Choose from 155 Fun Things to Do in Scotland
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Edinburgh Old Town
The historic heart of Edinburgh, UNESCO-listed Old Town, is home to the city’s most visited sights. Its central artery is the Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and is lined with top attractions including St. Giles Cathedral, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the Scottish Parliament Building.
The Basics
Most every visitor who sets foot in the city of Edinburgh will spend some time in Edinburgh Old Town, as it’s where many of the must-see landmarks and historic sites are located. Walking tours of the city typically begin on the Royal Mile and cover a wide array of themes, from history, mysteries, and photography to ghosts, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter. Other sightseeing tours of Scotland’s capital, including tours by car, rail, and bus, also stop at Old Town attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Canongate Kirk.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Edinburgh Old Town is a must-visit for all first-time visitors, especially culture lovers, sightseers, architecture aficionados, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes as most of Old Town’s streets are cobbled.
- Though steep streets, steps, and uneven surfaces are common, smooth sidewalks and curb cuts—including those on the Royal Mile—and accessible black cabs make large parts of Edinburgh Old Town navigable for wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
Getting to Old Town is simple: take the train to Edinburgh Waverley. From Edinburgh Airport, the Airlink 100 carries passengers to Waverley Bridge, which connects the Old Town and New Town.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Edinburgh Old Town is in summer (June through August), when the Edinburgh Festival, Fringe Festival, and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo take place. Summer evenings are buzziest, as bars fill and people pour onto the streets. If you’d prefer smaller crowds and don’t mind bundling up for the cold, go in winter instead.
The Closes and Wynds of Edinburgh Old Town
Visitors strolling down the Royal Mile can’t fail to notice the narrow alleys, known as closes, and side streets, known as wynds, leading off from the main thoroughfare. The darkened cobbled closes typically lead to private courtyards and would once have had gates, allowing access only for those with keys. Look out for Brodie’s Close, named after William Deacon Brodie, a respected 18th-century craftsman and notorious thief. Mary King’s Close, situated under the Royal Mile, is now a popular visitor attraction.
Address: Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 12
Forth Bridge
The iconic Forth Bridge is a cantilever railway bridge that arches over the Firth of Forth in Scotland. Situated 14 kilometers from Edinburgh’s city center, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed by English engineers, John Fowler and Benjamin Baker. The bridge and its associated railway infrastructure is owned by Network Rail.
The distinctive red bridge, which links the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry, was opened by the Prince of Wales in March 1890, although was only classified as a UNESCO site on its 125th anniversary in 2015. The bridge spans a total length of almost 2500 meters and is an iconic symbol of Scotland’s engineering and architectural prowess and ingenuity. It also transports approximately 200 local and intercity trains across the Forth every single day.
Practical Info
The Forth Bridge can be seen from a number of viewpoints on either side of the Firth of Forth. It can be reached by train, bus, and boat, with various tours available.
Address: Forth Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 47
Glen Ord Whisky Distillery
Founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland. Here, at the only remaining malt whisky distillery on the remote Black Isle, it’s possible to go on a behind-the-scenes tour to see and understand the process of making a single malt from start to finish. You’ll get to check out the barley maltings as well as the fermentation and distillation methods, wandering among the barrels and huge copper stills as you go.
As is tradition, at the end of the hour-long tour you’ll get to enjoy a single malt tasting or two. As you sip, you’ll learn how to compare and identify the flavors in whisky. And be sure to make the most of your swig; you won’t be able to buy and enjoy Glen Ord whisky anywhere else in the country, as outside the distillery’s whisky store, the single malt is only sold in Asia.
Practical Info
There are buses from Inverness to Glen Ord village, 30 minutes’ drive away, and the distillery is open all year. An hour-long tour of Glen Ord distillery costs 6 GBP. This includes a complimentary tasting and a visit to the distillery exhibition. From June to August, the distillery is open seven days a week, while from November to February, it's open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open on occasional Saturdays in March, April, September and October.
