Historic towns in Scotland

Just 10 miles from the English border, Jedburgh is best known for the striking ruins of its 12th-century abbey. Stand beneath the remaining archways as sunlight filters through the stonework and get a glimpse of monastic life in medieval times. Browse the independent shops and cafés alongside the High Street and Canongate before treating yourself to some tea and cake. Then visit Jedburgh Castle Jail, which might look like a castle from the outside but reveals a darker story within its walls. Swap tales of crime and punishment for a peaceful stroll beside Jed Water and follow into the footsteps of Roman soldiers on the Dere Road. With centuries of history to discover, Jedburgh is worth slowing down for. 

Things to do 

• Jedburgh Abbey – one of four abbeys in the Scottish Borders established in the 1100s, right in the centre of Jedburgh. 
• Mary Queen of Scot's Visitor Centre – discover the story of Mary, Queen of Scots who spent a month in Jedburgh in 1566. 
• Jacksons at Jedburgh – feed the animals and experience rural life at this family-friendly farm.  
• Borders Abbeys Way – this 100-mile-long circular route links the four great Borders abbeys at Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso.  

Discover centuries of history in Jedburgh 

Books outnumber people 250 to 1 in Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town. Stroll through its historic streets, browse the large variety of independent bookshops and pause for a coffee in one of the town's welcoming cafés. Each autumn, the Wigtown Book Festival brings readers and writers together for ten days of talks, ideas and performances, alongside a year-round programme of literary events. Whether you’re searching for your next great read or simply enjoying Wigtown’s relaxed atmosphere, this literary corner of Dumfries & Galloway invites you to slow down and get lost in a good story.  

Things to do 

• Martyrs' Stake – visit the site where two women Covenanters were drowned in May 1685, then explore the County Buildings – once the local courtroom, now home to the town library and the remains of an 18th-century prison cell. 
• Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve – settle into the bird hide overlooking salt marshes rich in wildlife at Britain’s largest local nature reserve and enjoy views over Wigtown Bay and the Galloway Hills. 

Visit Wigtown 

Set on the shores of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is an 18th-century town, designed and built by the Duke of Argyll. The wide streets and grand Georgian architecture set Inveraray apart from many of Scotland's small historic towns. Climb the Duke's Tower for sweeping views and stop by the historic Inveraray Cross by the waterfront. Inveraray Castle and its gardens are among the town's highlights. Walk through its ornate rooms, landscaped gardens and centuries of history or take part in a courtroom trial at Inverary Jail. After a day filled with explorations, sample some Loch Fyne kippers and enjoy a dram in one of the town’s historic hotels. 

Things to do 

• Inveraray Castle – ancestral seat of Clan Campbell and home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, this castle stands on the shores of Loch Fyne. 
• Ardkinglas Woodland Garden – follow the Gruffalo Trail, where little adventurers can spot familiar characters beneath some of Britain’s tallest trees. 
• Dùn na Cuaiche – climb to the top of this hill and enjoy sweeping views over Inveraray Castle and the surrounding area. 

Experience the grandeur of Inveraray 

If you have watched Outlander, you might recognise Falkland as it was used to portray Inverness in the TV series. Stroll through the streets of this picturesque town in Fife and visit Falkland Palace & Garden. This palace was once a favourite retreat of the Stewart kings and queens, who came here to hunt deer and wild boar in the surrounding forests. As you explore the palace, listen to the creak of centuries-old floorboards beneath your feet and imagine the royal figures who once walked these halls. Take your time strolling through the cobbled streets of Falkland, pause for tea and cake in a cosy café and browse the independent shops for locally made gifts and crafts. With the Lomond hills close by, Falkland is an excellent place for walking, cycling and exploring the countryside of the Kingdom of Fife. 

Things to do 

• Falkland Palace & Garden – former country retreat of Stuart kings and queens and home to one of only two surviving 16th-century tennis courts in Britain. 
• John Knox's Pulpit – follow a woodland walk to this historic site associated with the Covenanters, who gathered here for secret religious services in the late 17th century. 
• Pillars of Hercules – stock up on organic produce and enjoy homemade food at this farm shop and café. 
• Tyndall Bruce Monument – climb to this hilltop monument and enjoy panoramic views over the Fife countryside.  

