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20 of the Prettiest Villages in Scotland

20 of the Prettiest Villages in Scotland

Scotland might have grey skies and chilly winds, but let’s set them aside for a hot minute. This haven of ours is also full of dreamy landscapes, castles, cobblestone streets, and postcard-worthy villages that seem too picture-perfect to be real.

A pastel-coloured cottage here, an age-old distillery there, sprinkle in some flocks of fluffy sheep amidst emerald meadows, and voila, you have a classic Scottish village! So read on to learn more about the prettiest villages Scotland has to offer.

Crovie

Crovie

Directions

Crovie is perched right on the edge of a cliff on the northeastern coast of Scotland. Yep, you’ll have to ditch your car at a nearby parking spot and stroll across a footpath to reach the village.

As you explore the village, you might want to pay a visit to the tiny Crovie Church and the lovely Crovie Garden. For history buffs, the nearby Gardenstown Harbour and its charming museum are only a short hike away.

Pro tip: 

If you’re up for a magical boat ride, pop over to nearby Pennan (more on that later) and take a wildlife-spotting cruise around the caves and coastlines.

Plockton

Plockton

Directions

Plockton has, like, everything you need: lush green landscapes, sparkling waterfronts, and adorable whitewashed cottages. You can mosey down to the harbour, rent a boat, and sail the calm waters of Loch Carron.

Or, if you’re more of a landlubber, you can just meander around the village and snap some Instagram-worthy pics. You can even hop aboard the Plockton Crags Trail, where you’ll walk through scenic landscapes and stumble upon ancient ruins.

Pro tip: 

To witness some of Plockton’s finest views, hike up to An Furan, where you’ll get a stunning panoramic vista of the village and Loch.

Don’t forget to grab a bite at Plockton Shores; their seafood is to die for!

Pennan

Pennan

Directions

Now let’s talk about Pennan. If you’ve seen the classic 1983 movie “Local Hero,” this little village might seem familiar to you. Nestled between high cliffs and the North Sea, it’s like this secret hideaway that Hollywood discovered before any of us!

Once you’ve soaked up the vibe here, you can head down to the harbour and drink in the view while munching on some fish and chips. Speaking of the harbour, there’s no greater way to get up close and personal with the local wildlife than taking a boat tour.

Pro tip: 

If you’ve got a penchant for spine-chilling attractions, check out Hell’s Lum, an eerie sea cave that lives up to its devilish name.

Swing by the Pennan Inn and grab a drink in the bar that starred in “Local Hero.”

Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus

Directions

Fort Augustus is a tiny village hugging the southern tip of Loch Ness, surrounded by lush moors, rich history, and a wee bit of folklore. Sure, you might not spot Nessie, but, c’mon, we all know she’s legendary!

When in Fort Augustus, be sure to hang out at the Caledonian Canal locks. You can spend hours watching boats pass through an ingenious engineering marvel from the 1800s.

Pro tip: 

For optimal Nessie-spotting (wink, wink), visit during sunrise or sunset when the waters are calm and the views are prime for a potential sighting.

Ballater

Ballater

Directions

Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside, Ballater’s got that “picture-postcard” charm and oodles of royal connections. You can take a leisurely stroll through Ballater, and you’ll notice Victorian architecture, wrought-iron lamp posts, and charming boutiques.

Before you bid farewell to Ballater, make sure you hop on the Royal Deeside Railway. It’s the best way to check out the breathtaking landscape and bucketloads of romantic history that surround this enchanting part of Scotland.

Pro tip: 

Swing by the Old Royal Station, now a fancy café, and treat yourself to a cuppa while you enjoy a dose of local history.

Falkland

Falkland

Directions

Imagine a village that’s so darn cute it was used in a hit TV show. Yep, Falkland is the stand-in village for 1940s Inverness in the time-travel series, Outlander.

The Falkland Palace and Garden here is pure magic since it’s an old-school palace that was a favourite hunting lodge of the Stuart monarchs. The East Lomond mountain that looms above the village will also beg you to climb it.

Pro tip: 

If you’re an Outlander fan (or just a fan of cool old places), take a gander at the town square where Jamie’s ghost spotted Claire in the shop window.!

Tobermory

Tobermory

Directions

Tucked away on the Isle of Mull, Tobermory is a splash of light in the Hebridean wilds. Those rainbow-coloured houses hugging the harbour are total eye candy.

You can start exploring by taking a walk along Main Street, where you’ll bump into cute little art galleries, epic seafood restaurants, and eclectic boutiques. It’s also worth checking out the Tobermory Distillery, which has been making whisky since 1798.

Pro tip: 

Don’t skip a trip to the Isle of Staffa. It’s only a boat ride away, and you’ll find the unreal Fingal’s Cave there.

Braemar

Braemar

Directions

Braemar is snuggled up to the Cairngorms and a stone’s throw from Balmoral Castle (The Queen’s summer digs), so you’re smack-dab in Scottish nature at its finest. This place is steeped in history and charm.

Consider popping over to the 17th-century Braemar Castle, which is a wicked slice of Jacobean architecture. Then drift over to the village to admire old stone houses, art galleries, and cafés that’ll treat your taste buds.

Pro tip: 

Keen on a walk or cycle? The old Deeside Railway Line is the way to go.

Be sure to check out the village bakery; they do a mean Scotch pie!

Gardenstown

Gardenstown

Directions

Tucked away on the Moray Firth, Gardenstown has the sea on one side and towering cliffs on the other. You can spend your day meandering through narrow, winding streets and chit-chatting with the friendly locals.

