13 Most Beautiful Villages In Scotland - Updated 2024

1. Saint Monans, Fife

Saint Monans, one of the best villages in Scotland, is a small, hilly village with a collection of traditional fishing cottages surrounding the old harbor. There isn’t much that has changed here, and it still retains the features of a traditional Scottish village. While strolling past the ancient streets, you won’t fail to notice numerous lobster pots along the quay. You are also bound to fall in love with the beautiful fishing vessels as well as the scenic view of the sea that stretches beyond the horizon.

Cottage in Saint Monans · ★4.59 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Saint Monans, Fife, United Kingdom
78.92 km (49.1 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

384 reviews  

Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews

Amenities & Room:

the views out of every room are stunning sea views

good wifi decent kitchen

they also had an electric heater in the upstairs bedroom which worked great

a great change of pace from more standard apartments without sacrificing any conveniences or amenities

the property is easy to access and has good wifi and entertainment options

Cleanliness:

clean cosy comfortable accommodation

very homely living room and kitchen bathroom is very clean and modern

lovely cosy clean and comfortable accommodation

very cosy cottage in a superb location very clean with nice touches

the facilities are great and the whole place sparkling clean

Host:

lovely apartment and hosts

lovely & quiet my kind of place excellent base for exploring the east coast

the host kindly includes netflix which was an unexpected but welcome bonus

great place to stay and escape from it all with lovely and very responsive hosts

the village itself and the church is beautiful and the people very friendly

Location:

excellent location on fife coastal path

great restaurant walking distance away

the location of this place is simply outstanding

great location as the sea is so close to the property

we really liked it awesome location and accommodation

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2. Durisdeer, Dumfries and Galloway

Don’t forget to stop by the charming and tiny village of Durisdeer in Dumfries and Galloway. There are plenty of things you should know and do as well as places to visit here. Once connecting Nithsdale and Clydesdale, a Roman road now runs right through the center of the village. To the northeast, up the Well or Wald Path for about a mile, you’ll see the well-preserved remains of a Roman fortlet, complete with a ditch and rampart.

Not only that, but you can also visit the Parish Church here. It is the biggest architectural shock because it is so enormous in comparison to the rest of the village.

3. East Linton, East Lothian (from USD 126)

East Linton is just one of the many lovely villages in the area that you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore. The name of the village comes from the word “Linn,” which refers to a waterfall on the river along which it grew. However, the village was later renamed in order to differentiate itself from West Linton in Peebleshire.

Preston Mill, Prestonkirk Parish Church, and the fountain which stands in The Square are just a few of the places you should visit while in the area.

4. Crovie, Aberdeenshire (from USD 107)

Visit Crovie to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a ton to see, learn, and do in this one-of-a-kind village, and you’ll be completely blown away. In the late 18th century, the village of Crovie happened, when a number of families who had lost their inland estates relocated here.

Aside from being the most well-preserved fishing village in all of Europe, it also has the thinnest gap between sea level and cliff of any Scottish village. An amazing sight awaits you here: a single line of homes, all facing the ocean with their gables pointed toward the water.

Crovie The Mission Hall

Crovie, Scotland, United Kingdom
198.11 km (123.1 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

111 reviews   Superhost

ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews

Amenities & Room:

the beds are really comfortable and the rear deck works great if there is a sea breeze

we enjoyed hot tea and coffee and loved the large table

the wifi worked with ease and we had a wonderful time just footsteps from the north sea

the small kitchen is very well equipped

kitchen is fully equipped and you will sleep like a rock

Cleanliness:

it was spotlessly clean

Host:

the host was very friendly and welcoming

gisela was a great host and very nice

gisela is a wonderful host who goes out of her way to assist and accommodate every request

gisela is a fantastic host and we really enjoyed our stay in the mission hall cottage

gisela the host is lovely - and the whole community so friendly and welcoming

Location:

beautiful location and very quiet/remote

crovie is a wonderful place so peaceful

great location and lots of good local walks

location a real plus gisela is really nice and helpful definitely be back

simply stunning location at the edge of the world

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from USD

107

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5. Lanark, South Lanarkshire (from USD 143)

Lanark is a lovely town that sits atop the rolling farmlands and the River Clyde. It is only 20 km (12.4 mi) away from the Southeast of Hamilton. The place is known as the favorite hunting area of the Kings of Scotland such as King William the Lion and is home to one of the thriving agricultural markets.

