Are you wondering which regions in Scotland you should visit? Choosing which parts of Scotland to visit can be overwhelming, I totally get it. There are literally so many things to see and do!
To help you get your bearings, I’ve created this guide to the 15 different regions in Scotland. In this guide, I’ll tell you what each area is known for, what you can do there, and point you to helpful resources to help you plan a visit to that area.
I’ve also included my accommodation recommendations for each region.
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A Simple Guide to the Regions of Scotland
Aberdeenshire & Moray
Aberdeenshire isn’t a tourist hotspot- which is great if you want to get off the beaten path! It comprises of the city of Aberdeen, and stretches across the east side of the Cairngorms National Park.
Aberdeenshire is primarily known for having some of Scotland’s most spectacular castles. These castles form The Castle Trail, which is a self-guided driving tour of 14 castles scattered around the region.
If you’re visiting Aberdeenshire I recommend driving The Castle Trail, exploring the ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen and going hiking in the Cairngorms National Park.
Every September, the Braemar Highland Gathering, Scotland’s most famous highland games, is held in the small village of Braemar. This is a must-see if you are visiting Scotland during this time, and you’ll have a chance to see the Royal family, who attend each year.
Moray is an area known for its whisky; it is home to the Speyside [a whisky region] and the famous Malt Whisky Trail. The Malt Whisky Trail links eight whisky distilleries and one cooperage. The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival also happens each spring!
Read more:
- Things to do in Aberdeenshire
- Things to do in Moray
- The Castle Trail
- The Malt Whisky Trail
- The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Recommended accommodation:
- Dalmunzie Castle Hotel (Glenshee)
- Cranford Guest House (Braemar)
- The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa (Aberdeen)
- The Chester Hotel (Aberdeen)
- Period Apartment (Aberdeen)
- Norwood Hall (Aberdeen)
- Pittodrie House (Inverurie)
- Ben Shea Smart Home (Dufftown)
- Dunvegan B&B (Dufftown)
- Little Robin B&B (Dufftown)
- The Milking Sheds (Dufftown)
Argyll and the Isles
The region of Argyll and the Isles is known as Scotland’s Adventure Coast due to its rugged landscape and many spots for watersport enthusiasts. It’s also known for its cute seaside villages, delicious fresh seafood and whisky! This region is home to 23 inhabited islands and seven National Nature Reserves- the perfect region if you want to go island hopping and spend time in nature.
I recommend going sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even hiking a section of the The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way. It’s also the perfect destination for wildlife spotting. Finish your day by sampling one of the many whiskies that this region is known for.
Oban is a seaside town known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. It’s the perfect location to base yourself and go on an island hopping adventure. Visit islands with incredible histories such as Jura, where George Orwell wrote 1984, or Iona, where 47 Kings and Queens of Scotland are believed to be buried. Other islands in this region include Coll, Tiree, Mull, Gigha, Colonsay.
Islay, known as the ‘whisky island’, is home to nine working whisky distilleries!
I also recommend visiting Campbeltown; it was once known as the ”whisky capital of the world” and was home to 28 whisky distilleries. It now has just three, making it Scotland’s smallest whisky-producing region. The Springbank Distillery is the most popular of the three- so I suggest doing a tour of this distillery.
Read more:
- The perfect 5 day Islay itinerary
- How to get to Staffa to see Puffins
- 3-Day Isle of Mull and Iona Tour
Recommended accommodation:
- Glenegedale House (Islay)
- No17 The Promenade (Oban)
- The Manor House Hotel (Oban)
- St Columba Hotel (Iona)
- Ardoran House (Iona)
- Isle of Gigha Cottages (Gigha)
- The Yurt (Gigha)
Ayrshire & Arran
The region of Ayrshire and Arran is located on the southwest coast of Scotland. Ayrshire isn’t a typically touristy area, which makes it a great place to experience local life in Scotland.
In Ayrshire, you’ll find seaside villages and freshly caught seafood, farmland and over 50 golf courses! Culzean Castle and Country Park is a great place to slow down and relax for the day; visit the castle, have lunch at their cafe, and wander around the vast country park. This is a great day trip if you’re travelling with kids!
