TWO Scottish locations with stunning scenery and incredible views have been named among the best places to visit across the UK.
Scotland is home to a number of wonderful places with gorgeous landscapes that are also quirky and steeped in history, so it’s no wonder that many receive nationwide attention.
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Edinburgh was highly praised by expertsCredit: Getty
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Tobermory, Isle of Bute, was singled out as wellCredit: Alamy
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But the capital city was hailed as ‘majestic’Credit: Getty
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The Scottish Islands, like Arran, impressed expertsCredit: Alamy
A new study has found that two standout locations actually rank among some of the top spots across Britain.
Experts at Lonely Planet have ranked the 11 best spots after exploring the country.
They compiled the list by considering areas that have a special quality as well as being rich in history and culture.
The travel experts say: “From the waves breaking against the White Cliffs of Dover to the soaring Scottish Highlands, the UK is an ancient and starkly beautiful land.
“But within these wild scenes is a country with a dense cultural legacy stretching back centuries, offering fascinating sojourns into music, literature, food and much more.”
They added: “There’s much to explore. So decide what you’re interested in and plan well – here are the best places to visit in the UK.”
From the waves breaking against the White Cliffs of Dover to the soaring Scottish Highlands, the UK is an ancient and starkly beautiful land
Experts at Lonely Planet
The first Scottish entry on the list is Edinburgh, and it comes in sixth place.
Experts were impressed with the capital city’s stunning landscape and the incredible castle that stands proud on the hill and overlooks the area.
They praised it for being “one of the most majestic cities in Europe“, adding that it should be on everyone’s travel list.
But what really sealed its ranking was the range of “beguiling bookshops” it has across the city.
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Lonely Planet said: “With its ethereal spires, multilayered topography and hilltop castle, Edinburgh is one of the most majestic cities in Europe, let alone Britain.
“It’s also long been a favourite haunt of writers, and its homegrown scribes include the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Muriel Spark and Sir Walter Scott.
“Needless to say, there are many excellent bookshops to peruse amid these handsome streets.
“With its well-stuffed shelves and the distinct musty smell, Armchair Books in the Old Town is the perfect secondhand bookstore.
“While over in Portobello, the Portobello Bookshop is sleek and airy, and great for modern contemporary fiction.
“Edinburgh’s a wonderfully inclusive city too, and Lighthouse Bookshop celebrates all books queer and LGBTIQ+.
“Over in Stockbridge, Rare Birds Books champions women‘s writing, only selling books by female authors.”
The Scottish Islands also made the list and came in ninth.
The Western Isles are famous for their beautiful beaches and massive range of wildlife.
The experts also hailed them as having the best wild scenery across the UK and were impressed with its crystal clear waters.
Full list of the best 11 places to visit in the UK
HERE is the full rankings of Lonely Planet’s top 11 locations to visit across Britian.
- London – Best for art, culture and everything else
- The Peak District – Best for the great outdoors
- North Yorkshire – Best for coastal walks and seaside towns
- Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) – Best for epic views and Victorian trains
- Birmingham – Best for culinary adventures
- Edinburgh – Best for spectacular scenes and beguiling bookshops
- Cornwall – Best for beaches
- Manchester – Best for live music
- Scottish Islands – Best for wild scenery and distillery hopping
- York – Best for historic treasures
- Giant’s Causeway – Best for natural heritage
But the highlight was the fact that it is the best location for “distillery hopping”.
They said: “The islands flanking the western shore of Scotland’s mainland are as ancient as they are dramatic, and make for one of the UK’s most otherworldly experiences.
“Start with the underrated Arran, often called ‘Scotland in Miniature’ thanks to the ragged mountains in the island’s north that gently flatten into rolling fields further south.
“Further west, what Islay lacks in breathtaking scenery it makes up for with some of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.
“The breezy coastal trail between Laphroaig and Ardbeg is a rite of passage for any Scotch whisky enthusiast.
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“The Isle of Mull’s famous distillery is Tobermory, but it’s also home to some of Scotland’s most elusive wildlife, including the white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, otter, hen harrier, red deer and seals.
“And from its rugged Black Cuillins mountains to the Fairy Pools’ crystalline shimmer, Skye is probably Scotland’s most photogenic island (though you’ll have to dodge some serious crowds in the summer months).”
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Edinburgh came in sixth on the listCredit: Getty