Scotland, one of the four countries that comprise the United Kingdom, has an abundance of exciting things to see and do. And, despite its small size (you can drive its entire length in a few hours), this leading travel destination has a plethora of tourist attractions and points of interest, many of which are located in (or near) some of the most amazing Scottish towns and small villages.
Refer to our list of the top small towns in Scotland to help you choose the best places to visit during your vacation or weekend getaway.
Killin, Loch Tay
The quaint village of Killin, located on Loch Tay and an easy drive from the historic town of Stirling, should be on everyone’s list of the top places to visit in Scotland. In addition to its proximity to the lake, which is popular for sightseeing and gentle water sports such as sailing and kayaking, Killin is home to the stunning Dochart Falls. The falls are a joy to explore, and because they are gently sloping, it is easy to get up close and personal with these magnificent rapids.
You can easily explore the village from here, which also has a number of nice places to stay and eat. A hike through the Breadalbane mountains with its spectacular views is also enjoyable, as is chartering a boat for some salmon fishing. Other sightseeing opportunities in Killin include the nearby ruins of Finlarig Castle, where you can also explore an authentic Scottish longhouse.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Tobermory, located on the northwestern tip of the Isle of Mull, is a charming small Scottish town worth visiting. The ferry from Kilchoan to Tobermory, or the ferry from Oban to Craignure and driving north to the town, are two of the best ways to get here (private water taxis are also available). Once ashore, begin exploring the sights in and around the picturesque harbor, which is known for its many colorful houses.
Head to the Main Street from the port, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Scotland. You’ll find some of the best places to stay on the Isle of Mull here, from quaint B&Bs to historic old inns and guesthouses, in addition to great shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Other tourism highlights include the Mull Museum, the Marine Visitor Centre, and a theater.
Portree, Isle of Skye
The town of Portree on the Isle of Skye is another fantastic island destination that is accessible by road. Portree’s attractive natural harbor is fun to explore on foot, especially after the many fishing boats based here return with the catch of the day. You can also go on a fun sightseeing cruise or fishing trip from here.
Other enjoyable activities include shopping and dining, attending a show or event at the arts center, and even horseback riding excursions (especially fun for families traveling with kids). There are also a number of top-rated hotels and B&Bs worth staying in, which is a good idea because you can easily extend your stay and use Portree as a base to explore the many other beautiful places to visit on Skye, which has a well-deserved reputation as a hiker’s paradise.
Dornoch, Sutherland
Dornoch has a lot to offer visitors who are visiting the area. Not only is this historic coastal destination almost as well-known among golfers as St. Andrews – the Royal Dornoch is also regarded as one of the world’s top golf courses – but it also has one of Scotland’s sunniest climates due to its relatively sheltered location on the northeast coast. This alone makes its long sandy beaches appealing to both day trippers and vacationers.
There are plenty of other things to do here whether you’re traveling as a family or a couple. Highlights include visiting nearby natural attractions such as the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, which is rich in wildlife; touring the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral; and visiting the infamous Witch’s Stone, which was the site of the country’s last witch burning.
Loch Lomond’s Balloch
Balloch is our favorite of the many fun places to visit near Glasgow. Balloch is located at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, “The Queen of Scottish Lakes,” and is only 30 minutes from Scotland’s largest city, making it an excellent and easy day trip.
It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who use the village as a base for hiking and biking adventures in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It’s also a popular fishing spot, as Loch Lomond is known for its excellent salmon and trout fishing.
Other fun things to do in Loch Lomond include visiting the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre and strolling around Loch Lomond Shores, a unique tourist attraction that houses shops selling traditional Scots crafts, food, and clothing, as well as a variety of great dining experiences. It also houses the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, which features displays of both domestic and exotic marine species.
Plockton, Wester Ross
Anyone who remembers the classic 1990s TV detective show Hamish Macbeth will recognize the lovely seaside community of Plockton almost immediately. Plockton’s allure drew many a traveler who had first seen it on the small screen, as it was used as the setting for the fictional Lochdubh. This charming fishing village hasn’t lost any of its allure even after more than two decades.
This picture-perfect scene is enhanced further by the lovely old terraced homes and cottages scattered around the harbor, which is set on a lovely bay on Loch Carron. While it is almost always crowded in the summer, you can enjoy the same spectacular views without the crowds if you visit in the spring or autumn.
Exploring the surrounding countryside or boarding a pleasure craft for a tour of the loch are both enjoyable activities. Fishing, hiking, and biking are also popular activities in Plockton, and can usually be arranged through local hotels and B&Bs. And, if possible, spend the night here. You will not only enjoy an evening meal of fresh seafood caught that day, but you will also enjoy a quiet morning in one of the top villages before the other tourists arrive.
Brodick on the Isle of Arran
Brodick is located on the lovely Isle of Arran, just a short ferry ride from Glasgow. Brodick, the island’s capital and often referred to as “Scotland in miniature,” is where you’ll disembark, making it accessible to international visitors who don’t want to drive (the island also has a great bus service that circles the whole island).
Visitors can enjoy water sports such as fishing and sailing, as well as other outdoor activities such as golf on the town’s 18-hole course, sunbathing and swimming, and horseback riding.
