Tourist attractions in Scotland
Find information and ideas on great Scottish attractions and days out in Scotland, including castles, museums, galleries, wildlife parks.
What type of attractions can you experience in Scotland?
Scotland is full of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered. Wander through magnificent historic sites, sit beside a tranquil loch, uncover Scotland’s living heritage, or sip a dram at a traditional distillery.
What kind of attractions are you looking for?
Whether you want to step back in time, get closer to nature or immerse yourself in Scotland’s culture, find an experience that feels made for you.
Step into Scotland's past: explore mighty castles, atmospheric ruins and ancient sites, and uncover the legends that shaped Scotland. Wander through medieval halls, stand on historic battlefields or discover the secrets of places that have stood for centuries.
Explore:
- Stirling Castle - step inside one of Scotland’s grandest medieval castles and uncover its royal past.
- Culloden Battlefield - walk the site of the 1496 battle and learn about one of Scotland’s most significant historic conflicts.
- Heart of Neolithic Orkney - explore a remarkable collection of ancient settlements, tombs and ceremonial sites.
- Standing stones - encounter Scotland’s mysterious stone circles and standing stones, which have stood for thousands of years.
Glamis Castle
Get your culture fix: immerse yourself in Scotland's creative side, from world-class art and fascinating museums to music, design and contemporary culture. Spend an afternoon discovering masterpieces, uncovering surprising tales or seeing Scotland through an artist's eyes.
Explore:
- National Museum of Scotland - explore fascinating collections and remarkable wonders from around the world.
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - wander through grand galleries filled with incredible art and captivating stories.
- V&A Dundee - get inspired by beautiful objects and brilliant design at Scotland’s spectacular waterfront museum.
- Scottish National Gallery - get up close to masterpieces by some of Scotland’s most celebrated artists and beyond.
National Museum of Scotland
Escape into the great outdoors: swap the everyday for fresh air and wide-open spaces. Wander through spectacular gardens, discover wildlife, explore dramatic landscapes or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Explore:
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - wander through a world of beautiful plants and peaceful gardens.
- Highland Wildlife Park - meet native and rare wildlife against a Highland backdrop.
- Jupiter Artland - discover bold outdoor artworks set among woodland, field and gardens.
- Cairngorms National Park - roam through rugged mountains, magical forests and wild landscapes.
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - soak up lochs, mountains and breathtaking scenery.
Utsi Bridge
Make memories together: looking for a day out everyone will enjoy? Visit fascinating places, discover something new together or add a little adventure to your day. With so many experiences to choose from, it’s easy to make memories the whole family will treasure.
Explore:
- Edinburgh Zoo - meet fascinating animals from around the world in the heart of the city.
- Dynamic Earth - journey through the story of our planet, from the Big Bang to today.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - step into a world of optical illusions, puzzles and playful surprises.
- Landmark Forest Adventure Park - take on thrilling rides, giant slides and adventures among the trees.
- Inverness Castle Experience - discover Inverness through immersive stories, stunning views and interactive experiences.
Visitors explore the gardens at the Inverness Castle Experience
© The Inverness Castle Experience
See Scotland on screen: explore the worlds you've seen on screen and experience some of Scotland's most recognisable landscapes for yourself. Walk in the footsteps of favourite characters, explore unforgettable filming locations and experience the landscapes that have brought some of the world’s best-loved stories to life.
Explore:
- Harry Potter filming locations - follow in Harry’s footsteps through Scotland’s spellbinding landscapes.
- Outlander locations - delve into the castles, glens and villages of Jamie and Claire’s world.
- James Bond's Scotland - experience the dramatic Highland landscapes made famous by 007.
The Ralston Memorial at the Pass of Glencoe
Make the most of this season
Wondering where to start this autumn? Admire the changing colours at Dawyck Botanic Garden, soak up the views from The National Wallace Monument, journey back through time at the Scottish Crannog Centre, or take the leap with Highland Fling Bungee.
National Wallace Monument
An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.
Dawyck Botanic Garden
See one of the world's finest arboreta near Peebles.
Highland Fling Bungee & Zip Park
Discover the home of bungee jumping in Scotland and the new exciting Zip Park.
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.