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. There is also a wide array of accommodations available, including country cottages and treehouse cabins in Scotland. 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.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 29, 2024.
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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.
Saint Monans, Fife, United Kingdom
78.92 km (49.1 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure ParkAccommodates: 2
Top 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
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.
Rig Cottage
96.06 km (59.7 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
3. East Linton, East Lothian (from USD 206)
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.
The Crown Guest House
Address: 25-27 Bridge Street, East Linton, East Lothian
87.89 km (54.7 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
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4. Crovie, Aberdeenshire (from USD 142)
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are really comfortable and the rear deck works great if there is a sea breezewe enjoyed hot tea and coffee and loved the large tablethe wifi worked with ease and we had a wonderful time just footsteps from the north seathe small kitchen is very well equippedkitchen is fully equipped and you will sleep like a rockCleanliness:
it was spotlessly cleanHost:
the host was very friendly and welcominggisela was a great host and very nicegisela is a wonderful host who goes out of her way to assist and accommodate every requestgisela is a fantastic host and we really enjoyed our stay in the mission hall cottagegisela the host is lovely - and the whole community so friendly and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location and very quiet/remotecrovie is a wonderful place so peacefulgreat location and lots of good local walkslocation a real plus gisela is really nice and helpful definitely be backsimply stunning location at the edge of the world
5. Lanark, South Lanarkshire (from USD 193)
Reasonable pricing for a UNESCO site stay, with some room for improvement in value
Beautiful riverside location, health spa, spacious rooms, and historical significance
Situated within the historical New Lanark village, offering beautiful walks and views
Varied dining experiences, with some standout dishes and room for improvement in service
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.
New Lanark Mill Hotel
Address: New Lanark Mills
57.76 km (35.9 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
6. Killin, Perthshire (from USD 122)
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.
Killin Hotel
Address: Main Street
38.28 km (23.8 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
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.
BRAEMAR, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
101.63 km (63.2 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
8. Portnahaven, Islay (from USD 121)
Reasonable rates for spacious, clean rooms with stunning views.
Well-equipped rooms with thoughtful extras like bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. Off-road parking available.
Beautiful seaside location with easy access to coastal walks and a charming harbor. Dark skies and conservation area for nature enthusiasts.
Exceptional breakfast with a large selection, including vegetarian options. Friendly hosts provide great dining recommendations.
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
163.22 km (101.5 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
9. Fort Augustus, Loch Ness (from USD 170)
Reasonably priced B&B with good value for money.
Spacious, clean rooms with modern bathrooms and jacuzzi baths. Self-check-in available. Ample parking on-site.
Great central location, walking distance to restaurants, pubs, and attractions. Close to Loch Ness and canal.
Good breakfast with substantial options. Friendly and accommodating hosts. Self-service buffet style breakfast.
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
115.92 km (72.1 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
10. Balloch, West Dunbartonshire (from USD 192)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, comfortable rooms
Convenient location near Loch Lomond, railway station, and local attractions
Picturesque setting next to the water, ideal for exploring Loch Lomond and national park
Delicious meals with a cozy atmosphere, local musicians and poets for entertainment
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.
Balloch House by Innkeeper's Collection
Address: The Balloch House, Balloch Road
38.14 km (23.7 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
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.
The Holt
163.14 km (101.4 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
12. Scourie, Sutherland (from USD 197)
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.
Scourie Hotel
Address: Scourie
253.74 km (157.7 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
13. 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.
Top 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
14. 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
104.52 km (65.0 mi) from Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
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.
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