Anyone who ever travels to Scotland leaves impressed deeply with the incredible beauty this country has to offer, without fail. From coast to coast you’ll be stunned into silence at the views, and that’s not bragging, it’s just fact!

With our experience giving tours to visitors and travelling all over the country we’ve got extensive knowledge of Scotland and all the best spots to visit - not to mention the most beautiful places!

So let’s get right into it and break down our list of the 9 most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Glen Coe

Starting with a BIG hitter and one of my favourite places in all of Scotland - Glen Coe. It stands out as a true marvel in the Highlands, beckoning travellers to explore its volcanic origins and captivating terrain.
Glen Coe, or Gleann Comhann in Gaelic, is found in the northern part of Argyll, close to the historic Lochaber province. The glen is a playground for mountaineers and a haven for those who seek the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
In a 2010 review by Scottish Natural Heritage, Glen Coe earned accolades for its "soaring, dramatic splendour" and the seamless transition from high mountain passes to lightly wooded straths. The A82 road through the glen is hailed as one of the classic Highland journeys, offering travellers an unforgettable experience.

Consider taking our guided tour through Glen Coe all done in a day! Itinerary details found here.

Loch Lomond

Right within Scotland's National Park, Loch Lomond stands out as one of the country's most enchanting destinations, offering a myriad of reasons to be on our list of the 9 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Scotland.
This captivating loch is surrounded by a diverse landscape, explore it all from the lush expanses in the south to the rugged glens and towering peaks in the north.

Geologists find allure in the region's geology—the fault line that divides the Highlands from the Lowlands, creating a visually stunning panorama.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park showcases a harmonious blend of rugged hills, verdant woodlands, and alluring bodies of water, captivating visitors with its ever-changing scenery. A leisurely cruise on the loch unveils breathtaking vistas, with Scotland's most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond, commanding attention alongside the jagged profiles of the Arrochar Alps.

Whether it's the tranquility of the waters, the majesty of the surrounding peaks, or the cultural richness of the islands, Loch Lomond undoubtedly earns its place among Scotland's most beautiful destinations, making it a must-visit gem in your Scottish travel itinerary.

Explore Loch Lomond, amongst other iconic places such as Stirling Castle & The Kelpies, on our day tour from Edinburgh! Check it out here.

Dunnotar Castle

Perched atop a 160-foot rock and embraced on three sides by the North Sea, these awe-inspiring cliff-top ruins once stood as an impregnable fortress belonging to the Earls Marischal, a formidable and influential Scottish family.
This romantic and haunting relic couldn’t NOT be on our list of the 9 most beautiful locations in Scotland!

Dunnottar Castle, a pinnacle of North-east Scotland, possesses an irresistible cinematic appeal, attracting filmmakers eager to capture its dramatic essence. The castle played a significant role in Zeffirelli's adaptation of the timeless Shakespeare classic, Hamlet (1990), starring Oscar winner Mel Gibson.

Notably, Disney Pixar's animators, enchanted by Dunnottar Castle's mesmerising aura during a 2012 visit, altered their original plans for Merida's family castle, DunBroch, relocating it from a Highland loch to a captivating outpost by the sea. The castle further showcased its versatility in the 2015 adaptation of Victor Frankenstein, starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy, revealing a captivating and eerie facet of its historic grandeur.

Isle of Skye

There would be no way to miss out the Isle of Skye on this list… and I know there is A LOT to see there but it feels right to simply include the entire island!
Whether you plan a brief visit to the Isle of Skye as part of your Scottish tour or choose to extend your stay, this island will win your heart and have you dying to come back again.

From majestic mountain ranges to miles of captivating coastline and a rich tapestry of history, the Isle of Skye unfolds its charms, offering an experience that will captivate your imagination.

We’ve released a 3-day Isle of Skye tour, new to 2024, that will take you through the highlands to all the greatest spots Scotland has to offer (and many of the locations in this list). Check out the itinerary here.

Glenfinnan, Scotland — Glenfinnan

The Glenfinnan Monument, adorned with a solitary kilted Highlander atop, stands as a poignant tribute to the valiant individuals who participated in the Jacobite Risings. Nestled amidst breathtaking Highland landscapes at the head of Loch Shiel, this iconic structure gazes across the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured).

A compelling destination for amateur photographers and Instagram enthusiasts alike, it’s all historical significance and picturesque setting combined with the back drop of the viaduct and the Harry Potter train that passes over!

Let’s face it, a lot of people come to Scotland because of Harry Potter, that’s why we put together a Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express & Loch Ness 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh. Travel like Harry while also seeing other iconic locations in Scotland.

Luskentyre Beach, Scotland — Luskentyre Beach

Luskentyre, situated on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, is a pristine golden sand beach. Renowned for its stunning mountain backdrop and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it consistently ranks among the top beaches in the UK.
Truly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in the world and the best in Scotland. I can’t recommend coming out to Harris and walking along the golden sand yourself.

We’ve put together a 5-day tour that will take you from Edinburgh or Glasgow, through the BEST of the highlands of Scotland and onto Lewis & Harris. We’re talking history, castles, ruins, endlessly beautiful scenery combined with an expert guides chat and simply a great trip. Check it out here.

Rannoch Moor, Scotland — Rannoch Moor

The Great Moor of Rannoch, one of Europe's last wildernesses, is a vast and challenging outdoor expanse extending from Rannoch Station. Blanket bogs, lochans, and rocky outcrops create a unique environment supporting diverse flora and fauna, from curlews and grouse to roe and red deer.
Adventure awaits with challenging walks, cycling routes, and high mountains for experienced hillwalkers.

Lower-level paths from Rannoch Station lead to scenic destinations like Corrour and Loch Ossian. Explore the moor's beauty and history at the Rannoch Moor visitor center, detailing its evolution, historical significance, and the role of the railway in the area.

An EPIC beauty of expansive moor and a sight not to be missed on your next Scotland adventure!

Dunrobin Castle, Scotland — Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle, the northernmost of Scotland's grand residences and the largest in the Northern Highlands boasting 189 rooms, and clearly is just an absolute stunning castle.
Dating back to the early 1300s, it is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses, once home to the Earls and later the Dukes of Sutherland.

Resembling a French château with its majestic conical spires, the castle bears architectural influences from notable figures like Sir Charles Barry, the designer of London's Houses of Parliament, and Scotland's Sir Robert Lorimer. Throughout its rich history, the castle served diverse purposes, from a naval hospital during World War I to a boys' boarding school from 1965 to 1972.

If you love ancient history as well as castles of Scotland, check out our 5-day Orkney tour where we pass by the likes of Dunrobin Castle, Sinclair Castle, Glen Coe, Loch Ness & all over the impressively old island of Orkney.

Sinclair Castle, Scotland — Sinclair Castle

Perched on a rocky promontory in the sea, Girnigoe Castle and Castle Sinclair were once believed to be distinct fortresses, though they stand in close proximity. Despite being a ruin, it is one of the most impressive, gloomy, dark and mysterious places I’ve been to in Scotland!
Marked prominently on Blaeu's map of Caithness as 'Girnigho or Groen gho, now called Castell Sincleer,' the site features Girnigoe Castle, a 15th-century altered tower. This structure comprises a main block and two projecting wings, forming a U-plan building.

If you appreciate ruins that represent a colourful history, than you’ll love Sinclair castle. It’s open to the public and is also a place we stop at on our 5-day Orkney tour!

Let us not think that’s where the beauty of Scotland ends… oh no, there are endless locations throughout our rugged country that will captivate you and have you wishing to come back every year. It really is a pleasure for us to show Scotland to visitors - we hope we’ll see you on tour sometime soon!