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- 27 Hidden gems of secret Scotland: how many do you know?
27 Hidden gems of secret Scotland: how many do you know?
Enchanted by Scotland’s incredible sights, landscapes, culture and beauty? Maybe you’ve visited before and want to explore more, or maybe you’ve been entranced by breathtaking images, either way you’ve vowed to return and are now looking to plan your next trip. Why not look a little further off the beaten path and explore beyond the top attractions?
- 1
Dunrobin Castle Near Golspie, Sutherland
Dunrobin Castle
Marvel at the stunning French design of Dunrobin Castle, one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses and the largest castle in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Its superb architecture and fairy-tale spires were added by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed London’s Houses of Parliament.
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- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 2
Caerlaverock Castle Dumfries
Caerlaverock Castle situated near the town of Dumfries
© VisitScotland / Damian Shields
This imposing castle is in the shape of a triangle, and along with its atmospheric green moat and setting within a nature reserve, these features give Caerlaverock Castle a story-book quality. There’s simply no other castle in the world like it!
Neither of these tickle your fancy? We’ve got hundreds of stunning castles and historic houses in Scotland!
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- 3
St Ninian's Tombolo Shetland
St Ninian's Isle, joined to Mainland by a tombolo of sand at Bigton, Shetland.
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.
With pristine sands and blue waters just as vivid as those found in Barbados, Shetland’s very own St Ninian’s Isle never fails to capture the heart of beach-goers. It’s regularly compared to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean, and deservedly so!
- 4
Sandwood Bay Kinlochbervie, Sutherland
A Couple Walking On The Beach At Sandwood Bay With A View Beyond To The Sea-Stack Of Am Buachaille, On The West Coast Of The Sutherland.
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
The hidden Sandwood Bay may seem a little tricky to get to, but the effort of hiking here is well worth it when a mile-long stretch of golden sand unfurls in front of you. The chances are it will just be you – perfect for budding Robinson Crusoes!
- 5
Smoo Cave Sutherland
a couple cross a wooden bridge into Smoo Cave. They are dwarfed by the scale of the cavern, with rises far above
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved
Set into the limestone cliffs at the head of a narrow sea inlet, Smoo Cave is Britain’s biggest sea cave, and a marvellous sight to behold. Head to Durness and explore the site with its underground pools and local legends.
- 6
Kilmartin Glen Kilmartin, Argyll
Kilmartin Glen, located between Oban and Lochgilphead, in the west of Scotland
© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem
Considered to be one of Europe’s most concentrated areas for prehistoric remains, Kilmartin Glen is home to over 800 structures within a 6-mile radius including burial sites and standing stones; look out for the Dunadd Fort, where ancient kings were crowned and the early Scottish nation forged.
- 7
Sueno's Stone Forres, Moray
Sueno's Stone, Forres, Moray
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
The Picts were the indigenous people of the north and left behind remarkable ancient relics. The impressive Sueno’s Stone in Forres is Scotland’s tallest sculpted standing stone. It features carvings of rare battle scenes from the 10th century.
Did you know? Aberdeenshire is one of the richest areas for standing stones and ancient monuments – so much so that there even is a dedicated Stone Circle Trail.
- 8
St Kilda Outer Hebrides
St Kilda
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
A boat trip to the remote and majestic island of St Kilda is a great way to combine adventure and nature in this wonderful part of Scotland. Did you know that the island is one of the premier birdwatching sites in the world?
Should you still need more reasons to visit this part of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides have been named one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic. Visit this incredible region and explore its fascinating culture, hear amazing historical stories and gaze in awe at the unparalleled vistas that stretch along the Hebridean Way.
- 9
Skara Brae Stromness, Orkney
Exploring Skara Brae in Orkney
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Skara Brae is one of the best preserved stone villages in the whole of western Europe. Experience the incredible sense of how people lived their day to day lives 5,000 years ago.
Key facilities- Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Hearing Loop
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 10
Isle of Jura Argyll
Looking over the Sound Of Gigha to the Paps of Jura
Did you know that Jura has a larger population of deer than people? Nearby you can witness the dramatic Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the world’s third largest whirlpool on a guided boat trip. The pounding roar of the swirling waters can sometimes be heard over 10 miles away!
- 11
Islay Argyll
The Singing Sands on Islay
On Islay you can taste the distinctive peaty flavours of the Whisky Coast. This is the greatest of whisky-producing islands. It is only 25 miles long, but has no fewer than nine distilleries!
- 12
Loch Awe Argyll
Kilchurn castle on the banks of Loch Awe
© VisitScotland, all rights reserved
Loch Awe is a scenic loch, gently fringed with thick conifer forests and beautiful oak woods. It’s most famous for the marvellously evocative ruin of Kilchurn Castle. Gazing out over the water from its tower you can take in the view of Ben Cruachan – truly awe-some!
- 13
St Mary's Loch Scottish Borders
LOOKING ALONG THE A708 ROAD AS IT SKIRTS ST. MARY'S LOCH- STRETCHING 3 MILES SOUTH WEST IN THE ETTRICK FOREST, SCOTTISH BORDERS.