The cool thing about Gardenstown is that it has managed to keep its traditional village feel. When you’re not busy being wowed by Gardenstown’s beauty, check out St. John’s Church in the neighbouring hamlet of Crovie or explore the coastline’s wildlife.

Pro tip: 

Nearby Troup Head is a must-visit. It’s Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony, and the dramatic cliff views are stunning!

Crail

Crail

Directions

Crail is like a beautiful postcard come to life, with its pretty harbour, winding streets, and old stone houses. Just stroll the cobbled streets, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Crail Museum and Heritage Center. They’ve managed to jam a whole lot of history into this little place.

Pro tip: 

If you’re a foodie, aim to visit during the Crail Food Festival in June; it’s a delicious dream!

Pitlochry

Pitlochry

Directions

Pitlochry is the kind of place that makes you want to twirl around, Julie Andrews style, and sing about the hills being alive. Not that we’re recommending that, but you might get some funny looks.

When you explore the town, do not miss out on one of the two local distilleries here. If you fancy a good walk – and who doesn’t? – there are heaps of trails around.

Pro tip: 

Check out the dam and fish ladder. You might see salmon making their way upstream.

Portnahaven

Portnahaven

Directions

Let’s shimmy over to Islay now and the adorable little village of Portnahaven. This place is all about harbour views and whitewashed cottages—plus a bunch of seals that make the local bay their chill-out zone.

Just stroll around the town, and you’ll soak up sights like the snug local pub, the charming parish church, and more lobster traps than you can shake a stick at. You can also pop to the Isle of Orsay and see the Rhinns Lighthouse.

Pro tip: 

Sample a dram at the An Tigh Seinnse pub; the local whisky list is quite remarkable!

St.Abbs

St.Abbs

Directions

Right, let’s head along the coast now to St. Abbs, a super charming fishing village. Here, there are rugged cliffs, sparkling clear waters, and the kind of coastal scenery that’ll make you go, “Wow, now that’s stunning!”.

We recommend taking a hike along St. Abbs Head, where the views are incredible! Don’t forget to visit the visitor centre and maybe learn a few things about local wildlife.

Pro tip: 

Pop into the Ebba Center for a snack or a local craft bargain.

Animal lovers should visit the local nature reserve; there’s tons to see!

Luss

Luss

Directions

Next up, we have Luss, or what I like to call a ‘chocolate box village.’ It’s this cute little spot on the western shore of Loch Lomond.

You might want to stroll along the village’s lush pathways lined with old, quaint cottages. If you’re the outdoorsy type, or even if you’re not, you can try out some watersports on the Loch.

Pro tip: 

Try the homemade ice cream at Luss General Store. It’s so scrumptious!

Applecross

Applecross

Directions

Don’t let Applecross’s small size fool you. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in heart—and jaw-dropping vistas.

You’ll find plenty of historical nooks and crannies here to keep you entertained. If you’re up for a wild swim, you can head to Sand Bay; just don’t forget your wetsuit—it’s not called the Highland Chill Factor for nothing!

Pro tip: 

Seafood lovers, grab a meal at the Applecross Inn. Amazing local seafood!

Portree

Portree

Directions

There’s plenty going on here in Portree—a cute harbour, friendly locals, and eateries serving out-of-this-world seafood. And let’s not even get started on those sweet pastel-coloured houses lining the harbour.

There’s a heap of sights and activities in this town, like historical attractions and natural beauty. Quiraing, Kilt Rock, The Old Man of Storr, and even the Aros Centre are must-sees.

Pro tip: 

If you fancy a walk, you can go to The Lump because it provides fantastic views of the harbour.

Tarbet

Tarbet

Directions

Next, let’s explore Tarbet, not to be confused with Tarbert. This little beauty is located on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, which, if you ask me, is just about as lovely a location as you can get in Scotland.

The place is chock-full of walking trails waiting for you to unveil fantastic views (think Instagram!). Plus, the Loch is right there, begging you to take a boat trip.

Pro tip: 

If you can, drop by in January for the annual Tarbet Ceilidh. Trust me, it’s a banger!

Anstruther

Anstruther

Directions

Now, we’re off to Anstruther, or ‘Ainster’ if you’re up with the local lingo. This fishing village is a smacker, nestled on the Fife coast.

Sightseeing in Anstruther can mean coastal paths with some killer views, exploring the Scottish Fisheries Museum, and the pier. Once you’ve worn out the soles of your shoes, you can replenish your depleted energy levels at the Anstruther Fish Bar.

Pro tip: 

Take a boat trip to the Isle of May, home to a dizzying variety of seabirds.

Stromness

Stromness

Directions

Next up, Stromness! This not-so-sleepy town on Orkney’s got plenty to shout about. You can unwind and follow the winding flagstone streets, lined with quirky 18th-century buildings.

If arts and crafts are more your thing, you’re in luck because Stromess is a bustling cultural hub. And who can resist the local galleries filled with the works of local artists? 

Pro tip: 

Remember to visit the Pier Arts Center, a real tribute to contemporary art.

Pittenweem

Pittenweem

Directions

Last but by no means least, we’re off to Pittenweem. This is just about as picturesque as a fishing village can get—white-washed houses, red-tiled roofs, and all the seaside charm you can handle.

This is relaxation central. You could spend all day just wandering the higgledy-piggledy streets, lounging on the beach, or whispering sweet nothings to the resident seagulls.

Pro tip: 

Remember to sample the seminal Pittenweem Chocolate Company’s hot chocolate.

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