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37 Best Stops Between Crieff and Aberfoyle
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Crieff to Aberfoyle?
The direct drive from Crieff to Aberfoyle is 32.9 mi (53 km), and should have a drive time of 49 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Crieff to Aberfoyle, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Falkirk, Aberfeldy, Linlithgow, and Dunfermline, as well as top places to visit like Scone Palace and Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, or the ever-popular Loch Leven Heritage Trail.
Visiting Crieff or Aberfoyle? See our Crieff Trip Planner and our Aberfoyle Trip Planner.
32.9 mi
Total Distance
49 mins
Drive Time
37 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between Crieff and Aberfoyle
The top cities between Crieff and Aberfoyle are Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Falkirk, Aberfeldy, Linlithgow, and Dunfermline. Glasgow is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Crieff and less than an hour from Aberfoyle.
1
Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy, a charming burgh in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, is nestled along the picturesque River Tay. This small market town holds historical significance as it was immortalized by Robert Burns in his poem 'The Birks Of Aberfeldy' and later referenced in the popular Ed Sheeran song 'The Hills of Aberfeldy.' The town's scenic beauty is further enhanced by The Birks of Aberfeldy, a natural attraction celebrated in Burns' poetry.
3% as popular as Glasgow
33 minutes off the main route, 28% of way to Aberfoyle
2
Perth
Perth, located in central Scotland beside the River Tay, offers a blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Fergusson Gallery showcasing Scottish Colorist John Duncan Fergusson's paintings and the Black Watch Museum displaying military artifacts at Balhousie Castle. The city also houses Perth Museum and Art Gallery. Additionally, Perthshire, encompassing both Highland and Lowland landscapes, is easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
7% as popular as Glasgow
19 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Aberfoyle
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3
Dunfermline
Sights & Landmarks
Bridges
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Dunfermline, a city in Fife, Scotland, holds historical significance as the de facto capital of the Kingdom of Scotland from the 11th to 15th centuries. It was recently granted city status in 2022. Known as the "auld grey toun," it boasts medieval architecture and is the resting place of many Scottish monarchs. The city offers cultural attractions, green spaces, and retail amenities.
3% as popular as Glasgow
28 minutes off the main route, 46% of way to Aberfoyle
4
Stirling
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Stirling, a city in central Scotland, is steeped in history and offers visitors a glimpse into its medieval past. The iconic Stirling Castle, situated on a volcanic rock at the heart of the old town, stands as a testament to its rich heritage. The National Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig commemorates William Wallace's victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
27% as popular as Glasgow
7 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Aberfoyle
5
Linlithgow
Linlithgow, a charming town in West Lothian, Scotland, holds great historical significance as the former county town of Linlithgowshire. Situated on a historic route between Edinburgh and Falkirk beside the picturesque Linlithgow Loch, it offers a glimpse into ancient Scottish heritage.
3% as popular as Glasgow
23 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Aberfoyle
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6Bruno P — Google reviewChathura M — Google reviewBarham A — Google reviewJames T — Google reviewClare B — Google reviewIan K — Google reviewAP — Google review
The Falkirk Wheel
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
The Falkirk Wheel is a remarkable and innovative boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in Scotland. This engineering marvel, opened in 2001, features four giant wheels shaped like Celtic axes to lift and lower boats, replacing 11 locks. It can transport multiple boats at once between the two canals in just 45 minutes.
I had heard about this amazing piece of engineering and we thought we would visit. So happy that we did. It's amazing. We paid for a guided trip, which I would thoroughly recommend. I cannot remember the name of the guide but he was really funny and knowledgeable. The views were stunning, the walks were amazing and to experience the wheel was brilliant
Barry H — Google review
What a beautiful place to spend the day with the family. There is plenty to do with the kids as there are activities and parks around the wheel as well as beautiful walks around the canals. The parking costs £4 for the full day which is great. Highly recommend it
Absolutely fantastic place to visit! The Falkirk Wheel is an incredible piece of engineering and a great day out for families. The boat trip experience is really enjoyable and gives you a close look at how the wheel works — very smooth and fascinating to watch in action.
The café on site is lovely, with friendly and welcoming staff who make you feel right at home. The food and coffee were great, and it’s a nice spot to relax while enjoying the view. There’s also a souvenir shop with plenty of unique gifts and Scottish items at reasonable prices.
Parking is very spacious, with giant car parks that make visiting really easy, even on busy days. Overall, it’s a well-maintained, clean, and family-friendly attraction — definitely worth a visit if you’re in Scotland!
We visited The Falkirk Wheel today with the whole family, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The engineering of the Wheel itself is simply fascinating, seeing the boats being lifted was a real “wow” moment for all of us. We even tried the Wheel ride ourselves, and it was absolutely unforgettable! Gliding smoothly up and down while taking in the stunning views is something we’ll always remember.
What made the day even better was how much there was for the kids to enjoy. The play areas and games kept them entertained for hours, and they loved every moment. It’s not just an attraction for adults who enjoy history or engineering; it’s a genuinely fun and interactive place for children too.
The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the whole site was clean and well-maintained. We left with big smiles (and a few tired legs!), already talking about when we can come back.
Highly recommended for families looking for a mix of learning, fun, and a little bit of magic.
Another must see, the car park was free and it is a short walk up to the canal and then round to see the Wheel in all its glory. We were fortunate enough t to have a lovely sunny day and the wheel was activated pretty much as we got there so we got to see the whole show straight away. You can pay to go on a boat trip to experience it personally but we unfortunately did not have time, maybe next time. Highly recommended seeing this and then go see the Kelpies which are just 10-15 minutes away.
Fascinating place. Very interesting judt to watch. Trips available. Plenty of parking. Staff very helpful and friendly. Stayed overnight in our motorhome. Some road noise but definitely not an issue.
I really amazing construction, very interesting to find out the how it works and read about it's design and construction. Enjoyable Captain of the boat relaying lots of interesting facts and figures. £15 each for the boat trip and £4 for parking. Well worth the cost.
Nice place to relax and see a good piece of engineering. Too expensive to go for a boat trip £17 adult. You can walk along if you like to save the money. Car parking £4 all day. Good place to walk if weather is good.
13% as popular as Glasgow
20 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Aberfoyle
7
Glasgow
Glasgow, a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland, is renowned for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, reflecting its historical prosperity from trade and shipbuilding. Today, it's a vibrant cultural center with institutions like the Scottish Opera and National Theatre of Scotland. The city also boasts a thriving music scene and acclaimed museums. One of its hidden gems is Absent Ear cocktail bar, known for its speakeasy-style ambiance and ever-changing cocktail menu.
Most popular city on this route
24 minutes off the main route, 57% of way to Aberfoyle
Best stops along Crieff to Aberfoyle drive
The top stops along the way from Crieff to Aberfoyle (with short detours) are Stirling Castle, Buchanan St, and The Falkirk Wheel. Other popular stops include Scone Palace, Queen's View Visitor Centre, and The Glasgow Necropolis.
1James 4 — Google reviewIsabella M — Google reviewCraig H — Google reviewAllan M — Google reviewDiane S — Google reviewRanald M — Google reviewC S — Google review
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
Mentioned on
Heritage preservation
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is a 13-mile circular path that offers a blend of natural, historic, and cultural heritage around Loch Leven. The trail provides stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere with well-maintained paths suitable for walkers, cyclists, runners, and even horseback riding. Along the way, there are various stopping points to rest or enjoy refreshments. Visitors can also admire the beautiful Castle while taking in the scenery.
This trail is amazing. The terrain is relatively flat. The views are spectacular and the trail is peaceful. It is well maintained and clearly marked. You can do just a portion or the entire trail with a number of options of places to stop along the way to just sit on benches or for a cup of tea or something to eat. It is open for walkers, cyclists, runners, dogs and horseback riding. It affords you a wonderful view of Castle also.
Amy S — Google review
Lovely 14 mile walk around or near Loch Leven. The pathway is well maintained and has very few gradients. Toilets etc are more or less opposite each other depending on where you start the trail so could be some distance in between. Scenery is lovely throughout. If you go prepared only the weather can make it a poor experience!
Visited here for the first time today. The Loch is beautiful, the trail goes all the way around. Best places for parking are Burleigh Sands and Kirkgate. Loch Leven Larder is right next to the Loch, which offers a farm shop and cafe. Also a path which connects the two. Lovely day out, will be back!
Lovely scenic walk on the heritage trail all the way round Loch leven. Well signposted and great underfoot. Vane Farm for a coffee and cake, or Loch leven larder round the other side. Around 13 mls all round.
Good Flat(ish) trail, 13 miles/21km
Not many views of the loch as much of the trail is through woodland, however the surrounding scenery is beautiful.
On the 13 mile walk around this beautiful walk way ...there was ONLY 1 place to stop and eat or have a tea/coffee.
Also there was a place selling Lavender oil...but at the point of view one was unable to gain access to the site without retracing you footsteps quiet some way to the entrance, might I suggest a sty to gain access to the point.
Took an autumnal afternoon cycle round the Heritage Trail and really enjoyed it. We were lucky enough to catch a large skein of geese taking off from the loch, a spectacular sight and sound.
I just walked a small part of this but a lovely walk, although I will be back another day only a lot earlier as it was mega busy with walkers and their dogs and cyclist.
2Miss R — Google reviewNoura — Google reviewMartin J — Google reviewTim S — Google reviewWarren B — Google reviewWilliam M — Google reviewColette M — Google review
Scone Palace
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Scone Palace is a grand Gothic stately home located at the historic site where Scottish kings were crowned. The palace boasts beautiful gardens and a maze for visitors to explore. This iconic Perthshire landmark holds great significance in Scottish history, having been a gathering place of the Picts and built on the grounds of an early Christian church. It was also once home to the legendary Stone of Scone.
Beautiful grounds to explore. Play park for kids, a maze which is very tricky and nearly drove me insane, also a lovely flower garden. Spent an enjoyable afternoon here, a trail for kids.
It was lovely to see the peacocks and the stunning white peacock.
Suze W — Google review
I loved my visit to scone castle.
The grounds were well kept and lovely, the maze was grand until I got worried I wouldn’t get out and almost broke through a hedgerow.
The peacocks were out and about being lively, but I didn’t approach them (as per the warning at the gate).
I’m giving this four stars because
1) at a place called Scone Palace, you ought to have a grande scone… mine was okay, though the preserves were delicious.
2) just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The ivory… not in the greatest taste, but understandable. The elephant foot stool? Shut the front door. The mounted elephant skulls and poorly taxidermied bears also felt like someone should check out how much room to store things in the basement or perhaps donate them to somewhere educational.
That’s my rant, but I do recommend going. Just don’t panic in the maze!
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in my life. I spent some of the most unforgettable days at this palace I truly enjoyed every moment. The nature around it is absolutely breathtaking and feels unreal. The shops there were beyond amazing, and I bought some really lovely gifts. I completely fell in love with this palace it’s stunning, and every corner is full of wonder. The staff were wonderful and everything was clearly explained.
A stunning Palace steeped in history. The guides share an abundance of knowledge with the history of the Palace and Scotland. The only disappointment was not being able to take any photos inside the Palace. They say it's for security of the family who still live there but they are happy to have thousands of visitors explore their home, at a cost.
INFORMATIVE! Great guides, cheery faces, noisy peacocks 😂.
A beautiful building and grounds with such historic significance, everything ran smoothly, the guides answered every question with more details than you'd get from just asking Google.
If you are using a mobility scooter, make sure you have good power/traction as the gravel square at the entrance is definitely a scooter killer.
The cafe was good however the kids on the To-go cups didn't fit even remotely and in order for the lady behind the counter to secure it she had to run her hand/fingers over the entire lid... Not the best considering that's going to be attached my lips soon...
an absolutely amazing palace that was on my must see places on our visit to Scotland ...unfortunately can't take pics inside the palace but its splendour is to be marvelled...definitely do yourself a favour and put on your list of things to visit ...Scone is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. Today, in the 21st century, it is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world, most famous as The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings.
It's the first time I've visited. I was born and brought up in Perth,so I'm ashamed I took so long.
Beautiful Palace and gardens. The staff are very helpful and each room had codes and pages to explain everything.
The gardens are excellent too,especially the tall trees and the peacocks.
Don't get lost in the maze though.
Spent 5 hours wandering the palace, the Kirk and the grounds.
The audio guide (accessed by QT code on your phone) was very detailed and really explained the place well.
The riverside and woodland walks were really relaxing and helped to make the most of the visit.
Handy for a weekend visit to Perth... which had a lot to offer to.
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Travelers
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3Valerie H — Google reviewJody R — Google reviewLenka M — Google reviewToby J — Google reviewRankin M — Google reviewRitchie D — Google reviewStephen S — Google review•
Perth Theatre and Concert Hall
Mentioned on
Concert hall
Concerts & Shows
Perth Concert Hall is a modern arena made of glass and copper, offering live music, comedy, and dance performances along with an onsite cafe-bar. It stands in contrast to the historic Edwardian theatre nearby, boasting state-of-the-art acoustics and adventurous programming. The venue hosts critically acclaimed performances by world-class artists and offers inspirational community activities. Additionally, it serves as a resource base for cultural life in Perthshire with events running throughout the year.