© Paul Tomkins, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.
Set in the midst of the Southern Uplands, St Mary’s Loch is less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh yet offers a feeling of tranquil remoteness. Serene rolling hills, wild moorland and extensive woodland – you name it and you’ll find it!
- 14
Perthshire Tourist Route Perthshire
Drummond Gardens and Castle
Beginning just north of Dunblane, the Perthshire Tourist Route is a short but spectacular drive. It’s a tale of non-stop scenery on an epic scale along with plenty hidden gems and secrets. You’ll want to stop off and take a closer look en-route!
- 15
Angus Coastal Route & Deeside Coastal Route East Scotland
The beach at Lunan Bay
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
The Angus Coastal Route begins in the city of Dundee, which has top attractions such as the RRS Discovery, and takes you 58 miles through Angus and north to Aberdeen. On the way back, follow the Deeside Tourist Route and as you drive through Royal Deeside, you will pass Balmoral Castle, a summer residence of the Royal Family and part of Scotland’s only Castle Trail.
Call us biased, but we believe there is no such thing as a dull and boring drive through Scotland!
- 16
Union Canal Near Falkirk
Houseboats on The Union Canal by the Falkirk Wheel
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The Union Canal runs for a little over 30 miles from central Edinburgh to the amazing Falkirk Wheel where it links with the Forth & Clyde Canal. Hire a boat or join a cruise and admire the landmarks along the canal. You can even dine in a restaurant boat!
- 17
Loch Katrine Stirlingshire
The steamship Sir Walter Scott trails a wake across Loch Katrine, past islands and steep, wooded hills.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.
Step on board the historic SS Sir Walter Scott steamship, sit back and witness the inspiring scenery that inspired the poet as it sails down the tranquil Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
- 18
Pier Arts Centre Orkney
The Pier Arts Centre
Wander through the cobbled streets of Stromness to discover a variety of creative wares in galleries and shops. The Pier Arts Centre by the harbour hosts local and international exhibitions which are free to browse and also displays a wide range of local arts and crafts.
Key facilities- Hearing Loop
- Level Access
- 19
Glen Trool Dumfries & Galloway
Glen Trool, Dumfries & Galloway
Not every beautiful glen is in the Highlands! Glen Trool in the Galloway Forest Park is a lush, loch-side hideaway with idyllic forest walks. If you’re into mountain biking, this glen has some truly wild and wonderful downhill trails.
- 20
Dun na Cuaiche Hill Inveraray, Argyll
Inveraray town
Starting in the shadow of the neo-Gothic Inveraray Castle, Dun na Cuaiche is a great, waymarked, short but steep walk up to an 18th century watch-tower above Inveraray village on Loch Fyne. The views from the top are simply stunning!
- 21
Isle of May Fife
View of the Isle of May Cliffs showing the South Horn lighthouse.
The Isle of May is a nature reserve of national importance for a large number of seabird species with a bird observatory. In summer, the cliffs of the islands’ west coast are a hive of activity – you can see over 25,000 or so breeding pairs of puffins!
Key facilities- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 22
Banffshire & Moray Coast Aberdeenshire
A WOMAN PHOTOGRAPHS A DOLPHIN ON BOAT TRIP, THE MORAY FIRTH, HIGHLAND.
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved
Known as ‘Dolphin Coast’, Banffshire and the Moray coast are a mecca for anyone wanting to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Aberdeenshire’s coastline has been known to attract killer whales and the occasional humpback whales offshore, too!
- 23
Culzean Castle and Country Park Ayrshire
Culzean Castle and Country Park
© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group
Surrounded by surging seas, lush forests and secrets gardens, Culzean Castle and Country Park is the perfect place for a day out whether you’re a keen walker, enjoy admiring gardens, have an interest in architecture or just enjoy soaking up some history.
Key facilities- Parking
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Hearing Loop
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- 24
Logan Botanic Garden Port Logan, Dumfries & Galloway
Logan Botanic Garden
Pay a visit to the country’s most exotic garden, Logan Botanic Garden, in Port Logan and discover a horticulturalist’s dream. Plants from the southern hemisphere thrive here, from Himalayan poppies to New Zealand forget-me-nots and African daisies.
Key facilities- Parking
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 25
Bell Rock Lighthouse Angus
Signal Tower Museum, Arbroath
The impressive Bell Rock Lighthouse – also known as Stevenson’s Lighthouse – is the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse. It’s often regarded as the most outstanding engineering achievement of the 19th century.
Key facilities- Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Pets Welcome
- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- 26
Neptune's Staircase Near Fort William
The Caledonian Canal beside Neptune s Staircase at Corpach
Overlooked by Ben Nevis, Neptune’s Staircase is a dramatic eight lock flight situated just north of Fort William. This spectacular feat of engineering is the longest staircase lock in Britain. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to go up or down the locks. Fancy a ride?
- 27
Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore
Open Air section of Highland Folk Museum
© Highlife Highland
The past is written all over the Highlands landscape and the Highland Folk Museum brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland people. Learn how Scottish Highlanders lived, how they built their homes, dressed and more.
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- On Public Transport Route
- Hearing Loop
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