Despite having its fair share of bustling city areas, Scotland is still well-renowned for its beautiful mountains, vast lakes and rich history – and there is no better way to experience this than to take a little trip to one of the many beautiful towns or villages within the country.
Whether you are looking for a picturesque mountain hike, a stroll along the coast or simply sitting and relaxing in a cosy country pub, there are a range of quaint villages around Scotland that are well worth visiting if you are thinking of taking a little trip there.
To help you choose your perfect village destination, here are ten of the most beautiful towns and villages in Scotland.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Situated in the Inner Hebrides, Tobermory is well-known for its beautiful port, featuring a host of brightly-coloured buildings – buildings which will be instantly recognisable to anyone who grew up watching the vibrant children’s entertainment programme Balamory, filmed on Tobermory until 2005.
Aside from its colourful architecture, Tobermory is known for its Whiskey Distillery, which regularly runs tours and tastings. It’s well worth stopping by to try some Tobermory aged whiskey on your visit to this beautiful town!
Tarbert, Argyll
This picturesque fishing village is located in the West of Scotland, and is most certainly worth visiting for a look around the historic ruins of the Castle of Tarbert if you enjoy getting to know the history of local area during your travels.
There are also different festivals taking place during the town, depending on the time of your visit. During the summer, Tarbert hosts an annual seafood festival, where visitors can sample some of the delicious fresh fish caught around the port of Loch Fyne.
Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Ballater is full of natural beauty, perfect for visitors to Scotland who would like to take a hike and explore the vast woodland and forest areas surrounding the town, featuring beautiful rivers and waterfalls, as well as Loch Muick, just South of the area. There are even ‘camping safari’ tours available in Ballater, so that visitors can spend an evening getting up close and personal with the local forest wildlife!
There’s also a wonderful selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants in Ballater, where visitors can refuel in a cosy setting after a busy day of walking.
Stromness, Orkney
Stromness is a beautiful seaside town, full of winding streets and historic buildings.
This the perfect destination for those who visit Scotland in the hope of taking a stroll around one of its many historic villages, with their independent shops and quaint cafes. It’s also worth spending an afternoon enjoying an ice-cream as you relax by the busy harbour, which is visited by many yachts and fishing boats each day.
Killin, Loch Tay
Once again, if it’s natural beauty you are looking for, Killin has it in abundance. The village is situated within acres of forests, featuring beautiful waterfalls and surrounded by mountains.
The area has no shortage of accommodation, ranging from grand guesthouses to quirky glamping pods in the heart of the natural area, close to the vast and beautiful Loch Tay. There’s also a variety of outdoor activities on offer, whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll through the woodlands or something a little more adventurous.
Killin is also home to the historic Stirling Castle and Whiskey Distillery, which offers year-round tours to the villages’ visitors.
Torridon, Highlands
Situated at the foot of Liatach, a vast and imposing mountain within Torridon Hills, Torridon is full of beautiful accommodation and historic natural sights.
While there isn’t exactly a lot to see in Torridon for visitors who appreciate a day of shopping and dining, there is nowhere better for visitors who are looking to take in some breath-taking views and enjoy a hike in a truly magnificent setting. Torridon is the ultimate Scottish ‘get away from it all’ destination.
Portree, Isle of Skye
The capital town of the Isle of Skye, Portree was built around 200 years ago for use as a fishing village. There are a range of small local businesses in this beautiful town, excellent for anyone looking for a slower pace of trip than a city could offer, but still want to enjoy their days shopping, dining and strolling through a wonderfully charming setting.
You can also enjoy a boat trip from Portree’s pier, giving visitors a chance to relax as you sail along the town’s vast coastline and take in the wonderful views around the area.
Plockton, Highlands
Sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel of the Highlands’, Plockton has something for everyone. Guests in this charming area have their pick of natural sightseeing, exciting aquatic activities such as kayaking and a range of delightful pubs, shops and restaurants.
In the summertime, Plockton is also known for its sailing regatta, a wonderful sight for those who have not yet experienced such an event.
Millport, Great Cumbrae
Despite being fairly small and being the only town on Great Cumbrae, Millport has plenty of quirky sights for visitors to explore, including Crocodile Rock, a painted rock formation along the coast, and the supposed ‘narrowest house in the world’, which visitors have been delighted to be given a (very short) tour of over the years!
There is also a small museum and aquarium in Millport, as well as a selection of local businesses to stop by.
Falkirk, Lowlands
More a large town than a village, Falkirk is most definitely worth visiting for its incredible architecture, featuring a range of delightfully creative sculptures and local landmarks. Falkirk is home to many famous Scottish sights, such as the Kelpies, two giant horse head sculptures which are beautifully lit at night, the Falkirk Wheel and the beautiful Callendar House, a French-inspired chateau greeting guests visiting the beautifully landscaped gardens that surround it.
While Falkirk offers a busier pace of life than the other destinations on this list, it’s still well worth a visit if you are the kind who enjoys impressive architectural and sculptural work.
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Download the Littletrips app and create your own little trips to towns and villages across the UK - Download the Littletrips app