Make time to visit historic Brodick Castle, a sprawling and well-preserved manor house with an impressive collection of antique furniture and a delightful garden. Brodick, which has a variety of cool places to stay, also serves as a great base from which to explore other island attractions, such as the 873-meter-tall Goat Fell mountain, which is fun to hike.
Fife’s Pittenweem
Pittenweem is another charming old fishing village on Scotland’s east coast worth visiting. If you can find a place to stay (which is difficult in the busy summer season), try to stay for at least a night or two—yes, it’s that nice.
Exploring the harbor area, especially early in the morning after the fishermen return with their fresh catch, will undoubtedly be a highlight of a stay here, with some of which making its way from the fish market onto the menus of Pittenweem’s top restaurants. It’s a picture-perfect scene, made even more so by the fact that the harbor is surrounded by numerous restored old townhomes.
If you can visit in the summer, try to time your visit to coincide with the popular Pittenweem Arts Festival, which is held each August and draws visitors from all over the UK. Other attractions in Pittenweem include Kellie Lodge, a magnificent old home built in the 1500s, and the ruins of an even older Augustinian priory next to the village church. St. Fillan’s Cave, which once housed a saint, and the attractive Kellie Castle are two other historic sites worth visiting.
Roslin, Midlothian
Roslin, one of the best places to visit near Edinburgh (it’s only a seven-mile drive away), is a great day trip from the city. The opportunity to explore the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th-century late-Gothic masterpiece, is a highlight of a visit to this charming village. It’s a remarkably romantic spot, festooned with amazing gargoyles and elaborate flourishes, and it was immortalized in The Da Vinci Code.
The ruins of Roslin Castle, just a few minutes’ walk from Rosslyn Chapel; the hiking trails of Roslin Glen Country Park; and Pentland Hills Regional Park, a lovely area of rolling hills and peaks that’s fun to walk through and rewards you with stunning views of Edinburgh in the distance.
Peebles, Peebleshire
The picturesque market town of Peebles is another great small town close to Edinburgh – and one that can easily be visited on the same day as a stop at Roslin, as they’re only a few miles apart. Peebles, which has been inhabited since Roman times (possibly even earlier), is rich in history—and churches. Visit one or two while exploring the town, including the attractive Leckie Memorial Church (with its 146-foot-tall spire).
After shopping and eating, be sure to stop by the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery, which has fascinating displays about local history and customs, as well as the nearly 600-year-old Tweed Bridge. Neidpath Castle, built in the 14th century, is a few minutes’ drive away but well worth a visit. Though it is not open to the public, it provides a stunning backdrop.
Islay, Portnahaven
Visit the village of Portnahaven for a taste of life in the Inner Hebrides. The journey to this charming Scottish fishing village on the western tip of the island of Islay is well worth it (it involves a ferry and a fair bit of driving).
The benefits, however, include the opportunity to visit the type of place that most people imagine when they think of Bonnie Scotland: a quaint fishing harbor surrounded by tidy whitewashed terraced homes and relaxed, laid-back residents. Both are definitely true here, especially the latter, as those who are not involved in traditional pursuits, such as fishing, include everyone from artists to service industry workers, all of whom are here to make a living off of the tourists.
Given its remoteness from the mainland and the effort required to reach it, you should definitely consider staying at least one night in a charming B&B or classic inn. This will give you plenty of time not only to enjoy this idyllic and peaceful setting, but also to explore a little. If you plan your day around the tides, for example, the low tide will allow you to make the short journey to the tiny island that sits near the harbor and is home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to seals.
Hopeman, Moray
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Scotland’s most northerly holiday destinations are frequently located near excellent beaches. One such location is Hopeman in Moray. This small fishing village on the Moray Firth in northeast Scotland has two great beaches, both sandy and pleasant for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying activities like windsurfing.
When you’re done exploring the beaches, don’t miss the fossils, an old druid site, and a number of quaint shops (including an excellent tearoom) along the main street. You can also visit two other beautiful locations from here: Burghead Bay and Findhorn.
Anstruther
The charming coastal town of Anstruther in Fife, located just 20 minutes’ drive south of the famous golf courses of St. Andrews (and an hour and a half from Edinburgh), makes for a pleasant day trip for visitors to Scotland. Anstruther, which overlooks the Firth of Forth, is easily as pretty as any town in the UK, and offers a plethora of related fun seaside activities, from beaches and tea shops to a pleasant stroll along the old harbor walls.
Indeed, the harbor area has long been the heart and soul of this community, with the fishing industry continuing to play an important role. Anstruther, in fact, has the distinction of being home to the excellent Scottish Fisheries Museum. This unique attraction, spread across a number of heritage buildings dating back to the 16th century, explores fishing through the centuries to the present day, with fascinating hands-on exhibits and displays.
A trip to a seaside town isn’t complete without a stop at a traditional fish and chip shop, and Anstruther has one of the best. The Anstruther Fish Bar is by far the most well-known, serving freshly caught fare to everyone from British Royalty to Hollywood celebrities (Prince William and Tom Hanks are fans).
Adventurers come here as well, using Anstruther as a base to explore the nearby Isle of May. This popular nature reserve is accessible by tour boat and is a joy to hike. You’ll probably see a variety of wildlife along the way, from puffins to seals.
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