What better way to beat the winter blues or plan for a February break than exploring our fascinating heritage, set in stunning landscapes, with hidden stories to discover.
Step back in time at a wealth of incredible places – from prehistoric villages and medieval castles to grand country houses – and uncover the secrets and stories that have shaped our history and culture for over 5,000 years.
With an Explorer Pass you can enjoy brilliant benefits, including free entry to Historic Scotland sites like Fort George, Stirling and Urquhart Castles and a 20% discount on charged audio guides, which are full of fascinating insights you will love discovering.
Many of the participating Historic Scotland sites are within easy reach of public transport too – so you can leave the car at home, sit back and just enjoy the journey.
Here are some of the best places to visit across the country.
An Explorer Pass offers great value visits to iconic Historic Scotland sites — and right now you can save even more with a special winter discount
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VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Exploring Scotland’s rich past is a brilliant way to boost your wellbeing
Wander through the peaceful ruins of this abbey, set in woodland by the River Tweed, to grasp the appeal of monastic life for the medieval monks who lived here.
Step inside the Gothic cloister and its chapter house, with plaster and paintwork dating from when it was built and discover the burial places of Sir Walter Scott and Field-Marshal Earl Haig.
Did you know? The magnificent Dryburgh yew, found in the Abbey grounds, is one of Scotland’s oldest trees.
Heritage
The museum that is a window to its own treasures
Scotland’s public transport system offers great options for sustainable travel when exploring our fantastic museums and galleries.
There are frequent train services between each of Scotland’s eight cities, and the rail network also links many towns and villages across the country. Taking the train or making the journey by bus or coach lets you sit back, relax and enjoy our beautiful scenery or focus on having fun with friends and family.
And using public transport is much better for the environment too.
ScotRail offers great-value train fares all year round, and you can save more by travelling off peak, booking in advance or availing of discounts for group bookings and railcards.
The four main operators in Scotland — First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express — and a number of independent operators run services between the main cities, towns and villages.
For information on all services in and around Scotland's towns and cities, contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33; travelinescotland.com
Let the train — or bus — take the strain
Hidden gems
Curiosities
Tranquillity
hyyhhy
Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian
Dryburgh Abbey, St Boswells, Scottish Borders
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Step inside Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’ – originally built a mile outside the old city walls – and famously used by Mary Queen of Scots as a safe haven in 1566.
Its tower house is one of Scotland’s oldest, featuring a fine great hall and a prison. Climb it to view the capital’s landmarks, marvel at the castle walls; some are almost three metres thick; and explore the many nooks and crannies found within them.
Did you know? Craigmillar Castle features as Ardsmuir Prison in Outlander, Season 3.
Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh
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Alexander II of Scotland built this medieval castle, set high upon a volcanic rock in the Firth of Clyde, in around 1220, as a border stronghold.
It has one of the longest recorded histories of any stronghold in Scotland and mentions of it date back to the Dark Ages.
Later it became a garrison fortress, its defences packed with guns, and last saw military action as recently as the Second World War.
Climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views, take in the artillery fortifications and explore the Georgian Governor’s House.
Did you know? A grimacing face set in the guardhouse wall points to an important story from the castle’s long history. It is said to represent Sir John Stewart of Menteith, keeper of the castle. He is believed to have captured William Wallace and handed him over to the English, which might explain the grimace.
Dumbarton Castle, Dunbartonshire
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Duff House was a hugely expensive project and a giant status symbol, but the cost of the build was its undoing, as client and architect fell out over money.
The owner, William Duff, felt so let down that he never slept a night there and it was left to his heirs to complete the work.
During the Second World War, the house was used as a prisoner of war camp and also served as the headquarters for various Allied regiments.
Today, it is a country house gallery displaying collections from the National Galleries of Scotland, including works by El Greco, Gainsborough, Raeburn and Ramsey.
Did you know? The Work In Focus exhibition runs here until August 2026.
