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  1. Home
  2. Things to do
  3. Attractions
  4. History & Heritage

Historic attractions in Scotland

If there's one thing we could really go on and on about, it's Scotland's history. But don't worry, it is certainly not boring - it's just that it stretches back thousands and thousands of years, meaning there is plenty to cover! Behind the famous buildings in Scotland there are some great stories - which hopefully you'll hear when you visit these Scottish heritage sites.

Stirling Castle

Historic attractions in Scotland

Excite your curiosity at these historical sites across Scotland. From Neolithic villages to historic abbeys, get a glimpse of life in eras gone by.

Rossyln Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 and has attracted and intrigued writers, artists and visitors ever since.

Arbroath Abbey

Explore the substantial ruins of a Tironensian monastery.

The Blackhouse, Arnol

This traditional Lewis thatched house is fully furnished, complete with an attached barn, byre and stackyard.

Gladstone's Land

The historic townhouse in Edinburgh takes you through three centuries of Gladstone’s Land history.

St Andrews Cathedral

Visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church.

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

Steeped in history and magical charm, Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop is where couples have come to marry since 1754.

Castles & Battlefields Accessible Highlights Guide

Read about Scotland's most accessible castles and battlefields by Euan's guide

Scone Palace

Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were crowned on the Stone of Destiny.

Landmarks and monuments in Scotland

Scotland's landmarks entice visitors from near and far. Whether you want to photograph some ruins or climb to the top of a historic monument, you really are spoilt for choice.

National Wallace Monument

An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Antonine Wall: Frontiers of the Roman Empire

Explore the Antonine Wall, once the Roman Empire’s most northerly frontier.

Culloden Battlefield

Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.

Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments and landmarks out of stone.

Flowers in bloom in the gardens of Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House.

© Abbotsford House

Castles and palaces

Scotland is full of historical castles to discover, including medieval ruins perched on dramatic clifftops and opulent baronial mansions, 

  • 10 Great Scottish castles
  • 12 Fairytale castles in Scotland
  • Scotland's Castle Trail - Aberdeenshire
Explore Scotland's castles

What's new?

Discover new ways to explore Scotland's complex and ancient history. Browse Museum Galleries Scotland's new interactive map, visit the Burrell Collection - winner of The Museum of the Year Award 2023 - and see the legendary Stone of Destiny at the new Perth Museum. 

Facing Our Past

Take a look at the National Trust for Scotland project which looks at historic properties and their colonial connections

Scotland's UNESCO Trail

The first country in the world to bring together 16 UNESCO sites into one trail. Are you ready to discover the wonders within?

Museums Galleries Scotland map

Browse museums and galleries across Scotland with this interactive map.

The Scottish Crannog Centre

It's back! The Scottish Crannog Centre has officially re-opened its doors. Book tickets now for a journey back in time to Scotland's prehistoric past.

Delve into Scotland's history

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Famous Scots

From Rabbie Burns to Macbeth, there are famous Scots in history and even Hollywood.

The Jacobite Rebellion

The Jacobite Risings proved a decisive period in Scotland's history

Standing stones

Scotland's standing stones uncover a fascinating prehistoric past.

Crown Jewels of Scotland & The Stone of Destiny

Our jewel encrusted crown, elaborate sword and sceptre and the Stone of Destiny.

7 Historic wonders in Scotland

Discover seven historic wonders in Scotland that should be on your must-see travel list.

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