Address: Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, Scotland
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Tours: £5 adults, £2.50 children (8-17)
From $ 53
Great Glen Way
Running from coast to coast through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, there are few better introductions to Scotland’s wild north than the Great Glen Way. One of Scotland’s 26 Great Trails, the long distance hiking route runs for 79 miles (117km) from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east.
The scenic trail takes around 5-6 days to complete and is suitable for all abilities, with the well-marked route following mostly towpaths and flat woodland trails, tracing the route of the Caledonian Canal. Highlights along the way include Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak, which overlooks the start of the trail; the Meall Fuar-mhonaidh hill walk, an optional detour offering spectacular views; and Loch Ness, the fabled home of the Loch Ness Monster. Alternatively, the Great Glen Way can also be tackled by bike, boat or even kayak.
Practical Info
The Great Glen Way runs for 79 miles (117km) through the Scottish Highlands, from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east.
Address: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
From $ 54
Glengoyne Distillery
Get a taste of Highland whisky without leaving the lowlands with a visit to the Glengoyne Distillery, located right on border of the Highlands, just half an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The historic distillery dates back to 1833 and is renowned for its award-winning malt whiskies, famously distilled at a third of the usual rate and matured in sherry oak casks.
Along with its fine whisky, Glengoyne is celebrated for its scenic location, hidden away amid the wooded valleys of the Campsie Hills, with its own wetlands, beehives and renewable energy source. Visitors to the distillery can choose from a number of guided tours and tastings, including the chance to peek into the legendary Warehouse No.1, take a Malt Master
tour or indulge in a comprehensive whisky tasting masterclass.
Practical Info
Glengoyne Distillery is located in Dumgoyne, around 12 miles north of Glasgow, and is open daily, March – November from 10am-5pm, and December-February from 10am- 4pm. A range of guided tours and tastings are available starting from £9.
Address: Dumgoyne G63 9LB, Scotland
Hours: Daily: Mar – Nov: 10am-5pm, Dec-Feb: 10am- 4pm
Admission: Tours start from £9
From $ 30
Falkland
Flanked by the Lomond Hills in central Fife, the former royal burgh of Falkland is known for its twisting streets and centuries-old stoned houses. Dominating the town center is the famous Falkland Palace. Once the hunting lodge of the Stuart Monarchs, the palace was a favorite summer resort of Mary Queen of Scots.
Built by French masons on behalf of King James V, on a visit you’ll get to see its famous buttresses and turrets, and in the gardens lies Britain’s oldest royal tennis court, built in 1539.
The village is also known for its old horse market, Falkland Cricket Club, and famous golf club. Fans of the TV series Outlander may also recognize Falkland’s streets as the setting for the show’s opening scenes filmed in World War II.
Practical Info
You can take the bus to Falkland from St Andrews (30 minutes) or Cupar (15 minutes), which connects to Edinburgh and Glasgow via train. Falkland Palace on Main Street is open between March and October, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. On Sunday, it is open from 1-5pm. Entry costs £12.
Address: Falkland, Fife, United Kingdom, Scotland
Hours: Falkland Palace on Main Street is open between March and October, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. On Sunday, it is open from 1-5pm.
Admission: £12
From $ 16
Glenkinchie Distillery
The Glenkinchie Distillery is a classic lowland distillery in Scotland, one of six distilleries in the Lowland region. Originally founded in 1837, the distillery today produces the well-known Edinburgh Malt, a light, fruity, dry whisky. The distillery closed in 1853 and was converted to a sawmill until 1890, when it was re opened by a group of brewers, blenders and wine merchants from Edinburgh and Leith. It stopped malting its own grain in 1969 and turned the malting floors into a museum of whisky featuring a miniature replica of the distillery. It now hosts more than 25,000 visitors each year, including many who stop at the distillery as part of a tour from Edinburgh, taking in the Roslyn Chapel and the Melrose Abbey as well.
Visitors to the distillery will tour the old malting room, the mashing, fermentation and distillation rooms, the distillery cellar and, finally, the bar. At the end of the tour, visitors are able to taste the Glenkinchie single malt whisky and receive a coupon for three pounds off a bottle of whisky.
