As one of four countries in the UK, Scotland appeals to road trippers who seek out under-the-radar destinations, sleepy hamlets and authentic experiences. Thanks to the country’s small size, it’s easy to drive from top to bottom in a few hours, making day trips particularly enticing. Stop where and when you wish, spend the night in a delightful inn you come across or pop into a local pub. If you love characterful villages far from the mainstream tourist route, check out these best small towns to visit in Scotland.
Killin, Loch Tay
Quick, visit Killin before word gets out about how adorable it is. An easy drive from historic Stirling, Killin is close to Loch Tay and boasts the beautiful Falls of Dochart. Get close enough to feel the spray of the cascades, take a hike in the Breadalbane mountains, go salmon fishing on a chartered boat trip and check out the nearby ruins of Finlarig Castle.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Reminiscent of the colorful homes of Amsterdam, the eye-popping houses that line the picturesque harbor in Tobermory will liven up your Facebook feed. For the full Tobermory experience, get here via ferry from Kilchoan or from Oban to Craignure, from which you’ll drive north to town (or take a fun water taxi). Browse the many shops, art galleries and restaurants that line the harbor, visit the Mull Museum and check out the Marine Visitor Centre. Be sure to buy a famous ceramic water jug (and a bottle of whiskey) from the Tobermory Distillery.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Another attractive waterside village, lively Portree has its own collection of vividly colorful homes along the harbor. This is the Isle’s largest community, fun to explore on foot - or you can take a sightseeing or fishing trip on the water. The Aros Centre showcases Gaelic dance, music and art throughout the year, plus there’s horseback riding, shopping, dining, hiking, congenial pubs and more to enjoy.
Dornoch, Sutherland
Seeking the sun in Scotland? Head to the coastal town of Dornoch. If you’re a golfer, be sure to visit the Royal Dornoch, one of the world’s best courses. If you’re a beach lover, look for seashells and soak up the sun’s rays as you stroll the long, sandy beaches that attract locals in the know. Nearby attractions include the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve and the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral.
Plockton Village, Wester Ross
This picture-perfect fishing village enjoys pride of place on Loch Carron. Terraced homes and cottages line the glistening harbor. Visit in spring or autumn for peace and quiet, a great time to explore the countryside on bike or by foot, head out on the water for fishing or a tour of the loch and tuck into dinners of caught-that-day seafood.
Roslin, Midlothian
If you’ve done Edinburgh, pop over to Roslin, just seven minutes away, but charming enough to feel worlds different from its popular urban neighbor. Within the pretty village, explore the 15th-century, late-Gothic Rosslyn Chapel (immortalized first by William Wordsworth, then by Dan Brown in The Da Vinci Code), the ruins of Roslin Castle and the trails of Roslin Glen Country Park and Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Peebles, Peebleshire
OK, we admit - we love Peebles for its adorable name. Close to Edinburgh, this town also woos us with its rich history, Leckie Memorial Church, the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery with displays on local history and customs, the nearly 600-year-old Tweed Bridge and nearby 14th-century Neidpath Castle.
Fort Augustus, Lochaber
Use 18th-century Fort Augustus as a jumping-off point for trips into the deeper Highlands, but not before taking time to explore the town itself. If you’re obsessed with Nessie, come here for a cruise on Loch Ness, then return to shore to explore the 19th-century abbey and the Clansman Centre, where you can learn all about Highlands culture.
Braemar, Aberdeenshire
Feel the royal connections of Braemar, a few miles from Balmoral Castle (the Queen of England’s chosen Scottish getaway). The Highland games - more specifically, the Braemar Gathering - takes place here every September. Check out the town’s two ancient castles and the Highland Games Centre to learn about this strangest of Scottish sporting events.
Just over the border from England, cheery, riverside Kelso delights visitors with its Georgian, 12th-century Floors Castle. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the walled garden. Sir Walter Scott called Kelso the most beautiful of all Scottish towns - see for yourself!
Care to escape to small-town Scotland? Let’s chat about your plans for a trip to the United Kingdom, and Scotland in particular. I look forward to hearing from you! You can sign up to schedule a consultation or sign up for my weekly newsletter for more inspiration.