Very large venue with comfortable seats and a good size stage. Every seat had a good view of the stage and the sound was absolutely incredible no matter where you sat.
Charlotte D — Google review
Skippinish concert was amazing.
Lift is a long walk from the entrance and a further walk when you get upstairs to the auditorium. Seating is comfortable but too close to the seats in front.
Staff were helpful and friendly and the visibility was great. Lovely venue but not particularly good for anyone with mobility issues.
Very nice venue and the staff are nice and very helpful!
Truckers: can be a squeeze if you're in an artic, and you'll need to drop your trailer at the loading doors and park your until next to it 🚚🤘🏼
Are you looking for a cultural event to remember? If you love classical music like me, you will love Perth Theatre and Concert Hall. The programme is varied but the acoustics are always incredible. I went to see 'Also sprach Zarathustra' by Royal Scottish Orchestra conducted by Alexander Shelley and what a treat!🎼 I have listened to this piece many times but never in such quality.
I loved violinist James Ehnes in the UK premiere of James Newton Howard's Violin Concerto No2 🎻. The piece is incredibly moving and James breathed life to every note of it.
Please take note I took the photo of the orchestra prior to the concert during their tuning session, as no photography or recording are permitted during the performance.
PS: There is no cloakroom unlike in other theatres and halls. You can preorder the drinks for the interval. There is plenty of parking around including electric charging points. For best availability it is advisable to book the tickets online in advance.
Great venues that bring so much to Perth in the way of entertainment, I’ve seen some fantastic performances Don Mclean, John Martyn, Goldfrapp, Mogwai, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Richard Thompson, Dougie Maclean, Ross Ainslie to name a few…
Went to see Ultimate Eagles. Seen them before and was not disappointed. In the introduction the lead singer stated they were not trying to be the eagles. They were just appreciating as close as possible to the authentic sound of The Eagles.
And boy did they live up to that.
Harmonies were spot on and the guitars and musicians were great.
Thoroughly enjoyable two hours. Highly recommended.
Beautiful venue. Attended the St Johnstone Hall of Fame night there. An unforgettable evening!
Great venue, amazing staff, can't wait to return
4.6
(1732)
4.4
(338)
Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ, United Kingdom
4Alvin H — Google reviewWarren B — Google reviewNeil D — Google reviewErica P — Google reviewDavid M — Google reviewAlison W — Google reviewThomas C — Google review•
The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Mentioned on
History museum
Museums
The Black Watch Castle & Museum in Perth is a historic 16th-century castle that was once the residence of the Earls of Kinnoull. It now houses a museum dedicated to the renowned Black Watch regiment, showcasing its pivotal role in various historical events from the French Wars to modern conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visitors can explore collections of historic uniforms and weapons within the fortress while also enjoying the beautiful gardens surrounding it.
I "had" to visit the Castle and Museum as a member of staff at Culloden had spotted earlier this year that I was wearing the colours of The Black Watch at that time. I didn't know so I was going to buy a new scarf. Also a friend asked me to do some research, there.
Both members of staff on reception deserve a favourable mention. One asked if I wanted to leave my small bag of drinks in the "back office" while I went around the place. She, or maybe both, took the photos of me there. The other one took it on board to book a taxi from their list of local contacts, for my trip into town. It turned out to be the same firm and one of the drivers I had seen the previous day. I was picked up from the entrance to the Castle and Museum.
It is customer service like that which helps improve the day even if help is not needed.
I said that I wanted to do some research relating to the First World War, was then given a map and the appropriate room was indicated on that map.
There is a lift, which could be most helpful on my back down. When the time came, I opted to walk down a spiral staircase rather than look for the lift. The staircase was much wider than the one I had seen the day before AND carpeted.
Even the walk that I had chosen to get me to the Museum improved my sense of well being as it briefly took me alongside the river.
I'll leave it to you to decide which of the two photos of me sitting down you prefer.
If this suits your taste, it is a lovely place to visit. It worked well for me.
Anthony R — Google review
Very interesting museum. Great collection of weapons, uniforms and art around the legendary Black Watch regiment. Highly recommend it for military history fans.
I loved the castle and museum that tells the story of the Blacks watch of Scotland
The Black Watch is a famous Scottish infantry unit with a history dating back to 1725, first formed as independent companies to police the Highlands after the Jacobite rebellion. It became the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, after the 2006 amalgamation of Scottish regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Known for its distinctive dark-colored tartan, the regiment has served in numerous conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War, World War I, and World War II.... if your into military or Scottish history this is for you
The museum does an incredible job of commemorating an important part of British history. I cant recommend a guided tour enough.. (wish I could remember the name Helen?) who was very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. The Bistro also served great food and had very attentive staff. Overall a great experience.
Learned a lot about the Royal Regiment history and very visual in presentation. Allocated about 90 mins for the visit and be prepared to read a lot of placards. Takes focus to apperciate and learn at this Museum.
Excellent museum dedicated to the history of this famous highland regiment. Very well laid out leading through its formation, the many battles the Black Watch took part in to their role today. Great tea room too!
Very interesting. What a rich and ancient history! The staff are simply wonderful. So helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Loved it.
Awesome museum in a beautiful castle and an awesome staff also, completing with little stories and explanations, loved it. A very fantastic and moving travel through the history of the regiment, its emblems, its wars and its soldiers.
Would definitely come again in a few years.
4.7
(1420)
4.7
(1083)
Balhousie Castle, Hay St, Perth PH1 5HR, United Kingdom
5Steve A — Google reviewSharp P — Google reviewEmma K — Google reviewGordon S — Google reviewSandra C — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJohn K — Google review•
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Charity
Gift shop
National reserve
Restaurant
Beautiful spot for a peaceful break. Had a nice coffee while soaking in the stunning views of Loch Leven. The gift shop was lovely—full of charming little finds—and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. A perfect pitstop if you’re exploring the area.
RithuTheExplorer V — Google review
A lovely place to visit with great views over the Loch. The centre has a souvenir shop, plenty of clean toilets. Gravel car park with parking charges. We actually went to an outdoor theatre group at 7pm. Had a picnic watching the Shakespear show.
Great visitor centre and cafe. Did the wetland trail. There are several hides and you are quite a way from the water do bring binoculars or you can hire them for £7.
Parking (a charge) is spacious and there's an underpass for the road.
We went to see the pink-footed geese and were not disappointed. Heard them before we saw them.
Fantastic place to visit. Stunning. Great hides and cameras. Good signage.
Lovely cafe and a wonderful view.
All the staff were amazing. They were so helpful and friendly. They helped make our visit fabulous. Thank you to them all and they are a credit to RSPB. Wonderful people
Lovely visit, be warned though the walk up the hill can be steep, but it has fantastic views. We also enjoyed lovely takeaway sandwiches from the cafe.
Fabulous place to visit. So peaceful with some cracking views. Staff are friendly & obviously work very hard
Always love visiting. Beautiful walk around the loch and into the forest to see red squirrels. Was lucky enough to see an Osprey hunt for fish. A great day out
Nice reserve with extensive wetlands and a woodland walk. There are three hides providing views of pools and wet grasslands. On my last visit I saw a Marsh Harrier and four Ospreys. Ospreys don't breed here but fish in the Loch, especially in late summer. There are Red Squirrels in the woods and Brown Hares in the fields.
The visitor centre is staffed by helpful volunteers and has an excellent cafe with loads of tasty vegan options, which suits me.
UPDATE the cafe menu has changed, now consists of bought in sandwiches and light bites. The excellent range of vegan cakes has gone.
4.7
(1014)
4.4
(224)
B9097, Kinross, KY13 9LX, United Kingdom
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6LJ M — Google reviewJoe F — Google reviewCorey D — Google reviewGruba W — Google reviewDebbie — Google reviewSanderosa — Google reviewDora K — Google review•
Lochleven Castle
Mentioned on 
Temporarily Closed
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Lochleven Castle, located in the heart of Perth and Kinross, is a historic landmark with ties to Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment in 1567. This evocative island fortress and prison dates back to the late 14th century. While the castle itself is small and mostly in ruins, it offers a glimpse into Scottish history with dark staircases and rooms to explore.
As we are members of Historic Scotland, we decided to visit this site last Friday. It was such a beautiful day and the boat trip over to the castle was lovely. Use your Sat nav to find Pier road, as it is hidden behind a housing estate. By the time we arrived we were unable to join the next motor boat as it only holds 12 passengers at a time. This was not a problem though as there is a large park and grassy area to walk around. We sat at the waters edge watching people on their paddle boards. The sailings go every 45 mins so it was no big deal to wait for the next sailing. If you are impatient though you can always book ahead. The girl steering the boat was very friendly explaining the safety rules whilst onboard before we started our sail.
Once on the island we were given the directions to the only toilets on the small island. You need to take a picnic with you if you want to eat as there are no other facilities there.
I felt this would be an ideal place to take children as there are flat grassy areas to run around and picnic tables.
The castle and grounds are quite interesting and there are displays dotted around providing historical information and nature facts.
I would definitely recommend Loch Leven castle for a family day out particularly on a sunny day.
Anna M — Google review
Brilliant visit! Plenty of parking with clear signs and toilets nearby. Book your boat online and arrive 15 mins early – the trip across the loch was so calm and scenic, with friendly skippers. The castle is small but full of history and charm, with picnic spots and great views (you can even see Kinross House). We spent about 40 minutes exploring, then relaxed while waiting for the return boat. Highly recommend, especially if you’re interested in Mary Queen of Scots!
Lovely small castle built in the 14th century. It was once Mary Queen of Scot's prison (until she escaped). It sits on a small island on Loch Leven and is accessed by the castle boat, which is included in your ticket.
Nice little castle on an island. On a rainy summer morning, we had the place to ourselves. Catch a short 10 min boat ride to get there. The boat returns every 45 min, which is just about right to see the entirety of it.
Great place to visit! The boat trip to get to the castle is a nice extra attraction, the guide/ steersman will tell some interesting historical facts on the way. On the island you can visiting all the floors of the castle,walk it around, have a picnic on one of the benches with a pretty view or just relax under the gorgeous oak tree 💖
Fantastic little castle to visit. The trip there is by boat to the island, and the island itself is absolutely beautiful. Perfect for those who want to visit castles that are a little off the usual touristic path! Staff was friendly and helpful.
Nice day out on a cold autumn morning. Took the boat across to the castle, the operator was very polite and informative of local history whilst we travelled across the water, trip takes about 10 minutes. Went around the castle grounds and inside where there are information boards at various points telling you the history of the place. I would recommend a 45min walk around/explore and ready for the return back by boat. For something to eat and drink there was the pink cafe next to the ticket office. We used it on the way out however, we decided to pop into Kinross to visit the Muir head hotel/pub for lunch.
Loch Leven is beautiful especially if you can enjoy the view from a helicopter 🤗😜 Loved that 😍
4.7
(469)
4.4
(345)
Pier Rd, Kinross, KY13 8UF, United Kingdom
7Loopy L — Google reviewLaura M — Google reviewIain W — Google reviewImtiaz A — Google reviewGemma O — Google reviewStuart D — Google reviewLiam W — Google review•
Almond Valley
Mentioned on
Visitor center
Nature & Parks
Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a family-friendly destination located in central Scotland, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The center features a working watermill, farm animal enclosures with rare breeds such as reindeer and Clydesdale horses, and interactive play areas for kids. Families can enjoy train and tractor rides, explore imaginative play spaces, and pedal around the farmyard on go-karts.
Better than expected. Reasonable priced cafe as well £5 for a toasties bit more if you add chips. Also £2 per person for train ride and £1 per person for the tractor. Everyone was friendly and the day we had was 20 degrees. Wonderful day! Was a nursery trip.
Katie S — Google review
A full family day out! Activities for all ages in the place. Mining museum to catch a glimpse of history in the area. Animal encounters (we got to pet the chick's, guinea pigs and polecat). Outdoor adventures with a new fort on offer to climb and slide. Jumping pillows, excavation sand pit and go-karts to name a few. Great value for money and reasonable priced drinks and snack at the outdoor snack van too.
Lovely day out on a sunny day with the kids! Amazing playing areas all around the park. Café, toilets. Also an indoor area in case of raining, with picnic tables
Was slightly disappointed with my family visit having read about it on their website. In no particular order:
1. The interactive items in the museum were not working
2. Many of the soap dispensers were out of soap and they have lots of hand washing stations
3. The train ride was listed as 30mins on the website but only lasted 15mins. It isn’t circular, it goes along the track, engine turns and then you go back
3. The cafe was quite good - look out for the specials menu though as we never seen it tucked on the side wall until leaving. They forgot our salad that was listed on menu but they quickly rectified this.
4. There are no prices displayed for any of the drinks or ice creams.
5. If you have an EV forget about using their charger - it’s is a slow charger with a £1.50 connection charge and a maximum stay of 1hr before a £10 overstay charge occurs; I recon you might be able to get 5/6%.
The museum was informative and interesting to look at. Once you go outdoors however you can see poor maintenance and condition of a lot of things unfortunately.
Tractor drive was something to do. Only takes you along passed the horses and back again.
Train journey doesn’t take you past any of the animals.
