I’m in Scotland this week. It’s becoming an addiction. I’m in the Scottish Borders a lot, which is great because I’ve discovered parts of Scotland I never knew about. So today I want to share my picks for under-the-radar places to travel in Scotland.
Places to Travel in Scotland
I won’t claim to be an expert in this part of the UK, and I’m sure locals will know a lot more places than I do (please leave a comment if you do!).
But given how many amazing spots I’ve come across in Scotland, I want to share some of my favorites.
1. Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders are about as under-the-radar as British destinations get, but they’re some of the best places to travel in Scotland.
Just north of the English frontier, the region benefits from sparse tourist crowds and ample opportunities to explore fairy-tale castles, stunning coastline, and storybook villages.
Whether I’m taking in the ruins of Melrose Abbey, soaking up the gardens at Mellerstain House, standing in awe of Abbotsford House, or wading through heather on the moors at sunrise, this part of Scotland inspires me everywhere I go.
2. Kirkcudbright
In the southwest, Kirkcudbright is another of the top places to travel in Scotland. I first visited the town for the Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail, an annual celebration of all things creative.
I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this coastal artists’ colony, and loved getting a rare opportunity to explore the houses, studios, and gardens in town. If there’s one Scottish summer festival I could keep going back to, it’s this one.
3. Dumfries House
North of Kirkcudbright in Ayrshire, Dumfries House is an 18th-century Palladian stately home with an unrivaled collection of Chippendale furniture, expansive gardens, and impressive heritage. It’s one of the best places to travel in Scotland.
Saved for the nation by King Charles III before it was nearly auctioned off in 2007, it’s now open to the public. I visited one summer and loved the sumptuous interiors, impressive furniture collection, and manicured green spaces.
4. Canna
Anyone that reads the A Lady in London blog regularly knows how much I love the Scottish Hebrides. They’re some of the best places to travel in Scotland for lovers of the outdoors.
I had such a great time sailing around the Scottish islands one year that I went back again to explore more. And I found Canna.
One of the Small Isles, Canna is not only beautiful, but also less visited than many of the other Hebridean islands. Together with neighboring Sanday, it’s a haven of peace, puffins, and pretty views.
5. Coll
Not far from Canna is Coll, another quiet island in the Inner Hebrides. I went there on my first Hebrides sailing trip and loved the crescent beaches and castles on the sand.
Add to that delicious seafood and adorable sheep, and Coll quickly became one of my favorite places in Scotland.
Under-the-Radar Places to Travel in Scotland
I’ll be spending more time in Scotland in the future, and I hope to bring you additional off-the-beaten path recommendations. In the meantime, I would love to hear your picks for under-the-radar places to travel in Scotland.
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16 Comments on Lady’s 5 Under-the-Radar Places to Travel in Scotland
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Great pics and advice as always. I really want to explore Scotland more – it’s beautiful. I’ve been to Inverness and the Cairngorm National Park a couple of times and really recommend those areas – stunning!
Thanks! I’ve heard so many good things about walking in the Cairngorms and can’t wait to go someday.
Amazing photos! It’s definitely time for us to explore Scotland more, we’re only been to Glasgow so far, but this makes me want to pack the bags right now 😀
Thanks! I hope you can get there sometime soon. You will love it!
You keep posting amazing articles on Scotland and I will only be able to see a few of the places on my trip! It makes for some tough decisions for sure. I’m wondering on your lists if you are ranking these or just listing them with numbers? If you are ranking them, have you ever considered going backward to number one to build suspense for the end of your article? I think that’s kind of a fun way to do it to keep the reader engaged until the end where you start guessing to yourself what may be coming at the end. Anyway, that’s just a thought. Thanks again, I love your blog!!
Thanks, Blaise! That’s a good idea. My lists tend to be in random order, but I like the concept of a suspense factor. I hope you enjoy your trip to Scotland when you visit. There’s really no wrong place to go, so I’m sure you’ll love wherever you choose.
Beautiful pics. When I think of going on holiday, I immediately think of going abroad. But the UK really does have some stunning places to visit. This has inspired me to look in to Scotland. Canna looks absolutely breathtaking.
Thanks! I tend to do the same, but I’ve really enjoyed traveling in the UK more over the last few years. I hope you enjoy Scotland!
Would love to hear anything about the Orkney Islands. That’s a trip on my bucket list, so if you head that far north, please share! Thanks.
I would love to visit the Orkney Islands, too. I’ll definitely keep you posted if I go (and hopefully will soon!).
Great pictures. Went to university in St Andrews. Have you been?
Of course! I’ve written about it a number of times, so please see my previous posts.
Lovely blog you have!!! Iam travelling to the UK by next month, I am now more excited to see these places! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! I hope you have a great trip.
Great choices! Definitely all ones I wouldn’t have thought of. Kirkcudbright looks so cute! I’ve been hearing a lot about Coll this year so I ought to make a trip there at some point.
Yeah, they’re both lovely places. I hope you get a chance to go!