Unveil Scotland's most beautiful places

Want to escape the city and calm your mind with some nature therapy? Loch Lubnaig, on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is the perfect place for a mental reset.

Rent a car for a peaceful drive to the picturesque loch, which is about an hour and a half from Edinburgh. Wind through country roads, past farms and fields of grazing sheep.

Along the way, stop in the charming town of Callander for lunch or tea and homemade pastries at the Mhor Bread. Once there, spend as much time as you want soaking in the beauty of the small freshwater loch nestled between two majestic mountains.

The list of incredible castles in Scotland is long, but these medieval marvels on the East Coast will help you narrow it down. Tour the ancient ruins and take in their long-lasting grandeur when roaming the halls once walked by royalty.

Dunnottar, once the home of one of Scotland’s most powerful families, sits like a crown on the cliffs of Aberdeenshire. If pink is your favorite colour, you’ll swoon at the bright exterior of Craigievar high up in the Grampian Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Dunnottar.

About as far north as you can go on the mainland, check out old Keiss Castle in Caithness. Despite its mighty towers succumbing to time, weather and war, you can see why it’s worth the drive.

There’s no better place to experience an active port in Scotland than Pittenweem, on the East Neuk of Fife. The historic fishing village with ancient roots was once a popular trading port for Dutch and Belgian ships— an influence you can see noted in the Dutch-style buildings with crow-stepped gables.

Today, you can still watch the fishing boats return every evening. Check out the unique architecture on the way to the market to pick up fresh-caught fish for dinner.

Strolling along the cobbled streets of the harbor is the perfect way to unwind. Breathe in the salty marine air, listen to seabirds, and gaze out at the colourful boats bobbing in the harbor.

Harry Potter fans may recognize this picturesque place in Scotland’s West Highlands: the Glenfinnan Viaduct. On its own, it is a beautiful railway bridge with views of the Glenfinnan Monument and the tranquil waters of Loch Shiel. However, in more recent years, it’s attracted visitors who wish to see the real Hogwarts Express and one of the filming locations featured in two of the Harry Potter films.

Appreciate the spectacle of it all as the famous steam train gracefully crosses the viaduct, spanning 1,000 feet across and soaring 100 feet above the ground.

The best time to visit is in the summer, when the Jacobite steam train runs from Glenfinnan Station to Fort William and Mallaig. Regular trains are available the rest of the year.

Looking for road trip ideas in Scotland? Head up into Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to see everything there is to do in nature in just 24 hours.

Full of tranquil lochs, sheltered forests, and mysterious mountains, driving in the Trossachs is an adventure all on its own. You may find yourself stopping often to hike one of Scotland’s most popular mountains or to capture breathtaking views of Loch Katrine.

Be sure to include Three Lochs Forest Drive in your trip. This 7-mile stretch takes you past three serene lochs and offers plenty of woodland wildlife sightings, as well as sweeping views.

Imagine staying in your own little hobbit hole tucked away in the trees in the Scottish Highlands…except this hole comes with luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, warm croissants delivered daily, and your own personal hot tub.

Sound like a dream? Make it a reality at RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges, a magical eco-glamping site made up of private pods overlooking a gentle creek in Scotland’s famous valley of Glencoe.

As cozy as the space is, you’ll want to explore its picturesque valley setting that has been used as a backdrop in many famous films, including several of the Harry Potter movies. Get out and kayak on Loch Morar, bike along the shores of Loch Linnhe and Leven, or hike the hills at the gateway to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

At the end of the day, you can soak in your peaceful surroundings from the Jacuzzi on your private deck.