland and the dining room features paneling painted in the 17th century. In the stables, you can see an exhibition on the life and work of Hew Lorimer, a 20th century Scottish sculptor who took over the leads of the castle in 1937.
Outside of the castle, the Arts & Crafts Garden is full of old fashioned roses, herbaceous plants, fruits and vegetables and the Kellie Wood boasts a large pond, adventure playground and bird hide and is home to foxes, badgers, deer and rabbits.
Practical Info
The garden and estate surrounding the Kellie Castle are open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. The castle is open April 3 to May 31 and September 1-30, Thursdays to Mondays, noon to 5 pm; June 1 to August 31, daily 10:30 am to 5 pm; and October 1-31, Thursdays to Mondays, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is 11.50 pounds for adults. The nearest train station is at Leuchars or Cupar. From Leuchars, you can take a bus to St. Andrews and then on to Pittenweem, about three miles away. Alternatively, the Flexibus is available to take visitors to the castle from nearby villages by pre-booking.
Address: Anstruther, Fife, UK KY10 2RE, Scotland
Hours: Garden & Estate Open Daily 9am-Dusk
Admission: Adult £11.50
From $ 14
Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse and Garden
The Hill of Tarvit is an Edwardian era mansionhouse, first built in the 17th century and remodeled in 1906. With an exquisite collection of antiques, Chinese porcelain, furniture and paintings, it provides a glimpse of early 20th century Edwardian life. The Main Hall features Flemish tapestry, while the Dining Room displays fine English furniture and the Drawing Room is home to French furniture and Rococo-style plasterwork. The fireplace in the Smoking Room is made of a remnant of the nearby Scotstarvit Tower that dates to 1500.
One of the major attractions of the grounds is a nine hole hickory club golf course, which was added in 1924. Visitors can also try their hand at croquet, billiards and parlour games from the early 1900s. Alternatively enjoy one of the three marked walks around the grounds – the Woodland Walk, the Hilltop Walk or the Centenary Walk.
Practical Info
The garden and grounds surrounding the Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse are open daily from 9:30 am to dusk. The mansion itself is open from April 1 to May 31, Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.; from June 1 to August 31, daily, 1-5 p.m.; and September 1 to October 31, Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. Tickets cost 10.50 pounds for adults.
To get to the Hill of Tarvit, take Stagecoach Fife bus 41 to Craigrothie Village Hall, a half mile walk away or bus 64 to the Cupar entrance. By train, the Edinburgh-Dundee-Aberdeen-Dyce line stops at Cupar, two miles away.
Address: Hill of Tarvit Mansion, Cupar, United Kingdom KY15 5PB, Scotland
Hours: Daily 9:30am-Dusk
Admission: Adult £10.50
From $ 14