Discover Falkland's royal past 

Stromness might seem like a quiet harbour town today, but for centuries it stood at the crossroads of a maritime world, stretching from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific. Stroll through the winding cobblestoned streets and imagine the sailors, pirates and explorers who once passed through this town. Stop at Login's Well where crews would fill up the ships' water barrels before their long ocean journeys. In Stromness Museum, come face to face with artefacts from Captain Cook's voyages, Arctic expeditions and discover the strong link between Stromness and the Hudson's Bay Company.  

Things to do 

• Stromness Museum – uncover stories of trade and Arctic expeditions through artefacts that reveal the rich maritime history of the town. 
• Ring of Brodgar – surrounded by lochs and windswept open landscapes, this stone circle shows Orkney’s Neolithic past in all its glory. 
• Skara Brae – 10 miles west of Stromness, this Neolithic settlement is older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. 

Visit Stromness

Dunkeld, Perthshire 

Although officially classed as a town, Dunkeld retains the character of a village and is connected by bridge to neighbouring Birnam. Dunkeld is known for its cathedral, while Birnam is associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the ancient woodland that inspired the play. Shakespeare wasn’t the only literary figure influenced by these landscapes. Beatrix Potter spent many childhood holidays here, and her stories are closely connected to the surrounding countryside.  

Admire Dunkeld’s impressive cathedral, stroll past beautifully restored houses of Cathedral Street and around the Mercat Cross, then stop for a coffee and delicious pastry at ARAN Bakery. Cross Dunkeld Bridge to the Victorian village of Birnam and discover its literary heritage. Dunkeld and Birnam are perfect for a day exploring with the family. 

Things to do 

• Dunkeld Cathedral – regarded by some as Scotland’s most romantic cathedral, it enjoys a beautiful setting overlooking the River Tay.  
• Beatrix Potter Perthshire Experience – enter the enchanting world of Jemima Puddleduck and Peter Rabbit along this garden trail. 
• The Hermitage – breathe in the scent of pine along the woodland paths and hear the roar of cascading water at Black Linn Falls. 
• History and Horror Tours – join this walking tour to discover Dunkeld’s haunted and mysterious history.  

Visit Dunkeld and Birnam 

If you are looking for a weekend break or a relaxed family getaway, Dornoch is the perfect place to go. This historic seaside town lies on the east coast, just north of Inverness, and is known for its award-winning beach, championship golf course and 13th-century cathedral. Kids will love building sandcastles on the wide sandy beach, whose golden colour echoes the honey-coloured sandstone buildings found throughout the town. Wander through the historic streets, see if you can spot the playful gargoyles peering out from the cathedral's roof and round off your day with a luxury hot chocolate from Cocoa Mountain.    

Things to do 

• Dornoch Cathedral – though no longer a Bishop’s seat, the residents of Dornoch continue to honour its long history by retaining the title of cathedral. 
• Royal Dornoch Golf Club – tee off with views over the Dornoch Firth, on a golf course ranked as one of the finest in the world. 
• Falls of Shin – see wild Atlantic salmon leap up the cascading waterfalls of the River Shin. 
• Dunrobin Castle – explore the grand rooms and watch birds of prey soar overhead during one of the falconry displays in the gardens. 

Soak up tranquility in the seaside town of Dornoch 

Arbroath combines a rich history with a stunning coastal setting. Admire the red sandstone ruins of Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was written in 1320 declaring Scotland’s status as an independent sovereign state. Stroll around the picturesque harbour, pause at the Signal Tower Museum and explore the town’s maritime history and story of the Bell Rock Lighthouse which lies 11 miles out at sea. The scent of smoked haddock often drifts through the town, and no visit to Arbroath is complete without trying an Arbroath smokie – the town’s famous speciality. 

Things to do 

• Arbroath Abbey – admire the ruins, including the distinctive "Round O" window, at the site that played such an important role in Scotland’s history. 
• St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum – admire the 38 Pictish stones that were found in the nearby village of St Vigeans.  
• West-Links Beach – also known as Elliot Beach, this sandy beach is ideal for a relaxing stroll along the coast. 
• Seaton Cliffs – hear waves crashing into the rocks at this nature reserve with spectacular red sandstone cliffs, caves, blowholes and arches. 

Visit the historic town of Arbroath 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.