Scotland is among the list of most beautiful and charming countries in the world. From the rugged beauty of the countryside to the majestic Highlands, and from the ancient ruins to the century-old castles, this country is littered with majestic views that are a sight for sore eyes. Though most people coming here are drawn by the castles, ruins, and the rich history, there are also a good number of tourists whose main objective is to take in the peaceful and picturesque villages. These villages are some of the best places in the world to revive the tired and weary soul of a traveler. Read below to learn more about some of the most beautiful villages in Scotland.
1. Killin (from USD 165)
Killin is a gorgeous village that sits at one end of Loch Tay. 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.
Killin Hotel
Address: Main Street
Price: from 165 USD
Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized Horse riding Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines Parking Designated smoking area Face masks for guests available Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
2. Braemar, Aberdeenshire (from USD 102)
Braemar is one of the snowiest villages in Scotland, and it is also one of the most gorgeous places you will ever visit in the country. 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 incredible 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.
Braemar Apartment - converted church apartment in Braemar, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms - Fantastic location and a lovely modern flatBRAEMAR, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
3. Portnahaven, Islay (from USD 130)
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.
Orsay House
Address: Queen Street Queen Street
Price: from 130 USD
Special diet menus (on request) Non-smoking throughout Heating Private check-in/check-out Contactless check-in/check-out Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay First aid kit available Parking
4. Saint Monans, Fife (from USD 82)
Saint Monans in Fife 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.
Traditional, cosy, seafront cottageSaint Monans, Fife, United KingdomTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the views out of every room are stunning sea viewsgood wifi decent kitchenthey also had an electric heater in the upstairs bedroom which worked greata great change of pace from more standard apartments without sacrificing any conveniences or amenitiesthe property is easy to access and has good wifi and entertainment optionsCleanliness:
clean cosy comfortable accommodationvery homely living room and kitchen bathroom is very clean and modernlovely cosy clean and comfortable accommodationvery cosy cottage in a superb location very clean with nice touchesthe facilities are great and the whole place sparkling cleanHost:
lovely apartment and hostslovely & quiet my kind of place excellent base for exploring the east coastthe host kindly includes netflix which was an unexpected but welcome bonusgreat place to stay and escape from it all with lovely and very responsive hoststhe village itself and the church is beautiful and the people very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location on fife coastal pathgreat restaurant walking distance awaythe location of this place is simply outstandinggreat location as the sea is so close to the propertywe really liked it awesome location and accommodation
5. Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (from USD 175)
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.
Whitehouse B&B
Address: Whitehouse A82
Price: from 175 USD
Non-smoking rooms Books, DVDs, music for children Heating Internet services Library Shared lounge/TV area Fax/photocopying Luggage storage
6. Scourie, Sutherland (from USD 262)
Scourie is on the path of the North Coast 500, 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.
Scourie Hotel
Address: Scourie
Price: from 262 USD
Non-smoking rooms Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities Fishing Pets allowed Cashless payment available Parking Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning Bar
7. Balloch, West Dunbartonshire (from USD 139)
Balloch is a charming village 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.
Innkeeper's Lodge Loch Lomond
Address: The Balloch House, Balloch Road
Price: from 139 USD
Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines On-site parking Non-smoking throughout Parking Contactless check-in/check-out Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed Internet services WiFi
8. Plockton, Lochalsh (from USD 56)
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.
9. 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.
Turnberry Road Suites
Address: 1 Turnberry Road
10. Shieldaig, Strathcarron (from USD 143)
Shieldaig is located to the west of Liathach Mountain. It is one of the well-known settlements in the region, and it also boasts the reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. The presence of the lake and the mountain not only provides a stunning view, but it also creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere that all travelers will fall in love with. The village has several self-catering cottages and, as such, it is very popular for trekkers who see it as the ideal base for exploring neighboring villages.
Holiday Cottage Accommodation Near Torridon In Wester Ross, Scottish HighlandsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
plenty of roomalthough the weather was cold we were very cosy in the housevery comfortable accommodationthe house was just as described - comfortable, well-stocked and very cleanthe rooms are light and spacious, the beds comfortable and the kitchen well-equipped (i like to cook big family meals on holiday and it was a pleasure to do so in this propertyCleanliness:
the views over the loch were tremendous, the house was very clean and well-equipped, and everything worked well (with the exception of the clothes dryer, which didn't dry clothes)plenty of space and great drying facilities, which were all too necessarythe most wonderful views from the windowsin view of the house is shieldaig island, where there are nesting sea eagles which can sometimes be seen in the air, and which can be viewed in close-up with a boat trip taken from the other end of...it is very comfortable, clean and well maintainedHost:
neil gave us some really useful contacts to organise adventure trips like mountain biking and kayakingnice and warm with a well equipped kitcheneven the weather was kind to us, three out of the four days!! highly recommendour best recommendation to anyone looking for a base in a picturesque and peaceful part of the nw scotland is that we are return customers! and we're already arranging next year!finally, the owners...we were lucky in having some brilliantly sunny days, which, it being mid-summer, meant that we had some spectacular sunsets until nearly midnightRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice property in a great location overlooking the seahouse is well located in shieldaig and five minutes walk from the shop, pub and cafegreat house in an awesome little villagethere are lovely walks from the house and, of course, magnificent mountain and coastal walks only a short drive from the villageawesome location to stay and a very comfortable accommodation
Enjoy touring these picturesque villages in Scotland
Scotland does not lack in breathtaking sceneries, but 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.
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