Inverness

A forbidding exterior conceals 12 authentic rooms charmingly furnished as though the family has just stepped out. Dig deeper and discover a turbulent past which echoes the story of Scotland over the past 400 years. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as his Highland Hunting Lodge, set alight by the notorious Black Colonel in 1689, used as a garrison for Hanoverian soldiers after the rebel Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden and for the past 200 years, home to the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson. Now lovingly tended by the community of Braemar and gradually being restored to its full splendour. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/famous-castles/view/braemar-castle

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. The Castle is an example of Scots Baronial architecture and is classified by Historic Scotland as a category A listed building. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/famous-castles/view/balmoral-castle

Your visit to Leith Hall will be by guided tour, giving a fascinating insight into the changing aspirations, needs and tastes of the Leith-Hay family over the centuries. The house itself is quirky and curious, reflected in the worldwide collections on show. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/manor-houses/view/leith-hall-garden-and-estate-national-trust-for-scotland

A fairy tale castle with guided tours telling the history of the castle and the families who lived here. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/famous-castles/view/craigievar-castle-national-trust-for-scotland

A city garden with streams, waterfalls, ponds, rockeries and rustic bridge that help to make this one of the most charming areas in the city. The garden is planted with rhododendrons, spring bulbs, heathers and alpines; the ponds are full of irises, aylesbury, mallard and muscovy ducks. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/nature-and-wildlife/view/johnston-gardens

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a ‘5-star Visit Scotland’ Tourist Attraction based in the west end of Aberdeen. It is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders Regiment for future generations to enjoy, providing a wide range of unique experiences for all visitors, young and old. 2019 saw the opening of a fantastic new WW1 replica Trench exhibition which gives visitors the opportunity to wander through and explore what it might have been like for the soldiers serving in the trenches of World War 1. Within the Museum they operate a Tea room, gift shop and have excellent conference and hospitality facilities as well as being able to offer beautiful memorial gardens to their visitors. The building is a grade 2 listed building and was the former home of Sir George Reid the eminent North East Artist and President of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/arts-and-culture/view/the-gordon-highlanders-museum

His Majesty’s Theatre is one of only two so named in the world. It’s an opulent, awe-inspiring Frank Matcham designed theatre, a national treasure, with a breathtaking auditorium described by Billy Connolly as “like playing a gig inside a wedding cake!” On stage at HMT you can expect to see Broadway and the West End come to the North-east with award-winning musical theatre. HMT has welcomed Wicked, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, and acclaimed stage plays like the National’s One Man Two Guvnors and To Kill a Mocking Bird, direct from the West End. As well as internationally renowned contemporary dance - Mark Morris Dance Group, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Jasmin Vardimon. It’s the perfect family night out with shows like Shrek, Sing-A-Long-A-Frozen, Slava’s Snow Show and their legendary Christmas Pantomime. HMT are proud to be Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera’s home in the North-east. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/arts-and-culture/view/his-majestys-theatre

On the coast of Cruden Bay lie the remains of Slains Castle. The original castle has been reconstructed may times since its construction in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll. The ruin you see today is the inevitable result of the castle’s location and various misfortunes becoming the owners over time. The owners, the Earls of Errol, were an influential family in the Cruden Bay area for many years and prospered after William Hay (the 18th Earl of Errol) married the daughter of King William IV. Overtime the Hays fell upon hard times and in 1919 the castle and contents were sold to Sir John Ellerman. He gave up the castle in 1925 and the roof was removed to avoid paying taxes. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/famous-castles/view/slains-castle

The Tivoli is one of Scotland's most historic Grade A listed buildings, which was purchased by the Tivoli Theatre Company in 2009. Having preserved the theatre's impressive 528 seat auditorium and restored the building, the Tivoli have created a useable and sustainable space for modern-day use, and are proud that it is now a significant public attraction located in the heart of historic Aberdeen. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/arts-and-culture/view/the-tivoli-theatre

The David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park are one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and Scotland’s third most visited gardens. It boasts a beautiful floral paradise all year round, with many rare and exotic plants on show from all around the world. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/nature-and-wildlife/view/david-welch-winter-gardens

Aberdeen Arts Centre is an inclusive community arts venue which provides facilities and opportunities for groups and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to perform, learn about and engage in performing arts. The venue includes a 350-seater auditorium, state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, as well as rehearsal and workshop space, a café bar and gallery space. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/arts-and-culture/view/aberdeen-arts-centre

