Top 6 Tourist Regions of Scotland

Scotland is SUCH a picturesque slice of this earth! There are so many places to go to in Scotland, so how do you plan the best trip possible? Well, we have some answers for you! In this post, we share our picks for the Top 6 Tourist Regions of Scotland that you should definitely visit.

While my husband and I have done our fair share of travel, individually and together, we would love to explore Scotland and Ireland together one day. They are two places that are definitely on our travel bucket list.

I have been to Ireland (BEST apple pie you will ever eat, lots of greenery, quite rainy, cute little cobbled stone walls everywhere you go, very friendly people, lots of swearing, lol), but never to Scotland, and there’s something about it that seems so magical!

It’s the perfect time of year to gather your friends or family members for a fantastic adventure.

Read on for the best Top 6 Tourist Regions of Scotland for family fun and adventures:

1. Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the heart of the city. It is a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace. 

The hills of this park are the crowning glory of the city’s landscape and they attract tourists from all over the world. 

This reserve is an old one – it was created in 1541. An interesting fact: it is called the King’s Park or Queen’s Park depending on the gender of the current monarch.

Boasting 1.6 kilometres of wonderful nature and wildlife, the park is open to the public, and tourist attractions include:

• Arthur’s Seat – the parks highest point, an ancient volcano, which sits 251m above sea level giving an excellent view of the city
• Salisbury Crags – a cliff face that looks down on Edinburgh like a grand fortress
• Samson’s Ribs – a substantial rocky outcrop
• St Margaret’s Loch – a shallow man-made loch
• Haggis Knowe – in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, lies Haggis Knowe, a small outcrop of ancient lava standing guard over St Margaret’s Loch

Holyrood park provides a wide range of walking tours. It is easily accessible from Edinburgh. 

The fastest way to get there is by car. So if you’re travelling, hiring a rental car is your best bet. Consider using a car hire company like Avis Edinburgh airport for car hire that is hassle free, having you on your way asap.

2. The Three Sisters of Glencoe

Tourists love this area for its fantastic highland scenery and stunning nature.

The Three Sisters are the ridges that make up “Bidean Nam Bian”. Situated in the southern part of Highland’s Glencoe. 

There are three ridges that extend to Glencoe and they are called:

• Gearr Aonach – which means “Short Bridge”, located near Stob Coire nan Lochan
• Aonach Dubh – meaning “Black Bridge”, which is near Gearr Aonach
• Beinn Fhada is the eastern sister, meaning “Long Hill”, and it leads to the massif of Bidean Nam Bian.

There are various routes available for ascending the massif. One of them starts at the car park by Glencoe and extends for 2.5 miles to the Stob Coire nan Lochan peak. 

If you’re not keen on crowds, avoid this tourist attraction over the weekends as it can get very busy.

To get to The Three Sisters from Glasgow takes about 40 minutes by car, and 30 minutes from Edinburgh by car. Using trains is an option too.

3. Luskentyre Sands

Here you will find marvellous greenish-blue waves, white sand beaches and stunning hills in the background.

This area possesses a heavenly beauty. 

The beach is located on the western side of the Isle of Harris. A popular tourist spot, especially when the sun is out. 

Activities here include:

• Hiking in the highest parts of the area
• Barefoot strolls by the sea, taking in the marvellousness, and of course snapping many photos 
• You can also join a special tour – Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, that includes not only the beach of Harris but also Skye and Lewis. Discover the history and interesting geological facts about the area with experienced guides

4. Pentland Hills

Another fantastic nature attraction that will interest pretty much everyone. Pentland Hills is situated nearby to Edinburgh, in the southwestern part of Scotland. 

Here you will find a range of hills that extends for 30 kilometres to the River Clyde with a little town called Biggar very close by.

Among the activities available here, we have:

• Fishing
• Camping
• Cycling
• Horse riding
• Walking (dogs allowed)
• Alpaca walks

On the official website of Pentland Hills, you can find more information about their current events and activities that you may enjoy.

Get there on foot or by your own vehicle. You can also hire a car in Edinburgh and be there in just 20 minutes.

5. An Lochan Uaine

A small lake, located in the Scottish Highlands, in the council territory. 

The name means “Green Tarn (or lake)”.  As the legend goes, the green colour of the waters is caused by fairies washing their clothes in the loch. How cute is that?!

An Lochan Uaine is protected by Glenmore Forest Park.

You can walk to the lake from the visitor centre of Glenmore Forest. Hiking is one of the main activities here. The trails are considered suitable for children.

6. Finnich Glen

A beautiful small tourist spot not far from Glasgow. 

It reaches 70 feet deep and was formed because of the collapsing sandstone. Almost 70,000 people visit Finnich Glen annually.

The ideal spot to take amazing scenic photographs. 

There are no public paths, so it’s advisable to be a little cautious when hiking here. Devil’s Pulpit is a popular tourist attraction and is located within the area of Finnich Glen.

To get to Finnich Glen, going by road is the best option. This is where car hire comes in handy if you don’t have your own vehicle, and if you happen to arrive at Edinburgh Airport, Avis Car Hire is a great solution.

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I hope this post on the Top 6 Tourist Regions of Scotland has been helpful to you as you plan your Scotland vacation itinerary. 

Or dream about the day when you’ll be planning your Scotland itinerary, like us! We certainly can’t wait to visit this beautiful slice of heaven one day.

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Until next time, stay healthy and keep adventuring!