Practical Info
The Glenkinchie Distillery is located 30 minutes from Edinburgh in East Lothian, near the town of Pencaitland. Local bus number 113 runs to Pencaitland from Edinburgh, but it is another 2.5 kilometers to the distillery. Visitors can instead book a combined ticket that includes a shuttle bus from Edinburgh, leaving from Waterloo Place at 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Address: Pencaitland, East Lothian, Scotland
Hours: January and February, 10am-4 pm, last tour at 3:00 pm; March to October, 10am - 4 pm, last tour at 4:00 pm; November and December, 10am - 4pm, last tour at 3:00 p.m.
Admission: 8 pounds for the basic tour; 20 pounds including the shuttle bus
From $ 51
Glencoe
Bordered by steep, waterfall-threaded mountains, this dramatic glen is the stuff of Scottish postcards. Though it has historical significance—it was the site of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre of the MacDonald Clan—and its very own ski resort, Glencoe Mountain Resort, the valley’s main draw is its spectacular scenery.
The Basics
Soak up Glencoe’s stunning scenery during a drive along the A82 road, which cuts through the glen. More active travelers may want to explore on foot, taking advantage of the area’s excellent hiking. Organized day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow often go through Glencoe, passing by locations featured in films such as Skyfall, Braveheart, and the Harry Potter series, as well as other notable beauty spots. Some organized tours stop for photos or even embark on guided walks in the scenic valley before continuing to other destinations in the Scottish Highlands such as Fort William, Ben Nevis, and Loch Ness.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glencoe is ideal for outdoor lovers and scenery-seekers.
- Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Rangers at the Glencoe Visitor Centre can offer advice and recommend suitable walking routes.
- The Glencoe Visitor Centre, which features a viewing platform, is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Glencoe is situated in the Scottish Highlands along the A82 highway. The road runs from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness, passing by Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, and the Great Glen. If you don’t have a car, numerous sightseeing tours frequent the area. The Glencoe Visitor Centre is 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of Fort William.
When to Get There
Each season in Glencoe brings its own majesty. Summers are best for hikers, with long days, mild weather, and carpets of purple heather. Spring brings bluebells and rhododendrons, autumn yields a palette of fiery rust, and winter is good for skiing. Summers are peak tourist season, but with so much space, Glencoe never feels overrun. That said, get there in early morning to avoid the midday rush.
Getting Active in Glencoe
Glencoe offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Search for red squirrels, deer, and golden eagles; admire the rushing Glencoe Gorge Waterfall; tackle a Via Ferrata climbing route; or summit a Munro (a mountain over 3,000 feet/914 meters). Lots of gentler hiking trails can be found too, such as the woodland walk to Signal Rock. Glencoe Mountain Resort has a 12-minute chairlift that carries sightseers up to a height of 2,200 feet (670 meters).
Address: Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 52
Fort Augustus
On the southwestern shore of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is a picturesque village of 600 that gets packed with visitors during the summer months. Originally an 18th-century garrison, Fort August lies at the junction of four old military roads.
Surrounded by heather hills and cut in two by the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus serves as a spot for day-trippers to relax and watch the boats master the longest lock system on the canal. Running from coast to coast, the Caledonian Canal was designed in 1822 to give merchant skippers a shortcut across the country and to help keep boats out of harm’s way. At the time, pesky French pirates were prone to scouring the open seas! Those interested in the canal can find out more at the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre. Also of interest is the Clansman Centre, which provides insight into 17th-century Highland life.
Visitors to Fort Augustus include cyclists and pedestrians tackling the Great Glen Way, a 73-mile trail that runs from Inverness in the east to Fort William on Scotland’s west coast. There are always plenty of Loch Ness Monster hunters enjoying tea and cake around the village, too.
Fort Augustus is an hour’s bus ride from Inverness. From Glasgow, take the train from Queen Street station to Spean Bridge. From there, it’s a 35-minute train ride to Fort Augustus.
