Free attractions and days out in Scotland

Museums

Scotland is lucky to have a vast array of museums covering everything from national history and art to our industry and natural environment. Get ready to uncover hidden stories from Scotland’s past and present all under one roof. 

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh – feed your imagination and uncover stories of historic battles, breakthrough scientific research, pop culture, or dip your toe into the world of dinosaurs. 

Aberdeen Maritime Museum – discover the story behind the city’s long relationship with the sea, from its shipbuilding industry to its fishing and port history. 

Shetland Museum and Archives – home to over 3,000 artefacts, take a journey through the history of this magical island. Discover stories about its textile industry, see magnificent Pictish art, and learn more about its fascinating geology. 

Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore, Scottish Highlands – get an insight into the domestic and working life of Scottish Highlanders from the 1700s to the mid 1900s in this unique open-air museum. 

Cairngorms National Park – the largest national park in the UK, it is home to five of six of Scotland’s highest mountains, vast plateaus, forests, and rich wildlife. Rediscover your sense of adventure with high-energy activities, from ziplining and tubing, or enjoy the thrill of mountain biking. Learn more about wildlife habitats on a ranger-led experience or uncover natural beauty spots including An Lochan Uaine – a magical green-hued loch linked to fairy folklore. 

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – known for its dramatic mix of lochs, hills, forests, and villages. You’ll find a range of activities to get stuck into from exploring Loch Lomond on a boat to treetop adventures. It is also one of the best places for water-based activities including jet-skiing, kayaking and paddleboarding. 

St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire – located on the northeast coast of Scotland, this NNR is teeming with wildlife, beautiful golden beaches, and vibrant wildflower displays. 

Argyll Forest Park – you’ll find various walking routes coupled with dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a lovely gorge walk along Puck’s Glen with lots of waterfalls to admire along the way. Ardentinny offers easy trails along rivers and bluebell woods and the chance to see Cowal’s longest sandy beach en route. 

Check out all of Scotland’s forest parks

Crathes Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire – even without buying a ticket, the exterior of this 16th century castle makes for fantastic photos. There are also plenty of opportunities for a walking adventure with six waymarked woodland trails free to use. 

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Oban – built by the MacDougall family in the 1200s, explore the 13th century chapel ruins for free and walk the Dunstaffnage Circular Trail. This short, scenic route takes you along lots of scenic woodland paths featuring small hidden coves to explore. 

St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney – founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, visit Britain’s most northerly cathedral. Experience over 900 years of history and learn the importance of Norse-Scottish heritage. 

Perth Museum – this newly refurbished museum dives deep into the story of Perth from its local archaeology to medieval and royal history. You’ll also be able to see the main centrepiece of the museum, the Stone of Destiny, marking its return to Perthshire after more than 700 years.

The Helix, Falkirk – this town is home to the largest equine sculptures in the world, The Kelpies. Enjoy the fresh air and admire these magnificent sculptures in all their glory. It’s a great place to take the bikes and for the little ones to let off steam at the adventure play park. Afterwards, refuel your energy levels with a bite to eat at the local cafe. 

The Falkirk Wheel – visit the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, designed and built to connect the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Watch the wheel rotate and walk around the grounds free of charge. 

Dundee Contemporary Arts – get creative and take part in a print course workshop or see an exciting free exhibition. 

River Ness and Ness Islands, Inverness – just a short stroll from Inverness city centre, enjoy a stunning walk to the River Ness and Ness Islands where you’ll encounter lots of historic buildings and wildlife.

Doors Open Days, various locations – taking place every weekend in September, celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage with exclusive access to fascinating buildings which are usually off-limits. 

Stonehaven Fireballs, Aberdeenshire – this picturesque coastal town celebrates the new year in style. Starting at midnight, see locals swing massive balls of fire and parade around the streets helping to ward off evil spirits. 

Free Fringe events, Edinburgh – your visit to the world’s largest performing arts festival doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Browse free events for a summer to remember. 

Nairn Highland Games, Highlands – every August, all eyes are on the seaside town of Nairn. Listen to the sound of bagpipes, watch the famous caber toss or see Highland dancing in all its glory.