The 10 Best Visitor Centers in Scotland, United Kingdom

July 2, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in Scotland

1. Balloch VisitScotland iCentre

Old Station Building Balloch Road Old Station Building, Balloch, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park G83 8SS Scotland +44 1389 753533 [email protected] http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/services/balloch-information-centre-p332391
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 162 reviews

Balloch VisitScotland iCentre

Balloch Information Centre is located in the beautiful red sandstone Old Station Building in the centre of Balloch, directly opposite Balloch Central train station. Balloch is a charming town located at the southern edge of Loch Lomond and is a great base for exploring the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. For those that enjoy the great outdoors, Balloch is a great place to get active both on land and on water with a wide range of activities on offer throughout the year. A warm welcome awaits you at Balloch VisitScotland Information Centre where the knowledgeable staff will assist you in how to spend the perfect day in Balloch, providing you with a local map and many suggestions as to what you can do. You can also purchase discounted tickets for local attractions to include the Loch Lomond Sealife Centre and the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre. There is also a wide selection of Scottish gifts that can be purchased from the Information Centre, such as Harris Tweed bags and purses, shortbread and a wide selection of guide books and maps. Getting to Balloch couldn't be easier! Trains leave frequently from Glasgow city centre directly to Balloch and Scottish Citylink coaches pass Balloch as they travel north. Balloch is well connected by road by the A82 and A811.

Reviewed By williammF7651SV - North Pole, United States

Popped in to gain information on local area or trips further North in Scotland & always found the staff helpful & knowledgeable. Can’t recommend them enough.

2. Abbotsford House

Abbotsford House Abbotsford, Melrose TD6 9BQ Scotland +44 1896 752043 [email protected] http://www.scottsabbotsford.com
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,063 reviews

Abbotsford House

Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels. In 2021-2022 Scotland celebrates the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott. Visit Abbotsford during this special occasion to meet the man behind the monument, whose imagination and patriotism shaped the Scotland of today. Discover a treasure trove of fascinating objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels. Learn about Scott's life, browse the gift shop, enjoy seasonal food in our cafe or simply relax in the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands.

Reviewed By captcalculus

if you're anywhere near Melrose. Fascinating house of Sir Walter Scott with an excellent hand-held audio guide that allows you to wander through at your own pace, providing optional commentary on additional items in each room/area. Also, the gardens are quite nice, even in September. I am one of those driven people who like to get in and get out, but even so, we spent close to 3 hours here. Don't miss.

3. Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre

Inverness IV13 7YT Scotland +44 1463 248144 [email protected] http://www.tomatin.com/visit
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 931 reviews

Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre

We are a 4 star visitor attraction: a Highland Distillery Visitor Centre with a range of tours and award winning whiskies available. We have a shop in which you can purchase Tomatin merchandise and various expressions of Tomatin, including filling your own bottle from one of our cask strength distillery exclusive whiskies. The Tomatin Distillery lies just 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9 - extremely convenient for anyone travelling to or from the Highlands! We are open 7 days all year round! April-September 9.30am-5.30pm October-March 10.30am-4.30pm Please contact us or visit our website for more information or to book your tour. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Reviewed By campervan2

We had a wonderful experience here, Frazer our tour guide was pleasant and knowledgeable and widened our knowledge of the whiskey manufacturing process, the distillery is lovely and the history of the area is amazing, thank you everyone.

4. Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust

A92 Montrose to Arbroath Rd Rossie Braes, Montrose DD10 9TA Scotland +44 1674 676336 [email protected] http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/visitor-centres/montrose-basin/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust

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. Covering 750 hectares, Montrose Basin is home to thousands of migratory birds including pink-footed geese, common terns, knots and sedge warblers. Highlights include telescopes, binoculars and live footage of migratory birds. Children will love the interactive toys and games such as microscopes, wildlife portal and puzzles. Children's activities and themed events are held regularly, as well as formal and informal educational groups run throughout the year. Fairtrade tea and coffee can be enjoyed with panoramic views across the Basin, and a range of wildlife gifts are available from the gift shop.

Reviewed By tlpWetherby

We'd been intrigued by the Montrose basin and wanted a closer look. The visitor centre is so well set up with telescopes and binoculars to make you feel incredibly close to the creatures on the reserve- seals, herons and osprey in particular had our whole family engrossed for a couple of hours. The current covid set up gives each household their own booth to watch from which was great. Interesting and engaging displays, a lovely little shop and helpful staff- we were so glad we visited. The centre gave us a good panoramic view of the basin before we then went and explored some of the hides. At the Shelduck hide we were lucky enough to see a sparrowhawk fly right past the window and down the ditch line!

5. The Castle and Gardens of Mey

Thurso KW14 8XH Scotland +44 1847 851473 http://www.castleofmey.org.uk
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 935 reviews

The Castle and Gardens of Mey

Opening times for 2021 are to be confirmed. We are open daily from 1st May to 30th September however we will be closed from late July to the beginning of August. These dates are subject to change so please keep up to date on our website for the most recent information.

Reviewed By hildenley - Berkshire, United Kingdom

We had a beautiful around the coast from John O'Groats to the Castle of Mey & enjoyed a guided tour of the lovely house, then a walkabout in the pretty gardens & animal centre.

6. Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Ben Lomond Way, Balloch Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park G83 8QL Scotland +44 1389 729239 [email protected] http://www.llbopc.co.uk
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 591 reviews

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located in a natural woodland which retains much of the original woodland and streams to provide the ideal natural setting for nearly 40 Birds of Prey & Owls. The centre is home to over 20 Owls, representing every native species as well as unique or unusual species from other parts of the world. See "Orla", and "Scout" our two magnificent female Golden Eagles. See a selection of hawks and owls fly during our daily flying shows in the flying area. Hear how these magnificent creatures have evolved to become the success predators they are, and how they live on the edge of survival every day. During current Covid restrictions we limit the number of visitors on site at any one time (currently 60). There are hand sanitisers located within the centre. We request everyone to abide by the social distancing guidelines.

Reviewed By nicolalouise88 - Kent, United Kingdom

I spent the morning with Stewart and Kevin on a hunting experience with the beautiful Inca the Harris Hawk. I had such a lovely morning with them, walking the fields overlooking Loch Lomond in the search of pheasants for Inca. After the experience we stayed for the flying display which was one of the best I’ve ever been to, Stewart and Kevin have so much passion for their birds, their knowledge and love really shows, which made the display so much more enjoyable. As others have mentioned, the centre is small, but if you rush around things then yes it’ll take 10 minutes but if you’re interested in the birds and take your time you could be there for hours! Thank you to the whole team at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre!

7. Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre

Pulteneytown Centre Huddart Street, Wick KW1 5BA Scotland +44 1955 602371 http://www.oldpulteney.com/distillery-tours.php
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre

Reviewed By caomhail - Manglaralto, Ecuador

Great rainy day activity. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about their product. The shop has glassware as well as whisky. It can get busy if tour buses arrive - we were leaving as one arrived.

8. Logie Steading

Logie Estate, Findhorn Valley, Forres IV36 2QN Scotland +44 1309 611378 [email protected] http://www.logie.co.uk
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 384 reviews

Logie Steading

*LOGIE STEADING RE-OPENS FROM 26TH APRIL 2021 as Covid restrictions ease - every day of the week, 10am to 5pm. Logie Steading is a collection of small, creative, individually owned and run, businesses housed in the converted sandstone farm buildings at Logie. 2ndhand books, cafe, antiques, arts, crafts, local produce, hardy plants, hundreds of whiskies and gins, vintage accessories. And outside - spectacular walks along the river Findhorn, playground, and Gardens to enjoy. Veritably, a place to take your time!

Reviewed By 464shelaghc - Liverpool, United Kingdom

A quirky mix of craft shops set in a beautiful location. Some can be expensive but great quality goods. Lovely fresh meat and excellent choice of plants. Lovely walks.

9. WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre

Spey Bay, Fochabers IV32 7PJ Scotland +44 1343 820339 [email protected] http://dolphincentre.whales.org
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 377 reviews

WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre

We are a visitor Centre based at the mouth of the river Spey, where it meets the North Sea. Dolphins are regularly spotted at the mouth of the river Spey and close to the shoreline, along with ospreys, seals, a huge variety of bird life and the occasional otter! You can book a private tour of the historic Tugnet icehouse (Scotland's largest surviving icehouse), or book onto the Explore the Bones family activity. Currently the cafe is a takeaway only facility, where you 'queue for your brew' inside the building and take your delicious homebake, soup or sandwich away with you, out onto the beach or around the Centre grounds. The eco-friendly gift shop is also open with a wide range or gorgeous products. The Centre is the public face of the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation, so come and have a fun day out and learn about whales and dolphins and support our charity work to protect these wonderful creatures!

Reviewed By allanw939 - Fochabers, United Kingdom

Fabulously entertaining place jam packed with educational material about the local wildlife including dolphins. CCTV cameras trained on the sea can be manipulated from within the dolphin centre by visitors to spot dolphins, seals, ospreys, wading birds etc. Educational posters on the walls and colouring books of dolphins etc, complete with crayons, are laid out for the kids. The friendly staff are keen to assist and advise adults and children alike. If you're lucky you may spot an osprey fishing at the mouth of the Spey, where the dolphin centre is located. A souvenir shop is attached as well as a very pleasant restaurant which serves delicious coffee and scrumptiously fresh meals as well as scones. A leg of the Speyside Way starts/finishes here giving an opportunity of combining a walk along the banks of the river with your visit to the dolphin centre. Going to the nearby Spey Bay golf course ? Include the dolphin centre in your trip. Very much worth a visit.

10. Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

Cornalees Bridge Loch Thom, Greenock PA16 9LX Scotland +44 1475 521458 [email protected] http://www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/park-sites/greenock-cut/
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

Part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, Loch Thom, not far from Inverkip in Inverclyde, provides wonderful walks, scenic views and picnic sites. There is good access to the Greenock Cut (a 5.5 mile aqueduct, and designated ancient monument) for a great reasonably level circular-walking route with panoramic views of the Clyde. A shorter family friendly walk is the (1 hour) picturesque Nature Trail in Shielhill Glen where the trail goes alongside and criss-crosses the Kip burn. Download the Trail guide to find all the hidden wood spirits. Plus there's the Kelly Cut (2.5 hour) walk which allows views over Wemyss Bay and the more southern Clyde. The Centre is open weekends in summer Apr - Oct and closed in winter although toilets are open daily. Call in and warm up with a coffee and pick up some light refreshments. There's an interactive exhibition on the Greenock Cut and environmental activities such as touch table, word searches, animals and colouring in.

Reviewed By C3929WJkarenj

The walk is circular and mostly flat, paths are fine for walking, spectacular views as you make your way round. Lots of places to sit and rest if needed. If you follow the path you cant really get lost but i would have liked to have seen markers marking the miles, we were first timers and unsure how long the walk was, it felt like we were never coming to the end, we walked this on a very hot day. Its a lovely walk with a cafe at the end. Plenty of parking too.

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