Tourist Attractions & Monuments Scotland

Based on plans by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901, this beautiful house was only actually built between 1989 and 1996. The materials were chosen to stick as closely as possible to the world of the architect and to that of his wife, who had designed the interiors. Fans won't fail to look at it, so to appreciate the dining room, the oval room or the main hall, very typical and faithful to their designers. It is located in the middle of a wooded environment in Bellahouston Park. It is also an art gallery and exhibition space.

In 1424, King James ^I launched the construction of this palace on the shores of Loch Linlithgow, after a fire had razed the town's previous castle. It quickly became the royal residence of choice for the Stuarts, who appreciated the tranquility and the country setting. It was also an ideal stopover between Stirling and Edinburgh, where the court regularly visited. James V and Mary Queen of Scots were both born here. However, when her son, James VI, united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, he moved to London and Linlithgow Palace lost its royal use. It was kept in good condition until it was partially destroyed by fire in 1743, so that today you can see mainly the ruins. It is no less romantic and its central fountain is a masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the fountain in the Palace of Holyrood in the capital. A detour to the medieval St Michael's Church, which stands next to it, is a must. We also like the superb landscape which places the palace in a setting, between luxuriant vegetation and deep blue waters of the eponymous loch. The walk in the garden is also very enjoyable.

Smart info : There are guides and quizzes in French to know everything about the site and to have fun exploring it, between adults and with the family. And if you're around at the end of June, check out the annual Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace! (Reservations are available and recommended online.)

This is the classic tourist bus company of Glasgow. You can get on and off as much as you like along the 21 stops that cover all the important sites of the city. Count 1h20 for the complete circuit. Ideal when you have little time! The company offers several types of tours: the Music Tour which retraces the iconic musical places of the city, Pokémon Go Glasgow to go in search of Pokémon through the city. You also have the Isle of Bute Tour - to discover this sublime island -, as well as a tour of the Isle of Mull.

The plant collection in this garden attracts specialists from all over the world, especially for rhododendrons, alpine plants, herbaceous borders and peat gardens. A two-hectare hillside garden, it was created in 1920 by enthusiasts. There is no season to visit these acres, considered to be the most beautiful private gardens in the country. Spring, summer and autumn each have their own intoxicating blooms and fragrances. Don't leave without stopping at the charming tea room, for its menu and breathtaking views.

At the eastern entrance of Aberfeldy, the Dewar's distillery enjoys a huge fame in the whisky industry. Worked by the Dewar family, it started distilling in 1898 and produces very appreciated and varied single malts and blends. The classic tour is very informative and includes the tasting of a dram of your choice. There is also a tour combining the flavours of chocolate and whisky. There is also a very pleasant café-bar on site.

7 km east of Dundee, in the Broughty Ferry district, is this 16th century tower that dominates the surroundings. It was built to guard the entrance to the Tay River and now houses an exhibition on the local history and that of its people, as well as the flora and fauna of the area. The whaling industry of the town is particularly well covered. The castle offers a magnificent view of the river. Make the most of your visit by taking a walk on the beach and along the esplanade of Broughty Ferry.

If you enjoyed Discovery Point, you may also want to visit Dundee's second naval attraction. This almost 200 year old ship is the only example of a wooden warship still visible in Scotland. Built by the Royal Navy and launched in 1824, she could accommodate 46 guns and 300 men for a total length of 46 metres. Today it is possible to walk along its four levels, from bow to stern, to immerse oneself in the heart of this fascinating witness of the past. Children can even take the tour in disguise!

During its various reigns, the royal family acquired a sumptuous collection of works of art from all over the world. The Queen's Gallery was inaugurated by Her Majesty in 2002 and showcases some of the greatest masters of classical, baroque and Flemish painting, as well as pieces acquired during trips abroad. It is housed in an old Victorian church, just across the street from the Scottish Parliament. The exhibitions change regularly and the programming can be consulted online.

This is probably the best ghost tour available. Your guides will lead you through Old Town to tell you the most disturbing legends at nightfall. 4 tours take you into the bowels of the city, to the South Bridge underground: the Vaults tour (60 min), the Haunted vaults tour (60 min), the Ghost & torture tour (for private groups only) and the Terror Group (at 10pm, adults only). Here the worst atrocities took place, perpetrated by criminals and witches. Sensitive souls should not go!

