8 Places in Scotland you must visit in 2025

Outer Hebrides 

Location: Northwest islands off Scotland’s mainland. 

Spring in the Outer Hebrides… what a place to be! We recommend the Uists, which include Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay. These stunning islands offer a unique blend of walking, wellness, Gaelic culture, authentic experiences and more.  

Just picture miles of empty golden sands, backed by large dunes and machair that are rich with wildflowers and wildlife - these islands offer the perfect backdrop for a wellness retreat. Experience the great outdoors at its best. Explore on two feet or pedal your way through the islands on The Hebridean Way, or climb the spectacular Beinn Mhor and Hecla mountains on South Uist. Don’t miss some great opportunities to connect with the friendly islanders: join crofters for lambing and peat cutting experiences or put on your dancing shoes and join locals at a ceilidh. 

To top things off, the Outer Hebrides have bagged the accolade of being one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic. Surely that's a great reason to visit!

Explore the Outer Hebrides 

The Highlands 

Location: Mountainous area in the northwest. 

2025 will be an exciting time for The Highlands with the opening of the Inverness Castle Experience to the public. This new attraction will celebrate ‘The Spirit of the Highlands’ and offer a new perspective on the region's history.  

Further south in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, don't miss the beautiful region of Badenoch. With ancient fortresses, unique wildlife, scenic nature trails and endless hiking opportunities, this is the perfect base to experience the true Highlands. Discover Badenoch’s immense cultural heritage at the Highland Folk Museum, Britain’s first open air museum, encounter remarkable wildlife at Highland Wildlife Park and its brand-new Discovery Centre, and join the Badenoch Storylands Sessions for an evening of songs, poetry and tales, or download the Badenoch The Storylands app. 

Golfers take note! The new Castle Stuart Golf Course opens in 2025, complementing an already world-class Scottish golfing area. For those seeking a coastal break, the Sutherland & Caithness coast from Dornoch to Wick offers breathtaking scenery.  The region is also home to  The Flow Country – one of the largest areas of blanket bog anywhere in the world, and it has just been announced as Scotland’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to diverse habitats, an array of wildlife and untouched natural scenery, it is a must-visit for 2025. 

Explore The Highlands 

Dundee & Angus 

Location: East coast of central Scotland. 

Did you know that travelling during autumn is a green and sustainable holiday choice? Autumn holidays spread the tourism love across the year and Dundee & Angus is a great choice for 2025. Definitely worth a look are the amazing outdoor experiences on offer, such as Camperdown Country Park, Carnoustie Beach, Monikie Country Park and more. 

Head along to visit Dundee’s waterfront, where you’ll find top attractions like the V&A Dundee – expect illuminating exhibitions and cutting-edge design here as always. Another fantastic sustainable element of the region is the Eden Project – set to be a landmark development for the city, transforming former gasworks into a beacon for regeneration and green tourism. Keep your eyes peeled for more information coming soon. 

Explore Dundee & Angus 

Shetland 

Location: Northernmost island off Scotland’s mainland. 

Winter in Shetland offers all kinds of incredible things to do! A must see is the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, where you can experience Shetland’s Norse legacy at Europe’s largest annual fire festival. Get ready to see the Viking Jarl Squad, a mesmerising torchlit procession, and the burning of The Galley too. There are in fact many regional fire festivals held across the islands, providing a unique insight into Shetland's community spirit and cultural traditions.  

Beyond the festivals, Shetland in winter is a place to centre yourself in lively island life. Embrace brisk walks along epic coastlines in Shetland’s UNESCO Global Geopark where you can uncover incredible geology that spans almost three billion years, topped off by warm, welcoming pubs serving up local food & drink. The long winter nights also offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and, if you're lucky, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Why not uncover the new Sky Trail that celebrates Shetland’s amazing skies? 

Visit Shetland 

Of course that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Scotland’s must-visit destinations. These were just a few of the best places to visit across the seasons but the adventures don’t stop here. Where will you go next?