Scotland

Britain, places to visit, attractions, heritage
Find places to visit in Britain by name, location, type of attraction, or other keyword.

This listings directory of over 950 entries is being phased out.
It now excludes places and things of interest in the North of England, including Yorkshire.
These can be found in ABAB’s Places.
Places to visit in England’s East Midlands are currently being moved to ABAB’s Places.

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BEARSDEN ROMAN BATH HOUSE


Bearsden Roman Bath House is the excavated stone remains of a bathhouse and latrine annexed to the fort that stood nearby, part of the defences of the Antonine Wall, constructed c140 AD and abandoned 20 years later. The remains were discovered when Victorian houses were redeveloped in 1973 and are now displayed, with useful information boards, surrounded by late 20th century suburban residences. The boards allow easy interpretation of the remains. It is a fascinating site, but most people will not tarry longer than about 20 minutes. The fort is buried under modern housing and roads.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
8 Roman Court
Bearsden
Glasgow
County
East Dunbartonshire
Post Code
G61 2HS
Main Historic Period
Roman
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
About 8 miles north of Glasgow. Limited parking.
Primary Management
Local Authority
BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis - Beinn Nibheis - is the highest mountain in Britain (4412 feet, 1345 metres). The summit is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano.  It is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William, and is affectionately known as 'The Ben.' It is immensely popular with walkers, who mainly follow a well-constructed track from the south, as well as serious climbers. Ben Nevis can be a dangerous place. Conditions can change very quickly and deaths from falls as well as from exposure are not uncommon. It is essential to take precautions before attempting an ascent, including telling people you are going up and wearing/taking appropriate clothing and equipment.

The mountain is looked after by the John Muir Trust.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Fort William
County
Highland
Post Code
PH33 6SY
Main Historic Period
N/A
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Fort William
Primary Management
Other
Blackfriars Chapel, St Andrews

The tiny ruins of Blackfriars' Chapel are the only visible remains of a Dominican Friary that was established in St Andrews c1464. The friars wore black robes - hence the name. The chapel was built in 1525 as an extension to the church, but was destroyed during the Scottish Reformation, presumably when, or shortly after, the friars were 'violently expelled' in 1559. So, there's very little to see but it's worth having a look when you're in town.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
South Street
St Andrews
County
Fife
Post Code
KY16 9EH
Main Historic Period
Tudor
Tip/Nearby
West Port, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle
Primary Management
Historic Scotland
BOTHWELL CASTLE

The imposing red sandstone ruins of Bothwell Castle guard a strategic crossing point over the River Clyde. One feature is the castle's unusual round keep, or donjon. You can also explore the prison cells, great hall and chapel. Construction was started on the castle in the late 13th century, but was incomplete when captured by the English, recaptured, captured again... It then changed hands several more times and had a chequered history, being intentionally ruined at least twice so that it could no longer be used.

The castle sometimes has to be closed at short notice due to bad weather. Check with Historic Scotland before making a special trip.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Castle Avenue
Uddingston
County
Lanarkshire
Post Code
G71 8BL
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Tip/Nearby
Glasgow attractions
Primary Management
Historic Scotland
Brig o' Doon

The Brig o' Doon is a beautiful old cobbled bridge over the River Doon, built in the 15th century. It features in the 1791 poem, 'Tam o' Shanter', when Tam gallops across the bridge on his horse, Meg, pursued by witches and warlocks. He escapes - but they grab Meg's tail! Combine with a visit to the Robert Burns' Monument, Museum, Alloway Old Kirk and his birthplace.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Alloway
County
Ayrshire
Post Code
KA7 4PQ
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Robert Burns' Monument, Museum, Alloway Old Kirk and the cottage he was born in are all within walking distance.
Primary Management
National Trust for Scotland
Burns Monument

Enormous, 70' high, Grecian-style memorial to the poet Robert Burns, erected by subscription in 1823 and surrounded by attractive gardens. Nearby is the Brig o' Doon, Alloway Auld Kirk, Burns' Birthplace Museum and Cottage.

Photo: tormentor4555 via Wikipedia.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Burns Memorial Gardens
Alloway
County
Ayrshire
Post Code
KA7 4PQ
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Brig o' Doon, Alloway Auld Kirk, Burns' cottage and museum all within walking dostance. Park at museum.
Primary Management
National Trust for Scotland
CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE

A 17th century residence (possibly the original Maxwell House?!), built inside a forbidding triangular medieval fortress, surrounded by a romantic moat, besieged by the English, ruined by religion. Plus a colony of Natterjack toads AND the site of an earlier castle.

What more could you ask?

It is about 6 miles south of Dumfries off the B725.  Follow the A75 west from the M6/M74.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Glencaple
County
Dumfries and Galloway
Post Code
DG1 4RU
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Sweetheart Abbey
Primary Management
Historic Scotland
CAIRNGORMS (The)

Named for the mountain Cairn Gorm, the Cairngorm National Park in North East Scotland was established in 2003 and is Britain’s largest.  Twice as big as the Lake District, it covers a diverse area of 1748 square miles (4,528 sq kilometres), which includes spectacular landscapes, wild mountains, moorland, forests, rivers and farmland.  There are 43 mountains over 3000 feet (914 metres); the highest point is Ben Macdui at 4294 feet (1309 metres).  So, this is challenging walking and climbing territory – and remote.  The forests are part of the ancient Caledonian Forest that covered much of northern Scotland thousands of years ago.  The Park is also home to some of Britain’s rarest animals, including the golden eagle, red squirrel and Scottish wildcat.

All of Scotland’s traditional wild creatures can be seen at the amazing Highland Wildlife Park and there’s a herd of reindeer that can be visited on the slopes of Cairngorm.  The Cairngorm National Park experiences some of Britain’s coldest weather.  It is one of the few places in Britain to offer the prospect of skiing on real snow – Aviemore being a favourite destination for this.  You can also bungee-jump and play golf (but not at the same time).

There are castles and country estates, like Blair Castle and Balmoral, one of the Royal Family’s favourite homes (parts of the Balmoral Estate are open to the public at specified times, but not during the summer).  The National Park has at least 6 whisky distilleries within its boundaries – and while you’re about it, why not attend one of the several Highland Games held at places like Braemar or Tomintoul.

Principal settlements in the Cairngorm National Park include: Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Tomintoul.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Cairngorms National Park Authority
14 The Square
Grantown-on-Spey
County
Moray
Post Code
PH26 3HG
Main Historic Period
N/A
Link to featured article
Primary Management
National Park
CALLANISH Standing Stones

The Callanish (or Calanais in Gaelic) Standing Stones is a complex of 50 stones in a cruciform arrangement roughly aligned north-south, with an inner circle of 13 stones and a small chambered cairn. They date from 3000BC and there are several other prehistoric sites nearby, including 3 additional circles. As with other stone circles in Britain, there is no satisfactory explanation for the purpose of these monuments - though, according to tradition they are petrified giants.

There is a modern visitor centre managed by Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stones Trust).

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Calanais Visitor Centre
Calanais
Isle of Lewis
County
Western Isles
Post Code
HS2 9DY
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Tip/Nearby
Other prehistoric sites - details tba
Primary Management
Historic Scotland
CALTON HILL

Calton Hill, at the east end of Edinburgh City, is a landmark that is included within the boundary of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It is home to a number of monuments, not least the unfinished National Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument and is used for casual strolling as well as celebratory events. There are panoramic views from the top.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Edinburgh
County
Lothian
Post Code
EH7 5AA
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Edinburgh City Observatory, Holyrood
Primary Management
Local Authority

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch

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