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.

Tap/Click ‘find listings’ for a detailed search – or just have a browse. 

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was built around an abbey founded by King David I in the 12th century, which had royal chambers attached to it. James IV (1488-1513) decided to upgrade the chambers to a palace, and this work was added to by subsequent monarchs. The Palace is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth would visit during Holyrood week, at the end of June/beginning of July. When The Monarch is in residence, the Scottish variant of the Royal Standard is flown.

Parts of the Palace are open to the public, though opening arrangements are subject to change, sometimes at short notice, and you should check before making a special journey. Highlights of a visit include the magnificent State Apartments and the fascinating Mary, Queen of Scots', chambers. You can also walk round the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and parts of the gardens.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Canongate
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
County
Lothian
Post Code
EH8 8DX
Main Historic Period
Stuart
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Opposite the Scottish Parliament building. You may also want to pop into the Queen's Gallery.
Primary Management
Royal Collection Trust
PEOPLE’S PALACE, Glasgow

The People's Palace and Winter Gardens houses a collection of historical artefacts, photographs, prints and film giving an insight into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played from the 18th to the 20th Century. The Winter Gardens and the highly decorative five-tier Doulton fountain outside are both wonderful.  The fountain was designed to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887 and was originally displayed at the 1888 International Exhibition in Kelvingrove Park.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Glasgow Green
County
Glasgow
Post Code
G40 1AT
Main Historic Period
Victorian
Useful Website Address
Primary Management
Local Authority
PLOCKTON

Plockton is a tiny, popular, attractive village in the Wester Ross area of the Highlands of Scotland. It is highly picturesque with lovely views. Perched on the shores of Loch Carron, Plockton is also known for its mild climate that allows colourful plants to flourish; you will even spot palm trees by the harbour. It developed as a fishing village from the 18th century but its current economy is heavily dependent on tourism. It’s a good place to just relax. There are walks nearby, boat trips are available and events such as art exhibitions are often held. Or it’s a good base to return to having had a day exploring the area. Given its small size, there are plenty of places to stay. There is even a railway station.

Post code for guidance.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Ross and Cromarty
County
Highland
Post Code
IV52 8TW
Main Historic Period
Victorian
Useful Website Address
Primary Management
Local Authority
PROVAND’S LORDSHIP

Provand’s Lordship is one of only four surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow. Built in 1471, it has been furnished with a collection of 17th century furniture. A 'medieval' herb garden has been created behind the house.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
3 Castle Street
County
Glasgow
Post Code
G4 0RB
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Opposite the Cathedral
Primary Management
Local Authority
QUEEN’S GALLERY

The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.  It hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, and elsewhere.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
County
Lothian
Post Code
EH8 8DX
Main Historic Period
N/A
Tip/Nearby
Adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, opposite the Scottish Parliament.
Primary Management
Royal Collection Trust
Queen's View

Queen's View may be named for Queen Victoria, Robert the Bruce's first wife Isabella of Mar, or - no one knows - it could just be a view fit for a queen.  There are stunning views over Loch Tummel, part of the Tay Forest Park and beyond, to the truly mountain-shaped mountain, Schiehallion. As well as the queen's view, there are walks nearby, parking (pay and display), a visitor centre, cafe and toilets. So you could just stop for the view and a coffee. I can recommend the bacon rolls - can't beat a Scottish morning roll.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
On the B8019
Nr Pitlochry
County
Perthshire
Post Code
PH16 5NR
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Killiecrankie, Scottish Crannog Centre
Primary Management
Forestry Commission
RIVERSIDE MUSEUM

The Riverside Museum is Glasgow's transport museum, home to classic cars, ship models, trams, locos and the tall ship, SV Glenlee. There is also a walk-through recreated Edwardian/Victorian Glasgow street scene.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
100 Pointhouse Place
County
Glasgow
Post Code
G3 8RS
Main Historic Period
Modern
Useful Website Address
Primary Management
Local Authority
ROBERT BURNS’ birthplace cottage

The house built by Robert Burns' father, where Robert Burns was born in 1759, consisting of a kitchen, parlour, byre and barn. Combine with a visit to the Robert Burns' Museum, Alloway Old Kirk, Burns Monument and Brig o' Doon.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
16 Alloway
County
Ayrshire
Post Code
KA7 4PY
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
The Robert Burns' Museum, Alloway Old Kirk, Burns Monument and Brig o' Doon are all within walking distance.
Primary Management
National Trust for Scotland
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Celebrating the life and works of Robert Burns (1759-1796), this is a modern, custom-built museum and visitor centre including shops, restaurant and kids' adventure playground. The latter is amazing, incorporating images from the poet's works into the play facilities. The museum tells the story of Burns' relatively short, but prolific, life based on themes, rather than a logical sequence of events. Geared to the already converted rather than creating new fans, the museum is still interesting. Combine with a visit to Robert Burns' Birthplace, Alloway Old Kirk, Burns Monument and Brig o' Doon.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Murdoch's Lone
Alloway
County
Ayrshire
Post Code
KA7 4PQ
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Robert Burns' cottage, where was born, Alloway Old Kirk, the Burns Monument and Brig o' Doon are all within walking distance.
Primary Management
National Trust for Scotland
ROSSLYN CASTLE

Ruined castle built by the Barons of Rosslyn between the 13th and 17th centuries, just a short distance from the famous Rosslyn Chapel and allegedly haunted. The Castle was besieged at least twice and ultimately destroyed by one of Cromwell's armies in 1650. It is not open to the public as a visitor attraction, but it is available to rent as a holiday home. Click on the Landmark Trust's website link below.

NB The castle can be viewed externally whilst visiting Rosslyn Chapel or via Roslin Glen.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
B7003
Lasswade
County
Midlothian
Post Code
EH18 1EJ
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Rosslyn Chapel, memorial to the Battle of Roslin
Primary Management
Landmark Trust

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