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.

American Monument

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Famous Scottish Landmarks and Historic Monuments

Glenfinnan Monument

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

From Edinburgh Castle to the Glenfinnan Monument, Scotland's landmarks entice visitors from near and far. Whether you want to photograph some castle ruins or climb to the top of a historic monument like The National Wallace Monument in Stirling, you are really spoilt for choice. Explore the links on this page for a taster of what you can expect.

Historic buildings and heritage sites

Interested in taking a look round some the famous buildings in Scotland? Did you know Scotland has 13 UNESCO World Heritage designations? These include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and the Forth Bridge, which welcome visitors all year round. Taking a virtual tour may inspire you to visit the real Scottish buildings including castles, towers and brochs.

Check out this blog on virtual tours of Scottish heritage sites

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

Accessible Historic Attractions

Scotland is a welcoming place. In fact, many of our attractions are dedicated to offering visitors an inclusive experience. This means that anyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy our historic attractions without barriers. This includes our iconic castles and battlefields. 

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

Most Popular Historic Sites in Scotland

From Neolithic villages to 18th century battlefields, there are many locations where you can get a glimpse of life in eras gone by. Excite your curiosity at some incredible places of historical significance across Scotland.

Antonine Wall

The Antonine Wall was an ambitious engineering project which once struck fear and dread into the hearts of the people of Scotland.

Calanais Standing Stones

Located in the west coast of Lewis, the 5,000 year old Callanish Stones are famous all over the world.

Skara Brae

The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe.

St Andrews Cathedral

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

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.

Iona Abbey

Find out more about one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites.

The Battle of Bannockburn

Prepare for battle at this multi-award-winning visitor centre.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens.

Falkland Palace

Visit one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance palaces, a place adored by Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Real Mary King's Close

Find out more about Edinburgh's underground history.

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful setting.

What's New

UNESCO trail

The first country in the world to bring together 13 UNESCO sites into one trail.

Facing Our Past

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

Dunnottar Castle

Explore more of Scotland

With centuries of exciting history, famous Scottish buildings and historical attractions, who knows what you'll uncover as you explore Scotland's past?

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