8 GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHEAST SCOTLAND

DUNDEE

The city of Dundee was once famed for its three Js – jute, jam, and journalism. It also had major whaling and shipbuilding industries that helped it flourish during the 18th and 19th centuries. As times changed and the jute and whaling industry declined, Dundee adapted and diversified. Fueled primarily by innovation and design it was eventually recognized as a UNESCO City of Design – a prestigious award only granted to 22 other cities in the world.

Dundee continues to grow and evolve and is gaining notoriety in the U.K. and across the globe as a hub for culture, arts, and design innovation.  It has won multiple awards as a must-visit destination from top publications such as GQ Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and National Geographic, and has even won awards as Scotland’s Best Place to live in by the Sunday Times.

Additionally, Dundee also boasts a very favorable location on the east coast, with a record number of sunny days, easy access via public transport to all six main cities in Scotland, and a variety of activities in the city and at its doorstep. All this makes it a perfect destination to visit or to call home while you explore the rest of Scotland.

MUST DO IN DUNDEE:

• The Victoria & Albert Museum (The V&A Dundee): With close to a million visitors since it opened its doors in September of 2018, the V&A is a must-visit when in Dundee.  Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma the V&A hosts a variety of exhibits celebrating Scotland’s design heritage.
• Discovery Point & the RRS Discovery: Right next to the V&A the traditional three-masted wooden style vessel is a huge contrast to the modern museum next door. Here you learn about Dundee’s maritime history and the famous voyage to Antarctica as the ship, captain, and crew, sailed into uncharted territory.
• Broughty Castle: Located less than minutes from the city center on the banks of the River Tay is the historic Broughty Castle. This castle was built to help defend against the English Navy. It is free to visit and offers fantastic views over the river.

To learn more about Dundee and all it has to offer here is a city guide to the best of Dundee including more things to see and do, where to shop, eat and stay during your visit.

Contribution and Photo from Joella of RovingJo

Reviews of V&A Dundee  |  Reviews of Discovery Point & RRS Discovery  |  Reviews of Broughty Castle

NORTH BERWICK

North Berwick is a charming seaside town in Scotland. Nestled alongside the Firth of Forth, the coastal harbor community is the perfect place for a day out or weekend break and often attracts crowds of people in search of some rest and relaxation.

However, many visitors don’t realize the tiny resort town also has strong ties to a dark history. North Berwick played a major role in the 1590 witch hunts and evidence of the hunts, as well as the North Berwick Witch Trials which followed, can still be spotted throughout the town.

Despite its morbid past, today North Berwick is associated with golden beaches, musical seabirds and impressive golf courses that create the ideal environment for a charming coastal getaway.

MUST DO IN NORTH BERWICK:

• Scottish Seabird Centre: Lining the Firth of Forth is the Scottish Seabird Centre, a charity that teaches visitors about local seabirds while helping to protect the species which call North Berwick home. Here you can admire the seabirds that live in the nearby rocks and isles, an enchanting experience that will turn even the most apathetic person into an avid bird watcher.
• Golf at the Glen Golf Club: Scotland is well-known internationally for its excellent golf courses and people flock from all over the world to enjoy a game on the green. The Glen Golf Club is one of the most esteemed in the area and rewards players with stunning views of the nearby waters.
• Relax on the Beach: Take the family for a day out and spend it on one of the delightful sandy beaches that line North Berwick. Bring some buckets and spades, start a sandcastle building challenge between your kids and relax on a blanket nearby while they play.

Contribution and Photo from Crystal of Wandering Crystal

Reviews of Scottish Seabird Centre  |  Reviews of Glen Golf Club  |  Reviews of North Berwick Beaches

PITLOCHRY

Located in the Perthshire Highlands, Pitlochry is a Victorian town and a lovely place to escape as a day trip or a weekend getaway from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The landscape around Pitlochry is beautiful and the surrounding mountains, such as Ben Vrackie, make it a fabulous place for hikers. In Gaelic, Pitlochry or “Pit Cloich Aire” means “place of the Sentinel Stone”.

The town grew during the 18th century when the Great North Road was built for access to the Highlands. The construction of the Highland Main Line Railway in 1863 attracted more visitors, including high-profile ones such as Queen Victoria.

Pitlochry is not far from the spot where the Battle of Killiecrankie occurred in 1689 when the Jacobite Rising of Bonnie Dundee was victorious despite being outnumbered during the battle.

These days, Pitlochry is a charming escape with lovely restaurants, whiskey distilleries, museums, and shops. 

