13 Most Beautiful Villages In Scotland - Updated 2024

Sharon A.
Posted Apr 08, 2024
| 4 min read

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.

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
384 reviews Wifi Available
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
Read more reviews

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

Wifi Available

Accommodates: 4

Parking Pets allowed Garden Free parking Internet services BBQ facilities Heating WiFi Available

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.

The Crown Guest House

Wifi Available

Address: 25-27 Bridge Street, East Linton, East Lothian
Accommodates: 6

Parking Restaurant Bar Tennis court Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing Free parking

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, Scotland, United Kingdom
111 reviews
Superhost
Wifi Available
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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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.

New Lanark Mill Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: New Lanark Mills
Accommodates: 4

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

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.

Killin Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Main Street
Accommodates: 4

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms

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
32 reviews
Superhost
Wifi Available
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
Read more reviews

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.

Orsay House

Wifi Available

Address: Queen Street Queen Street
Accommodates: 3

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Free parking Internet services Heating

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.

Whitehouse B&B

Wifi Available

Address: Whitehouse A82
Accommodates: 3

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Family rooms Free parking Internet services

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.

Balloch House by Innkeeper's Collection

Wifi Available

Address: The Balloch House, Balloch Road
Accommodates: 4

Parking Restaurant Bar Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services

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.

Scourie Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Scourie
Accommodates: 4

Parking Restaurant Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Free parking

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.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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