The Isle of Arran is nicknamed ”Scotland in miniature” so if you have a short amount of time in Scotland, I highly recommend visiting! It’s one of the easiest islands in Scotland to get to; simply catch the train from Glasgow to Ardrossan and ride the ferry across.
Once on Arran, be sure to explore Brodick Castle and Gardens, marvel at the mystical Machrie Moor Stone Circles and hike Goat Fell, the highest point of Arran.
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- The Douglas Hotel (Isle of Arran)
Dumfries and Galloway
Tucked away in the southwest of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is often missed by tourists. This region is known for its rugged coast, dense woodland, and Gaelic and religious history. The region has also inspired many artists and writers.
In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated regions in Scotland and if you’re looking to experience local Scotland and get off the beaten tourist path, add it to your itinerary!
This region is home to Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown. If you’re visiting Scotland in autumn, make sure you go to the annual Wigtown Book Festival.
The region is also home to Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, which is Scotland’s largest forest park. It is also a designated Dark Sky Park. Here you have the opportunity to spot shooting stars, the rare Andromeda Galaxy, the Aurora Borealis and stellar nurseries, where stars are born!
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Wigwams Holidays (Wigtown)
Dundee & Angus
The region of Angus is known for its outstanding glens, innovation in design, and Arbroath Smokies [smoked haddock]!
Arbroath Abbey, in the coastal town Arbroath, is where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed- a letter to the Pope that asked for Scotland to be recognised as an independent country. Angus is also home to Glamis Castle, reputed to be Scotland’s most haunted castle.
Dundee is Scotland’s sunniest city- catching the most rays in Scotland per year. Often the butt of many jokes, Dundee has undergone a transformation in recent years and has been labelled a UNESCO City of Design thanks to its contribution to medical research, comics, and video games to name a few. It’s also home to V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum. There are also plenty of things to do in Dundee with kids, including seeing the RSS Discovery, a 100+ year-old ship that sailed to Antarctica!
Dundee also has an awesome Kiwi restaurant called The Bach that I highly recommend!
Recommended accommodation:
- Hotel Indigo (Dundee)
- The Clarendon (Dundee)
Edinburgh & The Lothians
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. Edinburgh is also a fantastic city to explore on foot.
Visit Scotland’s most well-known castle- Edinburgh Castle, tour Holyrood Palace, and indulge in Afternoon Tea at The Witchery By The Castle. For outdoor lovers, hike Arthur’s Seat for amazing views of the city or spend the day exploring the hiking trails at the Pentlands Regional Park.
Don’t just explore Edinburgh- there is a lot to cover in the Lothians. Catch the train to Linlithgow in West Lothian to visit Linlithgow Palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born, or visit North Berwick beach in East Lothian.
Read more:
- Things to do in Edinburgh
- An itinerary for 2 days in Edinburgh
- 11 cheap pubs in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh in winter
- A guide to visiting Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh
- How to spend one day at the Edinburgh Festivals
- A day trip to Cramond Island Edinburgh
- A guide to the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh
- 24 things to do in West Lothian
- Exploring the grounds at the House of the Binns
Recommended accommodation:
- The Scotsman Hotel (Edinburgh)
- Fraser Suites (Edinburgh)
- The Balmoral Hotel (Edinburgh)
- Cheval Old Town Chambers (Edinburgh)
- Court Residence (Linlithgow)
- The Queens View Luxury B&B (Linlithgow)
Fife
Affectionately known as ‘The Kingdom of Fife’ by locals, this region is filled with hidden gems and was used as a filming location for the television series Outlander.
Fife is easily accessible from Edinburgh- it is connected to Edinburgh by three bridges- the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing.
I recommend visiting St Andrews, which was once home to Scotland’s largest cathedral, St Andrews Cathedral, now a romantically glorious ruin. St Andrews is also the ‘Home of Golf’ and is the location of the world’s oldest golf course- The Old Course.
I also recommend visiting the picturesque villages of Falkland and Culross, where Outlander was filmed. If the weather is nice I also recommend walking a section of the Fife Coastal Path and exploring the coastal villages in the East Neuk of Fife.