The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. The Tolbooth Museum provides a unique experience in the form of its atmospheric 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows. Displays include the Maiden and the blade of Aberdeen's 17th century guillotine. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeen/arts-and-culture/view/the-tolbooth-museum

Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593. https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/museums-and-galleries/view/aberdeen-maritime-museum

Scotland's Jute Museum (Verdant Works) is a tale of two cities, both of them Dundee. “If it wasnae for the weavers where would we be? We'd be in the poor house or infirmary.” For thousands in the 19th century, Dundee was a city of long working hours, poor pay and ill health. For the privileged few it was a city of opportunity and wealth. At Scotland's Jute Museum (Verdant Works) the rattle and the roar of the original restored machinery, the Juteopolis film show and computer display transport you back over 100 years to an era when jute was king and Dundee was its realm. Absorb the sights, sounds and smells; sense the earth tremble as the original machines roar into life. Hear the workers' tales as they confide their secrets and tell you of their hopes and dreams. With a stunning range of displays including film shows, multimedia computers and hands-on interactives, it's a great fun day out for all the family. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/scotlands-jute-museum-verdant-works-p247361

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, an award-winning Victorian, Gothic building, is home to Dundee's main collection spanning 400 million years and has been at the heart of art and culture in the City since 1867. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-mcmanus-dundees-art-gallery-museum-p245991

Montrose Basin is the enclosed estuary of the South Esk River. The reserve includes a 4-star visitor centre along with four remote bird hides. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/scottish-wildlife-trust-montrose-basin-visitor-centre-p251931

Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress that was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/castles/castle-ruins/view/dunnottar-castle

Welcome to Dundee Museum of Transport, Dundee's latest addition to Scotland's city of culture. We are currently in our temporary premises at Market Mews so why not pop down for a visit!? For some considerable time, a number of independent groups and individuals have been quietly acquiring and preserving our local transport heritage. In February 2010 representatives from several local groups met with a view to establishing Dundee Museum of Transport (DMofT) and, on 2 June 2010, we were granted charitable status. On Saturday 26 April 2014 Dundee Museum of Transport opened to the public for the very first time to showcase the previously hidden transport heritage of Tayside and beyond and is currently based in temporary premises at Market Mews, Dundee. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/dundee-museum-of-transport-p1003541

Discovery Walk is a series of plaques honouring the achievements of scientists, innovators and social reformers of the past who either came from or had a strong connection to Dundee. The plaques are set into the pavements around Mary Slessor Gardens at the heart of Dundee's £1 billion Waterfront Redevelopment. There are currently nine plaques commemorating scientists, engineers, writers, artists, social reformers and philanthropists, plus a tenth plaque introducing the Walk. A crowdfunding campaign was launched in late 2016 to fund the addition of five further plaques. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/discovery-walk-p1468851

Tatha Gallery in Newport on Tay, Fife, Scotland is passionate about Fine Art and has some of the best Twentieth Century and Contemporary British Art on display. Our unique art gallery has a strong focus on Scottish Art. The art on display, along with our location on the beautiful banks of the River Tay, opposite the V&A Dundee, makes a recipe for interest, excitement and excellence that very few galleries can match. We host an eclectic and changing programme of exhibitions showcasing Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and Applied Art; supporting and promoting emerging, mid-career and established artists from Scotland and beyond. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/tatha-gallery-p1827911

Discover the people, environment, history and wildlife of Broughty Ferry in this amazing 15th-century coastal fort, which houses a fascinating museum. Enjoy stunning views of Broughty Beach and the Tay estuary. Entry is free. This 15th-century coastal fort has faced many battles and sieges and was rebuilt in the 19th century as part of the River Tay's coastal defence system. It now houses a fascinating museum featuring displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that lives close by. In 2019, the Castle celebrates its 50th anniversary as a museum! Don't miss the Orchar Gallery, featuring a selection of paintings from the amazing Orchar Collection. Enjoy the spectacular views over the River Tay from the observation post. You may even be able to spot a dolphin or two. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/broughty-castle-museum-p245761

This beautiful garden offers a tranquil environment with spectacular views across the River Tay and boasts a wonderful range of alpines, shrubs, woodland and waterside planting. The Barnhill Rock Garden is an award-winning public park extending to more than two hectares. This beautiful garden boasts a wonderful array of alpines, shrubs, woodland and waterside planting with spectacular views across the River Tay. The garden, which is situated on part of a former nine-hole golf course, was started in 1955 by clearing an area of volcanic rock which at one time had been the old shoreline. Over the years it was then extended eastwards over areas which had once been sand dunes. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the beauty of the garden which provides an excellent place for recreation and relaxation. Situated on the esplanade in Broughty Ferry, the garden is within a short distance of other amenities and attractions such as restaurants, an award-winning beach, and the 15th century Broughty Castle which overlooks the harbour. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/barnhill-rock-garden-p1269921

