Travel bucket list ideas in Scotland

Bucket-list holidays are a big hit for those looking to check off a list of aims and ambitions in their lifetime, and many will plan their much-needed holidays around their bucket list. Scotland is the perfect location for living out your adventures with many mountains to climb, roads to cycle, routes to walk, rivers to paddle, cuisines to try, nature to spot, and castles to explore.

Whether you are a history nerd who must visit all of Scotland’s castles, a golf addict who must play on Scotland’s oldest course, or a ‘set-jetter’ who must visit all the famous film locations, you can come up with hundreds of bucket list ideas when Scotland is the backdrop. With so much history and heritage, magical landscapes, and undeniably beautiful terrain, we have no doubt that Scottish landmarks will be on many bucket lists!

Read on to discover some great ideas that you can add to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re looking for new adventures or need inspiration to start your very first list, these suggestions are sure to spark your wanderlust.

Skip to:

• Outlander filming locations
• The oldest golf course in the world
• The Loch Ness Monster
• The crown jewels in Edinburgh Castle
• Free-ranging reindeer herd

What is a bucket list? 

In short, a bucket list is a list of activities or experiences a person hopes to achieve in their lifetime.

This can be anything from taking a cooking course or writing a novel to scuba diving in Scapa Flow or getting a motorcycle license. Everyone has their own hopes and dreams, and an itemised list can help them achieve their goals.

How long is a typical bucket list?

There are no rules when it comes to the length of a bucket list, it very much depends on the individual. The list can also change throughout one’s life depending on age and stage, but it can be as long as you want. If you have never written a bucket list, why not start with five experiences you would like to try, like climbing Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain, or hunting down the birthplace of that long-lost relative?

Here are some Scottish bucket list ideas that might inspire your travel ideas…

Outlander filming locations around Scotland

The author of the hit book and film series, Outlander, was heavily inspired by Scotland and its wild and rugged landscape. With it being a widely known show across the globe, we are pretty sure there will be some major Outlander enthusiasts out there who will be fascinated to know that you can visit many locations in Scotland, where the programme was filmed. From the historic cobbled streets surrounding Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Old Town to the turbulent and troubled Culloden Battlefield, there are lots of locations across the country you will want to bag. Here are the top five to put on your bucket list:

Inverness and Fife

Known as Claire's starting point in Outlander, Inverness offers a charming blend of history and nature. However, the quaint town of Fife was actually used as the filming location to represent 1950's Inverness. To read more about Fife, visit our guide.

The Great Glen Way

This 79-mile trail from Fort William to Inverness is perfect for hikers. The Great Glen Way takes you through misty hills, serene lochs, and lush forests, experiencing the landscape that inspired Outlander scenes. To read more about Fort William, visit our guide.

Culloden Battlefield

The site of the tragic 1746 battle central to Outlander, Culloden Moor is a place for reflection. Visit the Visitor Centre to learn about the real events that shaped Scotland’s history. To read more about Culloden Moor, read our guide to the most haunted places in Scotland.

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

This historic street, connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, features cobbled alleys and hidden closes. Relive Jamie and Claire’s story amidst the medieval charm of Edinburgh's Old Town. To read more about Edinburgh, visit our guide.

Glenfinnan Monument

Overlooking Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Monument marks Bonnie Prince Charlie’s 1745 gathering. It offers stunning views of the viaduct and surrounding glen, capturing Scotland’s wild and dramatic beauty. To read more about Glenfinnan Monument, read our guide to the largest lochs in Scotland.

Play a round of golf on the oldest course in the world

Did you know that Musselburgh, just to the east of Edinburgh, is the oldest town in Scotland and is home to the oldest golf course in the world? For those enthusiastic golfers out there, it might be fun to go and play a round on Musselburgh Links, a great nine-hole course set in the middle of Musselburgh Racecourse. This is one for the golfer’s bucket list.

Spot Scotland's Loch Ness monster

The Loch Ness monster is one of Scotland’s most famous myths, but is she a myth? With so many recorded accounts it is hard to believe this pre-historic monster does not lurk beneath the surface, but you can make that decision yourself. Jacobite tours can take you on an epic adventure covering the length of the loch, taking you to Urquhart Castle, located on the loch shores, and back. The journey is steady and long, giving you plenty of time to scour the water with your eyes for that rare sighting of the monster. Remember to take some binoculars and if you see something, make sure you share the news.

Marvel at the crown jewels in Edinburgh Castle

These are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and can be viewed in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle. These consist of the crown, sceptre, and sword of state which are made from gold, silver, and precious gems. You won’t have seen anything like them, and being displayed in a dark room, specially lit, you can fully admire the intricate detail of each piece.

This is all included in the general admission ticket to Edinburgh Castle, so you can explore the whole castle also. Book a guided tour to make the most of learning all about it and you can make your visit even more special by booking the afternoon tea package.

If you are interested in the British Royals and learning more about the history of the crown jewels, this is the perfect attraction to add to your travel bucket list

See Scotland's free-ranging reindeer herd

There is a herd of free-ranging reindeer that reside in the Cairngorm Mountains. With around 150 reindeer in the herd, they are a sight to behold and because they are tame, visitors get great pleasure in meeting our furry residents.

You can book a guided tour to see the reindeer from March – December, weather permitting, which is a lovely way to spend quality time with the family. During October, you may be lucky enough to experience reindeer training, which is training for the younger reindeer in preparation for their winter escapades around the UK, promoting the herd and spreading the Christmas spirit. Remember to keep in mind that if you are visiting them around Christmas time, some of them might be away helping Santa.

Plan your Scottish bucket list adventure with us

We don’t know about you, but we're adding all of these to our travel bucket list, and we hope we have inspired you to plan a bucket-list holiday in Scotland. Why not check out our self-catering holiday homes which offer the perfect base for all sorts of adventures?