Scotland prides itself on owning so many beautiful scenes such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Stirling Castle, The Kelpies and so on. Let’s find out the 7 most famous Scottish landmarks and what makes them outstanding.
Glenfinnan Viaduct rail: Scottish landmarks that appear in Harry Porter
The Glenfinnan Viaduct train departs from Fort William and continues all the way to the small town of Mallaig. It is popular worldwide and called one of the greatest railway journeys in the world for its magical sights along the route. This iconic structure is made up of 21 arches that wind their way around the valley. It overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Photographers can capture this incredible feat of engineering from a variety of accessible locations near the viaduct. It is so magnificent that it appears in the Harry Potter series. Although Hogwarts will not be your ultimate destination, visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, built between 1496 and 1583, is one of the most important historical Scottish landmarks. It has everything from the sumptuous halls and beautiful gardens to the magnificent Royal Palace, which has recently been meticulously restored to its original Renaissance glory. You can walk through the courtyard that Mary Queen of Scots, James V, and Mary of Guise once frequented, and the kids will enjoy dressing up in the palace vaults and meeting costumed courtiers, bodyguards, and servants. The palace’s exterior, which is adorned with beautiful sculptures, and its commanding views are also noteworthy. A trip to Stirling Castle in Scotland definitely ensures a grand and memorable day out.
Falkland Palace & Garden
Visit Falkland Palace & Garden if you want to see a Royal Hunting Lodge that was used and loved by Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace was inspired by the great chateaux of France in the 16th century and is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. Queen Mary used Falkland’s vast estate to pursue falconry, hunt, and play tennis on what is now the world’s oldest surviving royal tennis court.
Edinburgh Castle – The best heritage Scottish landmark
Edinburgh Castle, located at the top of the Royal Mile, 443 feet above sea level, and perched on Castle Rock, a volcanic crag. It provides the perfect view of Edinburgh and all the glory of its city. The castle was once the residence of Scottish monarchs, now it is open to the public, along with a dedicated museum. The oldest part of the castle is St Margaret’s Chapel, which dates back to the 12th century. If you arrive in the early afternoon, you will also be able to see (and hear!) the famous One O’Clock Gun! It’s not a fairytale castle, but once you see it, you’ll understand why over a million people visit it each year. It’s even been the best heritage Scottish landmark for several years in a row!
Standing Stones – The mysterious Scottish landmark
The Calanais Standing Stones are a remarkable grouping of stones erected 5,000 years ago. They predate England’s famous Stonehenge monument in England, and were important sites for ritual activity for at least 2,000 years. There is no clear reason why the stones were in such positions. However, the stones were part of an ancient astrological observatory.
The Kelpies
Imagine driving down an unremarkable stretch of highway when, seemingly out of nowhere, two massive, gleaming horse heads, nearly a hundred feet tall, appear in front of you.
The Kelpies, designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, are the world’s largest pair of equine sculptures. The two colossal, gleaming horse heads, which tower one hundred feet above the Forth & Clyde Canal, never fail to impress. The structures honor the strength and endurance of Scotland’s waterways, as well as the historic role that horses have played in the development of the Scottish economy and industry. They’re also based on the Scottish folklore of ‘water kelpies,’ a mythical horse-like spirit that lives in Scotland’s lochs and pools.
The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements
Shetland’s Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements are among the most significant and inspiring archaeological Scottish landmarks. Located at Sumburgh Head, Jarlsholf was settled around 2700BC and remained in use until the 1600s. This extraordinary site contains a complex of ancient settlements dating back over 4,000 years. The unique location not only provided security for its residents, but also provided breathtaking views of West Voe of Sumburgh.
Interesting facts about Scotland
Scotland has some interesting facts that might impress you (and you can use them to impress your friends, too).
- The Unicorn is Scotland’s official animal.
- The “home of golf” is St. Andrew’s Links.
- Charles Macintosh invented the raincoat in Scotland.
- Scotland has the world’s highest proportion of redheads.
- Scots are more likely than the rest of the UK to have blue eyes.
- Scotland has the world’s shortest commercial flight.
- Partick hosted the first international association football game.
Absolutely, there are also many breath-taking landmarks in Canada, The Netherlands, Australia and so on. However, Scottish landmarks probably always have their own mysterious and majestic splendor that is hard to compare.
