The Isle of Skye is one of the best places in Scotland to see the northern lights. The island sits at around 57 degrees north - far enough up the country to fall within the auroral zone on nights of strong geomagnetic activity.

Finding the right accommodation on the Isle of Skye takes a bit of planning - not because the options are limited, but because the good ones book up fast.

St Andrews is a compact coastal town in Fife known for world-famous golf, medieval ruins, sweeping beaches and one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Small enough to explore on foot yet packed with history, it’s ideal for a relaxed day trip or a long weekend by the sea.

Here’s everything you need to plan your visit, from the must-see sights to where to wander when the crowds thin out.

The Castle of Mey feels different to most Scottish castles, and that’s exactly the point. It’s royal, yes, but it’s also modest, human, and oddly comforting. This was never about showing off. It was about escape.

A rugged clifftop ruin steeped in mystery, Slains Castle near Cruden Bay offers dramatic coastal views and a rich Gothic past. Believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it’s a must-visit for lovers of eerie history.

The NC500 Family Activities Guide is built for families travelling the route with children and teens, whether you’re tackling it clockwise, anti-clockwise, or in bite-sized sections. It goes beyond the obvious and focuses on things families actually ask for: hands-on activities, adventure days, creative spaces, indoor options for wet weather, and reliable stops that break up long drives.

This guide is here to make your trip a bit easier.
It pulls together campsites all the way around the NC500, laid out west to east, so you’re not zig-zagging across the map wondering where you can legally park up for the night.

Aviemore: where your kids can run wild (legally), spot wolves without fear, and fall asleep before 7pm from sheer exhaustion. It’s a Highlands win-win.

If castles could talk, Caerlaverock would have plenty to say. It’s been besieged, battered, rebuilt and admired for centuries

If you ever fancy combining jaw-dropping coastal views with a mild fear of heights and a leg workout that’ll make your quads weep, welcome to the Whaligoe Steps.

If Scotland had a greatest hits album, the road from Glencoe to Skye would be track one.

If Scotland had to choose a poster child, Eilean Donan Castle would be right up there with the Loch Ness Monster and a Highland cow in the running.

Pumpkin patches have taken off in Scotland in a big way. No longer just about choosing the roundest orange squash, most farms now put on a full autumn show: hay bales, face painting, mazes, food trucks, and sometimes even spooky trails.

There’s nothing quite like a Scottish Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit. Each one is a blend of twinkling lights, steaming cups of mulled wine, and the scent of sizzling street food drifting through the air.

Scotland has no shortage of famous castles, but not every visit needs to be about ticking off the biggest names. Beyond Edinburgh, Stirling, and Eilean Donan are places that feel quieter, more personal, and just as full of history.

Dumfries House in Ayrshire is one of Scotland’s most fascinating heritage attractions. Built in the 18th century, this grand Palladian mansion is world-famous for its rare collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture, much of it still in its original setting.

Drive through the rugged heart of Assynt and one mountain will pull your eyes away from everything else - Stac Pollaidh

A family of 4, showing the best of Aberdeenshire and beyond

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail. Stretching 96 miles (154 km) from the edge of Glasgow to the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William

Scotland and golf are inseparable. The game was born here, shaped by wild coastlines, rolling dunes, and a love of tradition.

Glamping in Scotland has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.

Between the sea cliffs of Eyemouth and the rolling hills around Hawick lies some of the Borders’ best cycling country.

When most people think about Scotland’s coastline, they picture the wild west - sea lochs, mist-shrouded islands, winding roads that cling to cliffs

This is a city that looks good from above — and once you know where to go, it’s full of big sky moments and unexpected perspectives.

Dundee has gone from a workhorse of Victorian industry to one of the UK’s most forward-looking cities, crowned as a UNESCO City of Design

Dundee doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to. The city’s quiet confidence sits in the details – the kind you only notice when you slow down, wander off the main drag, and listen to what the locals say when the tourists have moved on.

Perched dramatically on the Ayrshire coast, Culzean Castle is one of Scotland’s most breathtaking historical landmarks.

Perth, Scotland, is a paradise for drinks enthusiasts, offering a rich history of whisky-making, a thriving gin scene, and a growing craft beer movement.

Culloden Battlefield is a key historic site in Scotland, marking the final battle of the Jacobite Rising on April 16, 1746. Here, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces clashed with the British army led by the Duke of Cumberland.

The Isle of Arran, often referred to as "Scotland in Miniature," offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities that cater to visitors of all ages.

For those seeking guided walking tours of this beautiful island, several providers offer comprehensive experiences tailored to various interests and fitness levels.

The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, located near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique opportunity to ascend Aonach Mòr.

The Isle of Skye leaves a lasting impression with its dramatic landscapes, ever-changing weather, and timeless charm, making it a truly special destination.

Throughout the year, the city comes alive with celebrations of history, music, food, and the arts, attracting both locals and visitors eager to experience Stirling’s unique charm.

Dundee, Scotland’s City of Discovery, is a vibrant destination known for its creativity, innovation, and rich history.

Looking to make the most of a weekend in Perth? This 2-day guide covers the best places to eat, explore and unwind, giving you a perfect snapshot of the city and its surroundings.

A day out in Edinburgh does not need to cost a fortune...

Edinburgh Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations where Arts meets Culture.

Scotland is home to 15 UNESCO designations, which include World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and Creative Cities.

There are so many varied routes for cyclists in Scotland. From easy, fairly flat routes to downhill mountain biking...

Aviemore is a winter wonderland that offers the most beautiful scenery, exhilarating outdoor activities, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere

Aviemore sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and offers plenty of family-friendly walks for all ages. From peaceful lochside trails to magical forest paths, it's the perfect place to get outdoors and explore together.

Scottish slang will baffle you...

Scotland, a land of rugged beauty, sweeping glens, and mysterious lochs, has been a muse for some of the greatest writers in history.

Stirling, often regarded as the heart of Scotland, offers a stunning blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Backtrack Bothies offers a unique and serene escape into the heart of nature, where adventure meets tranquility.

With efficient train services, scenic bus routes, and even ferries connecting remote islands, Scotland is accessible without the need for a car.

The Wild Scottish Sauna at Kingsbarns offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and connection along the stunning Fife coastline.

The history of Edinburgh Castle begins over 2,000 years ago, with evidence of human habitation on Castle Rock dating back to the Iron Age.

There’s something enchanting about Loch Ness, a deep, mysterious stretch of water nestled in the Scottish Highlands, shrouded in mist and legend.