Two beautiful Scottish locations named among best places to visit in the UK (2025)

Two Scottish gems have been ranked among the UK’s top travel spots for their stunning views, history and charm.

Two Scottish destinations have been named among the very best places to visit in the UK, thanks to their breathtaking scenery, rich history and unique charm.

Travel experts at Lonely Planet have unveiled their top 11 must-see spots across Britain, and both Edinburgh and the Scottish islands have earned their place on the list.

Known for their dramatic landscapes and cultural depth, these Scottish favourites stood out for more than just their good looks. The travel guide authors chose each destination for its distinct character and deep historical and cultural roots.

They wrote: “From the waves breaking against the White Cliffs of Dover to the soaring Scottish Highlands, the UK is an ancient and starkly beautiful land.

"But within these wild scenes is a country with a dense cultural legacy stretching back centuries, offering fascinating sojourns into music, literature, food and much more.”

They added: “There’s much to explore. So decide what you’re interested in and plan well, here are the best places to visit in the UK.”

Edinburgh

Edinburgh has earned a glowing mention in Lonely Planet’s latest roundup of the UK’s top travel spots, praised as the “best for spectacular scenes and beguiling bookshops”.

Described as “one of the most majestic cities in Europe, let alone Britain”, the Scottish capital is lauded for its “ethereal spires, multilayered topography and hilltop castle”.

But beyond the postcard views, it’s also celebrated for its deep literary roots, with famed writers like Robert Louis Stevenson, Muriel Spark and Sir Walter Scott among its homegrown talent.

Lonely Planet notes that the city’s love affair with literature is on full display in its many charming bookshops. In the Old Town, Armchair Books is described as “the perfect secondhand bookstore”, complete with well-stocked shelves and that unmistakable musty scent that bibliophiles adore.

For something more modern, The Portobello Bookshop offers a “sleek and airy” space on the coast, ideal for fans of contemporary fiction.

Meanwhile, Lighthouse Bookshop proudly showcases queer and LGBTIQ+ titles, reflecting the city’s inclusive spirit. And in Stockbridge, Rare Birds Books makes a bold statement, selling only books written by women.

Scottish Island

Named “best for wild scenery and distillery hopping”, the Scottish Islands are hailed as one of the most “otherworldly experiences” in Britain. From jagged mountains to serene coastal trails, each island offers something unique, and distinctly Scottish.

Lonely Planet suggests starting with Arran, affectionately dubbed “Scotland in Miniature”. The island packs a geographical punch, with rugged peaks in the north melting into gentle farmland in the south.

Heading further west, Islay may not be the most dramatic in terms of scenery, but what it lacks in views it more than makes up for in whisky. Its “breezy coastal trail between Laphroaig and Ardbeg” is described as “a rite of passage” for Scotch lovers.

On Mull, travellers can sip a dram at the Tobermory distillery while keeping an eye out for some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife, from otters and red deer to white-tailed and golden eagles.

And then there’s Skye, often called the crown jewel of the Hebrides. With its Fairy Pools, dramatic Black Cuillins, and cinematic scenery, Lonely Planet calls it “probably Scotland’s most photogenic island”, though warns that summer visitors should expect crowds.

Travellers are advised to plan ahead: “The islands are hugely popular,” Lonely Planet cautions, recommending early booking for both accommodation and CalMac ferry crossings. And for those bound for Skye, there’s the added bonus of being able to drive straight there from the mainland.