Read more:
- 40 things to do in St Andrews and Fife
- How to spend one day in St Andrews
- A guide to visiting St Andrews on a budget
Recommended accommodation:
- Rooms at the Saint (St Andrews)
- Stay Bed and Breakfast (Culross)
- Fairmont St Andrews
Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
Glasgow and The Clyde Valley is known for its parks and green spaces, colourful and quirky characters and entertaining nightlife.
‘People Make Glasgow’ is the slogan for this vibrant city filled with colourful characters. I love visiting Glasgow for its bustling pubs and cocktail bars, abundant dining options, music and sporting entertainment and shopping.
I recommend walking to Glasgow Cathedral from the city centre and also wandering around the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian graveyard, located on a hill behind it. You can spot street art on the Glasgow Mural Trail, including the famous portrait of St Mungo, along the way!
If you venture to the outskirts of Glasgow, you’ll find rolling countryside with plenty of walking opportunities and gems such as the Falls of Clyde and the historic mill village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark.
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Ibis Styles George Square (Glasgow)
- Aparthotel Adagio Glasgow Central (Glasgow)
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands alone are a great reason to visit Scotland. Misty mountains, moody lochs, cosy cabins, ancient castles and craggy coastline- the Highlands really are Scotland’s playground!
The Highlands cover a vast range of Scotland’s mainland; west of the mainland you’ll find the otherwordly island, the Isle of Skye, which is linked to the mainland via a bridge. I’ve also included the surrounding islands of the Small Isles in this section, which include Canna, Rum, Muck, Eigg, Raasay, Ronay and Scalpay. All of these islands make up the northern part of the Inner Hebrides.
The city of Inverness is known as the ‘capital of the Highlands’. Nearby you’ll find historically significant sites including the Battlefield of Culloden Moor where the 1945 Jacobite Rebellion came to a dramatic climax and Clava Cairns, burial cairns and standing stones that date back to the Bronze Age.
Assynt and Sutherland are two of the most beautiful areas in the Scottish Highlands; you will visit both these areas on the North Coast 500– one of the world’s most spectacular drives.
Read more:
- The perfect 2-day Glencoe Road Trip
- How to spend 2 days in Inverness
- The perfect 2 day Isle of Skye itinerary
- A girls’ hiking weekend at Loch Ossian
- 11 secret places in Scotland off the beaten path
- Things to do in Ardnamurchan
- Guide to visiting Ardnamurchan + accommodation review
- Things to do on the North Coast 500
Recommended accommodation:
- Loch Ness Inn (Drumnadrochit)
- Lock Chambers, Caledonian Canal Centre (Fort Augustus)
- Mingarry Park Luxury Hotel & Restaurant (Ardnamurchan)
- Lochview Guesthouse (Contin)
- Downright Gabbler (Beauly)
- MC Marriot (Inverness)
- Drumossie Hotel (Inverness)
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park + Stirlingshire
From Stirling Castle to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond– this region is the perfect mix of history and nature.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is Scotland’s first national park filled with exciting things to see and do, including lush forests and serene lochs, small towns and villages, and hiking for all levels. To reach the national park from the east, you may drive through Stirlingshire, a region with a rich history.
Stirling Castle is a must-see for those visiting this area, as well as the Wallace Monument, and Old Stirling Bridge– the site of the infamous battle between Andrew Moray and William Wallace versus the English Forces during the first Wars of Scottish Independence.
The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre is interesting for those who wish to learn more about the iconic battle won by Robert the Bruce, King of Scots.
Near Falkirk, you can also see The Kelpies– the world’s largest equine statues!
I recommend renting a log cabin for a nature break in Killin, an enchanting wee village at the foot of Loch Tay. From here you can go hiking in Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, explore the enchanting Finlarig Castle ruin, and drive the route around Loch Tay.
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Menstrie Castle (Stirling)
Orkney
Orkney, an island north of Scotland, is a Neolithic marvel.
Orkney is an archipelago that is made up of more than 70 islands. The islands are surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, glorious white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. The largest island (the mainland) is 523 square kilometres in size.
