Top 10 Famous landmarks in Scotland

If you've ever been to Scotland, chances are you've seen at least one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland. If not, this month's blog from Happy Tours ought to inspire you. While there are dozens of beautiful and historic landmarks scattered across the country, this blog is dedicated to the top 10 famous landmarks in Scotland. These are the landmarks which constantly appear in the public eye or have become the bread and butter of Scottish tourism. Our list of the top 10 famous landmarks in Scotland includes the iconic castles, bridges, golf courses, sculptures, and geological features you may recognise. And as a bonus, we'll let you know how best to visit the most famous landmarks in Scotland. So, in no particular order, here are the top 10 famous landmarks in Scotland.

Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Famous Harry Potter Bridge in Scotland

Look familiar? Fans of the massively successful Harry Potter franchise will recognise the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct from iconic scenes throughout the series. That’s right, at this, one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland, the troubled protagonist, Harry, and his best friend, Ron, dodged the rapidly approaching Hogwarts Express in a flying car. When visiting, you may be lucky enough to spot the glorious Hogwarts Express as it travels across the south-west Highlands over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Train journeys over the famed Viaduct are often considered the best in the world owing to the spectacular views and cosy atmosphere. Read on to the end of this blog for tips about visiting the most famous landmarks in Scotland, including the famous Harry Potter Bridge.

Loch Ness: One of the Most Famous Landmarks in Scotland

It’s impossible not to include Loch Ness – particularly views of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle – as one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland. The Loch, which Happy Tours recently dedicated an entire blog towards, was made famous by the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. The intriguing mystery, paired with serene beauty, makes Loch Ness a must-see attraction for holiday makers in Scotland. Just a short distance from the Highland capital of Inverness, Loch Ness is also highly accessible despite its rural location. Find out more about travel to Loch Ness in another of our dedicated Happy Tours blogs.

What is the Most Famous Golf Course in Scotland?

Not only is this next one famous, but it just got even more famous! The Old Course at St Andrews, known as the Home of Golf, is well recognised as the oldest golf course in the world. And you may have spotted it in the news lately as the 150th Open – golf’s original major championship – took place on the prestigious links course this month. With such a renowned golf course at its heart, St Andrews is always bustling with tourists from around the world. But it’s not just the golf which brings crowds to this small town in the East Neuk of Fife. The town also boasts Scotland’s oldest University and was the meeting place of royals, William and Kate. This magic combination of cultural events and institutions firmly cements St Andrews and the Old Course as one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland. St Andrews can be reached easily by train, just remember to get off at Leuchars station where a short bus will take you into the famous town.

What is the Most Famous Castle in Scotland?

The most famous castle in Scotland is indisputably Edinburgh Castle. Perched atop Castle Rock and visible from large parts of Edinburgh’s city centre, this landmark is not hard to find and is easily one of the most recognisable of Scotland’s landmarks. If you’re heading North through the UK to explore the Highlands, you’re likely to pass through Edinburgh on your route. While there, you’ll find it difficult to miss the castle as it dominates the Edinburgh skyline.

Forth Rail Bridge: Famous Scottish Landmarks En Route to Inverness

Speaking of travelling North from Edinburgh, en route to the Scottish Highlands you may be fortunate enough to cross one of the Forth bridges; the most famous of which is the Forth Rail Bridge. This feat of late-nineteenth-century engineering is an iconic sight on the route North from Edinburgh. The deep orange colour of this cantilever bridge creates a striking contrast against the surrounding blue water and sky. You can pass over the rail bridge if travelling to Inverness by train, alternatively see this famous landmark from your car as you drive over the Queensferry Crossing.

Dunrobin Castle: Famous Scottish Castles in the Highlands

As well as being among the most famous landmarks in Scotland, Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland gets our vote for the most beautiful. I mean just look at it! Not only is the castle itself a pleasure to behold but the ornate gardens which surround it pay homage to the grounds at the Palace of Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. Such intricacy and splendour at Dunrobin Castle are unmatched by other famous landmarks in Scotland. However, something Dunrobin Castle shares with the famous Edinburgh Castle is its elevated position. Visitors are left in awe of Dunrobin’s magnificence while looking up at it from below. Thankfully, Dunrobin Castle and the nearby Glenmorangie Whisky Distillery are some of the most famous landmarks in Scotland visited by Happy Tours.

The Kelpies: The Most Famous Sculptures in Scotland

The most famous sculptures in Scotland have got to be the Kelpies. This towering pair of horse heads created by artist, Andy Scott, can be found at the Helix Park in Falkirk. This town between Glasgow and Edinburgh can be accessed via select trains from London Kings Cross station which pass through Edinburgh before heading north to Inverness. So, if you’re planning a trip which encompasses all 10 of the most famous landmarks in Scotland but don’t have access to a car, we highly recommend getting a train to Inverness via Falkirk after exploring sights in Edinburgh.

Old Man of Storr: Famous Landmarks in Scotland's Western Isles

Over on the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr has been accumulating attention and becoming an ever more famous Scottish landmark. The striking spikes of rock which stick up from the hill are popular with photographers and hikers and, for this reason, we included it in our list of the most picturesque locations in Scotland. If you want to read more about the Old Man, we cover its history in our blog about Scottish myths and legends which you can read by clicking here.

Eilean Donan Castle: The James Bond Castle of Scotland

With breath-taking scenery it’s no wonder Eilean Donan Castle has featured in the James Bond and Highlander film franchises. You may recognise the Castle as the Scottish MI6 headquarters in films like ‘The World is Not Enough’ (1999), and as the heart of Glenfinnan village in ‘Highlander’ (1986). These on-screen appearances combined with the castle’s rich history help make it one of the most visited Scottish tourist attractions. It was, therefore, an obvious pick for our top 10 famous landmarks in Scotland.

The Equestrian Duke Of Wellington Statue, Glasgow

There are impressive statues such as this all over the country but none have acquired a reputation like this one. This comical Scottish landmark situated outside the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow is usually found topped with a cone or two. The humorous touch of traffic cones upon one or both heads of the statue, have seen this equestrian figure widely circulated across the internet, gaining increasing fame. While not the largest of landmarks, this statue has become an iconic feature of Glasgow city centre.

Visit the Most Famous Landmarks in Scotland with Happy Tours

Our expert tour guides would be more than happy to show you around some of the most famous landmarks in Scotland from the comfort of our 8-seater tour bus or Land Rover. Spend a full day exploring the most famous Highland landmarks from the city of Inverness or Invergordon Port. Our tours include famous Highland landmarks like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Dunrobin Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Old Man of Storr. You can even customise a tour with us to experience the Highlands your own way. Book a tour easily online or get in touch to arrange a private experience.