What to do and see in Scotland, United Kingdom: The Best Free Things to do

October 19, 2021 Florencio Paulino

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

1. Quiraing

Quiraing Viewfield Road, Portree IV51 9ES Scotland
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,779 reviews

Quiraing

These unique rock formations are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

Reviewed By Gordi05 - Glasgow, United Kingdom

This area has appeared in many films an TV series, and when you see the view you can understand why. The area is easily reached, there’s a pay car park and a short walk to reach a viewpoint with stunning views (weather permitting) You can walk further if you’ve got the kit for walking in the Scottish Highlands.

2. Steall Waterfall

Car Park Glen Nevis Place, Fort William PH33 6DA Scotland http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/steallfalls.shtml
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,434 reviews

Steall Waterfall

Reviewed By I4996RBjoannap - Brough, United Kingdom

Drive down a single track road until it comes to an end which is a small free car park so arrive early; there was another car park at beginningof road however it charged for parking and would be quite a walk to get there. We arrived at 9am and had no issues with parking. A great walk along the river with mini waterfalls coming over the path which then opens up to see Steall Waterfall. There is a wire bridge to get closer to see it however there is a great view without crossing. We were lucky enough not to have midges even though it was warm and dry.

3. Glen Coe

Scotland +44 1855 811307 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Glencoe-and-Dalness/Property-description
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,423 reviews

Glen Coe

The National Trust for Scotland cares for Glencoe National Nature Reserve, a 14,000 acre estate with 60 kilometres of footpaths for you to explore, marvel at the panoramic mountain views and spot internationally-renowned wildlife. Glencoe is a natural wonder, the remnants of a 'caldera' or super-volcano, formed many millions of years ago and later shaped by glaciers during numerous Ice Ages. Its history is a poignant one, most famed for the 'Massacre' of 1692 and more recently as a playground for pioneering mountaineers and climbers. Find out more or support the conservation work of Glencoe's Ranger team at the NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre at the western end of the Glen.

Reviewed By AlanMcCleish - Glasgow, United Kingdom

Stunning landscape rich in wildlife and natural beauty.History is also a major asset to this place although some of it is a wee bit dark.Some of the hills look like they deserve a lot of respect when venturing into them up high.

4. Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh EH1 Scotland +44 7112 018604 http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/old-town-and-new-town-p918411
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15,961 reviews

Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh's oldest neighborhood, dating back to medieval times: these small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments.

Reviewed By annemacmillan

When in Edinburgh you must visit The Old Town, .. See the Old Tenement Buildings.. Feel the History of this old Historical Town, with its cobbled streets....Take a walk along the Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace.. You can easily feel what it must've been like living in "Auld Reekie" centuries ago.. and hearing the words being shouted from the tenement windows "Gardy Loo" ..the warning that Waste was going to be thrown out the window...Visit Grassmarket.. and the weekend Farmers Markets... If you looking for souvenirs to take home you will definitely find them here, from the array of shops to choose from,.. if your looking for Cashmere, Whisky., Tablet or some nice Edinburgh Rock..You will find it all in the Old Town and much more.

5. Royal Mile

Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland +44 131 510 7555 [email protected] http://royalmile.org.uk
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25,301 reviews

Royal Mile

Stretch of road connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Scotland.

Reviewed By BarryE308 - Lake Stevens, United States

This is an unbeleivable place to see people. The shops and historic places are all fantastic, but is is the interplay of thousands of visitors that ebb and flow about the walk that makes it special. You can be in a flowing sea of street performers, bagpipes and excitement, then step down a narrow Close and find yourself in a secret garden with lovely flowers and only the chirping of birds, Wonderfull..

Kelvingrove Art Galleries Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG Scotland +44 141 276 9599 [email protected] http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/kelvingrove/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15,301 reviews

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Free Entry. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Mu​seum is Scotland's most visited free attraction.​ With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant.

Reviewed By mkoperabuff

Great museum fabulous art deco MacIntosh exhibits, natural history, social and Scottish history, furniture, decorations and marvelous paintings of Scottish, French, Dutch, English and other masterpieces, e.g. Rossetti, Turner, Monet, Cezanne. Beautiful high Victorian opulent building, organ concert, nice cafe and shops and free, please shop or leave a donation well worth it. Great for children too especially the natural history exhibits.

7. West Highland Way

Scotland +44 1360 771740 http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 418 reviews

West Highland Way

Well-marked walking path stretching from Glasgow to Fort William.

Reviewed By Dom682014 - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

I did the whole thing 10 Yeats ago, this time I just did half if it. Drive to Tyndrum and stay st 'By the Way'. Leave car there. Day one - 11 mikes to Inberoran. Lovely hotel. Day Two - 11 miles to Kings House Day Three - 11 miles to Kinlochleven. Day Four - 17 grueling miles (700m assent) to F William. Get train back to Tyndrum! As others have said, last two miles into F William is on the road and not great. Plus they have moved the official finish line to the other side of town - seems harsh. But nothing can take away from an amazing walk. Just remember, as you leave Tyndrum, the Green Welly shop is the last shop of any kind until Kinlochleven and the ONLY shop directly on the route.

8. Calton Hill

St. Andrews House 2 Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG Scotland http://ewh.org.uk/world-heritage-sites/calton-hill
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,229 reviews

Calton Hill

Historic neighborhood lined with monuments dating back to the Enlightenment.

Reviewed By eamonnr2015 - Skerries, Ireland

Well worth the climb up to the top whether you go up Jacobs ladder or around by the Ai Road and then up, you can spend some time here taking in the views, well worth the hike up with historical interests here

9. Fairy Glen

Scotland http://en-gb.facebook.com/fairyglenisleofskye/
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,222 reviews

Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is a unique and unusual landscape, a geological wonder on the Isle of Skye. It is situated between the villages of Sheader and Balnacnoc.

Reviewed By BillBT2017 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Went to explore the stunning landscape and scenery of Fairy Glen, its a magical looking place, situated near Uig. Well worth taking the trouble to go, take stout footwear so you can climb some of the small hills for the views of the surrounding conical shaped hills, its pretty special.

10. Arthur's Seat

Queen's Drive Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8HG Scotland 0131 557 4685 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/holyrood-park/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21,026 reviews

Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat is one of four hill forts, dating from around 2,000 years ago. Situated within Holyrood Park, as well as it's rich cultural heritage, the park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled vistas of the city from its many vantage points. The park has several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations due to its exceptional range of grassland habitats and its internationally important volcanic geology. Ranger service on site.

Reviewed By holland21 - Stirling, United Kingdom

Arthur’s Seat is a massive hill in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and if you’re feeling fit you can walk and/or climb it and of course you can drive round it, able to stop along the way to marvel at the views around the city and beyond, depending if you’re looking North, west south or east and see so many landmarks near and far. I would say that this is a must see and do when visiting Edinburgh !

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