Things to Do in Scotland

Current seat of the Clan Campbell and the hereditary seat of the dukes of Argyll since the 15th century, Inveraray Castle is considered one of Scotland’s most visually stunning stately homes. Built from 1745 to 1790 on the shores of Loch Fyne, the castle was designed by Roger Morris and boasts turrets and battlements that look right from the pages of a fairytale. The exterior was used to represent the fictional Duneagle Castle in the hit TV series Downton Abbey.

The castle interior has a well-maintained collection of eighteenth century French furnishings, art and a sizable armory hall displaying more than 1,300 weapons — dirks, muskets, pole-arms and axes. Tours through the castle recount the rise of the Clan Campbell. Visitors will also find a tearoom serving scones and other light snacks, as well as a gift shop selling Scottish souvenirs.

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. 

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.

Just off the west coast of Scotland on the Isle of Iona, the Iona Abbey has long been a symbol of Scottish history and religion. It served as a mausoleum for many early Scottish kings, with more than fifty accounted for by the 16th century. It is one of the oldest religious centers in Western Europe. The Irish monk Columba arrived to the island in 563, establishing a monastery that survived for centuries to come. In around the year 1200 the historic Abbey and Nunnery were constructed. 

Responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland, it remains a symbol of Scottish Christianity that many still pilgrimage today. There are four impressive high crosses remaining, all of which can be seen in the abbey museum. The oldest, St. Martin’s Cross, dates back to the 8th century. The isle has a spiritual atmosphere and is today maintained by the Iona Community.

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.

Paying admission to get locked in a barren cell? At Inveraray Jail, it is worth it. The former prison turned museum manages to bridge the gap between tourist attraction and meaningful infotainment and delves into the darker parts of Scottish history. Small as it was, Inveraray was the seat of the Duke of Argyll and thus, the town came to be of central importance. The prison and the courthouse were opened in 1820 and prisoners from all over the area were brought here, not only men, but also women and children. Due to overcrowding, an additional building had to be constructed but the whole jail eventually shut down in 1889, when larger prisons in the bigger cities took over.

A visit to Inveraray Jail includes a tour through the different wings of the prison and even a trial lock-up in the cells and courtyard cage. Visitors can read stories about the inmates who were locked up in those cells, sit in the restored courtroom and listen to trials and meet the warden and prison guards, all dressed up in authentic period costumes. Coincidentally, Inveraray Jail is believed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Scotland and has many ghost sightings to report.

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.

The 17th-century Greyfriars Church (Greyfriars Kirk) is one of Edinburgh’s most historically important churches. The National Covenant was signed here in 1638, plunging Scotland into civil war. Exhibitions in the Kirk Museum document the church’s history, while the surrounding graveyard houses the tombs of notable historical figures. 

Situated not far from the heavily trafficked Royal Mile, Greyfriars Church is commonly encountered by tourists exploring the atmospheric Edinburgh Old Town. Many visitors explore the church and Greyfriars Kirkyard, the cemetery adjoining the church, during guided tours. Some guided experiences take place during the day and focus on the notable figures buried there, such as poet Allan Ramsay and architect William Adam. Guided ghost tours take place as night falls and focus on the mysteries and ghost tales associated with the site. Free lunchtime music concerts are performed on select Thursdays throughout the year at 12pm.

Greyfriars Church is located in Edinburgh Old Town. Walking from Edinburgh Waverley station takes 10 minutes and involves several steep hills. Alternatively, ride bus numbers 23, 27, 41, or 42 to George IV Bridge, which is just across the road from the church entrance. 

The best time to visit Greyfriars Church is from April to October, as the church is open Monday through Saturday during these months. In winter, Greyfriars Church is only open on select Thursdays. Greyfriars Kirk graveyard is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but is most pleasant during the warmer, sunnier summer months. 

Though the graveyard attracts Harry Potter super-fans who come to see the real-life Tom Riddell tomb that is thought to have subconsciously inspired J.K. Rowling when choosing Voldemort’s real name, Greyfriars Kirkyard is most well-known as the setting of the true-life tale of Greyfriars Bobby. According to locals, a faithful Skye terrier dog named Bobby reportedly stood guard at the grave of his master for more than a decade. When the loyal dog died, he was buried just outside the church where a statue of him still stands. 

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.

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.

Chugging through the misty lochs and sweeping glens of the Scottish Highlands, the Jacobite Steam Train (or Jacobite Express) is one of Britain's greatest train journeys, taking passengers on a nostalgic train ride between Fort William in the West Highlands and Mallaig on Scotland's west coast. The 84-mile (135-km) round-trip route passes Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, and the Glenfinnan viaduct, seen in the Harry Potter films when the Jacobite Steam Train was featured as the fictional Hogwarts Express.

Most visitors ride the Jacobite Express as part of a full-day or multi-day tour from Edinburgh that also visits other Highlands sites such as Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and Loch Ness. The final station at Mallaig is also the starting point for ferries to the Isle of Skye, making it a popular add-on to overnight and multi-day island tours.

