When we think of visiting Scotland, we often focus places such as Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and Loch Ness, Glasgow and the city of St Andrews. But Scotland has much more to offer. Small villages are full of their own unique history, culture and a few mysteries. I recently had the opportunity to sail around the beautiful country on my way to France. Here are some of the highlights I encountered.
Scone Palace, Scotland
My first taste of Scottish grandeur came at Scone Palace which has stood at the heart of Scottish royalty since Kenneth MacAlpin’s 843 coronation. The early 19th-century Gothic-Revival mansion hides treasures at every turn: ivory-lined carvings in the Ceremonial Dining Room, jewel-hued silk walls in the Drawing Room, and an impressive collection of royal portraits. And, of course, Flat Joey and I capped the visit with a velvety warm scone at the palace cafe.
Invergordon & Dornoch, Scotland
Heading north into the Highlands, farmland bled into rolling moors flecked with grazing highland cows. The view from the Dornoch Firth overlooks waters so idyllic they deserve the “million-pound” nickname. In Dornoch itself, timber-framed shops brimmed with hand-woven woolens, the 13th-century cathedral offered quiet reflection, and a peek inside the tiny old jail delivered an unexpected dose of frontier-town intrigue.
Ullapool, Scotland
Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom, is the tiny sea town of Ullapool. A stroll along the water led straight to the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time – crispy, flaky, utterly addictive. Two art galleries, Harbour Gallery and Ceard, showcased local artists’ paintings, knitted clothing and handcrafted jewelry which I may have brought home.
Kirkwall & Orkney, Scotland
Arriving in Orkney is like stepping into another time—lush, green fields meet jagged coastline, and an ancient mystique hangs in the air. At Eynhallow Sound, waves crash against rocks, spraying salt on your face. And beneath the Standing Stones of Stenness (Scotland’s version of Stonehenge), five-millennia-old slabs raise more questions than answers—who moved these giants, and why?
Stornoway & Arnol, Scotland
Arnol’s Black Houses on the Isle of Lewis are a striking example of 19th-century Hebridean crofter longhouses, built of local stone with turf-thatched roofs and thick walls blackened by generations of indoor peat fires. Under a single roof, families and livestock shared space around a central hearth that provided warmth, light and a spot for cooking, while mud floors, low doorways and simple furniture reflect a way of life shaped by the island’s harsh, wind-swept environment.
Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland
No Scottish visit is complete without whisky. At Glengoyne Distillery, set beneath the Campsie Fells, pure spring water cascades past a mossy stone millrace into copper stills. Tasting room delights included a bright, citrus-tinged dram followed by a richer, butterscotch-kissed reserve – both memories bottled and ready to share. Even Flat Joey nodded in approval as we browsed tartan-wrapped selections in the gift shop.
Le Havre & Château du Breuil, France
Crossing the Channel to Normandy’s Pays d’Auge, Château du Breuil emerges amid rolling apple orchards. Unlike the vineyards of southern France, this region’s cool, maritime climate and chalky soils favor apples over grapes – perfect for pressing into cider and distilling into calvados. I learned how apples transform from freshly pressed juice to amber brandy glimmering in oak barrels. In the tasting room, a youthful blend danced with crisp orchard fruit, while an aged reserve lingered luxuriously on caramel and spice – a great way to end the tour.
Each village has its own personality: From royal halls to coastal villages and orchard meadows, these often-overlooked destinations offer a rich mosaic of history, landscape and local character – ideal for travelers craving both landmark moments and authentic encounters. Make sure to include some hidden gems on your next adventure.
Sara is the owner of Platinum Travel and specializes in creating luxury, customized, stress free vacations for people who want to see the world and all things Disney.You can reach her at 414-377-8611 or Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com to start planning your vacation today.