MUST DO IN PITLOCHRY:

• Visit the Fish Ladder and Dam at the Pitlochry Power Station: Here you can watch salmon swimming upstream to spawn at Loch Faskally. At the time of construction (between 1947 and 1951), the dam was a contentious issue as locals feared it would be not very good for tourism.
• Enjoy a Hike: Hiking is something everyone should do when visiting Pitlochry, and there are hikes to suit most fitness levels. Many walking paths begin right in town (follow the signposts) and meander past the river, through forests, and up to fabulous views. There are walking paths linking Pitlochry to Strathtay, Killiecrankie, Moulin, and the summit of Ben Vrackie.
• Edradour Distillery: Enjoy a tipple at the smallest legal whisky distillery in Scotland, Edradour Distillery, or try the Blair Athol Distillery or Robertson’s of Pitlochry.

Contribution and Photo from Christina of Travel2Next

Reviews of Fish Ladder and Dam  |  Reviews of Hiking Trails  |  Reviews of Eradour Distillery

DUNFERMLINE

It’s hard to believe now, but at one time Dunfermline was the capital of Scotland. These days, it’s a very quiet, sleepy town compared with Edinburgh or Glasgow. And while its most important monuments lie largely in ruins, that just makes them all the more atmospheric.

MUST DO IN DUNFERMLINE:

• Dunfermline Abbey: Dunfermline’s primary attraction is its abbey, which was constructed in the 11th century in the Romanesque style. It’s the final resting place of Robert the Bruce and several other Scottish kings. Within the same complex is Dunfermline Palace, a later addition that was built in the 16th century. Not long after the palace was built, the entire complex was ransacked during the Scottish Reformation. Of the various rooms that now lie in ruins, the refectory is the most impressive. There’s also a newly built church on the site of the old transept and chancel, where church services are held.
• Pittencrieff Park: Right next to the abbey and palace is Pittencrieff Park, which locals refer to as simply “The Glen”. It’s one of the loveliest parks in all of Scotland. The park was once owned by famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, a Dunfermline native, who then donated it to the people of the town. In the eastern section, look for King Malcolm’s tower, which dates from around 1000 AD.
• Walk to Crossford Village: Once you’ve seen the sights in town, consider taking a walk to one of the nearby villages. Crossford, just 45 minutes away on foot, is home to the 16th-century Pitfirrane Castle as well as Scotland’s first vegan B&B.

Contribution and Photo from Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Reviews of Dunfermline Abbey  |  Reviews of Pittencrieff Park

ST. ANDREWS

The attractive seaside town of St Andrews is located in Fife on the east coast of Scotland and just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.  Despite its size, this market town still manages to deliver a top university, a world-renowned golf course, a superb array of restaurants and bars, two fantastic beaches, and an incredible selection of historic buildings.

Named after Saint Andrew, the Apostle, the town is known for once being the capital of Scotland. It’s steeped in history – St Andrews Cathedral was constructed in 1160, the castle in 1189, while the university was founded in 1413 by the order of the Pope.

It would be impossible not to mention the game of golf when writing about the town that is known as the Home of Golf. The legendary Old Course was founded in 1552 and features at the top of every golfer’s bucket list… indeed thousands flock here every year from around the globe, just to play a round of golf.

MUST DO IN ST ANDREWS:

• St Andrews Castle: The ruins of St Andrews Castle are dramatically located on a steep rocky cliff with a commanding view over the crashing sea below. Despite its incomplete state, the castle still features a fascinating mine and countermine tunnel, a well-preserved example of a bottle dungeon and a small visitor centre.
• St Andrews Cathedral: It’s possible to wander around 90% of the site for free with only a small charge to visit the museum and climb to the top of St Rules Tower. It’s a long way to the top and access is by a large number of narrow stone steps, but the view from the top is spectacular. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture the iconic gothic architecture of the East Tower.
• Beaches: The town has two great beaches, each with a very different feel. West Sands is a vast expanse of sand that stretches for almost 2 miles and lies adjacent to the Old Course. In contrast, East Sands is small, but packed with interest and often considered as the locals’ beach.

Contribution and Photo from Gillian of Scotland Bucket List

Reviews of St Andrews Castle  |  Reviews of St Andrews Cathedral  |  Reviews of West Sands Beach  |  Reviews of East Sands Beach

MELROSE

Melrose is a small town in the Scottish Borders that lives and breathes Scottish history and culture. The town was built around a monastery known as Melrose Abbey, one of the four Border Abbeys in the region. 

The valley in which Melrose is located has been inhabited for thousands of years. Romans built a fort here around 80 AD. It was named Trimonitum, after the three hills towering high above the village. The Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre tells the story of these Romans in Scotland. Hundreds of years later, in the 6th century, the first monastery was built in the area, but today’s Abbey was first erected in 1136. The Abbey was a religious hotspot for Catholic Christians in Scotland until the time of the Reformation but has since fallen into ruin. It is still one of the most impressive sites in the area though!

Melrose and the Scottish Borders were also the home of Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish writer and poet who lived in the late 18th/early 19th century. He put the Scottish Borders on the map and even hosted Queen Victoria at his nearby home Abbotsford House.

