9 Places to Visit in Scotland (that aren’t Edinburgh)

Edinburgh is great and I would recommend everyone to visit; however, there are equally as impressive places in Scotland that don’t get as much love.  After traveling through Scotland twice, both times by car, here are the best places to visit in Scotland (aside from Edinburgh)!  All of the places mentioned in this list are reachable by car.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate Scotland Packing List
• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Scotland
• The Best 10 Day Scotland Itinerary
• Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Scotland (if You’re an American)

 

IF YOU WANT TO RENT A CAR TO EXPLORE SCOTLAND, YOU CAN GET A RENTAL CAR HERE!

 

1.  Anstruther

Anstruther is a small fishing village on the eastern coast of Scotland just a 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.  It’s one of the towns that make up the Coastal Towns of Fife and is my favorite of the towns along the Eastern coast.  Anstruther is small and you only need a couple of hours to explore.

 

If you’re planning on spending time in Edinburgh, don’t miss…

• How to Spend 2 Days in Edinburgh
• Complete Guide to Visiting Edinburgh
• 8 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

 

2.  Culross

Culross is another small town in Scotland located in Fife.  The village was once a royal burgh and in my opinion, is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland.  If you plan to visit from Edinburgh, this can be done in one day (the drive is only 45 minutes northwest) and you only need a couple of hours to explore.  If you visit Culross, don’t miss tea at Bessie’s Cafe and the chance to explore Culross Palace and Gardens.

 

3.  Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is a fully restored castle on an island dating back to the 13th century.  Eilean Donan is on Scotland’s west coast, overlooks the Isle of Skye, and is at a point where three lochs meet.  The views of the castle (and from the castle) are incredible and I highly suggest visiting early in the morning for your chance at beating the crowds that the afternoon brings.

 

JOIN A DAY TRIP FROM INVERNESS TO EILEAN DONAN AND ISLE OF SKYE HERE!

 

4.  Isle of Skye

Of this list, Isle of Skye is perhaps the most touristy place in Scotland, however this is for a reason.  Scotland’s Isle of Skye is absolutely beautiful and there is so much to see and do.  If you get the chance to visit, I highly recommend exploring Fairy Glen, visiting the Skye Museum of Island Life, whiskey tasting at Talisker Distillery, and walking around Portree.  And if you plan to spend the night, head north to Mondkstadt 1745 – a beautiful and remote B&B.

 

For more information on visiting Isle of Skye, don’t miss…

• The Best 2 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary

 

5.  Oban

If you like small towns, seafood, and whiskey… Oban is for you!  Located on Scotland’s west coast, Oban is commonly referred to as the “gateway to the Hebrides”.  Many people visit Oban to hop on a boat and visit the inner and outer islands of Scotland’s west coast.  If you plan to visit Oban, make sure to hike up to McCaig’s Tower for views of the town, whiskey taste at Oban Distillery, and eat fish ‘n chips from Nories.

 

For more information on visiting Oban, don’t miss…

• The Best Things to Do in Oban in 48-Hours

 

6.  Plockton

By far, Plockton is my favorite little town in Scotland.  It’s remote, stunning, and peaceful.  It’s the perfect place to stay for a night and relax from driving Scotland’s winding and twisting roads.  While there isn’t much to do (aside from walking around and enjoying the views), if you do decide to spend some time in Plockton, I recommend eating at the Plockton Inn or The Shores Plockton.

 

7.  Rothiemurchus

If you’re an adventure junkie or love outdoor activities, you have to visit Rothiemurchus.  Rothiemurchus is in the heart of Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland.  You can come and walk the grounds of participate in one of their many outdoor activities like ATV riding, archery, canoeing, biking, fishing, and more.

 

8.  Scone Palace

Scone Palace is located in Perthshire, 1.5 hours north of Edinburgh.  The Palace belongs to the Earl of Mansfield and was originally built in the 12th-century.  Unfortunately, the palace was badly damaged in 1559 and had to be rebuilt in 1802.  Scone Palace is an architectural example of Gothic Revival.

 

9.  Ullapool

Of everywhere mentioned on this list, Ullapool is the furthest northern town in Scotland’s highlands.  Ullapool is in Lochbroom parish, is small, and can be explored in a couple of hours.  It’s a great place to stop for a rest if you’re exploring Northern Scotland.  If you plan to eat in Ullapool, I suggest Cult Cafe, The Ferry Boat Inn, The Seafood Shack, or West Coast Delicatessen.

 

Scotland Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Scotland

 

I hope that this list of places to visit in Scotland has inspired your next trip!  If I missed anything or you have any questions about visiting Scotland, let me know in a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Scotland, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinscotland” or under my highlights for “Scotland”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Scotland” highlight

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