The “best things to do” in Scotland have been named.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
A renowned Edinburgh attraction has been named the best in the UK(Image: Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images)
The best attractions and experiences in Scotland have been named at the annual Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. One Scottish city attraction was also crowned the best in the UK.
On Tuesday, July 22, Tripadvisor announced the winners of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do. The awards highlight the highest rated attractions and experiences based on Tripadvisor reviews.
According to Tripadvisor, attractions cover everything from natural wonders to man-made marvels and museums. Topping the list for the UK this year, beating out iconic destinations such as The British Museum and Tower Bridge in London, is the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is a five-star and award-winning visitor attraction and hospitality venue permanently berthed in Leith. It was previously the royal yacht of the British monarchy, and was in service between 1954 and 1997.
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After retiring from royal service, the vessel opened as a tourist attraction. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of royalty as they step aboard to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia for themselves.
Highlights of the vessel’s five decks include the Engine Room, the Crew’s Quarters, and the Sun Lounge—the latter being Queen Elizabeth II‘s favourite room. The attraction is also home to the Royal Deck Tearoom, where visitors can enjoy a range of sandwiches, soups, scones, and cakes.
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Elsewhere, Edinburgh Castle comes in at number five on the UK-wide list of the best attractions. Situated in the heart of the Scottish capital, the castle has dominated the city’s skyline for hundreds of years.
Highlights of Edinburgh Castle include its Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the One o’clock Gun. Among the other standouts are the Prisons of War and The Queen’s Embroideries.
Following behind at number 10 on the list of the top 10 attractions in the UK is the National Museum of Scotland. Also located in Edinburgh, the museum is one of the most visited attractions in the nation.
The National Museum of Scotland is home to collections detailing natural history, fashion, aviation, and much more(Image: Hasan Ay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The National Museum of Scotland features thousands of objects across a number of galleries all under one roof. From science and technology to art and design, the attraction offers a world of discovery.
Meanwhile, Scottish experiences also feature on Tripadvisor’s list of the top 10 experiences in the UK. The highest placing is the Guided Walking Tour at Edinburgh Castle.
Visitors will follow their guide through the grounds of Edinburgh Castle and hear tales of the its royal residents, including Mary Queen of Scots. After the tour ends, there is free time to explore the castle’s interior and the rest of the grounds.
Following behind at number five on the list is the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh. The tour will take sightseers across the Scottish capital to see locations that inspired the iconic series and served as filming locations for the movies based on them.
Elsewhere, The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh places at number eight on Tripadvisor’s list of the top 10 experiences in the UK. The unique chocolate-making experience allows visitors to make their own Scottish-themed chocolate, before heading to a tasting room to sample a wide range of chocolates from both Scottish and international chocolatiers.
The final Scottish experience to be named among the top 10 in the UK is the Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh experience. The coach tour sets off from Edinburgh, before taking in iconic beauty spots such as Glencoe, Callander, Pitlochry, Loch Ness, and more.
The tour, which leaves from Edinburgh, will take day-trippers to beauty spots such as Loch Ness(Image: George Pachantouris / Getty Images)
Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton commented: “With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory.
“Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, ‘The Best of the Best Things to Do’ showcases the world’s top-rated experiences.”
See below for the full list of the best attractions and experiences in the UK. More information can be found on the Tripadvisor website.
Top 10 attractions in the UK
- Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
- Bodleian Library, Oxford
- Highgate Cemetery, London
- The British Museum, London
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
- Tower Bridge, London
- The Roman Baths, Bath
- National Maritime Museum, London
- Natural History Museum, London
- National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Top 10 experiences in the UK
- London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, London
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket, Edinburgh
- The Manchester City Stadium Tour, Manchester
- Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen, Froncysyllte, Wales
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour, Edinburgh
- St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour, Bristol
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip from London, London
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, Edinburgh
- Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum, London
- Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh, Edinburgh