Play park area is good for the kids but very little shade for a sunny day.
Visited with grandkids & family.
Ticket prices are a bit steep, bit hey ho...what can you do...stump up!
It started raining on the day we visited, so did our best to get around.
Would I visit again...No U don't think so.
We absolutely love it here. So much fun for the kids and the animals all seem well cared for and happy. Love the handling sessions.
Plenty too do my girl loved it no bad price too get in good variety of animals too see only thing a felt was it was waste of££ for train ride as we only seen couple of horses and sum sheep couple of ducks another down side was the wasps that was going about still five star for me
Great place to take the children with all the animals and there are big play areas that have trampolines, slides and swings.
4.6
(2421)
4.5
(627)
37 Millfield, Livingston Village, Livingston EH54 7AR, United Kingdom
8Louise M — Google reviewJohn I — Google reviewRussell N — Google reviewGeraldine D — Google reviewGyorgy V — Google reviewNada L — Google reviewMATT — Google review•
Queen's View Visitor Centre
Mentioned on
Visitor center
Cafe
Gift shop
Queen's View Visitor Centre is a historically significant site that provides breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Tummel. It features a charming tea room where visitors can enjoy refreshments, and there is also a gift shop with locally sourced items for sale. The friendly staff are always willing to assist guests in any way possible, adding to the overall magical experience. Ample parking is available on-site, and the location is easily accessible by strollers or wheelchairs.
Off the A9 about 5 miles on a windy road that sometimes only one car can pass by but well worth it. The views are amazing and takes your breath away.
Paid parking, 3£ and done by app on the phone.
Papa B — Google review
Stunning views to just look out at and take a moment to appreciate our beautiful country 🥰 we managed to get my dad up
In his wheelchair and he wanted to stand and take the view in 💙 we arrived just as the shop/cafe closed so didn’t get into have a wee look. You have to pay for parking here as well.
Excellent views from the viewpoint. The staff at the visitor centre were very pleasant and helpful. We had a lovely lunch at the cafe. The good weather allowed us to use the outside tables which we enjoyed very much in the early Autumn sunshine.👍
The Views Alone makes this Beautiful place 😍 a Must Visit.... Easy parking, very Reasonable price, pre pay online, and from the Car park only a very short walk to one of the Finest Views in Scotland..... Take a few Minutes, and let it sink in..... the Views down Loch Tummel and Schiehallion are Breathtaking.... There is a Ramp for Wheelchair ♿️ Access, and if you happen to visit on a Glorious Autumn 🍁🍁🍂🍂🔥🔥you'll be lost for Words..... There is a Small visitor centre, and Coffee ☕️ Shop, with a good range of Hot Drinks and Homebaking.... Enjoy 😉it's a Fabulous Location 👌
This place really lives up to the hype. Amazing viewpoint and an easy, quick walk. Maximum pay-off for minimum effort 👌 Pay to park in the car park but happy to support maintenance/access of such beautiful places in Scotland. Short stay option was only £3 for 6 hours I think. Sure there are many longer walks to do there but we didn't have time on our visit.
Beautiful view point, it is a must see place if you round this area.
Easy walk from the carpark. Only a few minutes it takes. Nice coffee to grab something to eat or drink.
Queen’s View is definitely worth visiting! The views of Loch Tummel are absolutely stunning, and it’s an easy, short walk to the viewpoint. When we visited, it wasn’t crowded. There’s a lovely small café and gift shop nearby—just remember to pay for parking.
Nice cafe and lovely staff. Real shame about the £3 car parking charge. There is no real warning about payment untill you enter the car park and the camera captures your reg immediately so you can't turn around.
4.5
(3426)
4.5
(2260)
Queens View Visitor Centre, Pitlochry, PH16 5NR, United Kingdom
9Taylor — Google reviewLeonie S — Google reviewLaura C — Google reviewMartin M — Google reviewJavisa A — Google reviewKoffee B — Google reviewRobin B — Google review•
Five Sisters Zoo
Mentioned on
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Five Sisters Zoo, located near West Calder, is a beloved local attraction offering an up-close experience with a diverse range of animals including lions, bears, lemurs, monkeys, reptiles, reindeer, birds, wallabies, wolves and snow leopards. The zoo also features a play park and handling sessions for visitors of all ages.
Hands down one of the best zoo in the UK. It's just £21 on the spot in 2025. it has an incredible story behind It so many animals and such a good variety. The zoo is very walkable. The talks were interesting. A big kids play area. And you can get chased by a goose. And some unique animals like the bear, the goose and more. I got no words, I was really happy there.
Ondra V — Google review
Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.
Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.
Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.
What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.
I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.
Cafe and playcenter
I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo.
The zoo
The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo.
We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.
While over visiting our son, in Edinburgh, we decided to spend one of the days at the zoo. We initially decided to go to Edinburgh zoo, but changed our mind when we heard about Five Sisters. When we arrived, we had to use the overflow carpark, which was nearly full as well, so that was, as far as we were concerned, a good sign. We were not disappointed. The animals were well cared for which was easy to see and the enclosure were spacious and well kept. From reading the information boards as we went round, we learnt how the zoo had come about,from it's humble beginnings as a garden centre, the devastating fire which occurred in the reptile house and many other things. There were plenty of places to rest up weary legs on the way round and the eating places in the vicinity of the amusement area were well priced and worth it. We will definitely be returning the next time we are in Edinburgh
4.6
(7018)
4.5
(2294)
Gavieside, West Calder, EH55 8PT, United Kingdom
10John T — Google reviewAlexander K — Google reviewGretchen E — Google reviewFrank F — Google reviewAlec C — Google reviewSergei G — Google reviewSamir N — Google review•
Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
Mentioned on
Distillery
Food & Drink
Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, established by John Dewar in 1898, offers tours of its 19th century distillery, tastings and an interactive museum. Despite facing challenging times during World War I and II, the distillery was expanded in 1972. Adjacent to the distillery is Dewars World of Whisky which serves as a center for marketing and education on their products.
I recently joined the whisky tour and found it to be the most comprehensive one I’ve experienced so far. The tour began with a well-made video that shared the history of the distillery, followed by an informative exhibition. We then had a guided walk through the entire distillery, which gave great insight into each stage of the whisky-making process. One unique part of the experience was the “altitude tasting” session, which helped identify the type of whisky that suited my personal taste preferences.
The highlight of the tour was definitely the tasting session. Since I went with my family, we were able to sample a wide range of whiskies, including the 12-year, 18-year, 21-year, and a highball. It was a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the depth and character of each expression.
If there’s one area for improvement, it would be the pace of the tour. It felt a bit rushed, and I didn’t have enough time to fully explore or take in the details, especially in the exhibition section. A little more time at each stop would have made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, it’s a highly recommended tour for both whisky lovers and curious visitors.
Lai B — Google review
Took the Whisky Explorer Experience tour with Craig as our guide.
The whole tour was excellent with an opportunity to taste some great Whisky that I probably wouldn’t normally buy.
The entire set up at the distillery is really good, with a lovely cafe and bar area to also enjoy.
Having visited other distilleries in the past, think this one was the best.
We had such an amazing experience on the Dewar’s Drams of Your Dreams tour with Michelle at Aberfeldy Distillery. The whiskies they brought out were truly exceptional! The tasting was incredibly fun, and our guide was wonderfully friendly and informative—she showed so much enthusiasm and passion throughout the experience.
Although it wasn’t cheap, the £120 price tag was absolutely worth it to sample four outstanding malts over 35 years old, plus a phenomenal 32-year-old. As a special touch for our honeymoon, they even treated us to a pour of Brackla 25, which was such a kind gesture—and it tasted amazing too!
Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for something memorable and unique.
We visited Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery the 1st day of September of 2025, and it was absolutely fantastic! It has a lovely cafe and bar area to also enjoy, and the crew is wonderful.
We had the opportunity to take the tour, which was the perfect mix of informative and fun. Our guide, Ian, was friendly, informative, entertaining and a Great story teller. He keep us laughing and engaged throughout. A truly memorable experience.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a brilliant day out in Aberfeldy!
Friendly advice: Keep in mind tour time schedules or book in advance!
Love myself a fine single malt. Although Aberfeldy isn’t one of my usual go-tos, I was happy to tour the distillery — and more importantly, sample their 21-year single malt. The facility and grounds are beautiful and well maintained.
The tour itself was a little dry; adding a tasting halfway through might help liven things up. Prices were reasonable, and overall it was a pleasant experience. Saluti!
what a brilliant experience. My first bottle of 'expensive' whisky was an Aberfeldy 21 when I was 40. My son treated me to the distillery tour as part of a celebration. I had a brilliant time. The tour around the distillery was excellent, the guide was excellent. We then went to the bar and Craig took over. What a knowledgeable charasmatic chap, who helped being the experience to life. Craig topped off an amazing celebration day. Great visit and would highly recommend
Visited Dewar’s Whisky Distillery and absolutely loved it. The place has a great atmosphere and is full of character. Popped into the whisky shop and couldn’t resist picking up a bottle for myself and another as a gift. Well worth the stop!
Will always visit this place.
Loved the tour.
First time to visit a distillery.
The tour guide was Superb.
The tasting of 3 kind's of whiskey was great.
The experience from the tour was great.
Will be back.
4.7
(638)
4.7
(1352)
Aberfeldy, PH15 2EB, United Kingdom
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11Rosietta A — Google reviewJ K — Google reviewFletcher F — Google reviewNuric — Google reviewKathleen E — Google reviewAnton A — Google reviewTony L — Google review•
The House of Bruar
Mentioned on
Department store
Clothing store
The House of Bruar is a Scottish country clothing store that has expanded into a large complex featuring multiple shops, a food hall, cafeteria, and art gallery. It's a popular tourist destination offering upscale tweed clothing, outdoor wear, gifts, and gourmet food. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch at the cafeteria and explore the various shopping buildings. For those less interested in shopping, there's an opportunity to take a scenic hike from the complex to the nearby Falls of Bruar.
Often referred to as the “Harrods of the North,” The House of Bruar is a renowned Scottish retail destination offering fine country clothing, luxury food halls, and curated homeware. Situated near the picturesque Falls of Bruar, it has become a must-visit for travellers seeking both quality and charm.
We visited just before exploring the Falls and were genuinely impressed by how immaculately kept the entire venue is. The sheer number of individual shops and departments—twenty, according to the main board—is remarkable. Staff were attentive and courteous throughout, and the whole experience felt thoughtfully curated. A generously sized car park sits just across the road, and you'll find clean toilets, a lovely restaurant, and even a charming bakery to tempt you further.
Andrzej ( — Google review
A lovely place in Highlands, definitely worth a stop for a good food and shopping. Everything looks very fancy, but things are fairly affordable even for our 'holiday on a budget'. Once you're there, follow the signs for a waterfall. This will definitely leave you speachless x
What a fun place, very large sprawling shopping area with a great selection of prepared foods as well. Seems like it’s a must stop when traveling through the area, it gets extremely busy but there is tons of parking. Clothing selection is very highland outdoors style and all of outstanding quality and fair prices. The staff was all extremely helpful and attentive.
The fish and chip shop was really excellent! Perhaps one of the best we’ve had and very reasonably priced for a generous portion.
Excellent place for daily eats, large variety of great food. Honestly if your staying close for a week, you could eat here every day and try all the staple scottish foods and get snacks for the hotel room. The shopping is high end, but quality stuff, if your looking for a bargain, go the the large green sale shop behind the main building. You can easily spend a whole day here. I recommend coming early, have breakfast, shop, eat lunch, hike the falls, grab dessert and snacks. Also a crazy potato chip selection!!
Yes, this place works. The shopping is really nice and the food is tasty. With a strong highland identity, it is worth visiting. There is plenty of parking space and the staff are very friendly. I'm giving 4 stars because some of the clothing and food is imported from very far. As in, I'm not interested in buying Scottish looking clothing made in Bangladesh in the middle of Scotland... Check where things are made or are from before buying.
Absolutely loved The House of Bruar, foidhall is fabulous, fresh produce outside is amazing.
Such a beautiful place to wonder around.
Cafe is lovely and there's a restaurant too.
Fish and chip or lobster and chips available in forecourt too.
Sale unit is great, and staff are just brilliant, so polite and friendly. Can't wait to go back.
So much to see, will go for longer next time.
Always a great stop for a nosy around the shops. I don't go overboard on shopping but, I do fancy a coffee and cake to relax me from driving. I do wish they would reconsider pricing as general items seem far to overpriced, but that's just 1 point of view.
Fantastic store, cater for almost everything. Everything you need from country wear to suits, more than enough options for women (will keep them busy for hours 😁). There's a lovely restaurant eating area with plenty to choose from. There's even a high-end fish & chip shop as well as a very nice whiskey shop. You can easily lose track of time and spend many an hour there. One thing I would suggest to the House Of Bruar, some electrical charge points would be a great idea (food for thought)
4.2
(10957)
3.7
(1348)
Pitagowan, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, PH18 5TW, United Kingdom
12John J — Google reviewAlex — Google reviewErica P — Google reviewPhilippa D — Google reviewShoubhik C — Google reviewArnaud B — Google reviewBplane T — Google review•
The Glenturret Distillery
Mentioned on
Distillery
Museums
The Glenturret Distillery, dating back to 1775, offers tours detailing the production of malt whisky and includes a dram tasting. Located three miles outside Crieff, it is Scotland's oldest distillery. The area surrounding Crieff also boasts historical sites such as Roman camps at Ardoch in Braco and the 15th-century Huntingtower Castle. Additionally, visitors can explore old churches like St. Bean's in Fowlis Wester and St. Serf's in Dunning.
