Isle of Arran

9 Best Places to Visit in Scotland

St Andrews Golf Course

Scotland’s wild beauty, rugged highlands, and cultural attractions lure visitors from every corner of the globe. The country’s diversity of landscapes, geography, islands, and cities make for a wide range of popular travel destinations. To help you narrow them down, below is my list of the 9 best places to visit in Scotland:

1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the country’s political and cultural capital, and no trip to Scotland is complete without a visit. If you’re able, try to time your travel so that you arrive in August, which is festival month. Alternatively, the city’s Hogmanay celebrations at New Year’s are a highlight.

2. St Andrews
St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most famous travel destinations. Golfers come from all over the world to play on the famous Old Course, but there are many other attractions to keep the non-golfer entertained. From the historic ruins of churches and castles to great shops, restaurants, and boutiques, St Andrews is the perfect place to spend a few days while you are visiting Scotland.

3. Isle of Arran
Often called ‘Scotland in Miniature’, the beautiful Isle of Arran has all of the country’s highlights in one place. From gorgeous hiking trails and mysterious stone circles to a whisky distillery and centuries-old castle, the island has something for everyone.

4. Glencoe
One of the most beautiful places in Scotland is Glencoe. Featured in films, it is often the image people conjure when imagining the Scottish highlands. Driving through Glencoe is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK, and the area is definitely one of the top places to visit in Scotland.

5. Loch Ness
This famous lake needs no introduction. Home of the famous Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, as the locals call her for short, Loch Ness is a popular place to take a boat cruise or drive. Nearby Fort Augustus is a good place to stay while you are in the area.

6. Glasgow
Often overlooked in favor of Edinburgh, Glasgow has come into its own as a cultural destination in recent years. From world-class museums to beautiful historic architecture and great food and nightlife, the city is well worth a few days.

7. Isle of Skye
The picturesque Isle of Skye is one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland. From its rugged coastline with stunning waterfalls to its great restaurants and beautiful natural landscapes, Skye is truly a travel gem.

8. Gleneagles
Another famous golfing destination, Gleneagles is a great place to visit if you like to get out on the links. If you don’t, the famous Gleneagles Hotel is the perfect place for spa treatments, fine dining, and relaxing in luxurious surroundings.

9. Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the British Isles. At 1,344 metres (4,409 feet), it attracts visitors from all over the world to climb its peaks. Nearby Fort William is a great place to stay before or after your ascent.

Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran

Lagg Hotel

Lagg Hotel
Address: Lagg, Kilmory, Isle of Arran KA27 8PQ, Scotland, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 1770 870 255

The Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran is located in the south of the island in Kilmory, Scotland. Set in a quiet, lush area amidst beautiful gardens, the Lagg Hotel is the perfect retreat on Arran.

The hotel has comfortable guest rooms with nice, new bathroom fixtures. The rooms are quiet and and offer a full range of amenities.

The Lagg Hotel’s restaurants include a cosy room near the bar and a more formal dining room. At the latter, menu options range from grilled scallops with soba noodles to salmon fillets. Desserts are to die for, and the cheese selection features several local Arran cheeses. Don’t miss the view out the windows, either. The dining room looks out across the gardens, which are beautiful in the spring and summer months.

Room rates at the Lagg Hotel on the Isle of Arran are 42.50 GBP per person per night. There are also deals that include bed, breakfast, and dinner. Dogs are welcome if you notify the hotel beforehand.

Isle of Arran Sightseeing

Isle of Arran

Nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature”, the Isle of Arran is one of the most visited destinations by Glaswegians and other in-the-know visitors.

Located just two hours from Glasgow by train and ferry, Arran is easily accessible, has great hotels and B&Bs, and makes for a perfect weekend break in Scotland.

The Isle of Arran is famous for its natural landscapes, castles, and food. Whether you aim to climb Mount Goatfell, hike to King’s Caves, walk to the Machrie Moor Stone Circles or take part in the myriad water sports the island offers, you can’t go wrong. The Isle of Arran is also home to a half dozen or so golf courses for those that can’t leave the clubs behind.

There are two castles on the Isle of Arran: Lochranza Castle and Brodick Castle. Lochranza Castle is a small shell of a building, but can be visited. Brodick Castle is a full-blown National Trust property, complete with tours, gardens, a restaurant, a tea room, and a gift shop.

Speaking of tea and shopping, don’t miss the Isle of Arran’s wide array of local cheeses, ice cream, chocolates, and beer. Also worth a visit is the Isle of Arran Distillery, where you can take a tour and see how Scotch whisky is made. The island is famous for its artisan foods and beverages, so make sure to sample some while you’re there.