9 Incredible hidden gems in Scotland

This one-of-a-kind spot in Scotland is a remarkable natural formation located on the Isle of Staffa on the west coast of Scotland. Fingal’s Cave features intricate hexagonal columns that were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There are certain legends around this island and the cave, linking across the water to the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. Whether you believe in myths, legends, and giants or not, Fingal’s Cave has an otherworldly presence to it.

Head across by boat from Oban where you can experience the magic of Scotland’s west coast along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife and mammals that make their home here too!

Scotland is no stranger to immaculate gardens and parks. In the capital, you may have heard of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, but did you know about the Benmore, Logan, and Dawyck Botanic Gardens? In Dunoon, Benmore Botanic Garden is a haven for towering redwoods that line grassy avenues, alongside exotic plant species and collections of trees, all backed by dramatic scenery.

In the Scottish Borders, Dawyck Botanic Garden is one of the world’s finest arboreta and well-known for its seasonal displays of plant life. With over 65 acres of woodland, carpets of snowdrops and bluebells, and colourful displays, you’ll have plenty to do.

Logan Botanic Garden is located on the southernmost tip of Scotland, near Stranraer in Dumfries & Galloway. Thanks to the warmer weather and climate here, exotic plants from around the world can thrive in these gardens, with palm trees, ferns, eucalyptus, giant gunneras and more.

Visit Benmore Botanic Garden

Visit Dawyck Botanic Garden

Visit Logan Botanic Garden

Nestled in the Dundee & Angus countryside, Glamis Castle is home to over six centuries of Scottish history, heritage and tales, alongside impressive gardens and grounds that encapsulate the castle. Featuring a long avenue  with towering trees lining either side, it’s a dramatic entrance to the castle. Once you’re here you can see why Glamis was used as the dramatic backdrop in the 2015 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, with stone walls, turrets, battlements and more.

Delve into the centuries of history, explore the castle and grounds, get involved in the eclectic events calendar, and stop by the castle kitchen for some delicious seasonal and locally sourced food.

Head south to the Scottish Borders where you’ll be met by rolling hills, lush landscapes, and plenty of abbeys to visit. The four best known abbeys in the region are Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso. These magnificent ruins date back to the 12th century and tell fascinating tales and stories of when Scotland suffered attacks from the English, times of rebuilding, and when monks journeyed to the Scottish Borders to establish the abbeys and practice their religion.

Melrose Abbey is the best preserved and most well-known, with the ruins widely considered to be some of the most beautiful in the UK. Dryburgh Abbey is located on the banks of the River Tweed and is considered the most evocative ruin in Scotland. Did you know Sir Walter Scott is buried here? Kelso Abbey is the oldest and the wealthiest of the four abbeys and is a main attraction of the town. Jedburgh is a grand Augustinian abbey and tells the tales of King David I, Alexander II, alongside incredible architectural features.

Did you know you can visit these ruins along the 4 Abbeys Cycling Route?

The Bealach na Bà, which means ‘Pass of the Cattle’ in Gaelic, is a magnificent winding drive along one of the most dramatic roads on mainland Scotland. Stretching from Shieldaig to Applecross on the north west coast of Scotland, the route takes you up the dramatic mountain pass to a viewpoint, where you can stop and admire the panoramic views over to the Isle of Skye and beyond. This route connects these towns via a shorter, more direct route over the mountain, however there is a gentler, yet still scenic, lower-level route via Kenmore.

If you do decide to venture here, please drive carefully and follow the rules of the road. The road is narrow and has ‘hairpin bends’ so larger campervans or cars with caravans in tow are not recommended.

Located in the north west Highlands, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve is a haven filled to the brim with mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, soaring eagles, glittering lochs and more to discover. With unmatched beauty and serenity, you can explore at your own pace, following waymarked walking and cycling trails, wildlife watching, climbing Beinn Eighe, or learning more about the reserve at the visitor centre, which is free to enter. The visitor centre is open from April to October, but the reserve can be enjoyed all year round, with each season bringing new offerings and delights.

Standing stones are an incredible doorway into Scotland’s past and have long been hidden gems surrounded by mystery, myths, and legends. Scotland is home to numerous sites of standing stones, from Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran and the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney to Kilmartin Glen near Oban and more. These sites often spark fierce debate among archaeologists as to their origin, meaning and connection to Scotland’s myths and legends. If you’re a TV fan, you may have already seen these sites appear in the likes of Outlander and Disney’s Brave.

Glasgow Women’s Library is the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, history and achievements with extensive collections, a library, events and more. Scotland is home to its fair share of explorers, pioneers, artists, engineers, and doctors that have helped to shape the Scotland we know and love today – many of them women! Throughout the library you can delve into the life and works of these influential women, with displays, exhibitions and collections that may just spark the curiosity for future generations.

The museum is open to all and free to enter.

Take your adventure north to Moray Speyside. Along the Moray Firth you can find an array of coastal towns and villages that boast their own unique history and hidden gems to uncover. Findhorn is a historic village that was once an important fishing port with a thriving ship building industry. Today you can enjoy the tranquil sandy shores of Findhorn Bay. Relax and take in the views from the shore, get out on the water with a range of thrilling watersport activities, wander along the harbour, or plan ahead and get involved with the culture at Findhorn Bay Arts Festival which happens twice a year.