10 Best Places to Visit in Scotland in Winter

Scotland is beautiful year-round. The island's ruined castles, beautiful mountains, rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and sumptuous lochs tempt photographers. A layer of snow and ice turns these natural treasures into a winter wonderland you won't want to leave.

Scotland has several winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and Christmas markets. Book a Cairngorms National Park dogsledding trip, climb Fairy Glen basalt hills, or cruise Loch Ness. The Scottish Highlands' Shetland Isles or the Inner Hebrides' rustic Isle of Coll are also good places to see the northern lights.

Scotland's winter weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for everything. Warm, waterproof gear, thick socks, layers, and a hat are essential. Some sightseeing attractions are seasonal, so check first.

Our list of Scotland's top winter destinations will help you plan.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is even more magical when snow falls. Edinburgh Castle's hilltop castle over the Royal Mile casts a lovely radiance. This top destination offers winter delights with gorgeous Christmas markets and dazzling lights.

Edinburgh is a top winter destination in the UK. Walk up Holyrood Park's highest point, Arthur's Seat, in good weather. The top offers a stunning perspective of Edinburgh's historic and steepled churches.

Don your skates and spin around one of the many outdoor ice rinks (St. Andrew Square has an oval rink surrounding the Melville Monument). Romantic twilight skates are much better with hot chocolate.

Christmas events include rides, a Christmas Tree Maze, Santa's Grotto, a carousel, and the 60-meter Star Flyer from November to January. Hogmanay (New Year's) is another celebrated holiday with fireworks.

Inverness

Inverness, at the north end of the Great Glen, is stunning. Walking along Loch Ness and seeing the vista from Urqhuart Castle is a must-do for winter visitors to Scotland.

Walk around the neighborhood and breathe in the cool air while admiring the snow and ice on the ancient buildings and picturesque environment. Next, arrange a round at Inverness Golf Club. Golf can be played in winter.

Attend a show at one of the many theaters to remain warm. Eden Court Theatre's humorous pantomime (or "panto") is highly recommended.

Shopping in the town center, visiting Castle Gallery, and eating at a local restaurant by a fire are other nice pastimes.

Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is perfect for holiday shopping. The St. Enoch Square Christmas market has unique items, sweets, beautiful lights, and music.

A Glasgow on Ice skating rink, gigantic Ferris wheel, carousel, crafts, and sweets add to George Square's holiday excitement.

While walking Style Mile in your winter gear, look for beauty. You'll see magnificent Victorian mansions and other historic buildings that will make your camera excited.

Visit the grand Glasgow Cathedral for indoor entertainment. Consider spending two hours at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This 1901 structure is home to Van Gogh and Salvador Dali works.

Fort William

Fort William, a small city in Lochaber, is the Highlands' second-largest city after Inverness. Historic streets offer fun activities like touring Old Inverlochy Castle, traversing Neptune's Staircase, boutique shopping, and dining at one of many restaurants.

Got a chill? Visit the Treasures of the Earth and West Highland Museums or have a substantial pie by the fire at a local restaurant to stay warm.

Fort William, the UK's "outdoor capital," is a headquarters for explorers with stunning views of Loch Linnhe. Seven miles distant are the Nevis Range, Great Glen, Mallaig, and Glencoe, offering many hiking, biking, sledding, and skiing activities.

Red deer, seals, red squirrels, European otters, and golden eagles are Scotland's "Big Five" for wildlife watchers. This is commonly done in one day of exploring the lands surrounding Fort William due to less leaves to hide beneath.

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest peak, located in the Grampians. In one year, around 125,000 people visit these mountains, some "bagging the Ben" to the summit of its huge star.

If you want to be one of them, plan your itinerary and pack for every conditions. Only experienced climbers should do this hike in winter. From the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre parking area, The Mountain Track is the easiest path.

Winter activities are abundant in the Scottish mountains outside Fort William, however they pale in contrast to the Alps. Skiers and snowboarders have many runs and off-piste. This icy place is popular for snow biking and sledding.

Want to slow down? Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Consider taking the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola for a scenic ride to the peak of Aonach Mòr. From here, you can hike Sgurr Finnisg-aig (40 minutes return) or Meall Beag (an hour).

Lacked gear? No worries—Nevis Range Mountain Experience rents snowshoes and snowboards.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, the largest Inner Hebrides island, is 80 kilometers long. It may be the most beautiful. You'll want to stay longer to see fairy glens, ancient rock pools, stunning mountains, and deep craggy valleys.

Winter vacationers don't have to crop visitors out of images or pay high meal and hotel bills. In winter, dawn is at 9am instead of 3:30am, so you can easily watch it.

The Fairy Pools are beautiful year-round, but winter's warm light and shimmering frost make them much better. Fairy Glen above Uig is an eerie place. Climbing basalt slopes is fun, but watch out for ice.

Cairngorms National Park

Winter is a great time to hike, birdwatch, or take photos at Cairngorm National Park. Wildlife thrives at this Scottish Highlands beauty. While wandering its trails, you may see a red deer or golden eagle.

You can walk for days in the park's vastness, warming up at local restaurants with hearty food. Try skiing at one of the park's three resorts. Weather permitting, Cairn Gorm Mountain, The Lecht Ski Centre, and Glenshee Ski and Snowboard are open December–May.

Don't like mountain-zipping? Try cross-country skiing. Slochd and Glenmore have miles of forest pathways. Book something new like a dogsled trip. Aviemore's Cairngorm Sleddog Center guides Cairngorm Mountain Range hikes.

Loch Leven

Loch Leven, 20 miles south of Perth in Scotland, is a stunning freshwater lake. The country's largest lowland loch is a nature sanctuary and great photo spot.

In winter, around 35,000 birds live in Loch Leven, making it a popular birding destination. Learn about them at the RSPB Loch Leven Center and hire binoculars to watch them from the hides.

Visitors should see Loch Leven Castle on an island in the loch. This housed Mary Queen of Scots. Another draw is the 21-kilometer Loch Leven Heritage Trail, which allows visitors to stroll or bike around the loch and admire its splendor.

Urquhart Castle

The ruins of Urquhart Castle on a headland overlooking Loch Ness reveal its 1,000-year-old heritage. This majestic castle, one of the largest in the nation, is a must-see for its beauty, views, and history.

Grant Tower offers the nicest views, but the windowless prison cell is unnerving. The massive trebuchet on the main lawn will amaze kids. They can climb the hill to the gift shop for a reward.

Booking a boat tour to explore Loch Ness and see the lovely castle from the water adds enjoyment. With luck, you may see the Loch Ness Monster, so bring a camera.

Glencoe Mountain Resort

Visitors bring skis and poles to this resort in winter for its challenging runs. Home to "the longest and steepest ski run in Scotland," this is the location to fly down UK snow slopes.

Skiers and snowboarders can explore 20 routes of all levels and eight lifts to the peak. The Plateau Café serves hot cuisine daily, making it a great midday break destination.

No skier? No issue. Guests can sled or hike the hills to enjoy the winter landscape at this natural treasure.