In this year of the Scottish staycation, we thought we’d look at some of the loveliest Scottish towns that have enough to entertain you for a full weekend away.
Here are 11 perfect destinations for a quick break.
. Scottish towns
A few of the Scottish towns that make for a perfect weekend escape. Photo: Canva
. Linlithgow
There's no shortage of interesting sights in historic Linlithgow. Take a walk around Linlithgow Loch and visit Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Many of the buildings in the town's High Street date back to the 17th century and now house a great range of independent shops, pubs, cafes and restuarants. A visit to Linlithgow Museum is also a must to find out more about the Royal Burgh. Photo: Canva
. Pitlochry
The tourist town of Pitlochry is a walker's paradise, surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning countryside, lochs, rivers, mountains and glens. At the end of a day in the hills, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants on its charming main street, alongside souvenir, country clothing and outdoor sports shops. For culture vultures, the town's theatre will hopefully reopen later this year. Photo: Canva
. Peebles
Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Peebles is a great place for both outdoor activities and culture, the highlight being its annual arts festival. There are also plenty of attractions on offer including a museum dedicated to the author John Buchan, the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery, and Neidpath Castle. Photo: Canva
5. Aviemore
The bustling holiday resort town of Aviemore is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, lochs and forests of the Cairngorms National Park. Skiing in winter means it's a genuine year-round destination with all the high quality shops, accomodation, bars and restaurants you would expect. Photo: Canva
6. Melrose
The picturesque Borders town of Melrose, at the foot of the Eildon Hills, is perhaps best known for its pretty ruined abbey dating back to 1136 - as well as being the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. There's also Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre, housing the Trimontium Museum which is dedicated to Roman life in Scotland. If that's not enough, there are two National Trust for Scotland gardens to visit and Sir Walter Scott's romantic mansion of Abbotsford is just three miles away. Photo: Canva
7. Castle Douglas
The perfect town from which to explore all the south west of Scotland has to offer, Castle Douglas is a designated Food Town with around 50 businesses serving and selling locally-grown produce, so you wont go hungry. Just outside the town is the beautiful Threave Garden and, on an island in the middle of the River Dee, the spectacular ruins of Threave Castle. Photo: Canva
8. Elgin
Elgin's photogenic Victorian streets contain an array of independent shops, pubs and cafes, and provides a great base for exploring Moray. Attractions include Moray Cathedral and the wonderfully old-fashioned (in the best way) Yeadons Bookseller and Stationers. Photo: Canva