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, long glens and lochs, the highland cow munching the grass. While this is mostly true Scotland has a lot more to offer.  

Below is some of Scotland top tourist destinations, we are lucky enough to have a culture steeped in history making this is a top destination if you are interested in Scottish history and culture – our castles and battlefields are not to be missed or if that’s not for you - enjoy leisurely walks in the solitude of the hills and heathers in the moorlands or why not simply enjoy the white sandy beaches of the west coast – Scotland has something to offer everyone as you will see from our top tourist destinations.  

At Scottish Tourer we believe some of the best ways to enjoy Scotland is with the freedom of a motorhome, go where you choose when you choose and still have all the luxury and home comforts you need on board in your mobile home.  We specialise in luxury all-inclusive motorhome hire so everything is included, with over 30 years’ experience we know exactly what you need for a stress free and enjoyable holiday touring round Scotland.  

Our most popular route planner is our west coast route and I have put together some of Scotland top tourist destinations as you venture round this route.  I would recommend spending the first day in Edinburgh, if you are flying directly into Edinburgh airport, we have a shuttle bus than 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 and back to us in Perth via Glen Coe this is an ideal route for a 7-night holiday.

 
Edinburgh

Royal mile – in the heart of the city of Edinburgh, 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.  Between the towering tenements you can find some hidden gems between the cobbled closes and narrow stairways.
Edinburgh Castle – dominates the Edinburgh skyline as it sits high upon a rock which was strategic planning allowing good views of potential threats.  The castle has been home to many kings and queens for centuries, there is castle tours on offer where you can learn the history and highlights of this great castle.

 
Harry Potter – when telling you about Edinburgh I cannot miss out the inspiration this great city played in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. And when you tour in and out the cobbled closes, if you are a harry potter fan you will see where J.K. Rowling took her inspiration from creating the Novels, she is said to have written many parts sitting in a café called Nicolson’s café now called Spoon.
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 – this is one of the united kingdom’s largest national park and has an abundance of activities on offer.  Five of the UKs 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.

Wildlife - Cairngorms is home to the red squirrel, Golden Eagle, Red Deer, Otter and the Capercaillie so if you prefer to get into the hills and room the heather moorlands to be closer to nature - do not forget your binoculars and camera. 
Cycling - You will also find cycle paths which are child friendly to allow you to enjoy family cycle run one of my family’s favourites is round loch Morlich.
Water sports - Loch Morlich also provides an abundance water sports so if you are looking to experience Kayaking, Canoeing or paddle board, if fishing is more your cup of tea there is several rivers and lochs to choose from - remember to check if permits are required first.
Adventure Parks - Aviemore and the surrounding area have plenty of child friend activities such as Landmark adventure park, The strathspey railway, highland folk museum or Aviemore wildlife centre to name but a few.  
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 Gariloch the Inverewe gardens is a botanical garden created over a 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 but as well as plants 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 to see why.  Situated on its own little Island where the 3 sea lochs meet this idyllic castle, castle tours are on offer also, so 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 have a 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 provide the backdrop to beautiful clear water, white sandy beach, perfect some sunbathing or a stroll.  
Jacobite steam Train – For Harry Potter fans this will truly be the highlight of their holiday, the Jacobite steam train is an 84-mile round trip taking you from Fort william to Mallaig across the Glenfinnan Viaduct – dubbed the “Harry Potter bridge” by J.K. Rowling fans. 

Fort William

Known as the outdoor capital of the UK 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 something quite beautiful and 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, 
• hill walking, 
• 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 made famous by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books and you may be luck to see the train travel across the viaduct.

As you travel back to Perth through Glen Coe and round the banks of loch Lomond this is a truly scenic route through 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 Harry potter and 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 on board your motorhome is more than to any B&B bedroom, with your own shower room, comfy bed, and kitchen facilities but the biggest 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.