Duff House, Aberdeenshire
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Explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley honeymooned. Look out for the delicately painted ceiling dating from about 1540 and seek out the secret hiding place used for the Ruthven family treasures.
Did you know? Legend has it that centuries ago a young woman named Dorothea, daughter of the 1st Earl of Gowrie, fell in love with a visitor to the castle. One night she had tiptoed out of her bed for a clandestine tryst in the adjacent tower.
Hearing her mother’s footsteps, Dorothea had to race back to her own room, but there was only one escape. Heart pounding, she jumped between the two towers — a distance of around 2.5 metres — and was soon safely tucked up in bed.
Dorothea and her lover eloped and married the very next day - and the gap between a battlements and nearby tower is still known as the ‘Maiden’s Leap’.
Huntingtower Castle, Perth
An Explorer Pass is valid for 14 consecutive days and allows the holder free entry to each of the participating Historic Scotland sites.
Adult passes cost £42, and a family pass for two adults and up to three children is just £84.
Explore more for less
Visit alittlehistory.scot for more information about membership benefits and events
Receive an extra 10% off your Explorer Pass with the online discount code VSWEP10 until March 7, 2026 for use on or before Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Discover great
garden days
Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day, Aberdour Castle and Gardens, Fife
Explore the history of gardens in Scotland and what they tell us about the people who grew them, and the world in which they lived.
Selected dates until February 16, 10am–4pm
Snowdrop Walk, Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders
Explore this majestic property, and learn more about its winter flowers, heritage trees and wildlife, on a beautiful snowdrop walk guided by the site’s rangers.
February 21, 10am–2pm
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
HistoricEnvironmentScotland/Lee Howard
HistoricEnvironmentScotland/Matt Cartney
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
Exploring Scotland’s rich past is a brilliant way to boost your wellbeing
An Explorer Pass offers great value visits to iconic sites cared for by Historic Environment Scotland — and right now you can save even more with a special winter discount
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Marvel at this imposing fort, built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden as a secure base for King George II’s army. It took 22 years to complete, by which time the Jacobite threat had subsided; none of its heavy guns have ever been fired in anger.
Stroll around the main rampart, more than 1km in length, explore the Highlanders Museum and visit
the barrack rooms to see how soldiers lived in centuries gone by.
Today Fort George is still an active army base, currently the home of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS).
Did you know? Dolphins can often be spotted from the ramparts, hunting and playing in Rosemarkie Bay.
Fort George, Ardersier, Inverness
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
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This spectacular castle on the shores of Loch Ness bore witness to some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story during its 500 years as a medieval stronghold.
The last of the government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the castle when they left but its iconic ruins still offer glimpses into the lives of its noble residents; imagine splendid banquets staged in the Great Hall.
Did you know? You can still see the gloomy prison cell that once held legendary Gaelic bard Dòmhnall Donn.
Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit
HistoricEnvironmentScotland/Elliot Roberts Shooting
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Behold the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls, built before 1240 as the Kingdom of Scotland battled Norway for control of the Hebrides.
One of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, it sits on a huge rock above the Firth of Lorn and was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1308.
Did you know? Flora MacDonald was briefly held here in 1746 before being sent to the Tower of London for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape - dressed as her serving girl, ‘Betty Burke’ after his defeat at Culloden.
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Oban, Argyll
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
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It’s easy to see why Elgin Cathedral earned the name the ‘Lantern of the North’ - even as a ruin, it shines out as one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings.
Work on the cathedral began in 1224 and, although it lost its roof shortly after the Protestant Reformation of 1560 and its central tower later fell too, it became a visitor attraction in the early 1800s.
Step inside the octagonal chapter house to see stone carvings of beasts and faces and seek out Scotland’s tallest gravestone, a whopping five metres high.
Did you know? There’s a secret sculpture hidden behind a decorative shield on the ceiling. See if you can spot the fingers clasping the sides of the shield and a crouching, hooded figure hiding behind it.
