It’s hard not to fall in love with Scotland.
I’ve been twice: once on a week-long school trip about 15 years ago and again in 2022, when I crossed the country while running the length of the UK.
That second visit really introduced me to Scotland, and it blew me away.
It’s a special place with wild and diverse landscapes, beautiful historic towns, friendly, salt-of-the-earth locals, and so much more. If you like history, whisky, and the great outdoors, then you’ll be in your element!
To help you plan your trip, here are 18 of the best things to do in Scotland – some of which I’ve seen/done and others that remain on my bucket list.
Table of Contents
1. Explore Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the second most popular city in the UK (London taking poll position). Almost 2 million people visited in 2022, eager to wander along its cobbled streets, explore Edinburgh Castle, go to renowned museums, climb Arthur’s Seat, and so much more.
If you love history and want easy access to nature, Auld Reekie (Edinburgh’s nickname) is an excellent place to be.
Top Tours and Activities in Edinburgh:
2. Go to the Scottish Islands
That vast collection of islands narrows down to four main groups: the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. All boast rugged coastal beauty, but a few of particular note include the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Jura, and the Isle of Arran.
Top Tours of the Orkney Islands:
3. Visit the Scottish Highlands
This is quintessential Scotland in my mind – rugged and remote. It’s the sort of place that breeds tough people. It’s just you and nature. Hills, mountains, lochs, and beaches make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
One highland destination that deserves special mention is Glencoe. It’s a magical place with incredible mountain views and natural attractions.
Top Tours of the Scottish Highlands:
4. Go to John O’Groats
Located at the northern tip of Scotland, John O’Groats is one of the UK’s remotest places. There’s not much to do other than get outside and enjoy the scenery! But, if you’re going to the highlands, it’s worth visiting – even if it’s just to say you’ve been.
There’s no doubting its beauty, either. The air is fresh, cliffs drop into the North Sea, and the Orkney Islands sit on the horizon. Go for a walk, grab a beer, look for the orcas that swim off the coast here, and enjoy another unique thing to do in Scotland.
Top Tours of John O’Groats:
5. See the Highland Games
The Highland Games are like Scotland’s very own Olympics. However, instead of lycra-clad athletes sprinting around a track or flinging javelins, giant men in kilts lift logs, pull ropes, and hurl stones.
It’s one of the oldest Scottish events, making it a massive part of Scottish culture. So, if you’re in town when the Games occur (throughout summer, from May until the end of September), be sure to go along and watch.
Top Tours Involving the Highland Games:
6. See Loch Ness
You can’t list the best things to do in Scotland without mentioning Loch Ness. It’s a highlight of the Highlands, known everywhere for the elusive monster, Nessie, said to inhabit it.
Yet the loch doesn’t need a mythical creature to be noteworthy. It’s around 37km long, making it the largest freshwater loch in the highlands. It’s stunning, surrounded by mountains and forests, and has the mighty Urquhart Castle on its shore for even more iconic photo opportunities.
Top Tours and Activities in Loch Ness
7. Explore the Cairngorms
Cairngorms National Park is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Scotland. It’s in the eastern highlands – a vast wilderness characterized by cute villages, castles, lakes, hills, and wildlife. You might spot ospreys, red deer, and wild cats.
Do you love snow sports? Head here in winter. Snow is common in the Cairngorms, drawing many people eager to go skiing and snowboarding.
Top Tours of the Cairngorms:
8. Visit Some Castles
Scotland feels old – there’s just something in the air. Its castles make that sense of history tangible, though. From world-famous fortresses still frequented by British royalty to lesser-known ruins on tiny islands, there could have been up to 3000 castles here at one point.
Exploring them is another of the best things to do in Scotland. Edinburgh, Balmoral, and Dunnottar Castles stand out, but the list is endless.
Top Tours Involving Scottish Castles:
9. Do a Whisky Tour
Scotland converted me to whisky. I’d never liked it until I went to a Scottish bar with my dad.
It was a cold and dreary evening in the middle of nowhere, and we ordered a whisky – mainly because that’s what you do in Scotland. It went down so smoothly that we both bought a bottle!
One of the best ways to sample whisky and learn more about the tipple is on a distillery tour. Here are five of the most famous distilleries in Scotland:
- Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne
- Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown
- Glenlivet Distillery in Ballindalloch
- Dalmore Distillery in Invergordon
- Laphroaig Distillery on the Isle of Islay
Top Whisky Tours in Scotland:
10. Play Some Golf
I’m not a golfer. But if I were, I’d be up to Scotland in a heartbeat. The eastern coast is literally where the game started. Back then, you’d have been using a bent stick to hit pebbles over sand dunes (literally).
Nowadays, you can play on some of the oldest golf courses on the planet, often surrounded by gorgeous coastal views. A few of the most famous fairways to check out include:
- Old Course in St. Andrews
- North Berwick
- Royal Dornoch
- Cruden Bay
- Castle Stuart
Top Golf Experiences in Scotland:
11. Eat Quintessentially Scottish Cuisine
Scotland might not have the same reputation for its culinary scene as places like France and Italy. But it definitely has some unique dishes and foods to try while you’re there.
