Scotland’s countryside is as breathtaking as its cities are impressive, so many tourists who visit Scotland choose to explore the country’s natural wonders by car. If you are one of these travellers and will be driving through Scotland, you have numerous attractions to choose from that can make your trip worthwhile.
If you want a reliable car, check out Сarplus.co.uk and once you have your car, you can narrow down your options for tourist destinations.
We’ve listed our top 3 choices. These stops will provide you with insight into some of the most important people and events in Scottish history, show you incredible architectural masterpieces, and give you an opportunity to enjoy nature at its finest.
Things to See if You are Driving Through Scotland
1) Visit Culloden Battlefield
Today, Culloden Battlefield is a site of quiet beauty. But for those with an eye for history, there’s no better place in Britain to take it all in. This historical site once played host to one of Britain’s bloodiest battles.
And while there are definitely traces of the bloodshed here today, visiting Culloden can be a refreshingly peaceful experience. If you’re passing by when taking your road trip through Scotland, why not pull over and have a look around?
Here are three interesting facts about Culloden that will help make your visit even more enjoyable:
- Many famous people fought at Culloden. The Battle of Culloden saw some familiar faces fighting on both sides of what ended up being a major turning point in Scottish history. Famous names like Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), King George II, and John Black Jack Campbell all took part in the battle at some point during that fateful day.
- It was actually quite short-lived. While many think of long, drawn-out wars when they hear of the battlefield, it only took about an hour for every single person involved in the battle at Culloden to perish. In fact, after just 40 minutes of combat, Bonnie Prince Charlie had already been forced to flee from his troops – effectively ending any chance he had of winning.
- You might find yourself face-to-face with royalty. On occasion, members of the royal family still pay visits to these grounds where so much history unfolded centuries ago. So don’t be surprised if you run into a prince or princess while strolling along these historic grounds!
You can visit Colluden from 10 AM-4 PM any day of the week, but timings are subject to change so check before you leave. Moreover, you can get a membership if you’re a frequent visitor so that you don’t have to purchase a ticket every time you go. Pre-booking is not required, but it is recommended. You can expect to pay from £9.50to £27 for an entire family.
The location is extremely eco-friendly; you’ll find the following facilities on-site:
- Baby Changing Area
- Buggy Access
- Parking for the disabled
- Toilet for the disabled
- Cafe
In addition to this, dog walking is also allowed, so you don’t have to leave your fur baby at home!
2) Take a Walk at Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle is less than an hour away from Inverness, so it’s ideal for a day trip. The castle is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. That, combined with its 1,000-year history, makes it a spectacular tourist destination.
There are a number of castles in the Highlands, but Urquhart is the tallest. When visiting, you can climb the Grant Tower, which overlooks the renowned loch, or peek into a jail cell where the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn is claimed to have been imprisoned.
You can also visit the great hall where lavish banquets were hosted. From the café, you can get a better look at the renowned ruins, which are set against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the Great Glen hills.
Moreover, you may still be required to follow COVID guidelines as other tourists will also be present at the site. Nevertheless, the castle is the perfect place for family and friends. It’s well maintained with all the necessary facilities.
3) Check Out Loch Ness
As one of Scotland’s most famous attractions, Loch Ness is known for its monster. The legendary aquatic creature has been a source of intrigue and debate since first being reported in 1933.
However, to avoid disappointing you, most evidence of the Loch Ness monster has been discarded as a myth. On the upside, you can enjoy a serene and jolly picnic with your loved ones by the lakeside.
We highly recommend visiting in August as it offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Here are some intriguing facts about Loch Ness:
- Loch Ness contains the most fresh water in the United Kingdom.
- It is located in Glen Mor, which bisects the Highlands and is part of the Caledonian Canal (built by civil engineer Thomas Telford to connect a network of rivers across Scotland in 1822).
- Loch Ness’ watershed spans approximately 700 square miles (1,800 square kilometres) and includes various rivers, including the Oich and the Enrick.
- On the loch, seiches (surface oscillations) are widespread due to differential heating. One cause for the sparse flora is the loch’s fast increase and decrease in level; another is the loch’s enormous depths.