Elgin Cathedral, Moray Speyside
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
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Its unique triangular shape and wide moat, twin-towered gatehouse and lofty battlements give this medieval stronghold a fairytale appearance, despite its turbulent history as a castle caught up in border conflicts.
It was besieged and captured on numerous occasions; the last time was in 1640 when the garrison held out for 13 weeks before surrendering. The great south curtain wall was then demolished so that the castle could never be used defensively again.
Each summer it hosts a two-day Spectacular Jousting event – the chance to watch exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills as brave knights battle it out.
Did you know? The castle has often featured as a film location – as the wedding venue for 2011 rom-com The Decoy Bride, starring David Tennant and Kelly Macdonald, as well as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries
HistoricEnvironmentScotland/Peter Devlin
Wander through the peaceful ruins of this abbey, set in woodland by the River Tweed, to grasp the appeal of monastic life for the medieval monks who lived here.
Step inside the Gothic cloister and its chapter house, with plaster and paintwork dating from when it was built and discover the burial places of Sir Walter Scott and Field-Marshal Earl Haig.
Did you know? The magnificent Dryburgh yew, found in the Abbey grounds, is one of Scotland’s oldest trees.
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
Explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley honeymooned. Look out for the delicately painted ceiling dating from about 1540 and seek out the secret hiding place used for the Ruthven family treasures.
Did you know? Legend has it that centuries ago a young woman named Dorothea, daughter of the 1st Earl of Gowrie, fell in love with a visitor to the castle. One night she had tiptoed out of her bed for a clandestine tryst in the adjacent tower.
Hearing her mother’s footsteps, Dorothea had to race back to her own room, but there was only one escape. Heart pounding, she jumped between the two towers — a distance of around 2.5 metres — and was soon safely tucked up in bed.
Dorothea and her lover eloped and married the very next day - and the gap between a battlements and nearby tower is still known as the ‘Maiden’s Leap’.
Discover more
Dryburgh Abbey, St Boswells, Roxburghshire
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Fort George, Ardersier, Inverness
HistoricEnvironmentScotland/Lee Howard
Step inside Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’ – originally built a mile outside the old city walls – and famously used by Mary Queen of Scots as a safe haven in 1566.
Its tower house is one of Scotland’s oldest, featuring a fine great hall and a prison. Climb it to view the capital’s landmarks, marvel at the castle walls; some are almost three metres thick; and explore the many nooks and crannies found within them.
Did you know? Craigmillar Castle features as Ardsmuir Prison in Outlander, Season 3.
Discover more
Alexander II of Scotland built this medieval castle, set high upon a volcanic rock in the Firth of Clyde, in around 1220, as a border stronghold.
It has one of the longest recorded histories of any stronghold in Scotland and mentions of it date back to the Dark Ages.
Later it became a garrison fortress, its defences packed with guns, and last saw military action as recently as the Second World War.
Climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views, take in the artillery fortifications and explore the Georgian Governor’s House.
Did you know? A grimacing face set in the guardhouse wall points to an important story from the castle’s long history. It is said to represent Sir John Stewart of Menteith, keeper of the castle. He is believed to have captured William Wallace and handed him over to the English, which might explain the grimace.
Discover more
Discover more
Duff House was a hugely expensive project and a giant status symbol, but the cost of the build was its undoing, as client and architect fell out over money.
The owner, William Duff, felt so let down that he never slept a night there and it was left to his heirs to complete the work.
During the Second World War, the house was used as a prisoner of war camp and also served as the headquarters for various Allied regiments.
Today, it is a country house gallery displaying collections from the National Galleries of Scotland, including works by El Greco, Gainsborough, Raeburn and Ramsey.
Did you know? The Work In Focus exhibition runs here until August 2026.
HistoricEnvironmentScotland
Receive an extra 10 per cent off your Explorer Pass with the online discount code VSWEP10 until March 7, 2026 for use on or before Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