A few examples include Scottish Breakfasts, potato scones, Scotch pies, and Cullen Skink. But the most famous is Haggis. The Scottish national dish involves boiling sheep innards, onions, oatmeal, suet, stock, and herbs inside a sheep’s stomach lining to create a kind of sausage meat.
12. Indulge on Scottish Sweet Treats
Got a sweet tooth? You’re in luck. Scotland is famous for its deep-fried Mars Bars and Scottish Tablet. The former does exactly what it says on the tin. You take a Mars Bar, coat it in batter, then pop it in the deep-fat fryer for a decadent treat.
The latter, Scottish Tablet, is a traditional sweet treat similar to fudge, just with a slightly different texture. The basic recipe is said to date back hundreds of years.
13. Try to See the Northern Lights
Did you know northern Scotland has roughly the same latitude as some parts of Norway? This helps explain how – if you’re lucky – you can see the Aurora Borealis (AKA the northern lights).
Remember those Scottish islands? That’s where you’re most likely to see them – especially in wintertime, between September and March. Nights are at their longest and darkest, boosting the chance of seeing the Mirrie Dancers (Shetland’s name for the Aurora Borealis).
14. Hike, Camp, Explore the Outdoors
One thing I love about visiting Scotland compared to England is that you have the right to roam. It means you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping (almost) anywhere, as long as you behave responsibly. Try that in most parts of England, where your land rights differ, and you commit a civil offense.
Combine Scotland’s right to roam with its immense natural landscapes, and the stage is set for outdoor fun. You can hike, climb, kayak, and camp until your heart’s content.
15. Stay in a Bothy
If you do take advantage of the right to roam, keep an eye out for Scotland’s bothies. Located across the country in remote destinations, these simple shelters (“bothan” is the Gaelic word for hut) are available for anybody to stay in for free.
They’re generally unlocked and have a sleeping platform, table and chairs, and somewhere to light a fire (although not necessarily any wood to burn).
With no electricity, toilet, or running water, bothies are by no means luxurious. But this free shelter in wild, beautiful, and inaccessible places will feel amazing – especially if it’s raining.
16. Walk the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most popular multi-day hikes. The trail extends 154km (96 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking you through stunning and diverse landscapes.
Expect mountains, rivers, and lochs, incredible valleys, and densely forested areas. There are pubs to rest your legs at, too, campsites to meet fellow hikers at, distilleries to explore (for research purposes only, of course), and a whole lot of other unique sights to enjoy.
Top Tours of the West Highland Way:
17. Ride the Harry Potter Train
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Remember those iconic shots of the Hogwarts Express chugging along a viaduct through rolling hills on its way to Hogwarts? Well, you can see it for yourself in Scotland.
In real life, you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train run across the Glenfinnan Viaduct by driving to the Glenfinnan Viaduct car park. From there, a signposted trail takes you to the perfect viewing point. Want to ride the train itself? It runs all week long from Fort William to Mallaig.
Experience the Jacobite Steam Train:
18. Indulge in Some Culture
It would take too long to list them all, but here’s a selection of the best things to do in Scotland for culture:
- Culloden Battlefield – the site of the last pitched battle ever fought on UK soil
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival – a huge annual event showcasing a diverse array of arts and entertainment
- Highland Folk Museum – an open-air museum showcasing Highland life from the 18th through to the 20th Century
- Hogmanay – Scotland’s traditional New Year’s celebration on December 31st
Consider a visit to Glasgow, too. It’s famous for its architecture and arts scene – not to mention the other perks of a big city.
Explore Scotland the Easy Way
Moving around, finding accommodation, and deciding what to do in a new place can be a pain – especially when exploring a country as laden with activities as Scotland.
If you want a more straightforward way to see the best bits, you could join a small group tour with G Adventures.
For example, their Highlights of Scotland guided tour ticks off many items on this list, including Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and Glenfinnan. They also have a Journeys: Discover Scotland tour that lasts slightly longer.
Both take you to a curated list of top attractions and take care of your transport, accommodation, and activities.
In other words, you get an epic trip to Scotland with zero hassle.
Never heard of G Adventures? Don’t worry, you’d be in good hands. This trusted tour company has been a leader in small-group adventure travel for almost 30 years.
They take people all over the world, using local guides to showcase the very best of each country. Expect unique experiences in stunning destinations, with the logistics taken care of, and a group of like-minded companions to share the adventure with.
Here’s a Reddit thread where people who have been on their tours discuss what they liked/disliked. Click here to learn more about their trips to Scotland.
Enjoy the Best Things to Do In Scotland
There are masses of incredible things to do in Scotland! I hope this list has given you some new ideas for how to spend your time there.
Whether you’re exploring its cities, hiking in the Highlands, spending time on the Scottish islands, or sampling whisky at a distillery, you’re sure to leave this beautiful country with some fantastic memories.
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