Scotland is famed the world over for its history, culture and landscape, from bagpipes and tartan to Highland Games and haggis, and there is so much to enjoy on a tour of the country. Iconic Edinburgh Castle should be on everyone’s bucket list, but there are so many more things to experience on a tour of Scotland. Here is a list of just some of our favourites! 

Take a ride on the real Hogwarts Express

Truly one of the great railway journeys of the world, the 84-mile round trip on The Jacobite takes in an impressive panorama of sights across the Scottish Highlands. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain and the shortest river in Britain, before arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe. The railway line, as well as some of the carriages of The Jacobite, featured in the Harry Potter films and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct is an unmistakeable landmark for all Harry Potter fans. 

Follow in the footsteps of Braveheart

The real Braveheart of the movie was William Wallace, famous for leading the fight for Scottish independence in the 13th century. Visit the imposing National Wallace Monument in Stirling to see the fabled Wallace Sword and climb the 246 steps to the top for some magnificent views; see the site of the original Stirling Old Bridge where Wallace defeated King Edward I of England; stop at the Wallace Birthplace Monument in the pretty village of Elderslie, where Wallace was born, and see ancient Dumbarton Castle, on its distinctive volcanic rock, where Wallace was held prisoner by the English before his trial and execution in London.

National Wallace Monument

Take the high road to Loch Lomond

No tour of Scotland would be complete without a trip to the Highlands and, for many people, world-famous Loch Lomond is the gateway to the Highlands. As part of the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is home to breathtaking scenery, surrounded as it is by rugged mountains and delightful villages. One of the most pleasurable ways to explore the loch is on a boat trip, but it is also the ideal location for walking, outdoor activities and relaxing in nature. Situated just 25 miles north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations, and the perfect place for a photo stop on a journey to the Highlands and islands.

Share a selfie with a 'heilen coo'

Highland cows (or heilen coos in Scottish) are one of Scotland’s most popular icons, pictured as they are on many a gift and label, so why not create your own magic moment by getting up close to these magnificent beasts. There are dozens of farms dotted across the country which give visitors the chance to spend time with Highland cows, either as a part of a wider farm experience, or as a dedicated tour. It is sometimes said that these friendly animals enjoy nothing more than being pampered by humans, so you can even try your hand at grooming them!

Go island hopping

Scotland is surrounded by almost 800 magical islands, so it makes sense to explore some of them on your tour. The isles are varied and beautiful – from spiritual Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, to the Isle of Skye, one of the biggest, with its distinctive rocky landscape, which has played an important part in Scottish history. The island of Islay is famous for its whisky distilleries (nine at the last count!), while the lush Isle of Bute, just a thirty-minute ferry ride from the mainland, is home to the spectacular Gothic country house, Mount Stuart, with its extensive gardens.

Portree on the Isle of Skye © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Crack the Da Vinci Code at Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most exquisite buildings in Scotland, famous for its mysterious carvings and the beauty of its setting. The chapel’s ornate stonework and mysterious symbolism have inspired and intrigued visitors since it was built in the 15th century, and there are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the chapel, as fans of the Da Vinci Code will know. The chapel featured prominently in the Dan Brown book, as well as in the Tom Hanks film.

As well as the Da Vinci Code, Scotland has been the location for the filming of hundreds of TV series and movies, from Harry Potter and James Bond to Outlander and The Queen. On one of our tailor-made location tours, you can see all your favourites.

Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most intriguing buildings

Look out for Nessie on Loch Ness

The Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie, is the most famous creature in Scottish folklore, which is said to inhabit the depths of Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. The dark and brooding waters of the loch, one of the biggest and deepest lakes in Britain, have given rise to tales of a mythical beast since ancient times, with it often being described as a long necked, humped creature. Since the 1930s, the modern legend of Nessie has grown into a major industry, with ‘monster hunters’ contributing nearly £100 million a year to Scotland’s economy. In our experience, it’s almost impossible to enjoy a drive along the banks of Loch Ness without trying to see if you can spot Nessie!

Loch Ness – reputed home of the Loch Ness Monster!

Savour a wee dram of Scotch whisky

Along with golf, whisky is probably Scotland’s most enduring legacy to the world. This magical drink has captured the imagination of drinkers everywhere, and there really is nothing finer for whisky lovers than to enjoy a wee dram in its birthplace. The name itself derives from the Gaelic, uisge beatha, which translates as 'water of life', and Scotland is home to over 140 whisky distilleries - the greatest concentration of whisky production anywhere in the world. Wherever, you are in Scotland, you’re unlikely to be far from a distillery, and a distillery tour really is a fascinating way to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon, providing not only an insight into the production of the popular tipple, but also a snapshot of an important part of Scottish heritage.

Caol Ila Distillery – the home of Johnnie Walker whisky

Explore the architecture of Charles Rennie Macintosh

The city of Glasgow is synonymous with Charles Rennie Macintosh, one of the 20th century’s greatest architects, who was born in the city in 1868. The distinctive ‘Glasgow Style’ created by Macintosh and his contemporaries blended Celtic, Arts and Craft and Japanese influences into an innovative new approach which helped to define Art Nouveau. Enjoy afternoon tea and browse the exhibition at Mackintosh at the Willow, a tearoom which has been sensitively restored to its original 1930s Mackintosh design; see The Hill House, just outside of Glasgow, one of the most significant surviving complete works by Mackintosh, and explore the magnificent House for an Art Lover near the city centre.

The Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum © Glasgow Mackintosh

Tuck into a Burns Night supper

Robert Burns is Scotland’s most important literary figure, whose 18th century poems and songs continue to entertain and inspire people to this day, from his epic poem Tam o’Shanter to Auld Lang Syne. Born in Alloway in Ayrshire, Burns went on to become known as Scotland’s National Bard, and his birthday is celebrated each year on 25 January - Burns Night. A traditional Burns Night supper involves a hearty meal including haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), a few drams of whisky, some of Burns’ poems and songs being recited and tributes made to the great Bard. Attending a Burns Night supper is a highlight of any trip to Scotland, but if you can’t visit in January, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy Scottish fare accompanied by traditional music on one of our tailor-made tours of Scotland.

A traditional Burns Supper of haggis, neeps and tatties © VisitScotland

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Scotland, including some – or all! – of these unforgettable experiences, please do contact or friendly team today.