This fascinating discovery centre reproduces daily life in the Iron Age, with the complete reconstruction of a dwelling of the time, called a crannog, which was erected on the surface of a loch. 4 of the 18 buildings are still present, out of the original 18. The remains that have been found are also on display and form real treasures, more than 2,500 years old. The visit is very instructive and fun thanks to the presence of costumed guides.

Despite its military activity during the Wars of Independence and the War of the Three Kingdoms, Doune Castle has remained almost intact and has been used in several film shoots, such as the Holy Grail of Monty Python or, more recently, theGame of Thrones series, in which it was sometimes used as a set at Winterfell, as well as the Outlander series. It was the home of Robert Stuart, Duke of Albany. Son of King Robert II and brother of King Robert III, he was regent of the country during his father's illness and held the reins of power during his brother's reign.

On the tiny island of Lamb Holm, between St Margaret's Hope and Kirkwall, lies this small chapel with a fascinating history. It was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. They began to build a real place of worship with everything they had at hand: military barracks, tin, concrete and wood. In spite of these makeshift raw materials, they managed to recreate a small architectural gem with a bell tower, columns, wall paintings and even an altar.

The office offers information on travel, accommodation, local services and emergency services. It also offers a selection of books, maps, gifts and souvenirs.

All year round, the famous Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises organize trips on the loch between 1h and 6h30, from several departure points. The varied possibilities make the offer very complete and popular. Indeed, it is possible to walk along the Caledonian canal and the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle, to discover the superb Aldourie Castle (luxury establishment), the Bona lighthouse... Several cruises include entrance fees to paying sites. The boat is well equipped, with toilets on board and the possibility to buy food and drinks.

It was the last blackhouse hamlet to be abandoned by its inhabitants in Lewis in 1974. These nine traditional thatched cottages have been restored and are a mirror of the past. The setting is picturesque, with the beach and cliffs at the end of the road. The whole is particularly photogenic, full of character and authenticity. Today, there are several rental accommodation offers, a souvenir shop and a small museum that details the past of the place.

In a traditional 18th century thatched cottage, on the main road in the centre of the village, the past of the region and its inhabitants is told. Costumes, toys, domestic utensils and objects of all kinds - including a replica of the Ballachullish goddess, a wooden sculpture dated 600 BC. -A replica of the Ballachullish goddess, a wooden sculpture dating from 600 BC, reveals the small story, while retrospectives on the Glencoe Massacre or the Jacobite movement tell the big one. There is also an annual temporary exhibition and events scheduled throughout the year.

Since 1993, Rabbie's Tours has been offering ethical small group tours throughout Scotland. Driver-guides who know the stories, sights and secrets of the regions follow off-the-beaten-path itineraries created and tested by travel enthusiasts. This is an opportunity to support local communities. A wide range of options are available, from one-day to two-week adventures through distillery visits, castles or even private tailor-made itineraries. There are also tours of Edinburgh.

Tioram Castle is located on the rocky island of Eilean Tioram, where the waters of Loch Moidart and the Shiel River meet. It was seduced at a strategic point, rivers and seas being once the preferred routes of circulation. Among other things, vestiges of Viking presence were found there. In ruins, it cannot be visited even at low tide. However, you can walk around the island and around the building. However, be very careful (risk of rock falls) and watch the tide schedules.

The Orkney Museum is particularly well developed and is full of information and objects of great interest. Set up in a former Kirkwall house opposite the cathedral, its exhibition is a bit like a labyrinth, with rooms that follow one another in all directions. The contents are nonetheless very interesting and instructive, telling the history of the archipelago, from its origins to the present day, from the Stone Age, the Picts and the Vikings. It is an excellent introduction to discovering the region.

Raised in the 13th century, this medieval building is one of the oldest stone castles in the country. Placed at the mouth of Loch Linnhe, it was the work of the Earls McDougall, before passing into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 15th century. Besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence, it is a witness to the history of the country. Very well preserved, it offers to see imposing walls, the remains of its great hall and the residences of the new house, as well as a chapel. Climb the ramparts to embrace a superb view!

