Scotland is a country of folklore, ancient castles, breathtaking vistas and strong whiskey. Situated in the northern reaches of the British Isles, Scotland boasts a wealth of vacation sites for travelers in search of culture, pastoral scenery or world-class golf. From the major cities in the lowlands to the remote towns of the highlands, Scotland has numerous attractions just waiting to be discovered.


Glasgow ranks as the largest city in Scotland. This industrial town is home to many fine universities and sprawling parks. Glasgow brims with Victorian architecture and boasts the country's only complete medieval cathedral. Also popular is the Kelvingrove Art Galley and Museum, which houses famous works by Renaissance and modern painters. Fans of soccer, or football as the locals call it, can visit the national stadium at Hampden Park. The new Scottish Football Museums sits on-site. Just outside of Glasgow lies Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park.


The city of Edinburgh sits 46 miles to the east of Glasgow in the Scottish lowlands. Often referred to as "the Athens of the North," Edinburgh has a massive castle as well as a scenic acropolis overlooking the Firth of Forth. Leading up to the brooding castle is the Royal Mile, which overflows with souvenir shops and cozy pubs. Edinburgh's Playhouse holds the title of Britain's largest theater, according to the iExplore Travel Guide. Nearby Princes Street bustles with stores and upscale dining venues.


Stirling occupies the central region of Scotland, serving as a crossroads between the lowlands to the south and the highlands to the north. Stirling Castle looms over the town with its stone ramparts. In the distance lies the William Wallace Monument, a lone tower on the horizon. Stirling was the site of the famous Battle of Bannockburn and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Robert the Bruce and William Wallace respectively won major victories against the English in the 13th and 14th centuries. Tourists can explore the very grounds where these epic events took place.

St. Andrews

St. Andrews lies on the eastern coast of Scotland in the Kingdom of Fife. Known around the world as the original cradle of golf, St. Andrews Old Course offers golfers some of the most challenging play on the face of the planet. The links wind their way along the rocky shore and heather, making for an amazing backdrop. Apart from this historic course, the town of St. Andrews has a reputable university as well as a castle and cathedral to visit.

Loch Ness and the Highlands

Loch Ness stands out as one of the more iconic vacation sites in Scotland. Trips to Loch Ness generally go through the highland town of Inverness, the United Kingdom's northernmost city. Architecture from the 17th century dots the cityscape, and organized tour groups shuttle travelers from town to the rugged countryside. Cruise companies ferry passengers along the Caledonian Canal to the mouth of scenic Loch Ness. The dark waters stretch off into the mountains, giving the impression of an infinite lake. Several forts and castles can be seen around the loch, and tourists have the option of getting off the boat to walk around the sites.

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  5. Attribution: The Scottish Parliament.; License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
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