Address: Fort Augustus, Inverness, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 104
Glenlivet Distillery
Amid the rolling glens of Scotland’s premier whisky region, Speyside in the Cairngorms National Park, The Glenlivet Distillery opened in 1824 and is considered as the granddaddy of all single malts. Distilled in unique lantern-shaped copper stills and matured in the obligatory oak casks for at least 12 years, The Glenlivet has a fruity, smooth flavor thanks to using Scottish barley and spring water from the local Josie's Well. Now owned by French company Pernod Ricard, it is one of the largest distilleries on Speyside and the biggest selling whisky in the USA, producing nearly six million liters of single malt each year while still maintaining many traditional production methods, all be it on an industrial scale. Unlike most of the smaller Speyside distilleries, bottling does not take place onsite but it has an award-winning visitor center with an exhibition showcasing the development of the brand as well as a café selling whisky-drenched cakes.
One of the major highlights of the self-driven Malt Whisky Trail through Speyside, The Glenlivet Distillery is open for guided tours and tutored tastings of various drams; visitors can also bottle their own single malt to take home.
Practical Info
Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9DB. Open mid Mar–mid Nov
Mon–Sat 9.30am–4pm; Sun 12pm–4pm. Free 45-minute tours take place every 20 minutes; others must be booked and pre-paid in advance. Best accessed by car; from Inverness take the A9 and A95; journey time is an hour and 10 minutes.
Address: Ballindalloch, Inverness, Banffshire AB38 9DB, Scotland
Hours: Open mid Mar–mid Nov: Mon–Sat 9.30am–4pm; Sun 12pm–4pm
Admission: Tour prices range from free to £60
From $ 108
George Square
Dwarfed by haughty buildings on all sides and surrounded by statues of great Scots, George Square makes sense of poet John Betjeman’s claim that Glasgow is “the greatest Victorian city in the world.”
Named after King George III and built in 1781, George Square began life as little more than a muddy hollow used for slaughtering horses. Today, it’s surrounded by some of grandest buildings in the city, not least the imposing Glasgow City Chambers on the east side.
To Glaswegians, George Square is the city’s cultural center. Hosting concerts and events throughout the year, it comes alive during winter, when children skate around the ice rink and parents enjoy mulled wine at the Christmas market. In summer, George Square is a good place to find a bench and watch the world go by.
George Square leads to Glasgow’s famous shopping streets in the Style Mile, as well as the ritzy Merchant City district. Glasgow’s main tourist information office sits on the south side, and sightseeing buses begin their journeys here, making this a handy place to get oriented with the city.
Practical Info
The Glasgow Queen Street train station opens out onto the north side of George Square, which is a five to 10-minute walk from Central Station and Buchanan bus station, Glasgow’s main terminus. Admission is free unless there are special events going on, and the square is open all year-round.
Address: George Street, Glasgow, Scotland
Hours: Daily
From $ 19
Glasgow Cathedral
Dating back to medieval times, Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on Scotland’s mainland to have survived the Reformation almost fully intact. A magnificent Gothic construction, it features stained-glass windows, a 15th-century stone choir screen, and the tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.
The Basics
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and is among just a few surviving medieval buildings in all of Glasgow. Visitors can explore the church independently or go as part of a private guided tour around the city. Some sightseeing passes provide free entry to the cathedral as well as other well-known historic Scottish attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Melrose Abbey. Guided tours, lasting one hour, are conducted by volunteer guides as required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glasgow Cathedral is a must for history buffs and fans of ecclesiastical architecture.
- The west entrance to the cathedral provides access to the nave via a stair lift. Inside, some sections of the cathedral, such as the crypt and the Blackadder Aisle, are not wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors are welcome to attend Choral Evensong, which takes place most Sundays at 4pm.
How to Get There
The cathedral is situated in Glasgow’s Cathedral Precinct, just north of Glasgow High Street. The nearest train station is High Street, a 10-minute stroll away. Walk north from the station along High Street and Castle Street. The cathedral will be on your right.
When to Get There
The cathedral sees most visitors during the peak tourist months of June, July, and August. In winter, the cathedral receives less visitors. Volunteer guides are not available on Sundays. If you want to explore the interior, avoid going during service times because the Lower Church is closed and you may disturb worshippers.