An absolutely fantastic distillery tour! The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I seriously recommend this experience. Our guide was clearly passionate about their product, and we learned so much about how they make their whisky — all done the old-fashioned way, which was fascinating to see. On top of that, there’s a lovely perfume store and a crystal shop on site, which made the visit even more
Marce T — Google review
Glenturret was started in 1763 and is the oldest continuously operating whisky distillery in Scotland. The tour was excellent. John was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. For a whisky aficionado, this was a great experience. The tasting was excellent. You can buy bottles in the shop for a reasonable price for their Triple Wood expression. If you have a spare £80,000.00, you can buy one of their special bottles in a specially designed bottle. Definitely worth the time if you like whisky.
Beautiful setting with characterful whisky, but a mixed experience overall.
The distillery is tucked into beautiful woodland by a river, with classic whitewashed architecture that gives it real charm. Parking was convenient off-season, with EV charging spots on site, though we couldn’t get them working.
The tour itself was very enjoyable. The site has real heritage and uniqueness, and our guide John made it a standout experience: knowledgeable, welcoming, friendly, and passionate.
We tasted several whiskies, and the Triple Wood and 14 Year Old Peat Smoked were personal highlights, balanced, rich, and elegant drams.
Unfortunately, the customer service in the shop and bar didn’t match the rest. The staff we encountered seemed uninterested and transactional, which was disappointing. A simple request for a driver bottle to take away a paid tasting dram (as I was driving) felt like an inconvenience. The dram was eventually poured into the bottle without a funnel, spilling some in the process, and not a word of apology or any gesture of goodwill, even though we were the last customers there.
Being charged £16 for a standard 25ml dram, of the regular 14 Year Old Peated, just before purchasing the £150 bottle, also felt excessive and off-putting. Many distilleries would show a more welcoming and commercial approach in that situation, encouraging return visits and loyalty.
In short: absolutely worth visiting for the setting, the whisky, and the guided tour with John, but the customer service outside of that experience needs improvement to match the expected Lalique experience.
Great tour and experience. Took the bus to the road to the distillery and walked up a fresh green forest road for 0.5km to reach this relaxing location that enhanced the experience. Getting the opportunity to see, smell, and be educated about the process has given me so much appreciation of the process and what draws people to whiskey. John our guide was passionate and knowledgeable about everything and made this a very personalized experience.
We were on the basic distillery tour with Ewan for £20/person. He was thorough in his explanation of the process and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer! You’ll also get the privilege of meeting 2 cats; Glen & Turret.
They also cater for drivers, enabling you to buy a ‘designated driver’ ticket so you can take your sample whisky home, rather than tasting on the tour.
Worth a visit.
Nice tour I had of the distillery. Great whiskey tasting !! They have 2 cats - Glen and turret !! Location is beautiful !
DAN … I promised I would give you my opinion! …You were right, it’s really a very very good whisky, by the way one of the best peated I’ve ever tasted! Release 2025 thanks again for your advising
Wonderful experience and lovely staff— Especially John who lead us on the tour, Answered all of our questions and was a funny, kind chap.
4.7
(720)
4.6
(1841)
The Hosh, Crieff, PH7 4HA, United Kingdom
13Wassim A — Google reviewGemma C — Google reviewJulie G — Google reviewDenise F — Google reviewTim S — Google reviewPaul J — Google reviewJayne B — Google review•
Drummond Castle Gardens
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Garden
Drummond Castle Gardens is a stunning example of eclectic landscaping that dates back to the 1600s, originally designed in a formal Renaissance style and later transformed by Victorian influences. These gardens are celebrated as some of the finest in Europe, showcasing intricate designs that honor family heritage and Scottish heraldry. While my visit was on a particularly rainy autumn day—when access was tricky due to flooded roads—the beauty of the grounds still shone through.
What an absolutely beautiful place!
The long tree-lined drive up to the Drummond Castle is just the beginning of what to expect.
The grounds are majestic.
On the day we visited, it was a beautiful day which further enhanced these amazing gardens. It costs £10 per adult to get into the gardens via a small gift shop and then you go through to the courtyard where there is a small wagon selling tea, coffee and cakes.
Down the impressive staircase you are met with the most impressive views over the gardens.
It is such a lovely, special place.
Kerry G — Google review
An absolutely stunning castle and garden to visit. The beautifully maintained garden is a nice place for a walk, in addition to the many varieties of tree. Peacocks were a bonus and a great addition to this gorgeous garden. You can also enjoy a quick bite and some tea with delicious dessert while enjoying the beautiful garden view. A must visit place if you are in the area.
Wow, what an amazing place to visit.
We came in Autumn and still the place was full of colour.
You can only visit the gardens but you can still admire the old castle and the newer home.
I have to say by far this is the best gardens I have ever visited.
You could just sit and admire the peace and tranquility and view that the gardens have to offer.
If I live near here I think I would be visiting on a regular basis to watch it in each season.
We enjoyed a day at Drummond Castle Gardens on what turned out to be a beautiful but rather hot day. The gardens, orchards, and grounds are beautiful, and there is a fabulous little coffee bar where they serve the most delicious cakes and tarts. We were slightly disappointed during the woodland trail, as a few sculptures were damaged or missing during our visit. Hence my star rating.
Fascinating 14th century castle and stately home. Beautifully kept gardens. A lot to see. We walked in the woodland garden and orchard with 19 different varieties of apple. The staff were lovely and encouraged us to take apples home with us. Only downside was that there wasn’t a single gluten-free thing to eat at the only food outlet.
Absolutely stunning! Guest services were informative and very helpful, lady in the coffee van was cheery and helpful too.
If you have any mobility issues - think hard about visiting, yes there is plenty of seating but it's ultimately 4 large flights of stairs down to the gardens.
The dramatic fantastic Drummond Castle Gardens, I always wanted to visit since I watched the movie Rob Roy in 1995, finally made it. The gardens are well worth the visit, in almost any season. Laid out in a Saltire design the best formal terraced gardens in Scotland. The gardens were established in the 1600s and enhanced in Victorian times. The castle is a Scottish tower, across the courtyard is a mansion house.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Stunning place. You can't go into the castle but you can explore the gardens which are absolutely beautiful. Parts of Outlander were also filmed here which was the main reason for our visit.
4.7
(1202)
4.6
(457)
Crieff, PH7 4HZ, United Kingdom
14Laura D — Google reviewSteve M — Google reviewMadge S — Google reviewDennis S — Google reviewGillian F — Google reviewThurso L — Google reviewTim S — Google review•
Crieff Visitor Centre
Mentioned on
Gift shop
Antique store
Crieff Visitor Centre is a charming destination in Crieff, United Kingdom. The center offers ample parking, including designated disabled bays for easy accessibility. Visitors can enjoy a delightful dining experience at the on-site cafe and explore the gift shop featuring quality products and friendly service. The antiques glass section and jewelry offerings are particularly noteworthy, with reasonable prices to entice shoppers. Additionally, guests have the opportunity to witness glassmaking demonstrations at certain times.
Stopped for breakfast on a Sunday morning (9:30am) and the cafe was nice and quiet. Was apprehensive after reading some reviews but had a great experience - staff were welcoming and friendly, food came quickly and was freshly cooked and really tasty (small breakfast and a sausage sandwich). Would definitely visit again!
Bradley S — Google review
Spectacular gift shop with a very wide range of souvenirs to take home or even something to treat oneself. Would highly recommend spending time browsing the glassware section where you'll find, a unique range of champagne, wine and whisky glasses as well as vases plus eye catching paper weights! The "Drovers" cafe is lovely with a good selection of dishes, drinks and cakes available on the menu.
More of a cafe and gift shop than a visitor centre, but a good one. Cakes were really tempting and there was a good selectiin of hot and cold food with plenty of seating. The Gift shop is really well stocked with quality items right across the board - If I could only go to one place for a holiday gift, I would probably choose this place.
Food is always delicious and small portions really suit us. Restaurant is always lovely and clean. Shop is well stocked with different from the usual. All staff are exceptionally friendly.
Nice place, but we had some problems. What we wanted chosen from that days menu was not available at 11.30 am.There was a 2 course pensioners meal. We ordered 2 soups our first course but pea soup,although advertised was not available same with main course choice Mince,potatoes and peas which was replaced with Macaroni cheese. Potato and leek soup had already been served in bowls but because of main course debacle, the whole pensioners deal had to be anandoned. So we ended up with two soups we didn't want anymore and payed for 2 veggy
Breakfasts at a much greater cost.A shambles .Not acceptable. Gift shop was good for a browse as was adjacent Caihness Glass😡
Great watching the glass being blown,was a chilly day but lovely and warm there.Great restaurant,and very accommodating.
July 2024 visit
Place looks better this visit. Had food, which was ok, would have liked more chips for the price.
A decent stroll from town centre. Unfortunately, it looks a bit run down from the outside. Shop inside has lots of little things. Nice big cafe with plenty of room.
Called in for an impromptu stop with 34 passengers, gave the restaurant 45 mins notice, everything ran very smoothly, passengers were happy, and the food was tasty!
4.3
(1470)
3.9
(661)
Muthill Rd, Crieff, PH7 4HQ, United Kingdom
15Keith P — Google reviewDaniel M — Google reviewAlan W — Google reviewMatt H — Google reviewElaine B — Google reviewCitro F — Google reviewA G — Google review•
The Kelpies
Mentioned on
Sculpture
The Kelpies are a must-see attraction in Scotland, featuring 30-meter-high steel sculptures of horse heads set in a modern park with water features and expansive grassy areas. These iconic structures pay homage to the mythical shape-shifting water spirits from Scottish folklore. They stand as the largest equine statues globally and represent the working horses that once pulled barges on Scottish canals.
The Kelpies are absolutely stunning! A must-see attraction in Scotland — the giant horse-head sculptures are breathtaking, especially when the sunlight or night lights reflect off the metal. It’s a perfect spot for photography with plenty of beautiful angles around the park and canal.
The café on site is lovely, with friendly and helpful staff and a nice selection of snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Everything was clean and well presented. The environment is spotless, well maintained, and peaceful — ideal for families or anyone wanting to relax and enjoy the scenery.
There’s also ample car parking nearby, making it easy and convenient to visit. Overall, a fantastic experience — great art, great atmosphere, and great service. Highly recommend visiting The Kelpies!
Chathura M — Google review
Despite Amy trying her best, we arrived safely. How refreshing to receive a warm welcome, unlike the other nearby attraction. £15 for an overnight stay, with a hot drink voucher included.
Stunning watching the night draw in and the Kelpies lighting up.
Plenty of space to pitch up, facilities available if required.
Why can't other places across the UK offer the same welcoming, safe place to overnight?
Recommended
A must see sight when visiting the Falkirk area. These amazing sculptures are incredible to see. They dominate the surrounding area in their size and are a truly beautiful spectacle. Nearby, you’ve got the stunning sights of Helix Park to explore. Parking is available and even though it was busy, there were ample spaces. There are a number of great food choices at the Kelpies for a spot of lunch looking out onto the sculptures. Further, there is a fantastic gift shop with a great range of Scottish gifts.
A Majestic Scottish Marvel and Delightful Walk!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Helix park and experiencing the majestic Kelpies up close, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It was a very pleasant walk from start to finish, offering a wonderful blend of natural beauty and impressive modern artistry.
The sheer scale and intricate detail of the Kelpies are breathtaking. They stand as a true testament to Scottish engineering and mythology, perfectly capturing the spirit of the area's industrial heritage in a stunning, larger-than-life tribute to the mythical water horses. Viewing them illuminated at night is a particularly magical experience if you have the chance.
The surrounding parkland at The Helix is beautifully maintained, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, a cycle, or simply a picnic with a lovely view of the sculptures. The pathways are accessible and well-signed, making it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the site. The ambiance is peaceful and invigorating all at once.
Whether you're a local looking for a relaxing afternoon out or a tourist seeking an iconic Scottish landmark beyond the usual castles and lochs, the Kelpies offer an unforgettable experience. It's a fantastic day out that leaves you with a real sense of awe and appreciation for this unique piece of public art. Five stars!
So much bigger than expected. The detail in such large sculptures was fantastic. The Cafe and Visitors centre was also very good. The Sausage Rolls in the cafe were something special and the coffee was nice. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Amazing experience all round.
This has been on my to do list for a while and I wasn't disappointed - even coming from the land of the Angel of the North. Handy car park close to the sculpture but you have to pay for it. There is a free one but it's some distance away. Cafe was ok and small gift shop - expected more models of the sculptures tbh or posters to buy. Very little except for the general guide on the engineering behind the construction. Evening display slow to establish as we were there at dusk about 5pm and got bored waiting for the lights to complete.
Beautiful place to visit.