Trains run from Fort William station, which is located in the Scottish Highlands about 134 miles (216 km) northwest of Edinburgh and 109 miles (175 km) north of Glasgow. Visitors without their own transport often visit as part of a tour from one of these cities.

The Jacobite Steam Train runs from May to October, with morning and afternoon departures. There are also limited winter departures around Christmas. If you don’t book your ticket in advance, arrive at least an hour before the departure time (earlier if on a weekend or during school holiday periods) to ensure a spot.

For fans of the Harry Potter movies, the Jacobite Steam Train will forever be known as the Hogwarts Express—movie buffs will recognize a number of filming locations along the train journey. Fans can book a seat in the Harry Potter compartment, where Harry and his friends sat on their way to Hogwarts, and enjoy spectacular views of the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel as the train crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, a memorable landscape from the films.

Perched atop a hill by the River Ness, this Victorian-era red sandstone castle—built to replace the medieval fortress blown up by the Jacobites in 1746—is one of Inverness’ most prominent historic structures. Access to the castle, now occupied by government offices and law courts, is restricted but the grounds are open to the public. 

Inverness Castle has long played an important role in Scotland’s story, and is a must-visit for history buffs. Thanks to its elevated setting at the summit of Castle Hill, it also affords views over the river and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Most visitors explore independently, strolling around the grounds to see a Flora MacDonald statue and informational plaques detailing the site’s history. It’s a good place to get a primer on local historical information before venturing to nearby sites with Jacobite connections, such as the Culloden Battlefield or Urquhart Castle. Guided sightseeing tours of the city typically include a glimpse of the castle exterior, while hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the castle site.

Inverness Castle is located on the east side of the River Ness in Inverness city center. The castle is a 15-minute walk from Inverness rail station. Local buses stop at nearby Castle Street and on Castle Road. 

The views from Inverness Castle are best on clear, sunny days. The grounds are busiest during warm summer weather, but even then, crowds are rare. The setting is romantic at sunset, when the sun’s soft rays hit the surface of the River Ness.

Inverness Castle has long played a prominent role in the lore of Scotland, with a history that stretches all the way back to the 11th century. It features in both fiction and history books, having been the setting for part of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the Jacobites razed the castle to the ground just weeks before their final defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

The Isle of Arran sits off the western coast of Scotland. Since the line the divides the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands runs through the island, its landscape reflects this, and the island is often referred to as Scotland in miniature. The northern part of the island is more rugged and mountainous and sparsely populated. The southern part of the island has more rolling hills, and the majority of the island's population reside here. 

The island boasts many attractions for visitors. Castles, such as Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle, are located on the Isle of Arran. There is also a heritage museum where you can learn some of the island's history. Some people come to climb Arran's highest peak, Goatfell, which stands at 2,866 feet, while others choose to hike the more leisurely Coastal Way. Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful scenery on the island, including waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and wildlife. It's also a popular place for water activities such as sea kayaking. 

When 550 Italian soldiers were captured in the scorching North African desert back in 1942, it must have caused them quite a shock to be sent in winter to the Scottish isle of Orkne. The POWs were sent here in order to build the “Churchill Barriers,” a series of causeways that would protect the British Grand Fleet in the Scapa Flow harbor. By 1943, the homesick workers requested a chapel where they could worship. What did they get? Two Nissen huts, which they were told to join end-to-end and labor over outside work hours. 

 

What happened next is a beautiful symbol of peace, faith and the power of human ingenuity even in wartime. Local Orkney artists provided brushes and poster paints to decorate the huts; bully beef tins were converted into makeshift candle holders; wood scavenged from shipwrecks was used to create furniture; a car exhaust was covered in concrete to create a Baptismal font. Slowly but surely, those two steel sheds became the Roman Catholic chapel of the Italians’ dreams. 

 

The main man behind the chapel’s decoration was POW Domenico Chiocchetti, who painted a false frontage so that it really looked like the Roman Catholic churches of home. He was so dedicated to the project that when everyone was sent home in 1944, he stayed on to finish the project.

In 1960, Chiocchetti returned to Orkney from his home in Moena, Italy, to assist with a restoration projection of the chapel. When he left three weeks later, he wrote a letter to the people of Orkney: "The chapel is yours, for you to love and preserve. I take with me to Italy the remembrance of your kindness and wonderful hospitality.” 

The House of Dun is a Georgian house built in 18th century that is set among Victorian gardens and woodlands and adjacent to the Montrose Basin Nature Reserve. It is home to the Hutchison and Stirling collections of paintings and furniture, including 30 paintings by prominent Scottish artists. It was originally built for David Erskine, Lord Dun, from 1730 to 1743 and was home to generations of Erskines until 1947. It functioned as a hotel until 1985.

Guided tours of the House of Dun last just over an hour and talk about the construction of the home while pointing out a variety of ornate plasterwork and period equipment, such as a boot bath from the 1800s. The surrounding gardens are a must-see, as part of the landscape has been reconstructed to what it would have looked like in the 1740s.

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.