5 Essential Places To Visit In Scotland In 2026
It’s the start of a new year and time to begin planning your perfect trip to Scotland! There’s so much choice though, once you start to look a little deeper it can all get a little overwhelming. You’re going to need help narrowing down where to visit in Scotland in 2026.
Most visitors will travel roughly the same route – starting in Edinburgh, taking in Skye and heading back via Glencoe and Loch Lomond. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, those are all fantastic places to visit and they’re popular choices for Scotland’s Stories tours!
However, if you want to avoid crowds, then you’ll need to think a little more creatively. Scotland is a much bigger place than you might first realise, with history and scenic beauty around just about every corner. So if you want to know some essential places to visit in Scotland in 2026, then look no further!
Should I Drive On My Visit To Scotland In 2026?
Before finding out where you should visit this year, it’s important to know how you’re going to get around Scotland in 2026. While it is possible to reach most places by public transport, in many areas it’s far easier to drive.
In remote areas, there might only be one bus a day and even then, it might stop a good hike away from where you want to see!
Here’s the best place to find car hire in Scotland and if you’re nervous about the prospect of driving then this article might help you!
1 – Sail To The Isle Of Bute
I’ve been banging on about the Isle of Bute for years now as an up and coming island destination. It’s come a long way even since then, so this wee place is definitely somewhere to visit in 2026. I genuinely think this Victorian holiday destination is finally going to be rediscovered by the masses soon. Make sure you get in there early!
Right in the middle of the main town is Rothesay Castle, a bastion of the Stewarts before becoming Kings. For more modern grandeur, Mount Stuart House is one of the most extravagant mansions in Scotland! Make sure to visit one of my favourite sites St Blane’s Chapel, tucked away at the south of Bute and somewhere that feels removed from time and space.
After all of that, grab some local food and drink at Bute Yard back in Rothesay. For a new spot I just discovered in November, Bonnie Bling does fantastic coffee too!
Give this article a read for more about visiting Bute in 2026!
2 – Head Up To Shetland
While the islands on Scotland’s west coast are more popular than ever, don’t overlook the far north. It takes a lot of effort to get to Shetland, either a 14 hour ferry or a flight in a tiny plane, but you’ll be well rewarded. This archipelago has a unique history, culture and folklore, a blend of Norse and Scottish but definitely leaning more towards the Scandinavian in places!
I’ve visited both in the depths of winter and at the height of summer. There’s no bad time in 2026 to visit Shetland, but be prepared for all weathers. You can visit ancient buildings at Jarlshof or more recent history in the Shetland crofthouse. Experience Viking life or go stargazing up on the Isle of Unst. Maybe walk across the Tombolo to St Ninian’s Isle!
No matter where you go or what you do, the scenery around Shetland will blow you away – this article might help you with the planning!
3 – Explore The Kingdom Of Fife
I recently moved back to the Kingdom of Fife and it’s reminded me just how much this place has to offer. There’s plenty to see in St Andrews, even for those who don’t like golf, but that’s just a tiny part of Fife! The East Neuk with its picturesque fishing villages has gained in popularity, but there are plenty of hidden corners to find there! This video might help if that’s somewhere you want to visit in 2026!
Fife is much more than those busy corners though! Have a dram at Lindores distillery, where the first ever record of Scotch whisky comes from. Explore Kellie Castle that somehow still flies under the radar, blending medieval architecture with Edwardian life perfectly. Take a walk around Falkland Estate or dive into Dunino Den – there’s more than enough to keep you busy.
This article all about some of Fife’s hidden corners will give you a few more ideas!
4 – Travel The Quiet Side of Loch Fyne
You can hardly say that Loch Fyne is off the beaten track, Inveraray in summer is a busy place! Most visitors will only see a small part of the loch though, skirting the west side before heading to Oban or Kilmartin. If you’re short on time, that’s not a bad itinerary, but if you have longer during your 2026 Scotland trip, then explore a little further.
The other side of Loch Fyne, the quiet side, is beautiful, quiet and packed with stories. From the Tinker’s Heart high above the water to the waves lapping at the walls of Old Castle Lachlan. It’s a winding drive, but well worth the detour and a ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert means you can turn the road trip into a circular one. If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss the Oystercatcher for lunch!
This article has all the interesting stops around Loch Fyne for you!
If you’re spending more time around Argyll then Oban is a fantastic base and this Travel to Oban Itinerary & Planning Guide will be a massive help.
For just £10 you get all of my expert knowledge around this underappreciated part of Scotland!
5 – Don’t Skip Caithness
There’s no doubt that the North Coast 500 will be a popular driving route for those visiting Scotland in 2026, however, one section is too frequently skipped. People tend to race through Caithness or cut the corner in a rush to get to the western mountains. But if you’re looking for stories and seaside scenery, this is one part of Scotland not to miss!
The far northeast of mainland Scotland is more subtle, but you can’t help but be impressed by the Whaligoe Steps wedged into the cliffside. Or take a walk to Ousdale broch and learn about Iron Age life in Scotland! There are spectacular castles like Sinclair Girnigoe and tiny harbours like Lybster. You can find out more about all of that in a visit to the TARDIS-like Wick Heritage Centre!
If you want to take your time on this section of the NC500 – give this one a read!
Start Planning Your 2026 Trip To Scotland!
Hopefully you’ve picked up some ideas for where in Scotland to visit in 2026. These are just a few examples but don’t treat it as a definitive list! The best thing about Scotland is that really there is no wrong answer. Anywhere you go there will be history, legends and something beautiful just around the next corner!
If you’re looking for a good guide to find stories during your 2026 Scotland trip – pick up a copy of the Scotland’s Stories book here!
If you’ve visited any of these places in Scotland before then feel free to leave tips for others in the comments below. If a trip to any of these sounds like something you’d like to do with an experienced guide, then send me a message about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour! Here’s to a great year ahead!
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