The church, in itself, is quite simple and uncluttered. In the cemetery of this church there are beautifully carved stelae and Celtic crosses. It is moreover the cemetery that attracts visitors, who admire the engraved stones, some of which are particularly old: 15th or 16th century. Some have been restored and are displayed in the church, others in a dedicated space within the cemetery and others still remain on the ground.

The neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair houses a collection of European paintings. First opened in 1859, it contains paintings by Gainsborough, Goya, Francis Bacon, William Blake, Vincent Van Gogh and de Vinci. On the French side, Cézanne, Monet, Delacroix and Ingres are also present. Do not miss the two famous paintings by Titian devoted to the myth of Diana and Actaeon and the series of the seven sacraments of the Church by Poussin.

It is the oldest of Scotland's castles still inhabited; the MacLeods have been living there since the 13th century. Their motto is Hold Fast! ("Hang in there!"). The family never abandoned the building, its rock, and even less the Fairy Flag, an old piece of cloth that has caused many adventures.

The tour includes a visit to the castle, where you can see various objects from the MacLeod clan, but also the bedrooms, lounges and dungeons, as well as the gardens, created in the 19th century. The latter have become one of the largest horticultural gardens in Scotland.

April 16, 1746 marked the end of the last Jacobite revolution and hopes for the Stuart dynasty to regain the throne of Scotland. After threatening to take London, Bonnie Prince Charlie's troops retreat to the Highlands where they are pursued by the Duke of Cumberland's men. The two armies meet on the plain of Culloden, and the Scots are outnumbered to win. Their defeat is total after one hour and Charles is forced to flee. It's a must if you're passionate about Scottish history.

Museum area: It tells the story of the battle from both points of view, with period objects in support. It thus retraces everything one might want to know about this major event in national history, with reconstitution films and a great deal of information on the ins and outs of the battle. Ultra modern, it offers a 360-degree immersion theatre of combat.

Open Access: The battlefield is visible (but not accessible) in open access, as is the Leanach Cottage, which has been open for visitation since it reopened to visitors in 2019. This traditional thatched cottage built in the 18th century was still inhabited in 1912. It has been restored and has become a free temporary exhibition space.

Shop: Outlander fans, you'll find in the free shopping area what you need to add to your goodies collection

Perched on an island in the middle of Loch Laich, a cove in Loch Linnhe, this fortress was built in the 14th century by the McDougall clan and was used for the filming of a scene from the Monthy Python film, Sacred Grail (1975). Tours last about two hours, including the boat trip, and are led by the Stewart Allward family, the current owner of the site. You can also enjoy the superb view of the castle from the Castle Stalker View café, which offers a breathtaking view of the building, or by walking a few metres towards the shore.

On one of the most beautiful railroads in the country, this superb locomotive train takes you back to the Victorian era, but also through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, between Fort William and Mallaig. In season, there are two daily departures from Fort William, in the morning and afternoon, and two returns from Mallaig, in the afternoon and evening. For Harry Potter fans, this is the Hogwarts Express you see in the films. Contemporary Scotrail trains also take the same route several times a day.

Founded in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey did not reach the levels of wealth of its neighbours, Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh. Nevertheless, she was just as overwhelmed by the wars. In 1322, as King Edward II's army withdrew south, the soldiers set fire to it. It was one of three fires in his history. It remains a bewitching ruin. The cloister and some of the painted walls have survived admirably through the ages, but perhaps the main attraction is the tomb of Sir Walter Scott, which lies here not far from his sumptuous home.

Created in 1825, this small distillery is named after its famous neighbour, the giant Ben Nevis. It does not really offer the longest and most complete visit of Scotland, but still has the advantage of being in the city centre of a tourist destination. The 10 years of age is the lighthouse malt. It's 46% percent, is pretty rounded, soft and dry.

Designed by the Spanish Enric Miralles, the construction of the Scottish Parliament's headquarters was spread out from 1999 to 2004. Today, this boldly shaped building stands in stark contrast to the rest of Old Town and its neighbour, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Some people love it, others hate it... It can be visited free of charge: an interactive exhibition explains the role, functioning, history and architecture of parliament. Several guided tours (to be booked) are available: classic, "Architecture tour", "Art tour" and "Photography Tour".

Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, Melrose Abbey was heavily damaged by the English troops of Richard II in 1385. It was then completely rebuilt and most of the visible remains date from this period. Outside, some of the sculptures are very surprising, like goblin cooks and a pig playing the bagpipes. Inside, several Scottish kings are buried, like Alexander II. Above all, it contains the heart of Robert the Bruce, making it an important place of pilgrimage in the country.

The first university of Aberdeen, founded in 1495.

It overlooks the River Ness. The Jacobites seized it in 1746. Its present pink appearance dates from a refurbishment from 1837 to 1847. It now houses a court of justice and a military garrison. The statue of Flora MacDonald, the heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, adorns its front and was sculpted by Andrew Davidson, a native of Inverness. If the visit of the castle is not possible, its top is however accessible to the public (Castle Viewpoint). From there, you can enjoy a 360 degree view on the city and the hinterland of the Highlands.

This colossus overlooking the hill was completed in 1815 to celebrate the victory of Trafalgar by the famous Admiral Nelson ten years earlier. In 1853, a huge sphere was installed on top of the Nelson Monument. Every day, at 1pm, she is hoisted up a mast and then released to give the time to the sailors of Leith. In its tiny museum, this story is told alongside some documents on the legendary naval battle that defeated Napoleon. At the top, the view is pleasant, but not much different from Calton Hill.

You can't miss this castle if you follow the A837 and the North Coast 500. Its ruins, at the end of Loch Assynt, have an undeniable romantic appeal. The remains as much as the site are worth a stop, and a car park is just the place to be. There are information boards with some of its secrets. Built in 1597 by the McLeod clan, it is the former prison of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and is linked to a dark history of betrayal. Burned down in 1745, it was never rebuilt and has remained as a haunted ruin?

Opened in 1913, this 33-hectare zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from 170 different species. Its two giant pandas, the only ones in Britain, arrived from China at the end of 2011: Tian Tian ("Honey"), the female, and Yang Guang ("Sunlight"), the male, are its main attraction. Koalas are also very popular, and there are many other fascinating specimens such as chimpanzees, penguins, Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, zebras, rhinos and many others.

Built in 1665 to defend the bay of Bressay, the fort was rebuilt in 1781 and then modified during the Victorian era. Unfortunately, only the ramparts remain today. In good weather, take a walk along the small cliffs of the Knab, at the southern tip of the town, or to the loch of Clickimin, just west of the town. On a small island in this small lake, connected to the shore by a dyke, is a perfectly preserved circular brooch dating back to the Iron Age. The lake is frequented in particular by tufted ducks.

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

Erected in the image of the former bishop's apartments that were in the same place, this establishment has as its subject the main religions throughout the world. The idea is to show their similarities and differences through the study of certain themes and the support of numerous cult objects, thus inviting more open-mindedness. There is a Zen garden, carved Islamic calligraphy, Christian stained glass windows and Hindu statues.

GoMa, as it is called in Glasgow, is the second most popular modern art gallery in Scotland, after the one in Edinburgh. We meet David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado, Andy Warhol and Scotsmen like John Bellany and Ken Currie. The building itself dates back to 1778 and a statue faces it. It is the Duke of Wellington, on whose head a traffic cone is placed. This local tradition, which is several decades old, almost died when the town hall wanted to raise the monument. The man with the cone is one of the city's proudest.

A collection of toys, dolls, costumes and equipment provides a fun and educational insight into the lives of these children from the Victorian era... And the adults' eyes on them! We also talk about school, daily life, sports clubs, leisure and holidays. More recent objects, vintage, also play on the nostalgic fibre of visitors, children in the 1980s or 1990s.

The Calanais Standing Stones are among the best preserved prehistoric sites in the country. These stones were erected around 3,000 years before our era, in the shape of a cross around a circle of 13 monoliths. In the centre stands a 4.8m menhir, next to which a tomb was added generations later. Although we do not really know what happened here, some archaeologists have put forward the hypothesis of an astronomical observatory. The Callanish visitor centre aims to interpret the history of the site through its small retrospective exhibition.

