Highlights from our Scotland trip in October 2024 — our favorite activities, cozy hotels, and unforgettable meals. Sharing all the spots that made our adventure so special.
Map
Sections
7
Travel Planner
Places to Stay
Things to Do - Edinburgh/Peebles
Things to Do - Skye
Things to do - Aberdeen
Things to Do - Inverness
Travel Planner
My husband and I have used Great Value Vacations twice now, first time for Ireland and second for Scotland. It is so great to have a website to book through that helps book airfare, hotels/bnbs, and transportation in one place. When traveling to a fo...
Great Value Vacations
Places to Stay
There is not enough space for me to write how amazing this place was to stay at. The service was over the top and breakfast was amazing. This place came with the package with Great Value Vacations and I can understand why they chose this place. So mu...
Cringletie
Cute hotel with great breakfast.
The Palm Court Hotel
We were looking for a stop between Skye and Edinburgh. This was a perfect location for what we needed. Cute dinner place too.
Brander Lodge
Hotel has a few buildings that look like townhouses with different rooms. Very close to downtown with cute restaurants.
Glen Mhor Hotel
Charming hotel! Has a great restaurant too - we ate dinner here and it was fantastic.
Uig Hotel
Gorgeous hotel. Grocery store right next store - we love going to Grocery stores for souvenirs because we find we can get the same items sold at gift shops for fraction of cost.
Dakota Edinburgh - South Queensferry Hotels
Things to Do - Edinburgh/Peebles
My husband is a big bourbon drinker so when you are in Scotland, of course you have to sample the scotch. The tour was really well done with videos to explain the different regions and why each scotch from the regions is slightly different. Then had ...
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Vennel Viewpoint/Flodden Wall - can climb to get amazing views of the castle
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Must for all Harry Potter fans - usually a line to get in but so cool once in. Like a little Harry Potter museum where you can buy souvenirs.
Museum Context
tiktok.com/t/ZTjGmgajS This place was recommended from our bnb in Peebles. The Fishery has everything you need. We had a great time then after fishing were able to explore the grounds and walked to River Tweed.
Kailzie Trout & Salmon Fishery
Golfing experience with hickory gold clubs and sheep. This was one of the coolest Scotland experiences for both my husband and I. Must do if in Scotland!
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Kingarrock Hickory Golf
Things to Do - Skye
Fairy Glen has amazing views of waterfalls and lots to hike and explore. Enjoy a short climb for even better views. tiktok.com/t/ZTjGmbEro
The Fairy Glen
Castle on the way to Skye. Can take a tour of castle but even if you choose not to tour, still worth the stop. Cute spot to stop to take a picture from parking lot with view of some bridge and castle.
Eilean Donan Castle
Place your face in the water under the bridge for 7 seconds and the Fairies will grant you Eternal Beauty.
Sligachan Old Bridge
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When we were there it was extremely windy and rainy but was still worth the trip. As you walk further and further, it just gets more beautiful. On warm days, people will swim in the Fairy Pools.
Fairy Pools walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
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Oyster Shed is a cute spot with great views. Highly recommend the oysters!
The Oyster Shed
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For warning, this drive to the top is very nerve-racking since it is a one lane road going in and out. Once you are to the top, so worth the views! You can spend all day hiking here or just show up for the views...
The Quiraing Walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland
Stop by Portree and walk around this gorgeous town. Charming harbor and colorful buildings.
Portree | Isle of Skye | Scotland
Hike to the top of Old Man Storr. Can view on drive into Skye.
Old Man of Storr
I am a sucker for a gorgeous waterfall!! 😍
Lealt Falls | Waterfalls | Staffin
Gorgeous- people waited in line to get a picture with the cliffs and waterfall. Quick stop for picture on way through Skye. Some people even note of seeing bagpipers here.
Mealt Falls - A Sea Cliff Waterfall Backed By Kilt Rock
Waterfall is a hidden gem - hard to find. You have to park at a little lot that is north of Uig (near the river) then walk on the sidewalk till you see an opening with stairs. There really aren't signs. It is a short walk on trail to get to falls.
Rha waterfall
Harry Potter Train
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Stop by around 10am or 3pm to see train come over the bridge. Watch train schedule as schedules can change.
People will cover hillsides to watch so come early to get a spot. Walk is about 15...
Glenfinnan Viaduct
2nd Highest waterfall in Scotland. If weather isn't good, would not recommend.
Steall Waterfall (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
Things to do - Aberdeen
Stonehaven -
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Woods
Stonehaven War Memorial
Stonehaven Visitor Guide - Accommodation, Things To Do & More
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Castle is fun to see since it looks like it is on its own island but as you get closer you can see the path. Cliffs by the Castle are gorgeous.
Dunnottar Castle
Cute little spot with amazing views. At first we were creaped out by location since you were driving to pier with manufacturing businesses but when got closer you could tell it was a popular spot for locals.
The Silver Darling
Things to Do - Inverness
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A must see for Outlander fans
Clava Cairns
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Beautiful campus and we were able to bottle our own bottle.
Glenfiddich Distillery
Culloden Battlefield museum was neat to see the history. Then we were able to walk around the Battlefield. For those into Outlander, make sure you look for the Fraser stone.
Culloden Battlefield (National Trust for Scotland)
Outlander filming site. Beautiful views on River Ness. Search for the lochness monster while there. 🦕
Urquhart Castle
Things to Do- Glasgow
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Gardens from Outlander. Was cool to explore! Reminded me more of Bridgerton.
Drummond Castle Gardens
My absolute favorite castle!
Featured in both Outlander and Game of Thrones.
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Doune Castle
The Kelpies - great place to hang out and have a picnic or have the kids run around.