From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a castle on a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.
Your holiday, starring Scotland
Why we love Scotland
Scotland’s stunning landscapes, lochs, islands and mountains combine to form a country that’s as unique as it is beautiful. Where else could you explore 709 islands, while drinking over 130 different types of whisky? Tee off on scenic courses in the birthplace of golf and watch men in kilts play tug o’war? Or listen to the sound of bagpipes, alongside tales of a monster in a loch, a real-life Macbeth and a national Braveheart?
They’re not the only characters you’ll meet here. See Scotland’s film-star good looks on a set-jetting jaunt through sweeping glens and mighty castles, immortalised in Harry Potter, James Bond and Outlander. Step into history with a tour of Glasgow Cathedral, a haunting backdrop to The Batman and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, or fall in love with Edinburgh on a stroll up Arthur’s Seat, like the stars of One Day.
Capital city
Edinburgh
Currency
GBP
Timezone
GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)
So head north to discover incredible places to visit — you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes.
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Starring Great Britain
Scotland highlights
Dundee
Dundee’s arts and culture scene is thriving, thanks to the V&A design museum and a host of theatres and galleries. Succession fans – did you know that the V&A makes a cameo in the hit series? Spot quirky statues around the city centre, take a stroll along the revamped waterfront and take in some of Dundee’s colourful street art.
Glasgow’s art scene
Scotland’s second city is an underrated creative hub. Whether it’s admiring street art on the colourful Glasgow mural trail, catching an exhibition at the Baroque Kelvingrove Art Gallery, or checking out contemporary work in the Gallery of Modern Art, there’s inspiration everywhere you look in Glasgow.
Edinburgh’s festivals
Edinburgh’s place as cultural capital means there’s a yearly schedule packed with festivals and events. Month-long Fringe Festival may be the most famous, but it’s also worth checking out music lover’s Edinburgh International Festival, New Years’ extravaganza Hogmanay, and June’s inclusive celebration of love that is Pride Edinburgh.
Ben Nevis
An ancient giant of the land, plan a hike up Ben Nevis – part of the Grampian Mountain range and Scotland’s tallest peak. At the summit, there’s evidence of a volcanic explosion in the form of light-coloured granite.
Arthur’s Seat
Take a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and discover a Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace. Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, is the remains of a volcano. Climb to the top to be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Inner Hebrides Island Hopping
Sample the fine peaty whiskies of the Isle of Islay, explore castles on Skye, spot sea eagles on the Isle of Mull or visit the ancient abbey on the Isle of Iona. You’ll find Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, basking sharks off the shores of Coll and quiet beaches to roam on Colonsay. There’s so much to see and do when you’re island-hopping in Scotland.
Scottish destinations
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Edinburgh
Glasgow
North Coast 500
The Scottish Highlands
Borders and Lowlands
Scottish Islands
Inverness
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Cairngorms National Park
Aberdeen
Dundee
Dumfries
Shetland
Fort William
Orkney
Stirling
Perth
Dunfermline
Forfar
Arbroath
Kirriemuir
Edinburgh
Glasgow
North Coast 500
The Scottish Highlands
Borders and Lowlands
Scottish Islands
Inverness
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Cairngorms National Park
Aberdeen
Dundee
Dumfries
Shetland
Fort William
Orkney
Stirling
Perth
Dunfermline
Forfar
Arbroath
Kirriemuir
Scotland itineraries
Featured things to do in Scotland
Wander Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Dominated by a magnificent curvilinear glasshouse called Kibble Palace, discover a garden with 200 years of history and a collection of over 9,000 different plants.
Find out more about Glasgow Botanic Garden
Experience the Highland Games
Built around traditional Highland sports such as the caber toss, tug o' war and hammer throw, attending a Highland games event over the summer months is a fun way to experience Scottish and Celtic culture.
Find out more about the Highland Games
Be wowed by the Mural Trail
Explore this colourful route around Glasgow that has brightened up the city. Many local artists have been commissioned to create these huge art pieces, often depicting and celebrating life in Scotland’s second city.
Find out more about the Glasgow Mural Trail
Party like it’s the end of the year
Prepare for the party of a lifetime with Edinburgh’s unmissable Hogmanay celebrations. Seeing in the New Year, get ready for buzzing street parties, live concerts and a firework display that’ll leave you in awe.
Find out more about Edinburgh’s HogmanayOur favourite experiences in Scotland
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