10 magical places

No words can recreate the impact of seeing Glencoe for the first time. It has long been one of Scotland’s most famous places, known equally for its rare beauty and sorrowful past. Discover its remarkable history, landscape and wildlife, as well as the backdrops for films including Braveheart and Skyfall.

With gardens, beaches, woodlands, trails, new adventure playgrounds and, to crown it all, a cliff-top castle of monumental size: there’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic day out at Culzean. There really is something for all the family in this wildlife-rich 260ha estate, opulent to the extreme.

These three wild islands lie just south of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, and boast some of the finest coastal landscapes in Scotland. Spellbinding in beauty, they’re also fascinating for the traces they hold of the people who once lived on them. Look out for the incredible breeding colonies of seabirds.

This stretch of magical Perthshire forest was an 18th-century pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl. Douglas firs tower over you as you take the path to the roaring Black Linn waterfall, where the River Braan crashes into the deep, foaming pools below. Deep in the woods, discover the picturesque folly known as Ossian’s Hall.

If fairytales were real, all castles would look like Craigievar. Discover the beautiful property said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Admire an impressive collection of artefacts and art – including Raeburn portraits, armour and weapons – or enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden and estate.

Explore this coastal haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and walkers. See thousands of seabirds and be awed by the dramatic cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters. You can spend hours enjoying the fresh sea air and epic views of this remote and wild cliff-top beauty spot.

Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil. Explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, and experience the battle in our immersive surround cinema.

Visit the iconic monument honouring the fallen Jacobite clansmen, framed by spectacular Highland scenery. Raise your bonnet to the lone, kilted highlander who stands on top of the monument. Enjoy the panoramic views of Loch Shiel, the dramatic mountains and, especially for Harry Potter fans, the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Escape the everyday and discover a beautiful island of distinctive rocks, magical caves and seabirds. See the famous hexagonal rock columns, formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, enjoy a puffin-spotting picnic on the top of the island, and listen to the astonishing acoustics of Fingal’s Cave.

This bizarre and beautiful folly has always amazed and inspired visitors. Originally built as a garden retreat, the grounds are now a haven for various species of wildlife. Admire the intriguing pineapple-shaped building, enjoy the fantastic views and take time to explore the surrounding woodland and pond.