Here, you’ll find stunning old buildings and a wide variety of shops. The Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum is a must-see while in town, as it displays the town’s rich history.

6. Killin, Perthshire (from USD 104)

Killin is a gorgeous village that sits at one end of Loch Tay, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. The coniferous trees, the gentle streams flowing past old bridges, and the rolling valleys give it that effortless charm typical of the Scottish countryside. Most of the homes in this village are traditional thatched cottages found everywhere in rural Scotland, but this place also has a couple of decent bed and breakfast and hotel options, so don’t let your fear of lack of accommodation stop you from experiencing this quaint village’s beauty.

7. Braemar, Aberdeenshire

Braemar is one of the snowiest and prettiest villages in Scotland that you will ever visit. It is well-known for its stone cottages and is a popular base for hikers and trekkers interested in exploring the mighty Cairngorms. This place is incredibly beautiful - it is refreshing to see the stream originating from the highlands slowly snaking its way down the valley. The peaceful sight of greenery all around, with sheep, cattle, and horses roaming the area is one you will carry in your mind long after your visit is over.

Rental unit in BRAEMAR · ★4.50 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths

BRAEMAR, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
101.63 km (63.2 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

32 reviews   Superhost

ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews

Location:

the location is great as well in the heart of braemar

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8. Portnahaven, Islay (from USD 117)

The island of Islay is blessed with a myriad of attractive villages, with big names being Port Ellen and Bowmore. However, this is also where you will find Portnahaven. This is a quiet village with a number of houses that have been remodeled into holiday homes. It also has a serene and stunning atmosphere, and with the presence of the picturesque beach, visitors will have plenty to see and do, including sitting back to relax and enjoy a view of the sea from the harbor.

9. Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (from USD 113)

Fort Augustus is situated along the Caledonian Canal, just before the canal joins the waters of Loch Ness. It is lined by a series of canals that all link to the Caledonian Canal, an area that is great for a leisurely stroll at any time of the day. The location of this village in the Great Glen makes it an ideal base for tourists who intend to explore the Highlands.

10. Balloch, West Dunbartonshire (from USD 162)

Balloch is one of the most beautiful Scottish villages located in the southwest of Loch Lomond. The easiest way to access it is by train from Glasgow. It is a typical Scottish village, and because it is often seen as a gateway to Trossachs National Park, it has a variety of great village pubs where you can enjoy a drink with the locals. There is also a supermarket, a post office, a pharmacy, some gift shops, and several restaurants in the area.

11. Plockton, Lochalsh (from USD 50)

Plockton is a picturesque harbor village and one that most Scots agree to be the most beautiful village in the Highlands. It is a unique place, featuring a slightly milder climate as a result of the North Atlantic Drift. This place has stunning views from all directions, and it is a great destination to enjoy a relaxing walk along the seafront or across the little island when the tides recede.

12. Scourie, Sutherland (from USD 302)

Scourie is on the path of the North Coast 500 in Scotland, and though it is such a common and popular spot, it still remains rugged and largely untouched. According to the last census, the village had a population of only 132 residents. Stepping foot here will make you feel as if you are entering a whole new world. The view of the water from the bay is nothing short of mesmerizing. The same can be said of the Highlands, where cows graze in green, open fields.

13. Maidens, Ayrshire

Maidens is one of the most beautiful places you will ever set foot on in Ayrshire County. It has a charming and unassuming center as well as a little beach where villagers congregate to enjoy a refreshing swim when the weather allows. Though it is in proximity to the famous Culzean Castle, the area remains largely untouched. It is one of the best destinations for tourists who want to enjoy a quiet vacation close to the sea without having to deal with a crowd.

Enjoy touring these picturesque villages in Scotland

There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Scotland. If you want to experience a unique holiday in a rural area, then one of these villages is the place to go. Consider our recommendations above for the most beautiful villages in Scotland. It will surely be a trip to remember.