Scotland Feature

Edinburgh Castle

Looming from its craggy perch atop an ancient volcano, this iconic castle dates back to the 11th century and defines the city's skyline even today. Take in a royal view of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside from its battlements, and see storied treasures such as the Honours of Scotland—the crown, scepter, and sword that once graced the Scottish monarch.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Scotland has some of Britain's most spectacular museums, including Edinburgh's National Museum of Scotland (undergoing a major renovation at the time of this writing). Glasgow's Kelvingrove, a city favorite, fills a vast, castlelike building with international and Scottish art, local and natural history displays, and much more—in modern, engaging displays.

Mackintosh Trail

In the late 19th century, architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh turned pompous Victorian style on its head with sleekly distinctive designs influenced by the art nouveau style. Glasgow is the best place to see his enticing designs such as the Glasgow School of Art.

Glencoe

In this dramatic region of countryside between rugged mountains and rolling valleys, the Campbell clan massacred the MacDonald clan under English orders in 1692. Besides rich local history and chilling wild beauty, Glencoe has superb hiking and climbing.

Isle of Skye

With the misty Cuillin Mountains and aged stone crofts, Skye is a place to linger over sunsets, explore meadows of heather, and savor fresh-caught seafood. The island's romantic past is linked to the saga of Bonnie Prince Charlie. On your way, visit the most famous of Scottish castles, Eilean Donan.

Floors Castle

Sweeping turrets and fanciful towers distinguish palatial Floors, built in 1721 for the duke of Roxburghe and now Scotland's largest inhabited castle. Sprawling along the banks of the River Tweed, the castle has magnificent interiors and grounds to explore.

Melrose Abbey

Scotland's ruined abbeys recall the country's brilliant but turbulent monastic past. Melrose, an elegant but commanding red-sandstone structure, was begun in the 12th century. The abbey's ruins retain their power in well-preserved decorative carvings including a bagpipe-playing pig.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Sparkling clear water, lush woodlands, jagged mountains, and open skies make Loch Lomond a coveted—and easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh—weekend retreat for visitors and locals alike. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland's first national park, is ideal for hiking, biking, and more.

Malt Whisky Trail

Aficionados of malt whisky can explore distilleries around Scotland, but many will head to this northeastern region. The Malt Whisky Trail in the scenic River Spey valley is renowned for its single-malt distilleries. The nine sights include distilleries large and small and a historic cooperage.

St. Andrews

Famous first for its golf course and second for its university, the town of St. Andrews is also historic, prosperous, and charming. The ruined castle and cathedral are atmospheric, and this is a perfect destination for an idyllic stroll by the shore or in town, with its adorable shops and bakeries and restaurants.