Great parking facilities, well organised and easy to find.
We visited in the day time but would have loved to see these lit up of a night.
Very cool structures! You really only need 10-20 min for photos unless you have booked a tour. The park is nice albeit a bit smelly. Not sure if it’s the water or what the putrid smell was but yuck! The Kelpies are truly beautiful and it’s a great folklore story.
4.7
(36368)
4.6
(7820)
The Helix, Grangemouth, Falkirk FK2 7ZT, United Kingdom
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16Laura S — Google reviewTJozi13 — Google reviewSandor P — Google reviewJR M — Google reviewChris C — Google reviewMelissa B — Google reviewJ M — Google review•
The Scottish Crannog Centre
Mentioned on
Open air museum
Sights & Landmarks
The Scottish Crannog Centre is an outdoor museum located less than a mile south of Kenmore on the banks of Loch Tay. It showcases a reconstruction of a crannog, which was an artificial island used as defensive dwelling during the Iron Age. The center offers guided tours that include impressive demonstrations of Iron Age crafts and fire making. Visitors can also explore history exhibitions and learn about the fascinating culture and lifestyle of ancient Scots who lived on crannogs.
Absolutely fantastic place to step back into the past. Staff are friendly, welcoming and very knowledgeable. Cafe is vary reasonably priced as is the gift shop. Plenty of good free parking and easy to find. We'll worth a visit for all ages.
Glen W — Google review
The Scottish Crannog Centre was a surprise delight. We dropped by in the late afternoon and were warmly welcomed to a tour by kind and engaging staff. I didn't catch the name of our tour guide, but she was absolutely wonderful and such an asset to the centre! The tour was fascinating, and we enjoyed a nice meal in the cafe.
Fantastic living and working museum. The interactive staff role playing is superb. Beautifully put together and a stunning piece of history to learn about.
Must book tickets to secure your guides tour. Showers, bins, toilets and a cafe on site.
Only 4 stars as there is no actual Crannog ready yet, so the naming is very misleading. Interesting interactive museum though, lots to do and time well spent. Will come back once Crannog is ready around September 2026... Till then however it's a bit pricey for what it is. All staff super friendly apart from girls in the cafe who where not helpful at all.
The car park big and very accessible.
The staff are super helpful and full of happy energy.
The guided tours are great, friendly and fun.
The area where the displays are located are great. Again the demonstrations are brilliant and informative and fun. Even had the chance to sample of the food or help with the making of some metal work or creat a small clay piece.
This is great place to come with the family or just to pass the day. Its fun and informative.
Had a terrific experience here with my Dad.
An open air museum, a glimpse into iron age living, an interactive tour. The crannog centre exceeded my expectations.
The staff here really make the place what it is. You can tell they have a real passion for not only the time period, but really getting immersed into what the lives would have been like for our Goildelic ancestors. In the village, everyone has a role. There is a blacksmith, a cook, foragers, carpenters, etc. Each member of staff was very welcoming and warm but a special shout out to Lisa and Laura for making our experience great.
Would definitely not miss this if you are in the area. Consider travelling for the experience.
What a lovely experience! We enjoyed the hands on activities, learning from people that were very available for discussions. It was small enough and felt very safe to let the kids explore and walk around. We laughed so hard over the puppet show. You can tell the folks working here love what they do. It made me want to work there! We were bummed that there wasn't an actual crannog to see at this time due to fire and the historic accuracy they are applying to the building process, but appreciated the explanations and models they showed instead. And playing with Quinn the dog certainly made my kids' day. This will definitely be one of our favorite experiences in Scotland.
This is somewhere we wanted to visit for a while and finally got the chance last week while holidaying in Scotland. We had a very short wait before the tour started, which wasn't a problem at all, and then we were shown around the museum. The guide was knowledgeable and made made her speech about the various artefacts etc interesting to listen to, and she gladly answered any questions we'd got. They've got some amazing pieces on show, I particularly liked the tiny piece of fabric, a real connection to times gone past and made me wonder who'd worn it, what they did etc.
We then went outside to look around each Crannog, where they were set up for different functions with people in to explain about them and how things were done back in the iron age. In the food and ingredients one, we were given a little bit of bread like they'd have made back then, and invited to try the selection of apple sauce, toffee sauce and cheese. The cheese was the best I'd ever tasted, I could've finished it off given half a chance! In the woodworking one my son (19), who loves history and old crafts, was invited to have a go with a couple of the woodworking tools, he was in his element and has since bought some woodworking bits to have a go with at home.
This place is definitely worth visiting. We loved it, it was slinging it down with rain but that didn't dampen our spirits, or the spirits of the staff who were all really helpful and keen to answer any questions.
4.7
(1792)
4.8
(1865)
Kenmore, Dalerb, PH15 2NX, United Kingdom
17Bruno P — Google reviewChathura M — Google reviewBarham A — Google reviewJames T — Google reviewClare B — Google reviewIan K — Google reviewAP — Google review
The Falkirk Wheel
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
The Falkirk Wheel is a remarkable and innovative boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in Scotland. This engineering marvel, opened in 2001, features four giant wheels shaped like Celtic axes to lift and lower boats, replacing 11 locks. It can transport multiple boats at once between the two canals in just 45 minutes.
I had heard about this amazing piece of engineering and we thought we would visit. So happy that we did. It's amazing. We paid for a guided trip, which I would thoroughly recommend. I cannot remember the name of the guide but he was really funny and knowledgeable. The views were stunning, the walks were amazing and to experience the wheel was brilliant
Barry H — Google review
What a beautiful place to spend the day with the family. There is plenty to do with the kids as there are activities and parks around the wheel as well as beautiful walks around the canals. The parking costs £4 for the full day which is great. Highly recommend it
Absolutely fantastic place to visit! The Falkirk Wheel is an incredible piece of engineering and a great day out for families. The boat trip experience is really enjoyable and gives you a close look at how the wheel works — very smooth and fascinating to watch in action.
The café on site is lovely, with friendly and welcoming staff who make you feel right at home. The food and coffee were great, and it’s a nice spot to relax while enjoying the view. There’s also a souvenir shop with plenty of unique gifts and Scottish items at reasonable prices.
Parking is very spacious, with giant car parks that make visiting really easy, even on busy days. Overall, it’s a well-maintained, clean, and family-friendly attraction — definitely worth a visit if you’re in Scotland!
We visited The Falkirk Wheel today with the whole family, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The engineering of the Wheel itself is simply fascinating, seeing the boats being lifted was a real “wow” moment for all of us. We even tried the Wheel ride ourselves, and it was absolutely unforgettable! Gliding smoothly up and down while taking in the stunning views is something we’ll always remember.
What made the day even better was how much there was for the kids to enjoy. The play areas and games kept them entertained for hours, and they loved every moment. It’s not just an attraction for adults who enjoy history or engineering; it’s a genuinely fun and interactive place for children too.
The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the whole site was clean and well-maintained. We left with big smiles (and a few tired legs!), already talking about when we can come back.
Highly recommended for families looking for a mix of learning, fun, and a little bit of magic.
Another must see, the car park was free and it is a short walk up to the canal and then round to see the Wheel in all its glory. We were fortunate enough t to have a lovely sunny day and the wheel was activated pretty much as we got there so we got to see the whole show straight away. You can pay to go on a boat trip to experience it personally but we unfortunately did not have time, maybe next time. Highly recommended seeing this and then go see the Kelpies which are just 10-15 minutes away.
Fascinating place. Very interesting judt to watch. Trips available. Plenty of parking. Staff very helpful and friendly. Stayed overnight in our motorhome. Some road noise but definitely not an issue.
I really amazing construction, very interesting to find out the how it works and read about it's design and construction. Enjoyable Captain of the boat relaying lots of interesting facts and figures. £15 each for the boat trip and £4 for parking. Well worth the cost.
Nice place to relax and see a good piece of engineering. Too expensive to go for a boat trip £17 adult. You can walk along if you like to save the money. Car parking £4 all day. Good place to walk if weather is good.
13% as popular as Glasgow
20 minutes off the main route, 51% of way to Aberfoyle
18Lelliite L — Google reviewTroy C — Google reviewAllan S — Google reviewBia P — Google reviewDean C — Google reviewGuy D — Google reviewRoss K — Google review•
The National Wallace Monument
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The National Wallace Monument is a grand Victorian stone tower dedicated to the memory of William Wallace, featuring his iconic 2-handed sword. It was constructed in the 19th century as a symbol of Scottish national pride and pays homage to Sir William Wallace, a revered figure from Scotland's War for Independence. Visitors can ascend over 240 steps to reach observation platforms and explore exhibitions about the monument and its historical significance.
A Truly Memorable Visit to Wallace Monument
The Wallace Monument is a wonderfully organized attraction with excellent access and free shuttle service. At the foot of the hill stands a spacious, free car park for both cars and buses – a thoughtful gesture from the local council. Nearby, you’ll find a visitor centre with a gift shop, clean toilets, and a café. The small shuttle bus departs regularly from just outside and takes visitors up the hill in about 3 minutes. For those who prefer to walk, the uphill path takes about 15 minutes – it’s quite steep but paved and equipped with benches for resting along the way.
At the top, there’s a viewing terrace with benches placed around the tower, offering a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Entrance to the monument closes at 5 PM, so make sure to arrive in good time. Exploring all the exhibition rooms inside the tower takes about 30 minutes, including climbing the very narrow spiral staircase. The exhibits are engaging and well-curated, including a short but informative film about the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the legendary William Wallace himself.
The panoramic view from the observation platform at the top of the tower is absolutely breathtaking and leaves a lasting impression. The vista over the battlefield and the river below is truly unforgettable.
After descending, consider stopping by the gift shop – it’s the best place to find affordable souvenirs such as magnets, T-shirts, and unique memorabilia. Opposite the shop, there is also a small bistro for drinks and light meals.
You can return downhill either on foot or via shuttle. In total, the visit takes about 3 hours. On a beautiful day, this is a perfect spot for a short historical journey and an outdoor lunch with a view.
Andrzej S — Google review
Beautiful place, views and reminds bit of Lord of the rings to top of the tower.
Need comfy shoes to get to it. Has free parking, nice place to go for a walk around too. Has some wooden sculptures on the way aswell. Bit of a steep walk but has small buss service that takes to the top, cafe near parking. Also available free toilet in the Monument. Welcoming staff.
This monument is certainly a must see in the Stirling area. There is a lot of convenient parking for your visit and a nice cafe and gift shop at the base of the hill beside the parking area. After parking, head up the trail that starts around the right hand side of the building - you don't need to go inside as the tickets for the monument are bought when you get to the top. There are two paths that literally run beside each other and connect around halfway up. The more natural path has some carvings to look at as you go through. Depending on your fitness level, the path to the top may be a bit strenuous - take your time and there are a few rest spots. There is also a great viewing platform and rest area outside of the main tower entrance. There is one bathroom for all patrons in the monument tower, so this can be a bit inconvenient. Use the bathroom down below before heading up hahahaha. Depending on the time and day you go, this visit will likely vary greatly. There is only the original narrow spiral stone staircase to go up and down. Although there are a lot of stairs, you can stop at the different floors with great displays - historical video, display boards, the Wallace Sword, and sculptures. Resting on each floor is also a good way to let the "traffic" pass. You can only hope you don't arrive at the same time as tour buses - ouch. Make your way to the top to get an incredible 360 of the area - including the Battle of Stirling Bridge. A great piece of history, with great relics. Thanks for the amazing visit.
Enjoyed our visit to the monument, we walked up the hill and took the free shuttle back down.
A lot of very tight curved circular stairs to reach the 2 information areas and finally the top level which has great views over the battlefield area. We had a beautiful clear day , sometimes if it's misty you don't see much!
There's one toilet at the monument, but plenty down at the visitor centre, where there is a souvenir shop and a café.
We , my 2 boys, wife and myself enjoyed our visit.
Check final times for buying your ticket to go up the monument, it finishes 45 minutes? Before closing time at 17:00, (check that online)
Really pretty! We went there to see the sunrise, but the sun rises on the other side…. Nevertheless, it was really beautiful and a really good walk in the morning. The pathway was closed due to maintenance but you can go through the road, just need to be extra careful.
I really enjoyed my visit to the national Wallace monument it was great to finally see it in person and witness what it would be like to be living in that back in the it would have even mental been in there as a defence lookout against the English and other threats so be aware going here that there are lotsss of steps to take to the top and they are very narrow so it's a tight squeeze when there's two way foot traffic my dad made it to the the top and he has a walking stick so it can be done for those maybe less able and the view from the top is breath taking and definitely worth the climb and there are 3 levels to experience on the way up too the top which can be used as a wee rest stop with some great visual holisory to take in the place is just wow and thinking about all way back in time it's crazy this is a must to take in and if you have time take in Stirling castle too on the same day
A great experience for anyone interested in the history of the Scottish independence movement. Equally worthwhile if you just want to take in the amazing views from the tower. I also really appreciated the range of family ticket options, recognising that not all families are nuclear.
