Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Scotland’s wild highlands and serene lochs draw you in, but some of the most exciting experiences await just beyond its borders. Whether you’re looking for scenic coastal drives, historical cities, or vibrant cultural breaks, there are plenty of places to visit near Scotland that are only a short flight, ferry ride, or drive away. These neighbouring countries offer everything from ancient castles and fjords to artistic capitals and beachside retreats. Each one is easily accessible and ideal for a short getaway or a multi-country holiday.
Top Places To Visit Near Scotland
These ten nearby countries offer rich history, scenic landscapes, and easy connections, making them the best places to visit near Scotland.
1. England
Photo: Dominika Gregušová / Pexels
England is one of the easiest places to visit near Scotland, with quick access by both road and rail. The North of England is known for Hadrian’s Wall and the lively quayside in Newcastle. Moving south, York’s historic centre includes the 13th-century York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and a preserved Viking-era street called The Shambles. If you’re interested in industrial heritage and football culture, Manchester offers the Science and Industry Museum and two major stadiums. The Lake District National Park provides hiking routes around Windermere and Ullswater, along with literary landmarks tied to William Wordsworth.
Top Cities: Newcastle, York, Manchester, London
Major Attractions: Hadrian’s Wall, Lake District, Tower of London, Stonehenge
2. Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway on the north coast is one of the biggest draws, with thousands of hexagonal rock columns shaped by volcanic eruptions. Belfast has the Titanic Belfast museum built on the original shipyard, along with St George’s Market and political murals around the Falls and Shankill Roads. In Londonderry, the city walls date to the early 1600s and still circle the historic centre. The Guildhall and Tower Museum are both near the riverfront. Driving the Causeway Coastal Route between Belfast and Derry takes you through small towns and cliffsides.
Top Cities: Belfast, Londonderry
Major Attractions: Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Dark Hedges
3. Ireland
Ireland is one of the most rewarding places to see near Scotland, especially if you’re looking to mix coastal scenery with heritage sites and buzzing city life. Once you’re in Dublin, you can explore the historic campus of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, then walk to Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse. If you head west, Galway offers a walkable Latin Quarter, seafood pubs, and access to the Aran Islands. From there, the Cliffs of Moher are about 90 minutes away by road. The Ring of Kerry in County Kerry is a full-day scenic loop with beaches, stone forts, and views across the Atlantic.
Top Cities: Dublin, Galway, Cork
Major Attractions: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Trinity College
4. Wales
Photo: Shengpengpeng Cai / Unsplash
Wales is easy to reach from Scotland and works well for a road trip or rail journey over a weekend. In Cardiff, you can explore the medieval castle in the city centre, walk around Cardiff Bay, or visit the National Museum, which holds a strong collection of Welsh art. If you travel toward the border with England, the Wye Valley offers woodland walks, quiet river spots, and the remains of Tintern Abbey, which dates back to the 1100s. In the north, Snowdonia National Park is best for walking routes and open mountain views. Penrhyn Quarry offers zip-lining across a slate mine, and heritage trains like the Ffestiniog Railway run through the valleys.
Top Cities: Cardiff, Swansea, Llandudno
Major Attractions: Snowdonia, Cardiff Castle, Brecon Beacons
5. France
Photo: Anthony DELANOIX / Unsplash
France is one of the best-connected places to visit near Scotland. In Paris, you can visit the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, or walk through Montmartre’s narrow lanes to reach the Sacré-Cœur. Lyon, located further southeast, is known for its Roman amphitheatre and the traboules, covered alleyways that link old courtyards. In Marseille, you’ll find a working harbour that’s lively early in the day, good for picking up fresh food from local stalls or watching boats come and go. From the edge of town, you can hike into the Calanques or take a small boat to reach some of the quieter coves.
Top Cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille
Major Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Mont Saint-Michel
6. Belgium
Photo: Petar Starčević / Pexels
Belgium is easy to reach from Scotland. Brussels has a compact centre, and you can walk from the Grand Place to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in minutes. Around the city, comic book murals are painted on building walls, part of a long-running public art trail. If you prefer quieter streets, Bruges is just over an hour away by train. The old town has canals, step-gabled buildings, and the 13th-century Belfry that you can climb for a full city view. Ghent is less crowded, and its centre mixes historic buildings like Gravensteen Castle with local cafés and student bars.
Top Cities: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp
Major Attractions: Grand Place, Atomium, Ghent’s medieval centre
7. Netherlands
Photo: Tanathip Rattanatum / Pexels
The Netherlands is among the most accessible tourist attractions near Scotland. In Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House gives a powerful look into the city’s wartime history. Just a short walk away, the Rijksmuseum holds Dutch masterpieces, and the Van Gogh Museum focuses on the artist’s collection. You’ll pass quiet canals and narrow brick buildings as you go between them. Most people get around by bike; there are cycle paths on nearly every main street, and rental shops are easy to find. Utrecht’s old town is built around canals and domed towers, while Rotterdam has modern architecture, a large port, and indoor markets. The Hague houses international courts and seaside promenades.
Top Cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht
Major Attractions: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Keukenhof Gardens
8. Norway
Norway is one of the more scenic attractions near Scotland. You can take a short uphill ride on the Fløibanen funicular, which brings you to a viewpoint over the city. You’ll see narrow inlets and distant hills beyond the buildings. From the same area, boats head out daily toward fjords like Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. They pass through steep-sided valleys, with tiny farms and waterfalls tucked along the edges. From the port, boats leave daily for fjords like Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, both known for narrow cliffs, waterfalls, and quiet villages along the water. Oslo, the capital, has the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Fram Museum, and a waterfront opera house with a sloped roof you can walk across.
Top Cities: Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger
Major Attractions: Geirangerfjord, Oslo Opera House, Bryggen
9. Denmark
Denmark is one of the most practical places to visit near Scotland. In the city centre, you can walk through Nyhavn, known for its brightly painted houses and canal-front cafés. The National Museum of Denmark and Rosenborg Castle are both close by, and you can visit the original Little Mermaid statue along the waterfront. Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with historic rides, is open most of the year and sits opposite the main train station. Day trips from Copenhagen include Kronborg Castle in Helsingør and the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Top Cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense
Major Attractions: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Legoland Billund
10. Germany
Germany is one of the most stunning places to visit near Scotland. In Berlin, explore the East Side Gallery, admire the Reichstag’s glass dome, and visit Humboldt Forum and nearby museums. Prenzlauer Berg offers cozy bakeries and bookshops, while Kreuzberg is famous for food stalls and flea markets. Munich, in southern Germany, is an ideal base to visit Neuschwanstein Castle by train and discover charming alpine towns. Hamburg’s harbour features boat tours through the historic warehouse district and modern docks, making Germany a diverse and accessible destination close to Scotland.
Top Cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg
Major Attractions: Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, Berlin Wall Memorial
Exploring countries near Scotland lets you see more without traveling far. With short flights, ferries, and trains, these ten nearby countries are perfect for a weekend or longer holiday. From Norway’s fjords to Wales’ castles and Belgium’s lively markets, places to visit near Scotland offer diverse experiences. Whether you love art, nature, food, or history, easy local transport and walkable city centres make travel simple. Plan your cross-border escape with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: François Genon / Unsplash
