Exploring Scotland

Travel Scotland with the Great British Heritage Pass - explore the stunning regions and Scottish heritage properties of Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow, The Highlands and more.

Begin your tour of Scotland in Orkney at the Skara Brae Prehistoric Village. This location is a World Heritage Site and the best-preserved prehistoric village in Northern Europe, which dates back 5,000 years.

Continue at the Maes Howe Chambered Cairn and see the finest prehistoric chambered tomb in Europe. No visit to Scotland would be complete without going to Loch Ness and attempting to see Nessie, the infamous Loch Ness monster that supposedly lurks within the depths of the water. Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness’s shores, and remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state.

Go east into Cairngorms National Park and discover Balmoral, the Royal family’s Scottish home, and take a tour around the grounds, gardens and exhibitions. Peter Pan fans can then head into Kirriemuir and visit Barrie’s Birthplace, where there is an exhibition of his literary and theatrical works.

Shakespeare fans can next visit Glamis Castle and see the legendary setting for his play ‘Macbeth.’ This has also been a royal residence since 1372.

Edinburgh offers a wealth of properties to visit, including Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city. It is an ancient fortress of great importance, which includes the old palace and old parliament.

There is also an award-winning exhibition on the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. In Charlotte Square is the Georgian House, a typical house of Edinburgh’s 18th century New Town, and part of a magnificent square by Robert Adam.

Continue sightseeing at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of her majesty the Queen in Scotland. It is also closely associated with Scotland’s rich history, and perhaps best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Relax at the Malleny Garden, which includes a good collection of shrub roses and four 400-year-old clipped yew trees.