Scotland's UNESCO Trail

Visit Scotland's UNESCO Sites by Location

There are 13 designations across Scotland. We've broken them down into six separate journeys by location so you can enjoy a longer break in one location. If you've got more time, why not pick two to combine on one break?

THE UNESCO TRAIL GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNEYS

Time: Choose from 4-day to 8-day trips

Choose a part of the trail to explore and experience a different area of Scotland. To make things easy for you, we’ve pulled together six different journeys covering each part of the country, and you can easily create a trip which combines any number of them.

You could start in the south of Scotland, and then explore Edinburgh and Dundee, or why not head north to the biosphere and geopark of the north west Highlands? If you’ve got time you could sail over to Orkney, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides. Or take your time slowly exploring Glasgow and nearby New Lanark and the Antonine Wall sites.

Each of our journeys provides travel information with tips on how to get to the area, making it simple for you to start planning your own unique journey, as well as prioritising the most sustainable travel options available. We’ve also highlighted things to do, places to stay, food and drink, local tips and ways to travel around.

The Northlink Ferry sails past the Old Man of Hoy and the cliffs

THE UNESCO TRAIL GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNEYS

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Cuween Chambered Cairn made of stones, sits on the top of Cuween Hill as the light fades against the water

Uncover the UNESCO Wonder of Scotland's Northern Isles

The north islands of Scotland are closer than you think, with frequent ferry crossings from the mainland and flight connections to and from Aberdeen and Inverness airports. Once here, getting around by car, foot or bike is a breeze thanks to a superb inter-island ferry network, quiet roads, and regular buses. Discover the best way to explore Shetland and Orkney with information on transport, accommodation, places to eat and attractions.

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Experience UNESCO on the Outer Hebrides

After exploring the North West Highlands Geopark, take advantage of regular seasonal ferry services from the mainland and discover the islands of the Outer Hebrides off the north-west coast, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda. Get around using inter-island ferry services, buses, taxis or by bike. You can even fly to some remote islands. Plan your island-hopping journey with tips on transport, attractions, accommodation and food and drink.

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A woman carrying a walking stick with a backpack looks out over a loch and trees to some hills, from a rocky ledge

Experience the Awe-Inspiring UNESCO Sites of North Scotland

North Scotland is more accessible than you might think, with options to arrive by train or bus. This secluded part of the country has some of the world’s most scenic driving routes, and the journey around the biosphere and geopark’s communities, natural landmarks and attractions is just as spectacular as the destinations. Read our practical advice on how to get around, what to see, and where to stay and eat.

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Explore South Scotland & Its UNESCO Site

South Scotland is one of Scotland’s most accessible destinations, enjoying proximity to major transport hubs and a superb public transport network. It couldn’t be easier getting around the communities, beauty spots and attractions of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Start planning your journey through South Scotland with our practical advice and tips on what to see and do.

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Discover & Experience UNESCO in Central West Scotland

The west of Scotland is highly accessible and a great place to start Scotland’s UNESCO Trail. Arrive into one of Glasgow’s two major rail stations, then use the fantastic public transport network including trains, buses and coaches, which make exploring this UNESCO City of Music and the nearby World Heritage Sites of New Lanark and the Antonine Wall easy. Find practical guidance on getting around and tips on attractions, accommodation and food and drink.

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The buildings around the cobbled Royal Mile, lit up in red and blue colours at night

Discover & Explore the UNESCO Sites of Central East Scotland

To arrive in the east of Scotland from most places in the UK, it’s a simple case of hopping on a train from the nearest station and arriving in Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. There’s also Edinburgh Airport with connections to international hubs across the UK and Europe. From here, reach Dundee by train, or make use of excellent rail, bus, and cycle networks to explore the wider region. Find practical advice and tips on getting around the cities and the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attractions, accommodation, and places to eat.

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