Sometimes you just can't get your mind around how something is built that is so massive and in the 1800s. This monument is one of them. The grandeur can only be experienced by climbing the narrow spiral staircases to three tall showrooms (two of which contain the swords of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce), and then to the top outside "crown" 200+ feet on top of a high peak. If you don't like heights, don't bother. But it is a stunning and extremely well put together attraction. We managed it in under an hour because we were in a rush to get to Doune Castle on time. If you have the stamina, do all the flights of stairs to the top.
4.7
(13628)
4.5
(3867)
Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Rd, Stirling FK9 5LF, United Kingdom
19Firu T — Google reviewTroy C — Google reviewJosephine W — Google reviewSophie S — Google reviewMarina M — Google reviewEd H — Google reviewTravel W — Google review•
Stirling Castle
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Stirling Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Hill, is a stunning 12th-century fortress that once served as a royal palace for Renaissance monarchs. Its diverse architectural styles and impressive entrance featuring a statue of Robert the Bruce create an unforgettable first impression. The castle grounds boast several buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, alongside remnants from the 14th century and outer defenses dating back to the early 18th century.
My wife and I went first thing in the morning when it opened at 930am. on a Saturday. The castle was wonderful and rich in history. We did not have a tour guide, just walked around ourselves and enjoyed the beauty and architecture of this historical place. The views are stunning. About a 17-minute uphill walk from the train station, and it seemed way faster on the way down, like 5 minutes. It's worth exploring and enjoying the excellent and magnificent history Scotland has to offer. It also has a few gift shops around the location and also toilets which is a plus. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Don't forget your Stirling Castle Magnets!
Nick H — Google review
A steep climb up the hill got us to the Castle. You don't have to walk, there's a carpark by the gate and a shuttle bus service.
Buy tickets in advance and save some money. Trying this on my mobile was problematic and I never managed to get it to work. But the nice lady at the Castle sorted it out for me.
The good bits, all of the buildings are impressive. The views from the terraces outside even more so. The interiors are spectacular with ornate carvings and wonderful wall decorations. See the restored kitchens and the reconstruction of the interior.
It's obvious that a great deal of effort has been made to present a good visitor experience.
One of the best bits was a couple of ladies roleplaying different people from history. More of this could be a great thing.
Well worth a visit.
There is no way you can come to Stirling and not visit this amazing historical centerpiece. Sitting at the highest point in the area, it will be visible from anywhere in the city. There are lots of paid parking spaces (5 pounds) right at the entrance. As soon as you walk in, the ticket booth is just off to the left. After ticket purchase, I highly suggest the free tour given by their historians - very informative with a nice touch of humor. First one started at 10 am when we visited. As you walk through the grounds and on the high walls, you can take in some great scenery inside and outside the castle. There a lot of things to see and some of the parts of the castle might be missed if you are not paying attention to the map. All the main areas have employees in period dress who freely offer their period stories. Everything is in your own time - I would say a couple of hours will offer you a good visit with the tour. There is a couple of gift shops (one at the entrance and one off the main inner courtyard) and a nice canteen to buy some light snacks. So much history - enjoy.
A phenomenal castle experience! The drive up built anticipation, as Stirling Castle unveiled itself gradually. At the castle, I enjoyed the stunning view of the gorgeous Forth Valley from the ramparts.
The restored Royal Palace was impeccable — vibrant colours, heraldic details, and Renaissance interiors that feel genuinely 16th century!
Allow plenty of time to explore the entire grounds, the Great Hall, and especially the Palace. A truly unmissable piece of Scottish history!
Absolutely stunning castle. We'll preserve and very good historical information presented clearly. I didn't get the audio tour and I think that was a good choice. Though I'm sure they provide good information. Wasn't so crowded you couldn't see what you wanted as long as you avoided the huge bus tours. Have I mentioned it was beautiful? It truly was. Very memorable.
By far the most interactive and fascinating castle visit I have experienced across the 40 countries I’ve visited. The site is rich in history and offers truly immersive exhibits.
Even rushing through, we spent almost 3 hours inside. For a full experience, I recommend reserving 4–5 hours — and trust me, it’s worth every minute. The ticket is not cheap, but it is absolutely worth the visit.
My first visit to the Royal castle.
Wonderful location. Views are stunning.
The castle itself is full of history, much more intimate than Edinburgh castle.
We arrived late in afternoon just in time for the second last guided tour.
It was so informative and the guide was outstanding. Made my day.
The garden was so vibrant.
Our visit to Stirling Castle this past September was absolutely unforgettable! This magnificent fortress is one of Scotland's most impressive historic sites, and it truly brought Scottish history to life in the most captivating way.
The castle itself is remarkably well-preserved and intact, with beautifully restored rooms that transport you back through centuries of Scottish history. Walking through the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Chapel Royal felt like stepping into a living museum. Every room tells a story, from the grand Renaissance architecture to the intricate details in the tapestries and decorations.
One of the absolute highlights of our visit was the live Renaissance musicians performing throughout the castle grounds! Their authentic period music filled the rooms and chambers, creating an incredibly immersive atmosphere. The musicians were talented and passionate, and their presence truly elevated the entire experience.
We learned about Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, and the many battles fought for control of this strategic stronghold. The storytelling brought the history to life in such an engaging way.
The views from the castle ramparts are absolutely breathtaking, we especially loved the gardens and the views of gardens in the valley too overlooking Stirling and the surrounding countryside. You can see why this location was so strategically important throughout Scottish history!
Receiving lots of daily visitors it is wise to choose an organized tour or purchase the point-by-point earpods. Allow plenty of time to explore – there's so much to see and experience!
4.6
(33124)
4.5
(10283)
Castle Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom
20Mark C — Google reviewKym S — Google reviewGabi S — Google reviewCharlotte A — Google reviewDon L — Google reviewStuart — Google reviewKathryn S — Google review•
Doune Castle
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Nestled near the charming village of Doune in central Scotland, Doune Castle is a stunning medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. This remarkable stronghold has witnessed significant historical events, including damage during the Scottish Wars of Independence before being restored in the 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. Today, visitors can explore its impressive architecture and rich history while enjoying audio tours narrated by Terry Jones.
So fun fact, Outlander and Monty Python was filmed in certain areas, and some of the rooms were recreated from this castle. The audio guide was great and gave you fascinating information about the history, back stories on outlander, as were as Monty Python and the holy Grail. They also sell shirts for Monty Python in the gift shop along with outlander gifts. The only negative parts is not enough parking, but in the center of town 5-11 minutes away, there is free parking, if you are walking.
Sher P — Google review
Doune Castle is a fascinating and well-preserved medieval fortress that’s full of character and charm. Steeped in history, it’s also famously featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones – making it a must-visit for both history lovers and pop culture fans.
The audio guide is fantastic, with fun narration that blends historical insight and a bit of humor (especially if you're a Monty Python fan!). Exploring the grand halls, towers, and courtyard feels like stepping back in time.
Set in a beautiful, peaceful location, Doune Castle is easy to explore and not overly crowded. A brilliant stop that combines history, scenery, and a touch of cinematic magic.
We enjoyed walking around. We did not have tickets so we were directed to park in town. It was a lovely walk and likely best to park there in the first place and then follow the signs to the footpath. We thought it would take awhile, but it was really a rather short journey. It was not our favorite castle we visited but fun to see since we have watched Monty Python, Outlander, Outlaw King, and Game of Thrones. I actually wish we had gotten there before it opened and had been able to enjoy the grounds without the crowds. I would say if you are driving by - stop, but I wouldn't make a trip out to see just this castle.
Beautiful castle with a lot of history and stunning views. You don’t need more than 30–40 minutes to explore it, and wearing comfortable shoes makes a big difference. Visiting during the low season is definitely the best — quiet, relaxed, and easy to enjoy every corner.
Great site. The audio tour is excellent and the staff were very knowledgeable. I enjoyed seeing parts of the castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander. Took about 40 minutes to go round - wall walk was closed for repairs, but highly recommend regardless.
Here’s another great castle where several movies have been filmed, including Monty Python and the holy Grail. A great courtyard and many floors and rooms to see that are furnished, including a great hall. In the room that I am standing in front of the large fireplace next to the window, there was a scene filmed there. There is one fireplace that is so large. They say you could roast a whole cow there at one time.
Nice little castle not too busy. You can be in and out in about 30 minutes maybe an hour if you take your time. A little car park which is free if going into the castle. There is a park around the castle but we didn't venture round it. Toilet facilities out of the castle and a gift shop in the castle.
Monty python, GOT, and outlander fans know, well worth the visit. Unlike most cast tours chuck are all dressed up with period furnishings, the Doune Castle allows you to envision life there without all the dressings. Truly spectacular, even with ongoing restoration work.
4.5
(7022)
4.5
(2549)
Castle Hill, Doune, FK16 6EA, United Kingdom
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21Polly S — Google reviewKathy H — Google reviewLisa M — Google reviewMoonyoung J — Google reviewWill M — Google reviewPierre-Yves A — Google reviewZach M — Google review•
Deanston Distillery
Mentioned on
Distillery
Visitor Centers
Deanston Distillery, situated on the banks of the River Teith in Perthshire, has a rich history dating back to its origins as a cotton mill factory. Today, it stands as a community-driven craft distillery that offers guided tours, tastings, private dining experiences, and a shop for whisky enthusiasts. The distillery takes pride in its commitment to authentic craftsmanship and produces single malts known for their fresh honeyed sweetness.
Amazing whiskies at this distillery. I highly recommend treating yourself to the Warehouse No. 4 Tasting Experience. It was a very small group and our guide, George, gave an excellent and informative tour. Then we sat in the warehouse to taste delicious whiskies straight from the barrel… truly a one of a kind experience and highly recommended for any Scotch whisky lover!
Dylan H — Google review
We did the 3 dram tour at £25 each. The tour lasted around an hour, followed by the tasting and them the shop. Our tour guide, Thomas, was fab. Happy to answer any questions he could, able to talk about the history of the building and the different qualities of the whiskey.
After the tour in the shop the staff were more than happy for us to taste even more varieties before buying.
Brian gave us an amazing tour last minute, right before closing. He and the rest of the staff were extremely welcoming, friendly & great to chat with. Thank you for an amazing experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Warehouse No. 4 Experience – Deanston Distillery
What an absolutely fantastic experience! The Warehouse No. 4 tasting at Deanston was everything you could hope for — and more. Our host Brian was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also hilarious — the perfect mix of fun and whisky wisdom. He brought the whole experience to life with great stories, insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
We sampled three cask strength drams, each one exceptional in its own way — rich, powerful, and beautifully waxy, with that unmistakable Deanston character. Tasting them straight from the cask in the cool warehouse made it feel truly authentic
and special.
If you’re anywhere near Deanston, don’t miss this. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or just curious to learn more, this experience is amazing and highly recommended. Thanks again to Brian for making it one to remember! 🥃
I visited the UK with my famiy during last Korean Chuseok holidays. We stayed in England mostly, but we also visited Scotland, too.
As an whisky lover, it's a kind of duty and faith to visit at least one of distilleries in Scotland. So I brought my family to the Deanston distillery and we met my Netherlands friend and his family. We had the distillery tour together there. It's unforgettable memory for me.
Thank you, Brian for your guidance on the tour day.:)
2025.10.13, Mon, 10:15am
#Deanston #distillery_tour #Deanston_12y #Deanston_Virgin_Oak_Distillery_Edition
Lovely whisky in a lovely location, what more could you ask? Friendly staff in the shop who were so welcoming and so happy to talk about the whisky, the distillery, the weather, anything. Couldn’t have wished for a nicer way to spend a wee while browsing. Offered some complimentary tastings and no pressure to buy (unlike some other visitor centres I’ve been too). Luckily Deanston is one of my favourites so not a problem! 🥃
I definitely don’t like whisky (sorry, Scotland !) but James made this visit an exquisite moment of science, humor and heritage. We learned lots of things regarding distillation and had a great time ! Thank you !
Deanston distillery tour really is lovely. Making a reservation online and getting a historical background process of the place as well as all of the bright and interesting experiments getting cooked up there was amazing. A lovely little big place. Maintained with care and attention that you can taste.
4.8
(573)
4.7
(1367)
Teith Rd, Deanston, Doune FK16 6AG, United Kingdom
22Janice M — Google reviewFiona — Google reviewAdrian L — Google reviewAlli — Google reviewJane — Google reviewMoira M — Google reviewIrene G — Google review•
Garrion Bridges Garden & Antiques Centre
Store
Nightlife
Antique store
Coffee shop
Garden center
Women's clothing store
Visited this amazing establishment while home on holiday. I had Macaroni and cheese which was the best I've had in years . The cake display was overwhelming. Brought back so many memories re the cream donuts, cream icing rings and the old school cake 😋
Took a walk around the place when f8nished lunch. They have beautiful clothing, bags, purses, scottish woollens my, lots of fascinatirs and wedding outfits .Loved the jewelery!
