20 Most Beautiful Places & Beauty Spots in Scotland

It's easy to find beautiful places to visit in Scotland. With our wild beaches, sparkling lochs and romantic castles, we're often referred to as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

  1. Dunnottar Castle Aberdeenshire

    A couple at Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

    Dunnottar is one of the most recognisable castles in Scotland. Perched on the cliff edge of the North Sea, it boasts a dramatic and evocative atmosphere with centuries of history. Marvel at the intricate details and amazing condition of the castle, alongside the incredible panoramic views out to sea.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
  2. Bow Fiddle Rock Moray

    Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie

    Bow Fiddle Rock in Portknockie is a stunning sight to admire as the sun shoots its last rays over the coastline. Hike the trails around the area, find your own secret slice of paradise and keep an eye out for the nesting seabirds, such as herring gulls, great black-backed and lesser black-backed gulls.

  3. Isle of Iona Isle of Iona

    Looking across the coast to the jetty on Iona

    The Isle of Iona is a small, picturesque island just off the south west coast of Mull. Known for its strong, historic connections to Christianity, explore Iona Abbey or head to the northern coast which has beautiful bays and beaches, boasting the best views out to sea.

  4. Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands North Uist

    Camping at Clachan Sands

    The Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands on North Uist is an impressive stretch of pristine white sands, perfect for a scenic stroll or a picnic on the beach. The crystal-clear waters and shallow bay give the perfect opportunity for snorkelling and swimming. Head for a wander at dusk to enjoy an immaculate sunset.

  5. Bealach na Ba Wester Ross

    Bealach na Ba

    © @wills_onthehills

    The Bealach na Ba is one of the most famous driving routes in Scotland. Known as the Road to Applecross, the route offers epic views out across the whole of Wester Ross, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. With its tight bends and single track, this road isn't for the faint hearted but the views from the top are astonishing.

  6. Loch Ken Galloway Forest Park

    Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park

    © VisitScotland / Damian Shields

    Located in the south east corner of the Galloway Forest Park, Loch Ken offers walking, cycling, watersports and fishing. Take a stroll around the banks of the loch at sunset and you'll be mesmerised by the landscapes.

  7. Glenfinnan Fort William

    Glenfinnan Monument

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Glenfinnan Monument is a striking tribute to those who fought in the Jacobite Risings. Set amid superb Highland scenery at the head of Loch Shiel, it sits opposite the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. A must-see for any amateur photographer or Instagram enthusiast.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  8. Eoligarry Beach Isle of Barra

    Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra

    © @steve_gormley

    Eoligarry Beach is an unspoiled white sand beach on the Isle of Barra, the most southerly of the Outer Hebridean islands. Land on the island by plane along the famous Traigh Mhor beach and begin your adventure north to Eoligarry, featuring incredible views out to the islands of Orosay, Fuday and Fiaraidh around you.

  9. An Lochan Uaine Cairngorms National Park

    An Lochan Uaine

    Legend says that this mysterious loch is green because the local fairies used to wash their clothes in the waters. It might just be due to the trees lying along the loch floor but either way, we think there is something pretty magical about the Green Loch in Glenmore Forest Park, situated in the heart of Cairngorms National Park.

  10. Mealt Falls Isle of Skye

    Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye

    Mealt Falls on the north of Skye is an incredible sight. Partnered with the popular Kilt Rock, together they create a fantastic viewpoint. Take a wander around Mealt Loch, or along the coast and take in the jaw-dropping views for miles around you.

  11. Rannoch Moor Perthshire

    A frozen Lochan na h-Achlaise with a snow-capped Black Mount in the background, Rannoch Moor.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

    Rannoch Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. You'll find grassy moorland, peat bogs, lochs and heather hillocks which all make for striking scenery.

  12. National Wallace Monument Stirling

    The Wallace Monument in autumn

    Admire the famous National Wallace Monument in Stirling, and the incredible hills behind. Follow the story of Scottish patriot and martyr, Sir William Wallace at this national landmark where you can learn about centuries of history.

    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  13. Ullapool Wester Ross

    Ullapool

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Head to the north west coast of Scotland where you'll come across the quaint fishing village of Ullapool. The town boasts a variety of things to see and do, as well as being a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset or two over the pretty harbour.

  14. St Abb's Scottish Borders

    St Abbs

    St Abb's is a small fishing village sitting on the Berwickshire coast only an hour south east of Edinburgh. You might recognise the jagged cliffs and old fishermen's cottages from the big screen - Marvel filmed here for the blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame. The town has even been twinned with New Asgard, the fictional village in the movie.

  15. Glen Clova Angus Glens

    Corrie Fee, Glen Clova

    Glen Clova is a valley with superb views and an abundance of flora and wildlife. It's one of the Angus Glens, a series of tranquil valleys split by single-track roads, offering some of the most majestic landscapes of north east Scotland. It sits between Angus, Perthshire and Aberdeenshire and makes up part of the Cairngorms National Park.

  16. Fingal's Cave Isle of Staffa

    Fingals Cave on Staffa Island

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    This awe-inspiring natural formation will take your breath away. Marvel at the towering basalt columns and intricate rock details of Fingal's Cave as you take a boat tour out to the island and explore the enticing atmosphere of the cave itself. You'll find it off the west coast of Scotland.

  17. Corryvreckan Whirlpool Isle of Jura

    Corryvreckan Whirlpool

    The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world and one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles. Take a boat ride out around the islands with a bumpy ride through the whirlpool itself, all in the hands of a very capable and experienced captain. It's located on the Gulf of Corryvreckan, between the isles of Jura and Scarba.

  18. Loch Lomond Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

    Walkers on Conic Hill

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. Experience peace and quiet, whilst spotting wildlife and exploring the beautiful landscapes. Relax amongst the natural beauty of the lochs and breathe in the air of the hills and awe-inspiring views from each of these summits.

  19. Yesnaby Castle sea stack Orkney

    Yesnaby Castle sea stack on the west coast of Orkney

    You can't help but admire the beauty around the Yesnaby Castle sea stacks. Sitting off the west coast of Orkney, this impressive rock formation is a great place to see various sea birds including the oyster catcher.

  20. Tobermory Isle of Mull

    A sea plane glides over the multicoloured houses along the pier at Tobermory, with the hills of North Mull over the water in the distance

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    Tobermory is one of the most easily recognisable towns in Scotland, thanks to the brightly coloured houses along the harbour-front. Head to the Isle of Mull where you can experience the magic of this quaint fishing port, which was used as inspiration for the popular children's TV show, Balamory.

Find out more

We might be biased, but we think Scotland truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Why not share your beautiful holiday destinations over on our social platforms - FacebookInstagram and X (formerly Twitter)?

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in every region, but why not slow down your travels and experience all that Scotland has to offer?

Discover more about slow travel in Scotland

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