Scotland Top Tourist Destinations

Scotland Top Tourist Destinations

When you think of Scotland, what images come to your mind? Men in kilts playing the bagpipes, castles, glens and lochs or the highland cow munching grass. Scotland is iconic for so many things, but the country has much more to offer.

Below are some of Scotland's top tourist destinations, ranging from Scottish historical and cultural sites (such as our world-famous castles and battlefields), leisurely walks in the solitude of the hills, heathers and moorlands, and the white sandy beaches of the west coast. Scotland has something to offer for everyone.

At Scottish Tourer, we believe some of the best ways to enjoy Scotland are with a motorhome's freedom. You can go where you choose when you choose and still have all the luxury and home comforts you need onboard. We specialise in luxury all-inclusive motorhome hire and so make sure that everything you could need is included. With our 30+ years of experience, we know exactly what you need for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday touring Scotland.

Our most popular route plan takes you around the west coast and has some of Scotland's top tourist destinations included for you to visit. I would recommend spending the first day in Edinburgh, which has much to offer. 

If you are flying directly into Edinburgh airport, we have a shuttle bus that can collect you from Edinburgh airport and bring you to our depot in Perth to start your motorhome adventure. I have based this on a circular route leaving Perth heading towards the Scottish Highlands over to the west coast then down to Fort William before heading back to our depot via Glen Coe. We believe this route is the ideal seven-night holiday.

Edinburgh

The Royal Mile

In Edinburgh's heart, the Royal Mile is in the old town and within a world heritage site. The area has lots of things to see and do such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House, churches, cafes, walking tours and shops. You can find some hidden gems between the towering tenements as you explore the cobbled closes and narrow stairways.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, the castle sits high upon a rock which was strategic planning allowing good views of potential threats. Home to many kings and queens for centuries and you can take a tour to learn the history and highlights of this significant landmark.

National Museum of Scotland 

This is a diverse museum with many collections under one roof that will take you through a journey of Scotland's history from the natural world to science and fashion.

Scottish Highlands

Cairngorm National Park 

As one of the UK's largest national parks and has an abundance of activities on offer. Five of the six highest mountains lie within the Cairngorms, so it is ideal for anyone one looking to bag themselves a few Munros, or those looking for the thrill of winter sports.

The Cairngorms is home to the red squirrels, red deer, golden eagles, otters, and the capercaillie, so if you prefer to get into the hills and room the heather moorlands to be closer to nature - but don't forget your binoculars and camera. You will also find cycle paths which are child friendly to allow you to enjoy excellent cycle paths such as the one which circles Loch Morlich.

Loch Morlich

The lock also provides a range of water sports, so if you are looking to experience kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, you're in luck. If fishing is more your cup of tea, there are several rivers and lochs to choose from, but remember to check if permits are required first.

Aviemore and the surrounding area have plenty of other child friend activities, such as:

• Landmark Adventure Park
• The Strathspey Railway
• Highland Folk Museum
• Aviemore Wildlife Centre. 

Urquhart Castle

Set on the shores of Loch Ness, the ruins of the castle can leave you imagining how splendid their banquets must have been or how utterly miserable the prison cell must have felt – this gives you an insight into medieval history in Scotland. With good motorhome parking, you can enjoy looking for Nessy whilst visiting.

Culloden Battlefield

The moors of the battlefield of Culloden are the resting place of 1500 Jacobite and 50 government soldiers who fought and died here in 1974. Discover the true story from Jacobite and the governments' perspectives in the museum. The moors have been restored to show as closely as possible how it would have looked in the 18th Century the battlefield itself is marked with flags to represent the army's lines.

West Coast

Inverewe Gardens

On the west coast of Scotland, not far from Gairloch, the Inverewe Gardens is a botanical garden created over 100 years ago by a father and daughter. This garden is now cared for by the national trust for Scotland, plants from across the world grow here. You can look out for red squirrels, red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals.

Eilean Donan Castle

Near Kyle of Lochalsh, this is one of Scotland's most pictured castles and when you visit it will be clear why. Situated on its own little island where the three sea lochs meet this idyllic castle, castle tours are on offer also so that you can explore this beautiful castle and its setting.

Fairy Pools 

On the Isle of Skye, you will find the fairy pools at the foot of the black Cullins, these mystical crystal-clear pools of water have been attracting people from all over the world for a refreshing cold-water swim. For those not brave enough to swim, you can enjoy a walk along the path and enjoy the beauty of the pools of water.

Camusdarach Beach

On the outskirts of Mallaig, is part of a collection of beaches called Silver Sands of Morar. The outline of the black Cullin hills on the Isle of Skye provides the backdrop to beautiful clear water, white sandy beach, perfect sunbathing or a stroll. 
 

Fort William

Known as the UK's outdoor capital, this is a popular town to visit with so much on offer to do and home to Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis. The scenery in and around this town is quite beautiful, and it is easy to see why it has become popular with Hollywood film directors.

There is plenty to see and do in and around Fort William,

• Take a guided tour and climb ben Nevis (for experienced walkers only)
• Mountain biking
• Hillwalking
• Take the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig
• Visit the Ben Nevis distillery
• Take a boat trip for fantastic views of Ben Nevis and wildlife spotting
• Visit the Glenfinnan Monument – see the lone highlander and learn more about Scotland history
• Visit the Glenfinnan viaduct

As you travel back to Perth through Glen Coe and around the Loch Lomond banks, this is a truly scenic route that provides fantastic views of the mountain range. The heart of an ancient volcano, the scenery here with its rugged mountain peaks and lush heathered moors is truly magnificent and clear to see why it has been used in many Hollywood films such as James Bond's Skyfall.

Along the way, you can stop at the Glencoe visitor centre or enjoy some water sports at Loch Lomond. You cannot wild camp at Loch Lomond, but if you go on to Stirling there is a great campsite called Witches Craig campsite, which I would recommend for your last nights and hopefully, you will have time visit Stirling Castle, before you make your way back to Perth with the motorhome.

We believe travelling by motorhome is one of the best ways to see Scotland; the freedom it allows by not being tied down to one location is priceless in our opinion. The comfort you have onboard your motorhome is more than to any B&B bedroom, with your shower room, comfy bed, and kitchen facilities but the most significant benefit must be you can choose the view from the bedroom window. A holiday is something we look forward to all year and is our time to recharge the batteries and what better way to do it touring Scotland and visiting some of Scotland's top tourist destinations.