Top Scottish Attractions: What To See And Do In Scotland

Scottish attractions have seen tourism at an all time high due to popular sights that keep visitors flocking back. Famous sights like The Royal Mile, Glasgow Science Centre and the National Museum of Scotland hold something of interest for everyone.

Edinburgh Castle, pictured above, is a must-see if visiting Scotland.

I’ve varied this list as much as I can, in the hope that everyone of all ages will find something that appeals. Most of these attractions are suitable for a family day out.

TOP SCOTTISH ATTRACTIONS

My top Scottish attractions are listed here in no particular order….

KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
in Glasgow is our top (free entry) Scottish Attraction. This museum hosts a fabulous collection of paintings and natural history. One of the galleries features the work of Glasgow’s ‘celebrated son’, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. You should allow a full day for a visit here.

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
Recommended by BBC News as “Scotland’s leading visitor-friendly attraction” is a must visit if you happen to be in Edinburgh. Following fierce competition from cities in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh was successful in her bid to become Britannia’s new home.

THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
Situated beside Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience offers a choice of five virtual tours, in many different languages. Learn the history of whisky making, the art of blending, have a wee taster, be well looked after with helpful staff and excellent disabled facilities.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
Here you can follow and discover the history of life in Scotland, and the world. You’ll learn how nature, art and design, fashion, science and technology have progressed throughout the ages. Activities will keep the children amused.

BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK
The children won’t get bored, that’s for sure, when you consider the number of attractions that make up the whole adventure that is Blair Drummond Safari Park. It’s a fabulous day out for all the family, young and old. You’ll start by driving through the animal reserves, then…

THE FALKIRK WHEEL
An engineering design wonder, The Falkirk Wheel is our #3 visitor attraction. This huge structure was built to connect the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals for east to west coast access for boats. The technical genius makes this a fascinating sight. It’s a great day out.

THE HELIX (AND THE KELPIES)
At The Helix, get up close and personal with The Kelpies, (mythical water horses) as seen here. These are thought to be the largest equine sculptures in the world. There’s also the visitor centre, kids adventure zone, great walking and cycling facilities, and much more.

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY TOUR
Do you like your whisky? If so, you’ll love this tour, not least the sampling part, of course. Whisky distilleries have always been popular visitor attractions in Scotland, and none more so than this one. If you enjoy the tour, I can promise you’ll be drooling with delight when…

THE IMPRESSIVE GLASGOW CATHEDRAL
In Scotland, around AD550 St Mungo, the first Bishop of the British Kingdom of Strathclyde, founded a religious community around a small church, which was built in an area that became known as Glasgow. The present building was built during the 13th century, on the site…

THE ROMANTIC MELROSE ABBEY
Now a ruin, this is considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful buildings, and it’s fascinating history provides you with a sense of romance. An unopened casket containing King Robert the Bruce’s heart lay in Edinburgh until 1998, when it was buried again at Melrose Abbey.

EDINBURGH’S FAMOUS ROYAL MILE
How long does it take you to walk one mile? For the Royal Mile you will probably need about a week. Here you will follow the city’s history, starting from Holyrood Palace at the bottom, to Edinburgh Castle at the top, a journey taken by many Kings and Queens.

GLASGOW SCIENCE CENTRE
Here you’re guaranteed a fabulous time exploring 300 hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops and live science shows. The science and technology museum, was awarded a five star rating by the Scottish Tourist Board. This is a fabulous day out for the whole family.

EDINBURGH ZOO
The zoo has been open since 1913, and it’s still one of the top Scottish attractions. Edinburgh Zoo lets you meet over 1,000 animals, and it is probably our best wildlife attraction. Of all the things to see and do, this is one of them. The highlight is the daily “Penguin Parade”.

THE RIVERSIDE MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT
This is a great attraction. Take a trip back in time with a look at the trams, the buses and vintage cars that once filled the city. Alongside the museum is the S. S. Glenlee, a tall ship built in 1896. You can have a tour, and it’s FREE.

Scotland has an abundant wealth of great attractions to discover with some of the United Kingdom’s finest Victorian architecture, internationally acclaimed museums and galleries to inspire, as well as Glasgow’s own unique atmosphere to soak up.

The great National Museums of Scotland show Scotland to the rest of the World with exquisite and extensive collections that have been built up over a period of more than two centuries. There are nearly 300 museums and galleries in the country, so it’s not surprising that they are among some of the most popular Scottish attractions.

See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the information you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Get helpful advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and much more.

MORE SCOTTISH ATTRACTIONS

Fingal’s Cave, on the Isle of Staffa, is worth seeing. Staffa Tours operate daily from a few departure points to get you there.

Inverewe Gardens is considered to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful gardens. Read more on the Visit Wester Ross website.

In and around Edinburgh

Apart from the castle, the City has a multitude of visitor attractions, including 5 more castles, 25 museums, 2 cathedrals, Holyrood Palace and the Edinburgh Dungeon.