City: Scotland
Top Things to do in Scotland
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What to do and see in Scotland, United Kingdom: The Best Historic Sites
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
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Restaurants in Scotland
1. Hopetoun House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Hopetoun House & Grounds are now closed until Friday 10th April 2020. Visit Hopetoun and discover a place of beauty, tranquility and architectural magnificence dating from the 17th century. It has been home to the Hope Family since the late 1600’s and the present Lord Hopetoun and his family still live in Hopetoun House. Hopetoun House, a remarkable and beautiful stately home, is filled with stunning collections and sits in majestic grounds with nature trails and scenic walks.
Reviewed By 802brendag - Linlithgow, United Kingdom
Hopetoun Farm Shop (linked to Hopetoun House) is near Hopetoun Garden Centre off the road to Newton. It was a delight to shop there where all 3 members of staff I dealt with were enthusiastic about the products they were selling, and (in the case of the butcher counter) had made.
2. Eilean Donan Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,314 reviews
This picturesque castle, built in 1220, holds the title of the most photographed castle in Scotland.
Reviewed By Armaska - Tallinn, Estonia
Eilean Donan was our third castle after Stirling and Inveraray and they all were worth the visits! They all have picturesque locations but they are super different in the inside. We really liked the Eilean Donan audio tour and we specially liked the kitchen and bedrooms - super interesting to see how noble people lived. And do not miss the before pictures - it is unbelievable that a family (and restoration worker) had the vision and means to build it up again. Definitely a gem!
3. Urquhart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,250 reviews
Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café. Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film. The castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and the site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s history. This is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.
Reviewed By 882davidh - Seamill, United Kingdom
What an amazing castle, even though it is a ruin. We were there nearly 2hrs wandering around and taking pictures. It was a brilliant day of still water and bright sunshine, almost shorts and tee shirt weather, and this was in mid November!! We were told in the summer that is very busy. If I was going to make one recommendation, be there as soon as it opens. We were able to walk around, take loads of pictures solely of the castle and grounds, and not other visitors. There is an excellent visitor centre as well, full of information (including a short film on the history), things to buy (obviously), and a large café with panoramic views of the castle (indoor and outdoor seating). There is also disabled facilities, a lift to the lower level and they provide 4 wheel mobility scooters as well to get down the pathway to the castle. The staff are really friendly, so helpful and very knowledgeable about the ruin.
4. National Wallace Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,560 reviews
A national hero - a national landmark. For 150 years The National Wallace Monument has been standing proudly on The Abbey Craig, outside the historic city of Stirling, and telling the thrilling story of Sir William Wallace, Patriot, Martyr, and Guardian of Scotland.
Reviewed By MiaCD - Fareham, United Kingdom
The climb up to the top of the Monument is well worth the climb and the viewing of the artifacts within are breath taking, the gift shop is reasonably priced as well, we will be back to climb those stairs again!
5. The Real Mary King's Close
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,429 reviews
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret: a warren of hidden ‘closes’ where real people lived, worked and died. For centuries they have lain forgotten and abandoned…until now. Visit Edinburgh's most famous Close, which makes Edinburgh's Hidden History unmissable.
Reviewed By plutomad
We found this attraction by accident, and this made our Edinburgh trip unforgettable. We didn’t know what to expect but this place is fascinating. My only warning would be that the attraction is very dark, there are many stairs and low ceilings, sloping and cobbled floors which makes this attraction almost impossible for those with mobility issues. However if you can manage the physical restrictions you are in for a real treat. You are guided through these underground streets by a well versed guide who helps to emerge you in the history and who in our case was happy and capable of answering all questions. There is no photography inside the attraction which was really disappointing, and you can Of course pay to have an official photo taken, we didn’t bother, but have not stopped telling people about this attraction it was amazing.
6. St Andrews Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,949 reviews
St Andrews Cathedral is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. The cathedral grounds will be open Sun to Tues. The remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church, show how impressive it used to be. The museum houses an outstanding collection of early and later medieval sculptures and other relics found on the site, including the magnificent St Andrews Sarcophagus of Pictish date. The precinct walls are particularly well preserved. St Rule's Tower, in the precinct, is part of the first church of the Augustinian canons at St Andrews built in the early 12th century. There are splendid views from the top.
Reviewed By Romelle11 - North Easton, United States
Spent a few hours in St. Andrew and walked through the impressive ruins of the cathedral and cemetery.
7. Chatelherault
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Reviewed By 1Blackpool - Hamilton, United Kingdom
A lovely walk from Chatelherault down throgh the parklands then on to the falls of the river clyde before walking into Hamilton along thewalk you can see for miles on a clear day.
8. Dean Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,573 reviews
Reviewed By KaG328 - Portofino, Italy
Dean Village - is a quiet village located on the banks of the Leith river, in Edinburgh, founded in the 12th century by the friars of the Abbey of Holyrood. When the inhabitants of Edinburgh realized that this quiet area near the city had great potential, rehabilitation work began which transformed it into one of the most requested residential areas of the city. But before, the area worsened to the point of becoming, around 1960 s , a poor and decadent place. Dean Village is very special and romantic place. It is pleasant to take a relaxing walking through Dean Village, just 15-20 minutes from the city center. The bridge over the river and the charming stone houses dating back to the 17th century create an extraordinary and fabulous atmosphere, surrounded by interesting places such as the Water of Leith, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art or the Dean Cemetery. So, take your time, and slowly, walk through and enjoy the mood of this special place, listening to the voices of the history, art and nature .
9. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,500 reviews
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland.
Reviewed By mvidro - Washington DC, United States
We bought the "Royal Tour" entry, which entitled us to see Holyrood itself (with excellent headset guides and in-room docents for additional questions), a garden tour (EDWARD, our guide was great), and the Queen's Gallery around the corner (showing "Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs"). We spent roughly five hours touring the facility, including lunch in the cafe. Holyrood was one of the highlights of Edinburgh -- don't miss it!
10. Inchcolm Abbey and Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 938 reviews
Inchcolm Abbey was established on this island originally as a priory by David I in 1235. It is the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. It was the dream of Alexander I to establish a monastery on the island after he sheltered on it during a storm. But following his death, it was his brother David I who invited Augustinian canons to establish a priory, which was later given full abbey status. The abbey has a dramatic location which you can see from the boat before you arrive on the island. The medieval stone screens inside the belltower are rare survivals of medieval church fixtures and the 13th century well-painting is a rare medieval fresco. The island is also famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from the two world wars.
Reviewed By 483stuartj - Coventry, United Kingdom
Boat trip out to the island with comfort, bar and great commentary on features across the Forth set the scene for the beauty of the island The abbey is in an excellent state of preservation giving you a real sense of what life would have been like for the monks. Walks around the island offer stunning views, chance to explore WW2 fortifications and wonderful encounters with wild life. We were too late to see the puffins but seals were seen in great numbers Excellent day out for visitors of all ages and the monastery provided cover if you are unfortunate enough to encounter some rain Highly recommended