Today, Melrose is a bustling hub for the area popular among day-trippers from Edinburgh, hikers who stroll up the Eildon Hills, and foodies who come for delicious local produce at the town’s restaurants. 

MUST DO IN MELROSE:

• Melrose Abbey: Even though it lies in ruin, Melrose Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in Scotland. It is probably best known as the final resting place of the embalmed heart of King Robert the Bruce. The burial site is marked by a round stone with a carving of a heart and the Scottish saltire. Visitors can roam the abbey grounds, wander among the remaining walls and arches, and even climb to a viewpoint up on the roof.
• Eildon Hills: The three peaks of the Eildon Hills may only rise to 1,385 ft, but they offer fantastic views of Melrose and the surrounding area. The trail starts right in the centre of Melrose and it takes around 3-4 hours to climb up all three summits and back down again.
• Abbotsford House: The stunning home of Sir Walter Scott looks like a fairytale castle and lies just outside of Melrose on the peaceful banks of the River Tweed. You can visit the ground floor of the house which has been restored to its original state, wander through the mesmerising flower garden and follow the trails around the Estate.

Contribution and Photo from Kathi of Watch Me See

Reviews of Melrose Abbey  |  Reviews of Eildon Hills  |  Reviews of Abbotsford House

STIRLING

Stirling has been strategically important for centuries. As the lowest bridging point on the River Forth until the late 19th-century and with the highly defendable area where the castle was built are two reasons why the saying “He who holds Stirling, holds Scotland” has often been quoted.

This strategic location meant the castle and surrounding area saw many battles during times of conflict between the Scots and the English. King James VI grew up in Stirling and was later also made King of England and Ireland, helping bring England and Scotland closer together.

MUST DO IN STIRLING:

• Explore one of Scotland’s most important castles: For at least 900 years Stirling Castle has defended the downstream crossing of the River Forth. A palace as well as an important defensive castle, it has been the site of Scottish coronations including that of Mary, Queen of Scots. The Royal Palace has been refurbished to look as it may have done during the time it was Mary’s childhood home.
• Climb the National Wallace Monument: Built to commemorate Sir William Wallace almost 600 years after his death. The Wallace Monument contains a number of artifacts believed to have belonged to the Scottish hero. But the main attraction for visitors is the stunning views across the Ochill Hills and the Forth Valley that those prepared to climb the 294 steps to the top can see.
• Check out life behind bars at the Old Town Jail: Explore what life was like for prisoners in Stirling in the 19th-century. You can hear tales of the pointless labour the prisoners were subjected too as well as stories about Jock ‘The Happy Hangman’ Rankin. Finally, don’t miss the observation tower which offers fantastic views of Stirling and the surrounding area.

Reviews of Stirling Castle  |  Reviews of National Wallace Monument  |  Reviews of The Old Town Jail

EDINBURGH

The capital of Scotland since at least the 15th-century, Edinburgh has plenty of history and things to see and do to attract visitors. From the castle, which dominates the skyline, the distance down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse is almost exactly a mile (hence the name) and most of the central attractions are easily reached from here.

Nearby are the famous landmarks such as the natural Arthur’s Seat and the magnificent man-made Forth Bridge, which is one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each summer, the city hosts the Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world with only the Olympics selling more tickets!

MUST DO IN EDINBURGH:

• Edinburgh Castle: Undoubtedly the most remarkable attraction in the city, Edinburgh Castle is a must-do on your visit. Dating back to the 7th century, the castle is set atop a craggy outcrop and is a cluster of museums, militaria, chapels, cannons, vaults, prisons, and the Scottish Crown Jewels – all with an amazing view of the whole city below.
• Royal Yacht Britannia: For 43 years the Royal Yacht Britannia was a floating advertisement for Britain when it travelled the globe, as well as a yacht for the Royal Family to relax on away from prying eyes. Today you can explore this beautiful ship, see the royal bedrooms, crew quarters, bridge, engine rooms, and much more.
• Palace of Holyrood House & Abbey: With the beautiful backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, this stately building developed from a guesthouse back in the 1500s. Today it is the royal family’s official residence in Scotland which the Queen uses for one week each summer to perform engagements and ceremonies. When the Royal Family is not in residence, visitors can see inside the apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots as well as the State Apartments.

Reviews of Edinburgh Castle  |  Reviews of Palace of Holyrood House & Abbey  |  Reviews of Royal Yacht Britannia

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SCOTLAND

• Want to visit castles in Scotland? Check out The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces, and Stately House of Britain and Ireland and you’re sure to find plenty to explore!
• The Most Amazing Royal Places in Britain brings British heritage to life with hundreds of ideas for days out to discover castles, grand estates, and the secret hideaways of kings and queens.
• For all things Scotland, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his Scotland travel guide, full episodes of his TV show, or download his app for excellent audio tours.