This beautiful columned building dating from 1832 houses Scotland's largest museum of medical science. We owe his emergence to the architect William Playfair, also father of the National Gallery of Scotland, who was a great collector of utensils related to medicine. Surgical instruments, cabinet of curiosities, pathological specimens, odontological exhibition: the immersion in the history of the treatment and exploration of the human body is impressive.

L'info en + Petit Futé: The museum offers a guided walk on the theme "Blood and guts". It is an invitation to discover the history of medicine in Edinburgh on foot. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, departing from the museum. Your guide will introduce you to the medical history of Edinburgh, with its intrigues, rivalries and key discoveries. Walk in the footsteps of anatomists, surgeons and doctors, go where they worked, operated and conducted their medical research. This tour is an opportunity to soak up little-known accounts by iconic writers and frightening stories including chloroform teas, grave robbery and anecdotes about Britain's first serial killers, the infamous Burke and Hare. Visits are in English and, like the museum, are not recommended for sensitive souls.

The Writers' Museum packed its suitcases full of books in Lady Stair's House, a narrow medieval house in the Royal Mile (1622). It traces the lives of three famous Scottish writers: Robert Burns (1759-1796), Robert L. Stevenson (1850-1894), and Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Through manuscripts, paintings, portraits, personal effects, engravings and photographs, their paths are retraced. The top floor features a superb Ballantyne press, on which Sir Walter Scott's first edition of Waverley was printed.

The Glasgow Tower offers a stunning panoramic view. Just the figures alone make you dizzy: it rotates 360°, it is referenced in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest fully rotating self-supporting structure in the world, it is 127 m high... Before climbing, you will discover the history of the tower and all the adventures and feats of its engineering. Climbing to the top of the tower takes just over 2 minutes. People prone to vertigo will be able to try the geolocated augmented reality experience on iPad.

The Singleton of Glen Ord is the miraculous meeting between the barley of Black Isle and the water of White Burn. The Glen Ord distillery, set in a green setting, tells the story of its whisky and its particularities through an exhibition (with multilingual translations) and guided tours, ranging from the simplest with tasting, to those for the most passionate and expert: with tutored tasting live from the casks, with tasting of 6 different whiskies... The bar, accessible to all, overlooks the barrels and is beautiful.

The Beauly Priory is currently a ruin, but these remains, on the riverside, are a very pleasant visit for those who love religious heritage and mystical places, full of history and haloed with a certain magic. This priory is one of the three priories founded in Scotland around 1230 by the Valliscaulian order. This little-known order of monks originated in Dijon. He advocated poverty, chastity and obedience. Today, the walls of the abbey church remain, housing beautiful funerary monuments.

Rogie Falls is an impressive waterfall, which can be overlooked from a wooden and rope bridge. The waterfall is famous as a spot to watch the salmon as they swim up the Black Water River. In addition to the magnificent waterfall, several walking routes - including one of 1.5 km, to be done in one hour, with a slight difference in height - are accessible from the car park for a discovery of the rich forest landscape of the surroundings, but also beautiful viewpoints and panoramas of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature.

Annandale Distillery is one of the few distilleries in the South of Scotland. The site was bought in 2007 by enthusiasts, who wanted to bring it back to life. In 2018-2019, they released their very first single malt. It was an immediate success, as it was named in 2020 "Best Single Cask, Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 10 Years and Under" (Jim Murray's 2019 and 2020 Whisky Bibles). The distillery can be visited. It also has a beautiful store and a very pleasant café, The Malting Coffe Shop, where it is good to settle.

Falkland Palace is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace. It was the country residence of the Stuart kings. You will follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots in the royal apartments. The rooms have been recreated in their former splendour. You will discover that the castle is full of secrets, fascinating stories... and there is even talk of a treasure. The formal gardens are superb, as is the landscaped park, and the tennis court, one of the oldest in Britain, is a curiosity to see.

This is the place to go to get a full understanding of Shetland's history, northern heritage, uniqueness and rich heritage. The visit brings to life the place names, landscapes and buildings you come across as you cross the islands. It is very instructive and retraces the whole of the archipelago's past, without omitting any of its highlights, whether they concern the first Picts, the Vikings, the arrival of the telephone or the ferries...