Arbroath Abbey is famously associated with the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, which asserted Scotland's independence from England.Parts of the abbey church and domestic buildings remain, notably the gatehouse range and the abbot's house. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/arbroath-abbey-p247571

See 14 species of deer from around the world at the Scottish Deer Centre, a unique wildlife park in Fife. So much more to see and do other than just deer With 14 species of deer from around the world including Reindeer. Daily Bird Of Prey demonstrations in our outdoor theatre. You can see European Wolves (feeding time 3 pm daily except Friday's), Asian Short Clawed Otters, European Brown Bears, Northern Lynx and Native Red Fox. Also, Regular Guided Tours provided with our Educational Rangers. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/simply-the-best-destination-scottish-deer-centre-p254871

With its calm, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views across the Firth of Forth, Lauriston is the perfect place to escape from the bustle of the city centre. Enjoy a woodland walk, a visit to award-winning Japanese garden, or step back in time and experience what life was like in an Edinburgh middle-class home at the beginning of the 20th century. https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/lauriston-castle

Glasgow Botanic Gardens is located in the heart of the city’s West End by the River Kelvin and contains a variety of plant collections, woodland copses and riverside walks as well as the famous Kibble Palace. Kibble Palace is a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble and houses the national collection of tree ferns. Plants from tropical rainforests grow in the palm house. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/glasgow-botanic-gardens-p246171

If you are fascinated by the wonders of the human body, this museum is a must-visit. Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Surgeons' Hall Museums consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection. The museums reopened in 2015 after an extensive refurbishment, making the collections more engaging and accessible than ever before. https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/

The City of Glasgow owns one of the richest collections in Europe, displayed in 8* museums and galleries across the city. From paintings by Degas and Cezanne to Sir Roger the Elephant, Charles Rennie Mackintosh furniture to a real Spitfire, fabulous arms and armour to cutting edge contemporary art, Glasgow Museums have objects and exhibits to fire your imagination. https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/top-attractions/glasgow-museums

Kelvingrove Museum opened in 1901 and is a firm favourite with local people and visitors. It has stunning architecture and a family friendly atmosphere. xplore our 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more. We also have a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Enjoy an organ recital, a free tour or at weekends and holidays take part in one of our family activities. If you only have one day in Glasgow, Kelvingrove is a must see! https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum

Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there's everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands on with our interactive displays. Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow's rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with our interactive fire engine. There are over 90 large touch screens panels full of images, memories and films that tell the fascinating stories behind the objects. There really is something for all ages to enjoy at the Riverside Museum. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/riverside-museum

“A fantastic way to travel back in time”. That’s how one visitor recently described this superb medieval cathedral. Just 10 minutes walk from the city centre, it’s the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the 1560 Reformation almost entirely intact. https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/top-attractions/glasgow-cathedral

The heart of the city, nestled between Glasgow City Chambers and Queen Street train station, is a sprawling square sporting a baker's dozen worth of statues. Ironically, the only statue missing is the titular George himself, King George III. Although one was originally planned, the planning and building of the Square itself coincided with the War of American Independence in the late 1700s. This caused many problems for the so called “Tobacco Lords,” Glaswegian merchants who made their fortunes in trade with the American colonies. This animosity was compounded by loss of the war in 1783, coupled with the fact that the monarch was gripped by insanity leading to his nickname, “The Mad King.” As a result, the powers in Glasgow decided instead to erect the first ever memorial commemorating Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish novelist. He is in good company, joined by fellow poets Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Prime Ministers Robert Peel and William Ewart Gladstone along with MP James Oswald, army commanders Lord Clyde and Sir John Moore, with engineer James Watt and chemist Thomas Graham. http://www.discoverglasgow.org/statues-george-square/4578641110

Scotland's most visited art gallery and the centre for Glasgow's extensive modern and contemporary art collection. The gallery provides a thought-provoking programme including displays of local and international artworks from the City’s collection alongside temporary exhibitions and events with artists. There is also a permanent display that charts the history of the building. GoMA is part of Glasgow's civic museum service and has a changing programme of museums' collection and loaned-in exhibitions and associated public programme. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/gallery-of-modern-art-p1000361