Wish I had gotten more time to really shop and visit the antiques place This place is huge and great way to dornd an afternoon. I'll be back to visit again on my next return 🫠
I only took the photos of the items i bought ..Strawberry tarts were a treat 👌
K — Google review
Omg. This place is sooo amazing. We had coffee and cake in the tea room which is beautiful. They also sell hot food. Some small shops selling wool knitting needled hats handbags array of mugs and glasses. Card shop gift shop. Pictures to purchase. Baby shop and the garden centre the antique part was unbelievable. Took me back to my childhood. We went in for coffee and came out 3 hours later. Can't wait to go back again
Wow! What a place! Love the antiques centre...a veritable labyrinth of nooks and crannies and glass cases FULL of wonders and treasures of the past. Great stuff in the other part of the place too...ranging from dog treats to handbags to wool and Scottish souvenirs. I've yet to find time to visit the garden centre...another visit on the cards soon! The cafe is excellent, not too expensive, but the food is great. The staff are amazing too. All in all, a great day out...and I mean a whole day!
(Detailed review below)
Food ⭐⭐⭐
Ambiance ⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a good variety of things to buy here but generally not stuff that I would be interested in. I think it's geared towards the elderly customers in terms of types of products and costs.
The service at the cafe/restaurant is good. Table management is rather efficient and food wise, it's not too bad. I do like the cakes and the desserts quite a bit 😅
Toilets are well maintained although a bit small. Generally a good place but not very exciting.
Cafe is good, average prices and the wait isn't too long.
Love a wander round the antiques stalls. Though it can be tricky if you have any mobility issues.
Very odd place, huge warehouse for the
Elderly full of plastic tat from china, the antique section is bits and bobs from your grans house, very little furniture or “real”
Antiques sadly. The reason for my two stars is because I received awful service from two staff members in the antique centre. Rude, abrasive, cheeky and swearing.. I was shocked!!!! I sent an email to complain, they acknowledged and said would respond, but never did. Which says it all. I wouldn’t go back!
Keep driving on 5mins more to silverbirch, at least they have some unique products and cafe is excellent.
Please don’t waste your time, you deserve better
We popped in to have a look at the antique centre. Parking was at a premium at lunchtime! I didn't find any wrought iron door stops, sadly. We then had a look at the garden centre as I'd hoped to pick up a wall clock. They had some lovely clocks.
Myself and 27 ladies visited on 19th June from Ayr. Our first port of call was the restaurant. Staff were fantastic dealing with us all and our individual orders. Nothing was too much bother. Centre is well worth the journey
4.4
(1430)
4.5
(208)
Horsley Brae, Overtown, Ovetown ML2 0RR, United Kingdom
23Richard F — Google reviewS S — Google reviewSamuel E — Google reviewNeha P — Google reviewLM — Google reviewCathryn K — Google reviewDaizy M — Google review•
Bracklinn Falls Car Park
Mentioned on
Parking lot
Outdoor Activities
Bracklinn Falls Car Park serves as the starting point for a scenic loop trail that winds through the forest and leads to a timber bridge offering stunning views of a gorge waterfall. Although the west side of the falls is inaccessible due to the closure of Bracklinn Bridge, there are numerous viewpoints along the way that make the walk worthwhile.
Excellent car park right next to the walk. We got there at 9am and when we got back at 11.30 it was full. The walk to the falls is easy but we then did the full circular walk which is over 3 miles and took 2.5 hrs. This wasn't easy as a lot of uphill but stunning views and took is right round to the Scout pool too.
Kelly A — Google review
We had a wonderful unplanned 2 hr walk on the Bracklinn Falls circuit. Once we crossed the bridge at Bracklinn Falls we were by our selves for 1:30 mins. The climb through the pine forest needs reasonable walking fitness but the views on emerging from the forest are Scotland hills are their beautiful best. The descent back to the car park is on a very quiet single track road. Proper walk with great scenery!
Loved this place, car park has about 10 spaces and is up a steep and narrow road. Only good for cars.
The walk is about 1.5 to 2 miles mostly flat with a steep decent just before the waterfall. The view right next to the falls is better than from the bridge, but it's a little tricky getting into the rocks beside the water. Absolutely worth the trip.
Took a trip to Bracklinn Falls in Callander when the weather was proper hot. Exactly what I needed that day. Nothing fancy - just the simple sound of water flowing over rocks, birds chirping, and that clean air hitting different after being in the city. Had to watch my step though - those rocks near the water get proper slippery, so you need to be careful when you're getting close for a better look. Nice spot to just sit on the rocks, chill out and forget about everything else for a bit. Cool place for a wee break from the usual routine. Definitely worth the visit when you need to clear your head
Bracklinn Falls is stunning! The walk to the falls is beautiful and peaceful, with lots of greenery along the way. The waterfall itself is impressive and makes for some great photos. A perfect spot to enjoy nature and take a relaxing stroll.
Great wee car park, space for roughly 15 cars and the road up takes you up in elevation enough so the walk is an easy 1/2 mile stroll.
Single track road with passing places on a steep hill is also good to note.
Small about ten space car park. Fairly easy walk to the falls from there. Pushchair friendly as made path all the way through to the falls but some very steep sections that would make it a challenge for rugged wheelchair users.
It was a very lovely visit. The scenery was beautiful, and the trail had seats in between if you get tired while walking.
4.5
(785)
4.6
(772)
Bracklin Rd, FK17, Callander FK17 8EH, United Kingdom
24Mike B — Google reviewGum T — Google reviewDebbie B — Google reviewZelex L — Google reviewNicola B — Google reviewWill M — Google reviewRichard A — Google review•
The Waterside
Mentioned on
affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Nestled along the stunning Ayrshire coast, The Waterside Hotel and Kyle Suite offers an enchanting seaside escape in West Kilbride. With breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the water to the picturesque Isle, this location is perfect for soaking in nature's beauty. Guests can indulge in delightful dining experiences at nearby Aura Restaurant, known for its exquisite menu and friendly service.
6 of us had a fantastic night out. Food was immense and service was great. Suki and Dapi took great care of us. Fantastic place for Vegetarian and Vegans, lots of choices. Meat eaters also catered for.
Gary S — Google review
Really enjoyed the experience and location, right next to a small beautiful park. On street parking available but make sure you park after 6 or the parking attendant will give you a ticket.
Food great, really friendly young server homely and family friendly.
Excellet place to eat, sat outside on Sunday 28th of April on a nice day next to the wee river.
I had the chilli scampi bites and kimchi fries, excellent, my son had the fish & chips which he said was the best he's had in a long time, it's all he eats and he was impressed that the batter was crisp but stayed stuck to the fish when cut, and my wife had the fish stew, she loved it, in fact an hour later she said she wished she could eat it again.
Only been open under the new owners, who apparently own the local Indian place called Taal, for 3 weeks which was a huge surprise given the quality & service, usually there's lots of teething problems, my wife is a retired chef and she was equally impressed.
Dog friendly, even at the bar area.
Service staff were excellent as well, I must however apologize again for breaking a plate, got my foot caught and stumbled knocking a plate over.
Will definitely eat there again if back in Strathhaven, can't recommend the place enough, 6 stars.
Thank you.
My husband and I had lunch here,I had two starters and he had a main . I had the calamari which had no lemon with it and it was served with raw cabbage, not slaw which would been better. The Thai beef salad , the beef was overcooked. The croutons in halloumi salad were really hard.
I enjoyed the food as I chose a couple of options from the Vegan menu, service was good, location next to the stream was nice and the service was good, the only thing I was not expecting is to be charged £6.50 for two glasses of Draft soda water.. in other words fizzy tap water. I wasn’t expecting it for free because I appreciate they have overheads to cover but I have never been charged £3.25 for a glass of tap water. Other than that I would have given it a 5 star rating
Chose this amazing little bar/restaurant for our first meal out on our Babymoon and it didn't disappoint!
The service was brilliant, with socially distant covid measures in place including screens, plenty of hand sanitiser and all staff in masks.
The staff were very friendly and polite and the food was absolutely beautiful! Such a lovely selection, we were spoiled for choice!
After much deliberation, my partner and I both went for the soup of the day, which was tomato, chilli and red pepper - it was superb!
Then for mains, my partner went for the fish & chips with minted peas and I opted for the 3 cheese macaroni.
The portion sizes were huge!! So much so, we were unable to squeeze in a dessert, much to my disappointment.
I'd definitely recommend this place and would certainly go back if we were ever to visit Strathaven again!
Trying too hard and not quite nailing it. Tonight we ate a mix from the pre theatre and a la carte menus and some of the combinations were interesting but I would say not so successful. The scallops starter @ £8.95 was underwhelming and I thought undercooked (just) , with the cauliflower purée non existent smear across plate. Main course tandoori haddock didn’t work. A nice piece of haddock “ruined”. Dry pilau rice. Chicken with spiced spaghetti a random choice but my son enjoyed it. Korean noodles OK too. The sticky toffee mess for puddings was too heavy, really thick toffee caramel and could’ve been better. Best choice of the evening was my youngest sons kids meal. Nice fish and chips in crispy batter and good starter and pudding too. Overall disappointing and better elsewhere for the price (£145 for 5) for a Friday evening pub meal. After meal glass of port couldn’t even find a decent glass.... pity. Coffee good !! Waiting staff excellent.
I am a vegetarian and tend to find a lot of restaurants lacking in choice and quality, not the case with the Waterside. Food was amazing, Chef and staff are lovely. Highly recommend this Inn for a beautiful, tasty relaxing dinner.
4.3
(523)
4.2
(345)
31 Waterside St, Lanark, Strathaven, ML10 6AW, United Kingdom
25S G — Google reviewKarl V — Google reviewAnne S — Google reviewCatherine H — Google reviewStanly W — Google reviewTomazpg — Google reviewIrvine T — Google review•
The Glasgow Necropolis
Mentioned on
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
The Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian-era cemetery that houses the graves and mausoleums of prominent figures from Glasgow's past. Spanning 37 acres, it is a rich source of captivating architecture, sculptures, and historical narratives from the city's Victorian era. With an estimated 50,000 burials and around 3,500 monuments marking them, this cemetery has been described as a 'city of the dead.'
Beautiful cemetery within walking distance of Glasgow city centre. Spent about an hour looking around. I'm sure there would be something interesting to see each visit. Very peaceful with lovely views of Glasgow Cathedral and loved the spring blossom. Free to enter.
Claire G — Google review
Stepping into the Glasgow Necropolis feels less like entering a cemetery and more like discovering an open-air museum. This Victorian masterpiece is an absolute must-see and a true five-star experience.
Perched on a hill overlooking Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As you ascend the winding paths, each turn reveals a new and stunning monument. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the tombs and mausoleums are awe-inspiring, a testament to the city's rich history and the craftsmanship of the time. You can spend hours wandering, reading the fascinating inscriptions, and admiring the varied architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Gothic.
The atmosphere is one of serene beauty and historical reverence, not at all eerie. It's a peaceful place for a walk, a spot for contemplation, and a photographer's dream, especially as the light changes throughout the day. The "Bridge of Sighs" that connects the cathedral to the Necropolis is an iconic entry point, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaits.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and beautiful place to explore in Glasgow, the Necropolis delivers on every front. It's a truly unforgettable place that captures the city's past and offers some of the best views you'll find anywhere.
Absolutely stunning. We love a grave yard and this has to be one of the biggest and best we've been to in the UK. Huge monuments and lots of different graves and structures to look at. It looks out across Glasgow city and you can see the beautiful cathedral from it's banks. Its a bit messy in places with overgrown ivy and trees but I guess this is down to the council and money. It's still stunning though and really gets you appreciating the architecture.
“Grand cemetery of the Victorian elite” as per Google maps! This place is so interesting, full of social history. We were there over an hour and only saw some of it. Following in from the entrance next to Glasgow Cathedral the paths twist and turn getting higher and higher. The view from the higher parts of the Necropolis are breathtaking!
We visited on a bright sunny day but I would love to see it at dusk.
I think the Necropolis has to be one of the places you should definitely visit when visiting Glasgow.
Free entry.
Highly recommended!
We were visiting Glasgow for a day trip from Stirling and walked around this fascinating attraction known as the Victorian “city of the dead” situated on a hill just east of Glasgow Cathedral. It is home to approximately 50,000 burials and around 3,500 elaborate monuments and mausoleums. The top of the hill has nice view of the city and the Cathedral.
The large cemetery located behind the Glasgow cathedral. It is very extensive and imposing. The Victorian style tombs tells the power and wealth of those buried there. One of the biggest and noticeable tomb is a monument dedicated to John Knox, while he was actually buried near Giles cathedral at Edinburgh. The place necropolis means city of dead.
Beautiful Glasgow landmark, extensive walking with many paths and trails, excellent views of Glasgow and a must see for all.
The Necropolis is a great place to visit in Glasgow's spiritual heart. Although the Necropolis is in the centre of busy Glasgow, it is a good place to go for inner city peace and contemplation and also stunning views of Glasgow stretching in all directions. Tours are also given lasting about 2 hours, which book up quickly. I highly recommend a visit to the Necropolis.
4.7
(1199)
4.5
(3651)
Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0UZ, United Kingdom
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26David A — Google reviewAbins A — Google reviewEd H — Google reviewEilidh B — Google reviewDon L — Google reviewChristine C — Google reviewMousey N — Google review•
Glasgow Cathedral
Mentioned on
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Glasgow Cathedral, also known as St. Mungo's, is a significant example of Scottish Gothic architecture and the oldest building in Glasgow. It was consecrated in 1197 and is the only medieval cathedral to have survived the Protestant Reformation in 1560. The lower crypt houses the tomb of Glasgow's patron saint, St. Mungo. Visitors are captivated by its stunning stained glass windows and ornate interior.