Glasgow Necropolis
Situated directly behind the cathedral, this vast Victorian cemetery spreads across the hillside, offering views of the surrounding city. Take a walk along the meandering paths, which area lined with some elaborate examples of funerary art. Some of the monuments, mausoleums, and tombs were designed by leading 19th-century architects.
Address: 28-32 Cathedral Square, Glasgow G4 0XA, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
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
Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument stands in the village of Glenfinnan in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. It was erected in 1815 to commemorate the Jacobite Rising of 1745 that began in Glenfinnan when Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel claiming the thrones of England and Scotland in the name of his father, James Stuart. Designed by Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham, the monument stands 60 feet tall at the head of the lock and has also come to honor Alexander MacDonald, who built the tower but died before it was completed. Jacobites still gather at the monument each year on August 19 to commemorate the 1745 uprising.
The monument has been in the care of the National Trust of Scotland since 1938 and a visitor center offers information and exhibitions, as well as a café and ticket booth. An audio guide is available that details the Prince’s final campaign from Glenfinnan to Derby and back to Dulloden.
Practical Info
Glenfinnan is located halfway between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Railway and the Glenfinnan train station is located about one mile from the Glenfinnan Monument visitor center. Shiel Buses also run from Fort William to Mallaig and stop at Glenfinnan. The monument site is open daily all year round, while the visitor center is open from March 28 to October 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 1 to August 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The monument itself is visited by guided tour only and closes after September 1.
Address: Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Highland, UK PH37 4LT, Scotland
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult £3.50
From $ 298
Grassmarket
Steeped in history, the Grassmarket is located directly below Edinburgh Castle and is just a minute’s walk from the famous Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland. A vibrant and historic area, here visitors can soak up the medieval atmosphere while marvelling at one of the most iconic views in the city, the mighty Edinburgh Castle.
A stroll over the George IV Bridge leads to the Greyfriars Bobby statue and through some of Edinburgh’s oldest and most famous streets, including Candlemaker Row, Victoria Street, and West Port.
The Grassmarket was traditionally a meeting point for market traders and cattle drovers, with temporary lodgings and taverns all around. It was also once a place of public execution, and a memorial near the site once occupied by the gibbet was created in 1937 to commemorate more than 100 people who died on the gallows in a period known as The Killing Time.
Nowadays, the old market area is surrounded by pubs, clubs, shops, and two large hotels. Most buildings in the area are Victorian, with several modern buildings on the area’s south side.
Practical Info
The Grassmarket is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, which has a wealth of food, shopping, and accommodation options for visitors. Various walking and themed tours are also available.
Address: Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
From $ 15
Edinburgh World Heritage Trust
Responsible for protecting, maintaining and promoting Edinburgh’s Old and New town UNESCO world Heritage sites, the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust (EWHT) is one of the city’s principal cultural centers. In 2011, the EWHT moved into the Acheson House, next door to the Museum of Edinburgh in the Old Town and its ground floor is now linked to the museum and a 17th-century style garden courtyard. Built in 1633 for Sir Archibald Acheson, the grand townhouse was restored by the Marquess of Bute in the 1930s and now forms one of a cluster of grade A listed buildings on Canongate, the lower part of the famous Royal Mile.
The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust also organizes city heritage tours and the 2-week Edinburgh Old Town Festival each June, which features dozens of tours, art shows, exhibitions and storytelling events, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the Old Town.
The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust also organizes city heritage tours and the 2-week Edinburgh Old Town Festival each June, which features dozens of tours, art shows, exhibitions and storytelling events, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the Old Town.
Address: 146 Bakehouse Close, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, Scotland
From $ 648
Eilean Donan Castle
Originally built in the 13th century as a defense against Vikings, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s best-known architectural treasures. It last played a historical role during the 18th century Jacobite uprisings, and was subsequently left in ruins until it was rediscovered and lovingly restored in the early 20th century.
