3 days Ago By [email protected] (Alexander Smail)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Scotland's most "unmissable" travel destinations for 2025 have been crowned ahead of the new year.
As we say goodbye to 2024, many Scots will already be thinking about their holiday plans for the next 12 months. Luckily, there is no shortage of stunning and fascinating staycation destinations around Scotland. If you are stuck on where to head, Highland Experience Tours has just shared its picks for the top 10 places to visit in the country next year.
Topping the list at number one is the Outer Hebrides. An island chain off the west coast of mainland Scotland, the Outer Hebrides are known for their spectacular beaches, unique wildlife, and Gaelic culture. As we previously reported , the region was recently ranked among the top travel destinations in the world for 2025 by National Geographic.
Among the major islands of the Outer Hebrides are Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra. The largest settlement on the island chain is Stornoway on Lewis and Harris, which is home to a population of around 7,000. In terms of things to do in the Outer Hebrides, Highland Experience Tours singled out the Hebridean Celtic Festival.
Taking place in July, HebCelt is a vibrant celebration of both traditional and contemporary music . Meanwhile, the tour operator named Edinburgh as the second-most "unmissable" destination in Scotland for 2025. The Scottish capital features iconic attractions and landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and the historic Royal Mile.
Following behind in third place is Glasgow, which will be celebrating its 850th birthday in 2025. The yearlong celebration will include pop-up exhibitions, food trails, and more. Rounding out the top five are Orkney and Aberdeen.
The former is known for its ancient monuments and settlements, while Aberdeen was praised for its "architecture, vibrant art scene, and bustling harbour". Other destinations to be included in the top 10 are the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore and the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. Meanwhile, the experts singled out Speyside as "the ultimate whisky experience for both novices and connoisseurs".
Highland Experience Tours wrote: "Scotland is calling, and 2025 is the perfect year to answer. If you’ve already ticked off the usual European hotspots—like Berlin, Paris, and Rome—and are seeking something a bit more unique, Scotland should be at the top of your list. "Steeped in history, bursting with culture, and home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, this incredible country offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller.
Let us guide you through the must-visit destinations that make Scotland one of the most exciting places to explore in 2025." More information can be found on the Highland Experience Tours website . Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here .
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