UNESCO Scotland Trail
PUBLISHED BY Catherine
Discover a breadth of history, beautiful natural surroundings and an abundance of culture with Scotland’s UNESCO sites. UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recognises special sites throughout the world for their environmental, historic and cultural importance, and it’s clear to see why these areas throughout Scotland were chosen.
Offering 13 fascinating locations around Scotland, the new UNESCO Trail takes you from breathtaking countryside and dramatic landscapes to vibrant city centres and ancient ruins.
Journey through Scotland and discover everything this exciting country has to offer.
We’ve chosen carefully selected hotels near these fascinating UNESCO sites that we think offer you the perfect base for a short break as you explore.
To discover more of this fascinating country, please click here to find all of our short breaks in Scotland.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire
Explore breathtaking, untouched coastlines and secluded woodlands in this picturesque biosphere. Stretching across 5,268 square kilometres, this beautiful spot in south-west Scotland offers a diverse range of plants and wildlife for you to discover.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Portpatrick Hotel (approx. 31 miles away)
New Lanark
Photo credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
This world heritage site was a revolutionary cotton mill ahead of its time. New Lanark was an operating cotton mill between 1785-1968 and is a fascinating site that paved the way for working environments.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Bonham Hotel (approx. 33.2 miles away)
Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Antonine Wall
Once a mighty symbol of power, this north-west frontier boasts a history dating back to around 142AD! Creating a powerful barrier of ridges and crests, the Antonine Wall was around 37 miles long, stretching all the way across the country!
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
Glasgow Argyle Hotel | Signature Collection by Best Western (approx. 14 miles away)
Old & New Towns Edinburgh
Offering two distinct areas, wander around Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town, the oldest part of Scotland’s capital, with charming alleys and a medieval street plan. Or, why not explore Edinburgh’s New Town, boasting Georgian houses, beautiful gardens such as Princes Street Gardens and even climb the 287 steps for breathtaking views across the Old and New Towns.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Bonham Hotel (approx. 2 miles away)
Edinburgh: City of Literature
Book lovers are sure to feel at home in Scotland’s capital. This beautiful city has inspired many famous writers throughout the years, from Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, JM Barrie, Muriel Spark, and 'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling.
The city boasts the world’s largest literature festival and is home to a variety of bookshops and public libraries, perfect for you to explore your favourite works of writing.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Bonham Hotel (approx. 2 miles away)
Glasgow: City of Music
Frequently voted as one of the friendliest cities in the world, discover the vibrant city of Glasgow. From a thriving music scene to an array of museums and shops, this is the perfect place for anyone wishing to enjoy a city break.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
Glasgow Argyle Hotel | Signature Collection by Best Western (approx. 1 mile away)
Dundee: City of Design
Dundee, known as the 'City of Discovery', with its incredible architecture and culture is a must-visit location in Scotland.
Being noted as the first and only UNESCO City of Design, the thriving city boasts a rich design heritage and continues to use design in a vast array of fields, including fashion, medical research and much more.
Nearby hotels we think you’ll love:
Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa (approx. 11 miles away)
Dalmunzie Castle Hotel (approx. 19 miles away)
The Forth Bridge
Linking Edinburgh and the Lothians in the south with Fife and the Highlands in the north, this impressive cantilever design was opened in 1890 and is recognised as the world’s first major steel structure. This fascinating structure became the 6th World Heritage site in Scotland!
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Bonham Hotel (approx. 13 miles away)
Wester Ross
Enjoy scenic beauty in the North West Highlands of Scotland. Wester Ross is formed by some of the oldest geology in the world, boasting tranquil lochs, idyllic beaches and towering mountains to explore.
Nearby hotels we think you’ll love:
The Gairloch Hotel (approx. 19 miles away)
Tulloch Castle (approx. 40 miles away)
St Kilda
Now home to almost 1 million seabird, including a colony of Atlantic puffins, St Kilda towers over the Atlantic Ocean, boasting dramatic cliffs and a haunting atmosphere. The island was inhabited for at least 4.000 years but was evacuated in 1930.
You can only visit the island itself by boat, braving the wild weather as you sail to the ‘islands at the edge of the world’.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
The Dunollie (please note, journeying to St Kilda will take approx. 13.5 hours altogether, including 4 hours to explore the island. In rough weather, this may be longer and can be an uncomfortable crossing. Please click here for more information)
North West Highlands
This striking global Geopark stretches over 2,000 square kilometres and boasts rocks as old as 3 billion years old!
Not only does this area offer a huge amount of history, the scenery is also something to be amazed by. Enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, mysterious rock caves and tranquil forests.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
Gairloch Hotel (approx. 47 miles away)
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Found on the mainland of the Orkney Islands, this ominous monument boasts a history dating back 5,000 years. This outstanding piece of architecture was created by the prehistoric people of Orkney.
Shetland
Boasting rocks dating back 3 billion years to an extinct volcano, explore the geological wonder that is Shetland. Shetland offers over 100 islands, with less than 20 of them inhabited today. Explore the breathtaking valleys of the Mainland, dramatic cliffs and shifting sands.
Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:
Aberdeen Airport Dyce Hotel | Sure Collection by Best Western (approx. a 1 hour flight)
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