A must-see is the group of monuments that make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous is Skara Brae, Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. There is also the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic henge and stone circle, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Orkney is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Don’t get too excited- they’re pretty rare in Scotland!
Recommended accommodation:
- Heatherlea (Kirkwall)
- Shorelands B&B (Kirkwall)
- Highland Park House (Kirkwall)
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides is often regarded as one of the best places to go off the beaten track in Scotland. The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago chain of over 100 islands spanning 150 miles, and these islands are one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats.
The Outer Hebrides includes the islands of Lewis and Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay.
St Kilda is located to the west and is home to an estimated 1 million seabirds, including puffins. The largest islands are Lewis and Harris, followed by North Uist and South Uist.
On these islands, you can listen to locals speaking Gaelic, cosy up in a pub while enjoying traditional folk music, and explore the otherworldly white sandy beaches with a backdrop of crater-like rugged mountains. A must-see is the Calanais Standing Stones, arguably Scotland’s most remarkable standing stones. For bird lovers the Birds of Prey Trail is a beautiful journey that can be explored by car, bike or on foot.
To reach the Outer Hebrides you can catch the ferry from Ullapool, the Isle of Skye or you can fly with Loganair to Stornoway (the capital of Lewis and Harris) from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness. You can also fly with Loganair and do the world-famous Barra beach landing!
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Stornoway Bed and Breakfast (Stornoway, Isle of Lewis)
- Broad Bay House (Back, Isle of Lewis)
Perthshire
Perthshire is the colourful beating heart of Scotland. With tranquil walking trails, bubbling brooks and cosy villages- Perthshire is the perfect destination for a quiet nature escape.
Perth, known as the ‘fair city’, has everything you’d expect in a small Scottish city but also offers visitors a slower pace. On its doorstep is Kinnoull Hill, a wonderful area with many walking trails which offer views of the River Tay and the surrounding valley.
Scone Palace, near Perth, is the location where the ancient kings of Scotland were once crowned. Today you can explore the palace and the magnificent gardens surrounding it!
Perthshire is the best area to visit in Scotland in autumn, when the trees turn several shades of golden. I recommend doing The Hermitage walk to enjoy the best of the autumn colours!
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Salutation Hotel (Perth)
- Fonab Castle Hotel (Pitlochry)
Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders is a region that has witnessed a lot of history. The road that soldiers would take either heading north to Edinburgh or south to London went straight through the Scottish Borders- so many skirmishes happened along the way!
In the Scottish Borders, you will find rolling hills and farmland, with views to The Cheviots in England from the southern border.
It’s also a popular area for hill walking and horse riding, with 380 kilometres of waymarked horse riding routes.
The area is home to the glorious ruins of the Four Border Abbeys: Melrose Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey and Kelso Abbey. They, in my opinion, are a must-see when visiting Scotland.
It’s also the area where Sir Walter Scott, author of the Waverley novels, once lived. You can visit his mansion, Abbotsford, and also his grave inside Dryburgh Abbey.
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- The Tontine Hotel (Peebles)
- Neidpath Castle (Peebles)
- The Border Hotel (Kirk Yetholm)
- Cringletie House (Peebles)
Shetland
Located 100ish miles from the north of the Scottish mainland, you’ll find the Shetland islands. Shetland is actually closer to Norway than to Scotland- and so Shetland is known for its Viking heritage with a Scottish twist.
Visualise crystal clear waters washing onto sandy white beaches with thousands of seabirds nesting in the caverns of the tall cliffs; ancient standing stones and Iron Age brochs– It’s no wonder Shetland was named in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Europe 2019’ list.
The Up Helly Aa festival is a local tradition and celebration of the island’s Viking heritage. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement is a must-see- the land was first occupied during the Neolithic period.
Also make sure you look out for Shetland ponies, who have been roaming the hills and moors of Shetland for over 4000 years.
Read more:
Recommended accommodation:
- Aald Harbour Bed & Breakfast (Lerwick)
- Norlande (Lerwick)
- Solheim Guest Houses (Lerwick)
- Busta House Hotel (Busta)
