If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Scotland, we’ve got your complete guide. Whether you’re wanting to stroll along the coast, see some epic castles, or take a step back in history, this part of the world offers something for everyone.
Scotland is a beautiful country, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and hospitality. So it’s not hard to understand why so many people visit every year, particularly families looking for a scenic staycation.
Aside from day trips, there’s also plenty of places to stay including a range of holiday homes. Whether you’re more drawn to the country or the coast, at Meridian Parks, we have sites suited to both. From the rolling Lammermuir Hills to the fishing village of Tayport, you can choose a site that best suits you and your family. We’re dog friendly too, so you don’t have to leave any of the family behind!
That said, let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Scotland and what they have to offer.
Hailes Castle
Just a short drive from the Lammermuir Hills, Hailes Castle is a striking reminder of Scotland’s history and one of the country’s oldest surviving stone castles. Nestled in the valley of the River Tyne, the castle was first built by the de Gourlay family in the early 1200s and later expanded by the powerful Hepburns in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Its history is deeply intertwined with Scotland’s turbulent past as it’s thought to be the birthplace of James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, who became the third husband of Mary Queen of Scots before fleeing into exile after her capture in 1567.
Exploring Hailes Castle is fascinating as the crumbling walls and remains of the great hall hint at its former grandeur, while the surrounding countryside provides stunning views that are perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic.
The Scottish Seabird Centre
The Scottish Seabird Centre is a fantastic family-friendly adventure along the East Lothian coast, allowing you to explore the wonders of Scotland’s seas. Situated in North Berwick, it offers interactive shows and live cameras that bring the wildlife of the nearby islands to life.
If you want to get more up close and personal, you can hop on a boat trip to see puffins, seals, and gannets on the Bass Rock, making it educational and fun for all ages. This attraction is a must-visit in Scotland, whether you’re fascinated by seabirds or simply want a fun day out with your family. You can also enjoy the coastal views from the seabird café and browse sustainable gifts in the shop on your way out.
Open daily, this is a great experience for the kids to learn more about wildlife and experience it first-hand.
St Andrews
Just a short trip from Tayport, the town of St Andrews is popular thanks to its combination of history, culture, and coastal charm. Best known as the “home of golf,” it has some of the most famous courses in the world, including the iconic Old Course.
Aside from that you can also soak up the historic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and the nearby castle, both steeped in centuries of Scottish history. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, you’ll be spoilt for choice! The town has a range of cafés, restaurants, and shops, making it perfect for an afternoon out. So whether you’re a history enthusiast, an avid golfer, or just looking to explore, St Andrews has to be on your list.
East Links Family Park
Located in Dunbar, East Links Family Park makes for a great family day out! Featuring attractions such as train safari where you can feed the farm animals, pony rides, and small animal handling, it allows children to get up close and personal with the farm’s furry residents.
Spanning 20 acres of farm-themed adventure, there’s lots to see and do regardless of your age. It’s also a great place for the kids to burn off some energy, with activities including giant play areas, go-karts, and trampolines. In the summer months, you can enjoy Water Wars which is a floating platform featuring 8 water jet canons, a huge fountain and duck targets. This is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Tentsmuir Forest & Beach
Tentsmuir Forest & Beach is perfect for nature lovers and families alike. With miles of walking and cycling trails through towering forests, it’s ideal for an afternoon stroll or an active day out – whatever you have the energy for!
At the edge of the forest, you’ll find a sandy beach that’s often peaceful and quiet, allowing you and your family to truly relax. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as seals and seabirds, and enjoy the refreshing sea air along the coastline.
Belhaven Bay
If you’re looking for a peaceful walk, look no further than Belhaven Bay. This stretch of coastline is ideal for soaking up the sea air and taking in some lovely views. It also makes a great walking spot for you and your four legged best friend as there’s plenty of room for them to burn off their energy.
Aside from this, you can enjoy a family picnic whilst watching the waves roll in. The views of the sea stretching to the horizon are calming, and the area is relatively quiet so you won’t be disturbed by the hustle and bustle. If you’re a fan of birdwatching also, there’s lots of nature to enjoy so take your camera to snap away!
Arbroath Cliffs
Arbroath Cliffs lies just south of the town with some of the most breathtaking scenery in Angus. The cliffs rise above the sea, creating dramatic views that are perfect for a nice walk or just taking in the sea air. You’ve also got the best of both worlds with one side having open fields, and on the other, the open sea.
There are signposted paths along the clifftops too, giving you lots of opportunities to take in the rugged coastline. Whether you’re interested in walking/ hiking, photography, or you just want to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty, it has to be one of the best places to visit in Scotland.
Top tip: The path is quite close to the edge of the cliffs, so be careful.
Signal Tower Museum
Arbroath’s Signal Tower Museum is situated near the harbour and sits in a group of buildings which were originally used as the shore station and accommodation for the Bell Rock Lighthouse. First built in 1813, the Signal Tower served the lighthouse until it was decommissioned in 1955. It became a museum in 1974, allowing the public to explore its fascinating history as it’s one of the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouses.
By taking a trip to the museum, visitors can climb the spiral staircase and visit the tower room as there’s a range of tours available. There’s also lots of interactive exhibits, original artefacts, and stories about the incredible engineering that made the lighthouse possible. Entry is also free and it’s dog friendly, so it’s a win-win for the whole family!
Holidays Park In Scotland
Now that you’ve explored some of the best places to visit in Scotland with the whole family, you might be thinking about finding the perfect place to stay. While day trips are great, extending your break by hiring a holiday home, or buying one of your own, means you can return again and again. This home-from-home gives you the freedom to pack up after work, hop in the car, and be at your very own retreat in just an hour or two.
At Meridian Parks, we have a range of locations across the North East and Scotland, including three beautiful parks here in Scotland. Whether you’re drawn to rolling countryside or a coastal escape, you’ll find something to suit your lifestyle. All of our parks are dog-friendly, and with on-site amenities and activities, the whole family can feel comfortable and entertained during every stay.
Best Places to Visit in Scotland for the Whole Family
From historic castles and coastal walks, to family attractions and adventures, Scotland has so much to offer.
Whether you’re exploring the Lammermuir Hills, strolling along the Fife coast, or soaking up the charm of Arbroath, every trip brings new memories to treasure. With so many family-friendly activities right on the doorstep, it’s the perfect destination for both short breaks and longer getaways.
If you’d like to make Scotland a place you can return to time and again, come and explore one of our holiday parks. Book a visit to one of our parks today and take the first step towards finding your family’s perfect escape.