The castle sits proudly on a peninsula in Loch Duich, ringed by rugged hills, and you can immediately see why this is one of the most-photographed sites in Scotland. Walk the shore of the loch to find your own vantage point and then explore the castle itself, where you can visit the banqueting hall, kitchens and bedrooms.
Practical Info
The castle is located in the village of Dornie, on the main road which leads from Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye.
Address: Dornie IV40 8DX, Scotland
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm from March - Nov (opens at 9am in Jul & Aug)
Admission: Adults: £5.50
From $ 51
Grey Mare's Tail
The Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is home to the fifth highest waterfall in the United Kingdom, also called Grey Mare’s Tail. The waterfall is a hanging valley waterfall flowing from Loch Skeen into Moffat Water Valley. The surrounding nature reserve offers dramatic scenery and a post glacial landscape, as well as rare plants and wildlife. Nearby Dobb’s Linn is known for being home to fossils at least 400 million years old and the Tail Burn Fort is thought to be a defensive or ritual site dating to the Iron Age.
It is just a short walk to the waterfall and a longer, hour-long walk, will take you all the way to Loch Skeen. Look for the peregrine falcons that nest on the craigs around the waterfall and enjoy great views of Mid Craig and Loch Craighead. For more amazing views, you can climb to the top of White Coomb, the highest hill in Dumfriesshire standing nearly 2700 feet high. Good hiking boots are recommended.
Practical Info
The Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is open daily all year round. Located 10 miles northeast of Moffat, it is best accessed by car. The nearest train station is 25 miles away at Lockerbie and the closest public toilets are five miles away in St. Mary’s Loch.
Address: Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, Moffat Water Valley, Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, UK DG10 9LP, Scotland
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 14
Gallery of Modern Art
Though the pedimented and pillared GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) building is very much classical, the collection of challenging contemporary artworks contained within it are anything but. The gallery’s art collection spans the 1950s to the present day, with artists including David Hockney, David Shrigley, and Andy Warhol all represented.
The Basics
GoMA is one of Scotland’s premier modern art galleries. Visitors can browse the permanent displays, including Stones Steeped in History, which chronicles the history of the museum building, and the rotating selection of temporary exhibitions, covering topics ranging from the inner-city environment to identity in modern times. Free drop-in volunteer-led building tours, lasting 30 to 40 minutes, are available on select dates. The gallery can be visited as part of private guided tours of Glasgow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- GoMA is a must for contemporary art fans.
- A café, library, and shop are located on-site.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Gallery of Modern Art is situated on Royal Exchange Square in the heart of Glasgow city. The nearest train stations are Queen Street, which is just a 3-minute walk via Queen Street, and Central Station, which is a 5-minute walk via Gordon Street and Royal Bank Place. St. Enoch and Buchanan Street subway stations are both less than a 10 minutes’ walk from the gallery.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily. Saturday afternoons are the busiest time. Come midweek to experience the museum at its quietest.
Special Events at GoMA
In addition to hosting exhibitions, the museum also hosts a program of events designed to help visitors and Glasgow residents engage with art. Book clubs, which focus on a single exhibition showing in the museum and a book associated with it, take place here, as do informal workshops, devoted to skills such as sketching and weaving. Family-friendly events and discussion groups focusing on individual artworks are also held at the museum.
Address: Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, Scotland
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Forth Road Bridge
Spanning the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh and the Kingdom of Fife, the Forth Road Bridge opened up in 1964 and runs parallel with the famous Forth railway bridge. As well as offering the quickest driving route from the capital to the Scottish Highlands, the Forth Road Bridge also has cycling and walking lanes that are open to the public.
The Forth Road Bridge is perhaps best known for its dramatic views of the neighboring Forth Bridge, the world's longest cantilever bridge and recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The striking red bridge is one of Scotland's most famous architectural icons and a remarkable feat of modern civil engineering, dating back over 125 years.
Practical Info
The Forth Road Bridge crosses the Firth of Forth, connecting Queensferry, Edinburgh to North Queensferry in Fife.
Address: Forth Rd Bridge, South Queensferry EH30 9SF, Scotland
From $ 47