If magic is real, it’s here. The constituent country of the United Kingdom, Scotland, is the northern island of Great Britain. It is a country of magic, culture, architecture, literature and classic English highlands.
If you are a Potterhead (Harry Potter fan), then there is no way you can miss out on a trip to Scotland. So, let’s pack and take a road trip around the breathtaking landscapes of the country to explore some of the magical and unique destinations in Scotland.
1. Edinburgh
The country’s capital is a great place to explore, from famous Harry Potter places to architecture from different periods, all well preserved. Book your stay at the Balmoral Hotel, where J. K. Rowling wrote the deathly hollows or go for a walk on Victoria Street.
If you need a little treat, go to the Elephant Cafe, known to be the birthplace of the Harry Potter Saga. It was one of the favourite places for Rowling to get creative.
The fanatic adventure does not end here. Greyfriars Kirkyard is a hauntingly elegant graveyard in Edinburgh and was a place of exceptional inspiration for J. K. Rowling. Many say that Rowling took a stroll around the gravestones when she came up with the name of her significant villain, Tom Riddle.
You can visit and walk around see the actual grave of Thomas Riddell Esquire here. It is also the resting place of William McGonagall (Professor McGonagall) and Elizabeth Moodie (Mad-Eye Moody).
There is a lot more to the city if you are wondering. Look around Georgian townhomes or stunning galleries, bookshops and cafés. Furthermore, Edinburgh is an important cultural destination, hosting several famous events and festivals throughout the year.
One of the largest arts festivals in the world, the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival draws immense crowds, so does the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the following held on the terrains of the castle.
2. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
It is quite a drive from the main towns of Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, situated on the outskirt, Loch Lomond is convenient to reach. It is the greatest body of fresh water in the United Kingdom and the country’s most iconic place.
With lovely sceneries, including seven waterfalls, it is a great place to hike, camp and fish. Trossachs is a small woodland glen that was combined with Loch Lomond to make it a national park as a whole. You can also visit the ancient church ruins and burial grounds located nearby.
3. Stirling
The historic town of Stirling is the midpoint between Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is known for its enchanting Stirling Castle. The town serves as a decent base to explore the country. The Castle has played its role in the centuries-long struggle between Scotland and England.
The architecture here is well-preserved medieval structure’s grand halls and rooms, which is the case for most parts of the country. Take a day trip or two and, don’t forget to visit the Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Wallace Monument.
4. Glasgow
There is no better place than Glasgow to experience modern medieval life in Scotland. It is on the West coast of the country, right by the Clyde River.
Glasgow has grown into a significant European Cultural Centre in the past few decades. Spend a couple of days here and make sure to visit remarkable museums, art galleries, parks and experience festivals. These events have become such an attraction to tourists in recent years and would be a definite magical experience in your trip to these unique destinations in Scotland.
The city center is a wonderful place to explore here, take a stroll to the waterfront and the Riverside Museum. For those with a keen interest in theatre hold a chance to participate in a play at the King’s Theatre.
Some striking artsy attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, known for its displays of local art, and the Glasgow Style Gallery with its diverse collection including the works by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali.
5. Inverness
Inverness is a lovely town full of solo travellers during the season. You can explore the entire city on foot, pretty much. The River Ness and the Inverness Castle are the major spots in the city to visit. Stay awhile, it may take you very little to explore the city, but it serves as a great base to explore the highlands of Scotland.
6. Loch Ness
Who doesn’t know the legend of the Loch Ness monster, Nessie? The nation’s beautiful Loch Ness remains one of its prime places to visit. Notwithstanding, there is no absolute evidence that Nessie, the world’s most famous sea monster, actually exists.
Whether Nessie is real or just a myth, Loch Ness is a breathtaking place to be. If you are a fan of the famous series, Outlander, then places such as the Urquhart Castle are enough to make the journey to this Highland attraction worthwhile. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in the village of Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus are sure worth a visit here.
7. Jacobite Steam Train and Glenfinnan Viaduct
Any Potterheads won’t be disappointed when they see this. Isn’t it a dream for all of us to receive a letter from Hogwarts? Well, the letter may not be at your door yet, but this is a sign to take.
Take the real-life Hogwarts Express! Could you ask for more, on this magical trip to unique destinations of Scotland? Now, you may not walk through a wall to a 9 3/4 platform but, you sure can enjoy the surreal scenery and look up, hoping to spot a flying car or a chocolate frog on your window.
While you have already hopped on this journey, visit the Fort William and the West Highlands way and Ben Nevis. And don’t forget to stop by, Rannoch Moor.
8. Glencoe
From Hagrid’s hut to Torren Lochan and Clachaig gully, there is a whole lot to this beautiful countryside. A couple of hours are enough to see it all but, even a couple of days will be less here.
You might want to live here, experience life in this countryside. Go to the Lost Valley or bike in the Nevis range. The adventure has only begun, go for paddle boating in the River Etive or kayaking on Loch Leven.
Go for a stroll at the Glencoe Lochan Trail or just sit by and breathe in nature. It is a place with no limitations to experience zen.
9. Isle Of Skye
This coastal region in Scotland is known for its fishing villages, rugged landscapes and medieval castles. It is quite like the Isle of Arran, which is yet another wonderful place to stop by.
The Isle of Skye is a natural paradise and home to swarms of seabirds, seals, and various native wildlife, accompanying by mile after mile of rugged coastline and spectacular hill views. The fairy pools are a spectacular place to you can’t miss out. The Armadale Castle is another exquisite example of architecture and along with the Dunvegan Castle.
10. Orkney
Orkney is an archipelago in Scotland. It. has over 5000 years of rich history and is a great place to offer several stunning sceneries. The ancient sites are a must-visit here, such as the Skara Brae, giving a glimpse of everyday life during Stone Age.