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the iconic buildings to visit in Glasgow. Its breathtaking and majestic Gothic architecture is evident both inside and out. The intricate details of the cathedral reveal the rich history of this enduring structure.
The cathedral is free to enter, but donations are recommended for the restoration and maintenance of the building. Please note that the last entry is at 4:15 p.m., so you’ll need a full hour to explore everything inside. There’s also plenty of information to read along the way.
Kevin F — Google review
Despite the advised booking of free tickets online, we discovered upon arrival that no one was checking them, and we were permitted to enter freely. We were fortunate to join a free guided tour immediately. The volunteer guide provided excellent context, explaining the history of the cathedral and the reasons for its construction in that location. There is a great deal to see, and visitors who appreciate religious art and history could easily spend several hours inside.
Stepping into Glasgow Cathedral is like stepping back in time. The architecture is incredibly detailed and mesmerizing, and the history within its walls is palpable. It's a truly unique experience to walk through such a historic place. Plus, it's free to enter, and you can get audio guides for a small fee to learn even more. The cathedral is really well-maintained, and it's a great visual experience. Highly recommend
First visit inside, had walked past it on numerous occasions in the past. A wet Saturday afternoon, the cathedral and the square looked amazing.
Lots of tour groups, the place was a buzzing. Once inside, the atmosphere was very sedate and respectful.
Beautiful , building and the stain glass windows just add to the spectacular nature of this building
One of the most impressive cathedrals I've ever been to! It's such a large and beautiful place. We were blown away. Free entry and worth a visit to the necropolis over the bridge while you're here.
Glasgow Cathedral is right in the centre of town and a great place to start your visit in Glasgow. It’s a popular site so it’s quite busy, but well worth the visit, there is lots to see inside. It has a huge towering ceiling and there are lower floors to see with spectacular columns, supporting all above. Outside beside the cathedral is a large wonderful cemetery well worth a wander through.
We love to visit the Cathedrals when visiting a city, although we have visited Glasgow many times this was our first visit to the Cathedral and it is well worth a visit. Wonderful stain glass windows and ornate ceilings. Loved all the history and atmosphere as I said well worth a visit if you're going to Glasgow
Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking, both inside and out, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Walking through the cathedral feels like stepping back in time — it’s truly impressive how well preserved it is.
4.6
(9179)
4.5
(3147)
Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0QZ, United Kingdom
27Dennis S — Google reviewKirsten B — Google reviewImtiaz A — Google reviewAnnette G — Google reviewAmandine G — Google reviewS S — Google reviewLIZ L — Google review•
People's Palace
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
History museum
Museums
The People's Palace, situated in the historic Glasgow Green, is a museum and glasshouse showcasing Glasgow's industrial history and local culture from 1750 to the late 20th century. The center offers exhibits featuring objects, photographs, prints, and films that narrate the city's story. It was established in 1898 as a cultural hub for the people during challenging times in the East End of Glasgow.
Free entrance for everyone.
What a lovely place! A splendid way to travel backwards in time! This place truly caters to the public, keeping diverse areas vibrant. The stunning architecture and garden surroundings could easily pass as a filming location for "Downton Abbey." Kudos to the incredibly kind individuals standing at the entrance all day, braving the cold to offer every visitor a proper welcome!
Ensure you contribute a small donation to play your part in sustaining this establishment (I've included the QR code in one of the pictures).
Anna — Google review
Hate it cos its indefinitely closed. A crown jewel of tourist attractions in Glasgow's oldest park. Childhood memories abound from late 1950's when my great uncle James opened my eyes to the world of education on many visits there.
Now derelict as is the adjacent Victorian tropical plant house. A total GCC disgrace.😡
Free place to go and explore! The museum was really interesting and had a lot of cool displays and parts of the exhibits. I loved the interactive bits and thought it was a perfect spot to get out of the rain and read about Glaswegian history.
Parking is free and entry in free...so what are you waiting for. It has the full story of Glasgow across 3 floors, as well as a cafe & toilets. There is also a lift if you can't handle the stairs. Spent 2 hours here before closing at 5pm. Will definitely be back, as I feel there is more to digest.
Lovely architecture. Free entry. Nice place to bring family. Big grounds on the outside for picnic when the weather is nice and a lovely playground nearby. Lots of free street parking along the Museum. There’s a nice cafe in the winter garden. The display is great to introduce the little ones with some of the things we grew up with from the early 1960s-1990s.
I love this museum, It should be more popular!!
The information inside is very well displayed, with big wall pictures, we can see the inside of rooms dating to the beginning of the 20th centuries and objects that explain how people lived.
The topics covered: the first, the second world war, the house crisis, poverty, justice, entertainment and holiday.
The pictures taken are moving, mixing slums and group of children playing in the building stairs, it made me feel both lucky to be able to live in a proper house, but also nostalgic to an era that I didn't know, when neighbours knew each other and whose children could play around without restriction/fear of strangers.
This museum is for me a rare exemple of the right level of text to inform and well displayed to be eye-catching.
In addition, the person at the entrance of the museum was really nice, he said hello and goodbye with a big smile.
It’s free and no booking is required.
Also free parking.
This museums shows the history of Glasgow and gives visitors an insight into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played in years gone by through collection of objects, photographs, prints and a film.
Greenhouse (Winter Gardens) is closed though, not sure if and when it will re-open.
There are toilets throughout the building, lifts for those who may need extra help and on the first floor there is a café.
Lovely building full of very interesting artefacts of Glasgow through the years. We enjoyed our visit very much.
Had a decent cup of coffee and a snack in the cafe area. The toilets were very poor. I understand its an old building but the toilet seats weren't even secured properly and the restrooms were not very clean. This is the reason I cannot give it 5 stars.
4.4
(3609)
4.3
(1521)
The Grn, Glasgow, G40 1AT, United Kingdom
28Oscar M — Google reviewBasil — Google reviewAnas H — Google reviewGeddo — Google reviewPriya G — Google reviewMichael M — Google reviewThomas F — Google review•
George Square
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Park
Sights & Landmarks
George Square, a civic square in Glasgow, is named after King George III and was laid out in 1781. The square is adorned with an impressive collection of statues including Queen Victoria, Robert Burns, James Watt, William Gladstone, and Sir Walter Scott. The Italian Renaissance-style City Chambers and the Merchants' House are prominent buildings surrounding the square. Additionally, the Town Hall with its 230-foot tower stands at the east end of the square.
George Square is truly the heart of Glasgow-vibrant, historic, and full of charm. Surrounded by stunning architecture and iconic statues, the square offers a perfect blend of culture and beauty. Whether you’re passing through or taking a moment to relax on a sunny day, the atmosphere is lively yet peaceful. The view, especially with the City Chambers in the backdrop, is simply breathtaking. A must-visit spot that captures the spirit of Glasgow beautifully.
Nadil — Google review
A wonderful city full of history and architecture. Perfect place to drink a real Scotch! 🥃
George Square is a central spot in Glasgow with a lot of history and a great atmosphere. 🏛️ It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings, and the statues throughout the square add to its charm. 🗿 It’s a nice place to sit and relax, especially on a sunny day, though it can get quite busy. 📸 Sometimes, there are events or gatherings happening, which makes it even more lively. Definitely worth a visit if you're exploring Glasgow
George Square is a famous place in the centre of Glasgow. There are big statues, old buildings, and usually many people around. But now the square is under construction, so some parts are closed and not so nice to see. It’s still a good place to walk by, but not the best time to visit until the work is finished.
We visited for the punk all day festival, and it was excellently run with lots of bars and food outlets
Hi!
Visited George Square for the first time with my kids and friends, and it was a wonderful experience! The excitement of feeding the pigeons was a highlight for all of us—especially for the kids. The square has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with beautiful architecture and plenty of space to relax and enjoy. It’s a perfect spot for families and friends to spend quality time together. Definitely a place we’ll visit again! Highly recommend!
Beautiful square and park area in Glasgow. Interesting statues around the square. Also, it is where the Memorial for those from Glasgow who served in WWI and WWII. Plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the outdoors. We really enjoyed our visit to George Square on our trip to Glasgow.
Yes very nice evening at the light show grand child was over the moon with all the lights good night
4.4
(21418)
4.2
(1384)
Glasgow, G2 1DH, United Kingdom
29Ali E — Google reviewMichael C — Google review* B — Google reviewAnoop M — Google reviewHamish M — Google reviewJerald K — Google reviewNiko G — Google review•
Buchanan St
Mentioned on
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Buchanan Street is the ultimate shopping destination in Glasgow, boasting a vibrant atmosphere with designer shops, charming cafes, and lively street performers. The historic street is lined with 19th-century architecture and offers a mix of boutique and high-end stores. Visitors can enjoy the bustling vibe while exploring an array of specialty shops and dining options. The popular pedestrianized street is also known for its captivating skyline and entertainment from buskers.
The street is full of all kinds of shops. There are some good souvernir shops along here.
It does get very busy at the weekends, particularly during the late afternoon.
There are places to eat along the street.
The street is accessible to people who use a wheelchair.
Shelley C — Google review
If you're looking for a great shopping spot, this street is perfect, with plenty of excellent stores and charming cafes. However, be cautious when taking photos, especially if you see the Romani people sitting on the streets. They may view it as an invasion of their privacy, so it's best to avoid photographing them to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Great walk from the top of Buchanan Street down through St Enoch Square to the river. From gift shops to High end retailers this Glasgow Street has it all. If coming to Glasgow it's a must. As we found that you need more than one day in Glasgow to get around and see everything but this has to be no1 on the list. We are definitely going to return but for a few days so we can venture further out to take in more of the City.
nice place and street to explore in glasgow
Street with lot of high end shops.
Great street with something always happening such as buskers , street musicians and artists or general entertainment, also great for shopping , going for something to eat , get a coffee or generally people watching
Lovely bustling street full of shops and street performers, nice walk
It's one of the most vibrant area of Glasgow with lots of shopping stores and very close to bus and train station. See the hustle of the city here with lots of people passing by or enjoying the atmoaphere.
4.5
(238)
4.5
(5330)
Glasgow, UK
30Ali H — Google reviewAdnan Q — Google reviewLegendary R — Google reviewT K — Google reviewJames D — Google reviewMargo R — Google reviewSAIRUS — Google review•
Loch Lomond Shores
Mentioned on
Shopping mall
Neighborhoods
Loch Lomond Shores, located just a short drive from downtown Glasgow, seamlessly blends into the picturesque surroundings near Balloch. This popular destination offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The shopping mall features well-known brands and locally crafted goods, while dining options cater to diverse tastes. Additionally, the site hosts events throughout the year and is home to attractions such as the Sealife Centre and crazy golf. Families can also take boat trips or relax in the kids' play area.
There's a shopping mall at the shore with shops and restaurants. There's a mini golf and an aquarium. There's also kayaking and boat cruises. Lovely view from the shore
Anna S — Google review
Loch Lomond Shores offers a mix of shopping, dining, and activities by the loch, including the Sea Life Aquarium and Bird of Prey Centre, appealing to families. While intended as a vibrant hub with events and watersports, recent reviews suggest it currently lacks atmosphere and some facilities are not well-maintained. It's a convenient stop with potential, but perhaps not consistently delivering a top-tier experience.
Beautiful Scenery and Relaxing Atmosphere
Visited Loch Lomond Shores recently and really enjoyed the natural beauty of the place. The views of the loch are stunning, especially on a clear day — perfect for a peaceful walk along the water. There’s a good mix of shops, cafés, and small attractions, which makes it a nice spot for families or a quiet day out.
Parking was convenient, though a bit busy during peak hours. Some areas could do with a bit more maintenance, but overall the place felt welcoming and safe.
A lovely spot to unwind and take in some classic Scottish scenery — just don't expect a full outdoor adventure unless you head further into the national park.
Beautiful place! Long walks either side, during the spring/summer lots of water activites. During the end of summer is the food festival and near Christmas, is the Markets! Lots of parking, both coach and cars. Worth visiting to see the Ben in the distance.
I liked it here. Free parking. Some nice shops, large cafe and boat trips. I had a short walk around to the marina and back.
Great day out shops very clean staff very nice best for all free car park and and good walking roots beautiful hills
Very poor especially if you were a tourist. Outlet outdoor wear and expensive tourist tat. For such a nice location it could be used for a much better experience
A stunning waterside destination, ideal for a day out with family or friends. The breathtaking views of the loch and surrounding hills make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts, while the variety of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The shopping area features charming boutiques and gift shops, and the cafes and restaurants serve delicious food with picturesque views. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is a hit with kids, though it’s a bit small for the price. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the walking trails, cycling paths, boat tours, and the adventure play areas for children.
Seasonal markets and events add a lively touch, though it can get crowded during busy times. Parking is convenient but fills up fast, especially on weekends. A bonus is the availability of EV charging stations.
Overall, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly destination offering a little bit of everything. Highly recommended for its serene views and relaxing atmosphere
4.2
(10046)
3.8
(1097)
Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8QL, United Kingdom
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